Central Australian Discovery

Day 1. Arrive Darwin

Be met on arrival in Darwin and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a relaxed welcome dinner. at the hotel this evening where you will meet your crew and fellow guests. Accommodation: Hilton Darwin Meals: Dinner

Day 2. Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Mataranka

Head towards the remote township of Katherine and enjoy a Signature Experience. Later, discover the music, stories and ways of the local Jawoyn people. Accommodation: Mataranka, Territory Manor Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3. Mataranka, Lorella Springs Wilderness Park

Unwind in the natural Mataranka Thermal Pool, said to have healing properties for aches and pains. Afterwards, travel to Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, a one million-acre working cattle station that stretches all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Accommodation: Lorella Springs Wilderness Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4. Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, Lost City, Barkly

After a Signature Experience, enjoy lunch at the iconic Heartbreak Hotel. Accommodation: Barkly Homestead Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), Alice Springs

Venture to Alice Springs via Tennant Creek. Along the way, stop at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A living cultural landscape, nearly the entire reserve is a registered sacred site. Accommodation: Two Nights, Mercure Alice Springs Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6. Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges

Explore Simpsons Gap, which pierces the West MacDonnell Ranges. This sacred area is an important spiritual site to the Arrarnta Indigenous people, where several Dreamtime stories have said to take place. Continue to the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, whose landscapes played a significant role in the stories of Western Arrernte Indigenous culture. At Angkerle (Standley Chasm), follow a creek where spring-fed pools attract a variety of unique birdlife. Afterwards, visit Ormiston Gorge, home to a variety of unique species. Later, take the afternoon to unwind. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7. Mereenie Loop Road, Kings Canyon

Travel to Hermannsburg Mission Precinct. Here you can wander around the old Lutheran Mission and get a glimpse of life as it was for the early pioneers and their families. Afterwards, travel to Gosses Bluff crater, before heading off-road along the Mereenie Loop Road. Take in the outback scenes as you travel to Kings Canyon. Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8. Kings Canyon, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Journey into the heart of Watarrka National Park today, where unspoiled bush and red rock canyons create an amazing experience. The Luritja people have called Watarrka National Park home for more than 20,000 years. After lunch, head inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), consisting of 36 domes that form deep valleys and steep-sided gorges. Explore Walpa Gorge before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. Accommodation: Two Nights, Uluru, Sails in the Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

At sunrise, embark on a base tour of Uluru, learning stories from the Dreamtime while you explore this icon. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10. Coober Pedy

Cross into South Australia and arrive in the outback town of Coober Pedy. Visit the Umoona Opal Mine, where you'll get an insight into Indigenous and European settlement in the area, as well as learning about how opals are mined. Accommodation: Coober Pedy, Desert Cave Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11. Oodnadatta Track, Marree

Today you will journey along the Oodnadatta Track, pausing at William Creek for lunch. Perhaps board a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. Take to the skies and gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder from above (own expense). Afterwards, drive to the edge of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre and look out over the seemingly endless salt flats. Later, arrive at the small town of Marree. Accommodation: Marree Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12. Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

On the way to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, stop for lunch at Parachilna’s famous Prairie Hotel. Arrive at the national park, which is a cultural site renowned for its 800-million-year-old landscapes. Explore Wilpena Pound, cradled within a natural amphitheatre of mountains. Continue to your accommodation, set amongst river red gums and native pines. Enjoy dinner before relaxing on your deck overlooking the bush. Accommodation: Two Nights, Wilpena Pound, Ikara Safari Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13. Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

A full day has been set aside for you to explore Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in more depth. Visit Brachina Gorge and keep an eye out for the endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby as you traverse the gorge’s ancient layers. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps take an optional scenic flight over Wilpena Pound (own expense). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14. Clare Valley, Adelaide

Farewell Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park as you make your way through the wine-growing district of the Clare Valley. Here, enjoy lunch at Skillogalee Winery, showcasing the locally grown produce and wines of the region. Arrive in Adelaide and toast the end of your journey during a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Adelaide, The Playford Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15. Depart Adelaide

After breakfast, farewell your new-found friends and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Meals: Breakfast