17 Day Sydney to Darwin Australian Outback

Day 1: Sydney - Hay

Depart Sydney and travel along the Hume Highway via Goulburn and the Riverina to Hay. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your Tour Director.

Hotel: Cobb Inlander Motel, Hay

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Day 2: Hay - McLaren Vale

We cross the Murray River into Victoria then over the border into South Australia and on to the wine producing and olive growing region of McLaren Vale.

Hotel: McLarens on the Lake, Mclaren Vale

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Day 3:  McLaren Vale - Adelaide

We depart for Adelaide to join our local food expert for a guided tour of the 140 year old Adelaide Central Market. Enjoy the hustle and bustle, sample the culinary delights, meet the traders and share the history and the secrets of the Market.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Adelaide

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Day 4: Adelaide - Flinders Ranges

See the sights of Adelaide before we make our way north and sample some local wines at Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest existing winery in the Clare Valley. Travel through the spectacular Flinders Ranges and into Wilpena Pound, a remarkable natural amphitheatre covering nearly 8,000 hectares.

Hotel: Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges

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Day 5: Port Augusta

Enjoy time to explore Wilpena Pound, before we travel through picturesque Pitchi Richi Pass to Port Augusta where we will visit the Wadlata Outback Centre.

Hotel: Majestic Oasis Apartments, Port Augusta

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Day 6: Coober Pedy

Visit Woomera before travelling to isolated Coober Pedy, the opal capital! Visit an underground church and home.

Hotel: Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy

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Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

We cross the border into the Northern Territory and continue to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. This evening enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as the sun sets over the western horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned.

Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort

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Day 8: Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

Rise early to view sunrise at Uluru. Enjoy a guided walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole and stop at the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and spend time exploring Walpa Gorge. Enjoy sunset with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort

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Day 9: Kings Canyon

Travel to Kings Canyon today. For the energetic, a guided climb to the canyon rim will be rewarded with magnificent views of Watarrka National Park. Or you may prefer to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier walk.

Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon

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Day 10: Alice Springs

We travel through to Alice Springs. Our sightseeing includes the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air and the historic Telegraph Station.

Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs

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Day 11: Aboriginal Culture

Spend time with a local Aboriginal guide. You will learn of life and survival of the Arrernte People, including bush food, the search for water and kinship. Later visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Learn about Australia's unique desert marsupials and reptiles. Continue to Simpsons Gap, a prominent waterhole. Tonight You are invited to Ooraminna, a genuine Aussie outback homestead, for a hearty barbecue dinner with the Hayes family.

Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs

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Day 12: Tennant Creek

Travelling north we arrive at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). There is time to walk around these precariously balanced boulders. On arrival in Tennant Creek we join a local guide for a tour of the historic Battery Hill Precinct. Tour a mine and experience the life of an early miner. Tonight enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner at the Battery Mine Centre.

Hotel: Eldorado Motor Inn, Tennant Creek

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Day 13: Mataranka Thermal Springs

Travel across vast outback stations. Visit the historic Daly Waters Hotel, before continuing into 'Never Never' country. Stop at the tropical oasis of Mataranka for a relaxing dip in the thermal springs or stroll through the Elsey Homestead replica.

Hotel: Paraway Motel, Katherine

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Day 14: Katherine Gorge - Kakadu

Join our local guide on an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park and then continue deep into Kakadu National Park. Later we cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. We should see a variety of birdlife and with luck, we may also see the feared estuarine crocodile basking in the muddy shallows.

Hotel: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, Jabiru

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Day 15: Darwin

We stop at Bowali Visitor Centre. The displays here will take you on a journey through Kakadu's varied habitats and landscapes. Travel to Ubirr and climb to the top of this rocky outcrop for rewarding views. This afternoon travel to Darwin and enjoy a sightseeing tour of this tropical city on arrival.

Hotel: Mantra Pandanas, Darwin

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Day 16: Litchfield National Park

We travel to Litchfield National Park to see beautiful Florence Falls and the mysterious Magnetic Termite Mounds. Dine out this evening at Crocosaurus Cove. Enter the world of the awesome Northern Territory saltwater crocodile. See the largest display in the world of Australian reptiles, a two storey fresh water aquarium, a turtle sanctuary, as well as local Aboriginal art and culture displays.

Hotel: Mantra Pandanas, Darwin

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Day 17: Depart Darwin

Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect with your onward flight.

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Notes

Special Assistance: Passengers requiring special assistance are welcome onboard providing they are accompanied by an able-bodied companion capable of providing all necessary assistance and do not require any special assistance from fellow travellers.   

Coaches stop on average 6-7 times a day, often for half an hour only. Passengers need to be able to climb on and off coaches reasonably quickly. During stops, the coach has to be left empty and locked to comply with legal regulations for driver's hours.

Steps into the coach are high, minimum of three, sometimes many more, depending on design of coach. Steps are narrow so assistance can only be given from below or above, not at the side. Seat rotation is enforced, so passengers must be able to walk down the coach aisle.

Many hotels do not have disabled rooms and many do not have special facilities for passengers with disabilities such as elevators, ramps, wide doors, etc. Very few hotels have separate showers but usually shower facilities in the bath.