The Northern Territory is a parched land drenched in cultural history. Enjoy the beautiful hues of Uluru (Ayers Rock) with a champagne toast at sunset, take a walkabout and dine on crocodile and emu. This tour has it all, including a final hot air balloon ride option. The breathtaking scenery and comic local characters of Australia will enchant you!
| Length: | 8 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hotel, Outback bush camp, Lodge as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | Northern Territory |
| Transportation: | Modern Coach |
Depart for AustraliaFly over the international date line on your way to Australia.
Arrive Alice SpringsCheck into the All Seasons Oasis Hotel to meet up with your Contiki Crew. Go on a tour of the Outback’s unofficial capital, ’The Alice’, famous for its remote location, its Aussie characters & its reputation as the national hub for Aboriginal art. Visit ANZAC Hill lookout, Alice Springs Reptile Center, the important Aboriginal cultural site of Simpson’s Gap & West MacDonnell National Park. You'll also get to see Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Alice Springs to Kings Creek StationJump start the day by learning about surviving in the bush with our included Aboriginal Bush Tucker tour. Our expert Aboriginal Guide will fill you in on the dos and don’ts of life in the bush and you’ll even get to taste insects and plants if you’re adventurous. Next up, Kings Creek Station. This working camel & cattle station serves up a real bush experience. Tonight, “go bush” and sleep under the open sky at our overnight bush camp where you’ll see the desert sky light up with thousands of stars.
Kings Creek Station to UluruAfter packing up camp, we hike through Kings Canyon. Your Tour Manager will tell you all about the incredible rock formations and show off this scenic landscape. Navigate your way through the “Lost City” (a series of giant sandstone domes) and hike to the “Garden of Eden” – a gorge packed with palm trees and a shaded water hole. Back on the coach, we drive by ancient Mt Connor for 360 degree views over the red desert before arriving at Yulara Resort. This environmentally designed resort is all about the outback and has a pool for you to cool off in after the drive. Tonight, catch the sun set over the UNESCO World Heritage listed Uluru (Ayers Rock). If you all put in some change, you can grab some nibbles and a bottle of champagne to toast this amazing view.
UluruStart off the morning nice and early and watch the sun rise over this iconic natural wonder from the viewing area. Get familiar with Uluru when your Tour Manager takes you around its base and gives you the background of the spiritual significance of this site for Aboriginal people. For something different, choose an optional Harley Davidson ride or scenic flight. Learn more about indigenous culture at the Cultural Centre before visiting Kata Tjuta, which means “many heads” – this spot is famous for its 36 different rock formations. After sunset, you can kick back beside the pool at the resort, wander around town or just hang out with your friends.
Uluru to Alice SpringsIt’s an easy-going start to the day today. Your Tour Manager will cook up a storm for breakfast, so load up on bacon & eggs! We swing by a traditional Australian roadhouse, and then pull back into Alice Springs. Tonight, join the group for an optional dinner at the Overlander Steakhouse, where you can try out kangaroo, crocodile, camel & steak while listening to Aussie folk songs.
Finish Alice SpringsStart your last day on tour with an unforgettable experience. Get above it all in an optional hot air balloon ride over the red MacDonnell Ranges at dawn. Enjoy a bird’s eye view over these stunning, massive rock formations. Our tour ends after breakfast and it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends and Contiki crew.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!