Day 1
THE GHAN, ADELAIDE
Board The Ghan in Adelaide, heading for the Flinders Ranges. (L,D)
OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan
DAY 2
The Ghan, Alice Springs
Wake to an outback sunrise at Marla and enjoy jaw-droppinglandscapes as you travel to Alice Springs. Our arrival in Alice marks the start of a new adventure. We’ll venture further into the heart of Australia on the eight-day Red Centre Explorer tour with Outback Spirit.Here, you will be met by the passionate Outback Spirit crew, who will be guiding you as you take in all the Red Centre has to offer over the next eight days. Check-in at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, where we'll stay for the first two nights. In the evening, the group will meet for welcome drinks and a short briefing on what you can expect during your tour. Tonight's dinner is at the hotel. (B,L,D)
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
DAY 3
Alice Springs
Today, explore Alice Springs and its surrounds, taking in natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast, venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as 'Rungutjirpa' by the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants and a host of native wildlife. We'll then visit Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye – a cultural icon of Central Australia, which is 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community. We'll break for morning tea before departing the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here, enjoy a guided tour that will challenge your perception of the desert, leaving you with an understanding that the desert is full of life. This evening, enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky. (B, L, D)
DAY 4
Alice Springs to Kings Canyon
Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs as we go deeper into the outback. First up is a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, then we travel to Ormiston Gorge to see its towering red cliffs. We'll stop for lunch at Glen Helen, a haven of outback hospitality, before journeying to the mighty Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. As we drive through the outback, we'll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we'll spend the next two nights. (B,L,D)
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Kings Canyon Resort
DAY 5
Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park
Experience Kings Canyon with a walk – the 6km rim walk, featuring breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park or a less arduous 2.6km walk along the canyon floor. As afternoon turns to evening, enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, who also created the Field of Light. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill. (B,L,D)
DAY 6
Kings Canyon to Uluru
Pass through Kings Creek Station and enjoy an informative talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, before arriving at Uluru. This evening, we attend the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. This is a breathtaking cultural storytelling experience, told through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky. (B,L,D)
OVERNIGHT: 3 nights at Sails in the Desert
DAY 7
Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park
After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (theOlgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature. Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune-top location, again with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon Field of Light gently illuminates. Aptlynamed Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), Field of Light features 50,000 slender stems, crowned with radiant, frosted-glass spheres, spread across an area the size of seven football fields. (B,L,D)
DAY 8
Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park
Early risers can experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across thelandscape. Breakfast is at the hotel, before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls. This evening, enjoy the unique Sounds of Silence dining experience under the stars. (B,L,D)
DAY 9
Travel to Alice Springs to board The Ghan
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before making the journey by road from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal where your Red Centre Explorer tour comes to an end. It’s time to reboard The Ghan. As the train heads north, enjoy watching the scenery through the window. (B, L, D)
OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan
DAY 10
The Ghan, Katherine and Darwin
The landscape continues to transform as you head towards Katherine, where you’ll embark on an Off Train Experience exploring natural wonders. A few hours later, you’ll arrive in Darwin and transfer to your accommodation. (B,L)
OVERNIGHT: 1 night Hilton Darwin
DAY 11
Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Depart Darwin heading for Kakadu National Park. At the Mary River, take to the water on a cruise that showcases local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and the abundance of bird life here. Continuing east, you’ll arrive at Kakadu and check in to the Crocodile Hotel. (B,L,D)
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
DAY 12
Kakadu National Park
This morning we rise with the sun for an early departure to Jabiru Airport. Here we take to the skies to gain anew perspective of this incredible environment. Enjoy a60-minute scenic flight over ancient escarpments,floodplains and winding rivers, exhibiting the results of1.8 billion years of continuous erosion. Your flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands. After landing at Jabiru Airport we depart for the East Alligator River region, known as the gateway to ArnhemLand. Take a spectacular local indigenous cruise on theEast Alligator River and listen to the stories of the regionas you spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these waters. (B,L,D)
DAY 13
Kakadu and Litchfield National Park to Darwin
Check out after breakfast, bound for Litchfield National Park. Your first stop is Wangi Falls, but one waterfall is never enough, so you’ll continue on to Florence Falls. After a light lunch, you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool of the waterfall before returning to Darwin and checking in to your hotel. (B, L)
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Hilton Darwin
DAY 14
Leisure Day and Darwin Harbour Dinner Cruise
Explore Darwin at your leisure. In the evening, see why Top End sunsets are so special on a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise. You’ll feast on a Territory-style featuring local seafood and produce as the colour of the sky transforms to hues of vibrant red and orange. (B,D)
DAY 15 Farewell
This morning, it’s time to check out of your hotel, completing your ultimate Northern Territory adventure. (B)