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Outback Adventure

4.6/5 Based on 9 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
Our Price From 7,751 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,459 Per Person
 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Adelaide
 Trip Finishes
Darwin
15 Day Outback Adventure Itinerary (AAT Kings)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Style
First Choice
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
49
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NAAD

Overview

Read 9 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on AAT Kings 15 Day Outback Adventure. How do you condense South Australia and the Northern Territory into two weeks? With the kind of skill that comes from operating in Australia for more than a century. This epic exploration traverses record-breaking canyons and gorges, national parks and World Heritage Sites. It’s nature writ large – small wonder TV and movie directors find inspiration here, as you will, too. And then there are the cities, from multicultural Adelaide and the wine country it covets, to steamy Darwin,...read more where sunsets are as brash as the characters that call it home.

Itinerary

At once sophisticated and cultured, yet cool and casual, Adelaide attracts foodies, historians, art aficionados and sports fanatics in equal measure. Multicultural restaurants abound, as do pretty sandstone churches. Explore them at your leisure, before meeting a local gourmand to tour the city's legendary Central Market. This place has been selling cheese, green ant gin, flowers and artisan bread for 140-plus years. It's tempting to overindulge - save space for your Welcome Reception & Dinner. (D) Stay: Crowne Plaza Adelaide

One of Australia's oldest wine regions, the Clare Valley is all wide, open skies, rounded hills, rippling grape vines and native forest. It's a postcard-perfect setting for historic Knappstein Enterprise Winery, producing sweet-scented rieslings and mineral-rich reds.

The route north lands you at Hawker - it may be the gateway to the Flinders Ranges, but there are plenty of reasons to linger, including well-preserved heritage buildings and the Jeff Morgan Gallery. Jeff's enormous panoramas capture the SA outback in a frame; he also collects rocks, model cars and random memorabilia. The best is still to come, as you arrive at Wilpena Pound Resort in the shadows of a staggering natural amphitheatre. (B/D) Stay: Wilpena Pound Resort

The river red gums that envelop Hills Homestead will leave you lost for words. You get here on a leisurely walk along Wilpena Creek and continue to Wangarra Hill Lookout for views over the pound’s peaks and curves. The drama is echoed as you climb to Pichi Richi Pass and the historic town of Quorn, where with a Local Guide, you'll hear the importance of this town in the ANZAC's Gallipoli Campaign, before easing into Port Augusta. (B/D) Stay: Majestic Oasis Apartments

With Port Augusta in the rear-view mirror, your journey continues into space. Well, sort of. The main attraction in Woomera is a former rocket-testing site, today stocked with rockets and missiles tested over the past 60 years. Speaking of space, you may will think you've landed on the moon as you travel through sun-baked country to isolated Coober Pedy, known as ‘the opal capital of the world'.

Things get deep as you travel underground with a local to see how these gleaming gems are mined, and visit the town's head-scratching subterranean facilities, from churches to schools and hotels. (B/D) Stay: Desert Cave Hotel

Emerge from your cave and prepare to say goodbye to South Australia as you cross the border into the Northern Territory and arrive at Australia's spiritual heart, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - it has World Heritage status for a reason. Under the gaze of the world's mightiest monolith, toast the end of the day with a glass of bubbles and a camera full of sunset photos, the countryside transforming from ochre and orange to bruised purples and maroon with every ‘click' of your camera. (B) Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel (2 Nights)

Pre-dawn wake-up calls are worth it when you get to see an equally dazzling Red Centre colour transformation at sunrise. Marvel at the majesty of ‘the Rock' as you circumnavigate its 11-kilometre base or join a guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole. This living cultural landscape takes you back to the beginning of time. Small wonder it's a sacred place for eons of Anangu people. Over the millennia, they left behind rock art and snacked on native plants, with bush plums, tomatoes and figs, all still in abundance.

More soul-salving landscapes spread before you at Kata Tjuta, cool relief found as you walk amid its domes to Walpa Gorge. If your SD card isn't full of sunset photos yet, it will be after tonight's dazzling display. (B)

Another Uluru sunrise excursion awaits (should you wish), with this morning's optional tour taking you to artist Bruce Munro's Uluru Field of Light - a blanket of 50,000 glowing bulbs. What a way to start the day. There are so many record-breaking rock attractions in this part of the country that you may not have heard of Attila (Mt. Conner) before - but once you've glimpsed the table-like formation, you certainly won't forget it. Stretch your legs again at Kings Creek Station, the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia.

All your senses will be activated on the Kings Canyon rim walk, 440-million years in the making and forged through layers of sandstone and hard shale creating soaring domes and plateaus that plummet to an oasis of natural rock pools. It's hard to gauge the immensity when you're wandering, until you reach a lookout that is… (B/D) Stay: Kings Canyon Resort

Things are bigger in the NT outback, from the cattle stations the size of a small country to the MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch like a dinosaur spine toward the character-filled town of Alice Springs. Aside from its plethora of Aboriginal galleries and art stores, Alice makes Australian history for her 1872 Telegraph Station, one of 12 along the Overland Telegraph Line that traverses a whopping 3,200 kilometres between Adelaide and Darwin.

Glimpse it up close, then from afar as you ascend Anzac Hill for panoramic views that inspired many of those paintings in Alice's galleries. (B) Stay: Doubletree Alice Springs (2 Nights)

Aboriginal culture is strong in Alice Springs, as you'll fast find on a tour revealing the history of the Arrernte people. The other thing that's strong is community spirit - it has to be when there are so few people scattered over such a vast area of land. Enter the Royal Flying Doctor Service, its base a museum of sorts that goes behind the scenes of the life-saving health services it delivers to people living in remote realms.

One of the benefits of being this far-flung is the lack of light pollution. And at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, this equates to epic stargazing. Your BBQ dinner here with the Falzon family is enlightening and uplifting - think stories of self-sufficient living, astronomy and even a tune or two on the didgeridoo. (B/D)

1.3 million square kilometres - that's the eye-watering distance the School of Air's lessons are broadcast across daily. Watch a live session with kids who would otherwise have no access to public education. It doesn't matter how knowledgeable you are, you might just believe in aliens when you pass Wycliffe Well, the self-proclaimed ‘UFO capital' of Australia.

But it's the devil that awaits (well, his marbles) at Karlu Karlu, where precariously balanced boulders appear to have been superglued together. The most prized rock found in this part of the world is, however, gold, which is why your base for the night, Tennant Creek, exists. (B/D) Stay: Bluestone Motor Inn

Since the 1930s, the time-tested Daly Waters Historic Pub has been dishing up schnitzel's, barramundi burgers and hearty steaks. The walls here are lined with treasures that passers-by leave behind, from bras to boots. What can you contribute over lunch? ‘Land of the Never Never' awaits at Mataranka.

Yes, you can visit a replica of the Elsey Homestead, used in the filming of 1982 Aussie drama We of the Never Never, an autobiographical flick about life in the outback. Or wander palm-lined walkways to take a dip in the region's steamy thermal springs - the ultimate antidote to weary limbs before arriving in Katherine. (B/D) Stay: Contour Hotel Katherine

The Jawoyn have called Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge home for millennia. You can feel their presence while cruising this mighty waterway that's home to more than a few resident crocs. This is not the last time these scaly creatures will be in your company - they'll make another appearance on your Kakadu tour, when you jump in yet another boat for a Yellow Water Billabong cruise. You don't need binoculars to spot the sea eagles, brolgas and kingfishers that colour this part of the Top End; they're everywhere you look. (B/D) Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Decisions, decisions: optional morning flight over Kakadu and Arnhem Land, or a sleep in. We vote for the former, to get some perspective before you venture toward Ubirr and its astounding ancient Aboriginal rock art. Scamper to the top of the rocky outcrop for seemingly endless views over floodplains backdropped by sheer escarpments. If it looks familiar, that's because it played a starring role in 1986 Aussie film, Crocodile Dundee.

The night is yours in steamy Darwin, where the characters are as large as the shadows cast at sunset. First stop: the Mindil Beach Sunset Market for dinner with your feet in the sand. (B) Stay: Travelodge Resort Darwin (2 Nights)

Nature rules today, your explorations into Litchfield National Park revealing magnetic termite mounds standing up to two metres tall. And then there are the waterfalls: Florence Falls, for its dreamy cascades among monsoon forest; and Wangi Falls, where you can cool off in the crystal-clear waterhole before heading back to Darwin. See the NT capital in a new light when you venture out on a Darwin Harbour Cruise, your champagne glass full to toast your last evening on this epic adventure. (B/D)

Time to bid adieu and head home to sort through all those photos. Perhaps even better - and longer lasting - are the memories; two weeks of wild outback adventures. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Ancient red rock cliffs encircle desert palms at Kings Canyon, the spectacular heart of Australia and a place that will make your pulse race.
  • At Earth Sanctuary, the Falzon family inspire sustainable travel through off-the-grid operations. Learn how you can follow suit over a Be My Guest dinner.
  • Gain new appreciation for the vastness of the Australian outback with those-in-the-know at the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air.
  • From Uluru to Kakadu, nothing puts life in perspective quite like glimpsing 40,000-year-old rock art with an Aboriginal guide.
  • Sleep soundly at Wilpena Pound Resort knowing your stay contributes directly to the local Adnyamathanha people and regional conservation projects.

  • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park & Kakadu National Park
  • Centrally located premium hotels
  • Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park & Kakadu National Park entrance fees

  • 14 Full Breakfasts
  • 8 Dinners with Wine
  • 1 Farewell Dinner
  • 1 Be My Guest Dinner

  • Warm layers in cooler months
  • Camera
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Water bottle

  • Day 1: Flights to arrive by 12:30pm into Adelaide Airport
  • Day 15: Flights to depart any time from Darwin Airport

  • Kakadu – Nadab Lookout - Medium Level of Fitness Required. The climb to the top of Nadab Lookout at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park will not be suitable for all guests. To get to the lookout guests are required to scale up uneven rocky paths and steps to get to the lookout. There is an alternate route on a fairly flat gravel path for those unable climb to the top so they will not miss out on Rock Art.
  • Kings Canyon Rim Walk - High level of fitness required. This 6km hike will not be suitable for all guests. The first 30-minute incline is considered “Difficult”. The Tour Director will offer guest an easier alternative along the creek walk for those that are unable.

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise and internal flights as specified only. Flights not specified are not included.
  • 18 July 2023 - Due to the unavailability of the cruise, dinner on day 14 has been changed from a Darwin Harbour Cruise dinner to a waterfront restaurant.
  • 13 June, 18 July, 15 August 2023 - Guests will stay at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs instead of Doubletree Alice Springs for these departures.

Trip Reviews (9) View All Most Recent 'Outback Adventure' Reviews

4.6
AVG. RATING 4.6 / 5
9 Reviews
5 Star
78%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
2 Star
11%
1 Star
Outback Adventure   0 , QLD, Australia, Sep 2022
The tour was organised exceptionally well, we had a fantastic time. Thank you Tracey for all your help, you made it stress free. Will definitely book through Global Journeys again.
Outback Journey 0 , QLD , Australia, Aug 2022
Was an amazing tour. Our tour guide Cam and driver Macca couldn't fault. The sights and adventures we experienced from Adelaide to Darwin was the best. Highly recommend this tour.
Red Center Australia 0 , VIC, Australia, May 2022
Booked with Global Journeys and it was easy and they kept in contact with me at all stages of my journey. Travelled with AAT Kings. With Covid times and lack of staff wherever we went it was a excellent trip. We were able to make the most out of it and congratulations to tour leader Christin as she worked extremely hard for the end result. Would recommend ...read more both Global Journeys and AAT Kings.
Outback Adventure 0 , NSW, Australia, Apr 2021
Great trip but very fast paced. A lot of early morning starts, but necessary because of distances travelled. Excellent driver and tour leader. A few hiccups because of continuing Covid problems, such as venues being closed when supposed to be open, bad service due to lack of staff. Unavoidable, but dealt with very well by tour leader, who together ...read more with driver were an unbeatable team, dealing with problems professionally and with good humour.
15 Day Outback Adventure (AAT Kings) 5 , NSW, Australia, May 2018
We would definitely consider travelling with AAT Kings in the future. The entire tour was well organised' with plenty of included sightseeing. Our tour guide, Cam was excellent, giving descriptive information along the way, and our driver Mark, very courteous and helpful. Booking online with Global Journeys was easy and communication with Madeline was ...read more efficient.

Quality of accommodation was good, especially in small towns having to cater for over 50 people. The included meals were very good, as were the included drinks at dinner, something we've never experienced before on previous overseas tours. Fellow travellers were overall good company. May was a good time of the year to travel on this particular tour, as it was cold, but comfortable, until we reached Tennant Creek, then the weather got warmer to hot when we arrived in Darwin.
Wonderful Trip from Adelaide to Darwin 2 , NSW, Australia, Jun 2017
It was great trip that allowed us to visit so many of the iconic locations through Australia's "Red Centre". The tour director was passionate about the many places we saw and shared his wealth of knowledge. We also were lucky to have a great driver. Our travelling companions were also great.
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AAT Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from AAT Kings. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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