About this tour: Travel through Australia's Tropical Top End and dusty Red Centre
Embark on a Northern Territory adventure from Darwin to Alice Springs, taking in the region's biggest and best draws along the way. Witness Uluru during a stunning sunrise, wander through the majestic canyons of Kata Tjuta and admire the views from Kings Canyon. Enjoy exclusive access to Arnhem Land and get a taste of the tropics in Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, as well as Katherine Gorge. A region of exceptional landscapes and intriguing cultural attractions, this tail-to-top adventure through the Territory is a trip that will leave you with a profound appreciation of Australia's raw and rugged natural beauty. This is a combo of our 5 day Basix Kakadu tour and our 5 day Basic Uluru tour.

Valid: 01 April 2020 – 31 October 2020
Trip Code: POBTTC
Price: AUD $3395 (per adult in a twin share room)
SLeeping Bag Purchase additional $45
• All prices are in Australian Dollars (includes 10% GST) based on per person


• Tour easy to fill in quote form • Email us with request • Telephone us • All Tour Links
Days: 9
Start: Darwin, Australia
Finish: Alice Springs, Australia
Depart: Tuesday
Destinations: Northern Territory, Kakadu, Uluru, Outback
Style: Basix - Camping
Theme: Overland, Explore
Included activities • Guluyambi Cultural Cruise • Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex • Jim Jim Falls Walk • Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) • Edith Falls • Buley Rockholes • Florence Falls • Litchfield National Park • Wangi Falls • Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance • Uluru Cultural Centre • Maruku Arts cultural experience • Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Physical Rating: 3 out of 5
Ages: Min 18
Transport: All Terrain vehicle, Private vehicle
Group size: Min 1, Max 24
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
Basix Accommodation: Camping (with shared facilities) (3 nights), Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (2 nights), Permanent, furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (3 nights), Hostel multishare (2 nights)


Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: Darwin - Arnhem Land
• We leave Darwin with a bright and early start, and head to the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Firstly, we make our way to see the stunning rock art at Ubirr before climbing to the top of a lookout to see the sprawling Nardab Floodplain. Next stop, head to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience a Guluyumbi cruise along the East Alligator River. Travelling with a Bininj guide, understand more about the cultural importance of the East Alligator River to the region’s traditional custodians. Once the cruise wraps up, jump in a vehicle and cross straight into Arnhem Land for an unforgettable afternoon of exploration at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art complex known as Mawurndaddja. This complex has a spectacular series of galleries with rock art spanning from the present time to many thousands of years of age. Your guide will explain the importance of this art, the methods used to perform this expressionism and the anthropological system used to date the art as you are guided through the site. Spend the afternoon exploring this historic ancient site before heading back to Kakadu and settling into this evening’s campsite.

Note: Total driving time is about six hours (approximately 350kms) Total walking time is approximately one and a half hours (including stops for informative talks)
Accommodation Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities Guluyambi Cultural Cruise Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex
Meals Included Lunch Dinner

Day 2: Kakadu National Park
• After fuelling up with an early breakfast, it's on to Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu's most iconic natural attraction. It’s a challenging walk through monsoon forest and over boulders. Recharge with a cooling dip in the clear waters beneath the falls upon arrival, or simply soak up the spectacular scenery while relaxing on the beach. After lunch head to Anbangbang and discover ancient rock art. Originally Warramal clan land, who have now passed away, Anbangbang is now looked after by neighbouring Mirarr and Djok clans. Consider taking a scenic flight over Kakadu in the afternoon, or visit Bowli Cultural Centre.

Total driving time: about four hours (approximately 120 km) Total walking time: about two and a half hours
Accommodation Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities Jim Jim Falls Walk
Meals Included Breakfast Lunch Dinner





Day 3: Kakadu National Park to Nitmiluk National Park
• After breakfast, head to either Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) or Gunlom Falls and cool off with a dip in the plunge pools. Stop off at the Lazy Lizard Hotel and shop at Pine Creek before heading further south after lunch. Journey for around three hours in a private vehicle to your campsite on the doorstep of Nitmiluk National Park. Once comfortable, have dinner with the group before relaxing in your tent for the night. Note: Total driving time is about five and a half hours (approximately 340kms) Total walking time is approximately one and a half hours
Note: Total driving time is about five and a half hours (approximately 340kms) Total walking time is approximately one and a half hours
Accommodation Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Meals Included Breakfast Lunch Dinner





Day 4: Nitmiluk National Park
• Spend the morning at the magnificent Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Perhaps take a cruise along the gorge or rent a kayak and paddle downstream. These options are seasonal and at your own expense. In the afternoon, head off to Edith Falls where you can cool down with a refreshing swim in the huge rock pools. Continue on to the edge of Litchfield National Park. Settle down for the night in a snug camp and enjoy dinner with your group.

Note: Total driving time is about four and a half hours (approximately 350kms) Total walking time is approximately three and a half hours Accommodation Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities Edith Falls
Optional Activities Katherine Gorge Scenic Cruise - AUD94 Katherine Gorge Canoe from - AUD45
Meals Included Breakfast Lunch Dinner





Day 5: Flight Travel Day Darwin to Alice Springs
• Day 5: Litchfield National Park - Darwin Once you’ve had breakfast, head into Litchfield National Park. Filled with waterholes, creeks and waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to soak up the tranquillity of the tropics. Visit the gateway of Florence Falls, the popular Wangi Falls and the refreshing waters of the Buley Rockholes. Enjoy a picnic lunch, stroll through steamy rainforests and cool off with a dip in one of Litchfield's swimming holes. In the afternoon, take the two-hour drive back to Darwin. Note: Total driving time is about three and a half hours (approximately 250kms) Total walking time is approximately one hour Should any of the attractions of the standard itinerary not be open as a result of National Park decisions surrounding accessibility and safety, activities will be substituted.

Please see 'climate and seasonal information'. - Florence Falls - Wangi Falls - Bluey Rockholes

Accommodation Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities Buley Rockholes, Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park, Wangi Falls
Meals Included Breakfast Lunch

Special Information
This is a combination trip, made up of two of our most popular trips. Some travellers will be leaving today and others heading on to Alice Springs in the morning where the makeup of your group and guide will change.





Day 6: Darwin - Alice Springs flight
• Today, skip the 1,500km of driving which is about 24 hours by road, and fly from Darwin to Alice Springs with Qantas (QF). Qantas is Australia's first commercial airline and is now recognised as one of the world’s best International airlines.

We'll arrange your air tickets and issue them a couple of weeks prior to your departure.

On arrival in Alice springs please look for your transfer vehicle (operated by Alice Wanderer - green and yellow bus) to transfer you in to Alice Springs The rest of today is free to explore.

Accommodation Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information
Your Darwin transfer (operated by Darwin City Airport Shuttle Service) will depart approx 2 hours prior to your flight. In case of any issues or to confirm time please call. +61 8 8947 3979 Your Alice Springs transfer (operated by Alice Wanderer - green and yellow bus) will transfer you to the Alice Springs
YHA. In case of any issues please call 1800 1800 722 111 (free call) or +61 8 89522111





Day 7: Alice Springs to Uluru
• The major point of difference with this trip is that the itinerary is flexible. Where you go and in what order will largely depend on what your group want to see, what the weather's doing, and what your trip leader recommends. Therefore, the following description is only a rough outline of what you can expect. The region's big name attractions, however, you're guaranteed to see: Uluru/Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Palm Valley and the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Several lesser known attractions – Rainbow Valley, Owen Springs, Ruby Gap and the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges – you'll get to visit if seasonality and time permit. The following itinerary is therefore only an example of the form your trip could take. Starting off in either Alice Springs or Yulara, make your way to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and take a guided walk through the awe-inspiring Domes of Kata Tjuta. Then head to Australia's most iconic landmark: Uluru. As the sun begins to set below the horizon watch the rich colours change against the backdrop of a blazing Red Centre sunset. Head back to camp for a hearty dinner, and ponder what the following day may hold.

Notes: Total driving time is approximately five and a half hours. Total walking time is around an hour.
Accommodation Permanent Tented Camp (shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
Meals Included Lunch Dinner

Special Information
This morning’s departure is at 0605am. Please be ready with your bags packed for an early start.





Day 8: Uluru Sunrise • An early start this morning is rewarded with an Uluru sunrise. While the morning is fresh enjoy a walk around the base of Uluru, gaining insights into the land magnificent views of Uluru. After your stroll, we walk to the cave paintings near Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of Uluru. You will be in the hands of an Anangu guide who will share the stories of this unique landscape and explain the Art, the Culture and connection to Land. The on-site Cultural Centre also houses an extensive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts for you to browse.Once you’ve had lunch, perhaps purchase some art and craft of the First Peoples of Australia at the Uluru Cultural Centre. Travel onto the exclusive campsite within Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), where the group will eat and sleep for the night.

Note: Total driving time today is around three and a half hours. Total walking time is approximately two hours.
Accommodation Permanent Tented Camp (shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities Uluru Cultural Centre Maruku Arts cultural experience
Meals Included Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Special Information
The Anangu people have dissuaded visitors from climbing Uluru for decades; as traditional owners of the land they feel a deep responsibility for everyone who travels to the area. In 1998 we were among the first tour operators to stop climbing Uluru. The Intrepid Group are proud to be involved with local communities in Uluru and to have an ongoing commitment to providing employment for the Anangu people.

You show respect when you choose not to climb Uluru, but walk with Anangu throughout the area and share their stories instead





Day 9: Kings Canyon
• After breakfast, get your hiking shoes on and head out to explore the impressive formations of Kings Canyon. You’ll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon, as you trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. Lunch is a welcome prospect, and after you’ve relaxed for a little while we head along an iconic Red Centre dirt track to the Western McDonnell Ranges where we stay overnight at our permanent campsite at Glen Helen.

Note: Total driving time takes around five hours. Total walking time is approximately three hours.
Accommodation Permanent Tented Camp (shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Meals Included Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Special Information
For the Kings Canyon Rim Walk it is a requirement that you have a minimum of 3 litres of water with you. Please consider bringing your own refillable water bottles.




Day 10: Western MacDonnell Ranges
• Spend this morning exploring the mysterious palms at Palm Valley. The only road in is in a dry river bed. This afternoon explore the Western Macdonnell Ranges, highlights include Ormiston Gorge, where we keep our eyes peeled for wallabies whist admiring its colourful walls, continue on to the exceptional vistas at Ellery Creek Big Hole and perhaps cool off with a dip. Your guide will find a suitable place to set up our bush camp tonight.

Note: Total driving time is about 45 minutes. Total walking time will be up to 10km
Accommodation Bush Camping (basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included Breakfast Lunch Dinner




Day 11: Eastern MacDonnell Ranges
• Today we’ll be exploring one of the Outback’s best kept secrets – the Eastern Macdonnell ranges. Learn about the ‘Caterpillar Dreaming’ on a short walk at Emily Gap, then travel on to Trephina Gorge for a 1-hour guided walk through this area of beautiful rock formations and myriad birdlife. For lunch we’ll be calling in at the historical Ross River Homestead, an iconic building established in the 1890’s as a regional supply centre to the goldfields. Back on the dirt track, next stop is the ‘Ghost Town’ of Arltunga, which serves as a magnificent example of early European settlement. Learn about the case of mistaken gemstone that led to a mining rush here, and which also precipitated its abandonment. After exploring the best of the Eastern Macdonnell Ranges, it’s back to Alice Springs for a late afternoon arrival.

No accommodation is included tonight.
Note: Total driving time will be about three hours
Meals Included Breakfast Lunch

Important notes on this safari

Why you'll love this trip
• Get back to basics with this classic overland adventure. •Skip 1500km of straight driving between Darwin and Alice Springs in and fly with Qantas Airways, on an included flight •Enjoy authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences in the Top End and Red Centre and exclusive access to Arnhem Land •Discover the wonders of Kakadu National Park. Get adventurous on a 4WD tour to the spectacular Jim Jim Falls and see the ancient Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander rock art of Ubirr •See the sun rise over Uluru, walk the rugged rim of Kings Canyon, discover the highlights and national parks of Australia's Top End in authentic outback style. •Enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle, the local knowledge of a passionate guide and the magic of camping under the great southern sky

Is this trip right for you?
•This is a basic trip, covering the highlights of Australia's Top End and Red Centre in a short amount of time. •You'll spend some nights of the trip sleeping in outback camping grounds. While conditions can be basic and facilities are minimal, this is all part of the adventure. You'll also need to pitch in with preparing meals and cleaning. This is part of the experience of travelling in a group. •This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to truly enjoy the surrounding nature. Some hikes are longer and more challenging than others. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. •This trip uses multishare hostel accommodation that may be in mixed-gender dorm rooms. We don't offer private rooms, but you can book our Territory Encompassed trip if you'd prefer twin share motel •Temperatures in the Red Centre and Top End be extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing. •The Top End & Kakadu portion of this trip has a strict luggage limit of 10kg. Excess luggage can not be carried however, it can be stored at Darwin accommodation.
Important trips notes for the following tours and safaris
Click here for trip notes on Tour Style | Staying | Meals | Fitness | Pickup | ETicket | Luggage | Access | Travel Insurance

Other important trips notes for the following tour and safari

Basix Accommodation
• Basix Accommodation - Depending on the region you’re travelling in, Basix trips stay in either shared permanent tents at established campsites – some powered, some not – or in dorm-share accommodation.
• Sleeping bags are required on Basix trips – ou will need to bring your own sleeping bag or pre-purchase one from us – and some regions also feature the option of sleeping under the stars in a swag (a waterproof canvas bedroll, with a built in mattress).
• Please also provide your own pillow if you wish.
• Basix accommodation consists of simple permanent twin share tents with single sleeping platforms. Each sleeping platform has a rubber sleeping mat, we also have swags (Aussie bed rolls) available at our campsites if you would like to experience sleeping in a swag.
• This trip is available in Original and Basix styles.This trip is Original
• Multishare Accommodation: For BASIX travellers, when not camping the standard accommodation is multishare, and may be in mixed-sex dorms.
• The minimum age for this trip is 18.

What's Included in tour:
• Meals 8 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
• All Terrain vehicle, Private vehicle
• Accommodation: Bush Camping (with minimal facilities) (2 nights), Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (6 nights), Mixed gender dorm (2 nights)
• Included activities • Guluyambi Cultural Cruise • Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex • Jim Jim Falls Walk • Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) • Edith Falls • Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance • Uluru Cultural Centre • Maruku Arts cultural experience • Kings Canyon Rim Walk

What to bring on tour:
• Booked and paid E-Ticket, Sturdy walking shoes, hat and sunscreen, toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle (2 litre capacity), torch, insect repellent/net, camera and batteries or charger.
• Power pack for charging without electricity

Tour Important Notes
1. Tour commences in Darwin on day 1 at 6am and finishes in Alice Springs on day 11 at approx 6pm. Onward travel to be booked the following day.
2. For the Kings Canyon Rim Walk it is a requirement that you have a minimum of 3 litres of water with you. Please consider bringing your own refillable water bottles.
3. The Top End & Kakadu portion of this trip has a strict luggage limit of 10kg. Excess luggage can not be carried however, it can be stored at Darwin accommodation.
4. This trip requires a sleeping bag
6. This is a combination trip, made up of two of our most popular trips.

• Finish Times:
Our trips generally finish early evening.
We recommend booking one night post accommodation in your end city and planning onward travel for the following day.
We cannot accept responsibility for missed onward travel if we are delayed for some reason on the last day of travel.

• Participating Camping:
To participate in this trip you must be prepared to assist with preparing meals, cleaning dishes, collecting firewood, setting up and packing up camp every day, in all conditions.

Itineraries
• Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted for any cause including seasonal conditions, weather extremes, and traditional owner/national park requirements. Note that the opening dates of waterfalls and attractions vary each year and can change on a daily basis in the wet and shoulder seasons. Visit this website to see live updates on which areas of the park will be open: http://kakaduroadreport.wordpress.com/ or contact our Reservations team. Due to National Park rules and road laws, we cannot guarantee the opening attractions at any time. Alternative activities will be substituted at the tour guides' discretion, dependent on local conditions.

• ^ Adventure Tours /Intrepid guide will lead the cultural walk.

• From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius, and sometimes well into the 40's. Be prepared to endure extra physical stress due to the heat at these times, especially while on walks. These extreme temperatures can also place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your tour guide will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping hydrated. In July and August, very cold temperatures can be experienced in the outback, especially overnight. Please come prepared for all extremes.

Weather and Hikes
• For the Kings Canyon Rim Walk it is a requirement that you have a minimum of 3 litres of water with you. Please consider bringing your own refillable water bottles.
• The Valley of the Winds walk is quite often it is closed due to weather etc. There is another option other than the Walpa gorge walk to do half the Valley of the Winds which still gets to the good viewing point without doing the full walk which is often in the direct sun. (Agent note only-RH)
• From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius, and sometimes well into the 40's. Be prepared to endure extra physical stress due to the heat at these times, especially while on walks. These extreme temperatures can also place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your tour guide will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping hydrated. In July and August, very cold temperatures can be experienced in the outback, especially overnight. Please come prepared for all extremes.

Luggage:
• A STRICT luggage limit of 15kg applies. Please limit to one small to medium sized soft bag or backpack and a small daypack, which can be carried inside the vehicle.
• The Top End & Kakadu portion of this trip has a strict luggage limit of 10kg. Excess luggage can not be carried however, it can be stored at Darwin accommodation.

Fitness Level: 3 out of 5:
Short participatory-level camping trips, walks that’ll get your heart rate up and extended periods in the elements.
Maximum Walks: Hikes up to 6-8kms per day. A reasonable level of fitness is required as there will be some walking to view places of interest. Suitable for soft adventures with a passion for bushwalking and exploring. Passengers must be fit and active.

This is an true outback adventure experince.

	Open Age above 8 years old. Fit and Acitive required	Eco friendly travel experience	4wd air-con and front facing seats	3 of 5 physical fitness level	Waterfalls Litchfield + Kakadu	Permanent Safari Camps with shared facilities	River wetlands cruise.

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We have over 500 real outback Australian experiences for you. Our safairs are tours but with much more emphasis on being eco friendly tours, unique adventures with lifetime memories and destination experiences to rivavl natures best. We have been booking tours for our passengers for over 22 years in the Australian travel and tourism industry and have become the leaders in booking agents in Australia. We have been Territorians since 1988 and locally based in Darwin. So if you want real genuine Australian tour advice from a local then contact us or get a outback safari tour quote from us. Or just ring us within Australia: Freecall 1800107371 or Overseas: +61 8 7999 7511 after 10am.

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