Compare Outback to the Top End (ex Yulara) 2017 by Adventure Tours Australia vs South Australia, Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road by G Adventures

Day 1: Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This afternoon we set out to boulder-strewn landscape of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Wandering through the site’s gullies and crevices, you’ll learn a little about the area’s geological and ecological significance from your guide. Make back to camp as the sun starts to set, arriving in time for our very special 1,000 Star Dinner

Notes: Total driving time is approximately one hour. Total walking time is around an hour.

Accommodation
Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities
Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Fee
1000 Star Dinner
Uluru sunset drinks

Meals Included
Dinner

Day 2: Uluru sunrise
There’s no better way to start today than an early morning walk around the world’s biggest rock. With the cool night air still lingering and day-trippers not yet arrived, this is Uluru at its most atmospheric. It might be hard to believe when gazing up this 600 million year old monolith from the ground, but the bulk of this There’s no better way to start today than an early morning walk around the world’s biggest rock. With the cool night air still lingering and day-trippers not yet arrived, this is Uluru at its most atmospheric. It might be hard to believe when gazing up this 600 million year old monolith from the ground, but the bulk of this rock is believed to lie below the surface. A local indigenous guide will explain a little about the mythology surrounding the area during a guided interpretive cultural walk. There’ll be time to see the traditional arts and crafts on display at the nearby Cultural Centre before travelling to our campsite in Watarrka National Park.

Note: Total driving time today is about 4 and a half hours. Total walking time is about two hours.

Accommodation
Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities
Mala cultural interpretative walk
Uluru Cultural Centre

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 3: Kings Canyon rim walk
While Kings Canyon is only one of the many attractions within Watarrka National Park, Kings is so impressive that more people know it than the park. After a quick breakfast, we’ll venture into the canyon and start the Rim Walk. Beginning in the vast natural Amphitheatre (where you’re free to test out the acoustics), we’ll enter upon the Lost City and descend down into the fern-shaded rock pools of the Garden of Eden. A visit to the imposing North and South Walls is another must before lunch. Then we drive on to Alice Springs to check into our accommodation for tonight.

Note: Total driving time takes around five hours. Total walking time is approximately three hours.

Included Activities
Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 4: Flight Travel day from Alice Springs to Darwin
Today, skip the 1,500km of driving which is about 24 hours by road, and fly from Alice Springs to Darwin with Qantas Airways. Qantas was Australia's first commercial airline, and stands for "Queensland and Northern Territory Ariel Services" and is now one of the worlds best International airlines.

We'll arrange your air tickets and issue them a couple of weeks prior to your departure. On arrival in Darwin, someone will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll be staying at the Melaleuca on Mitchell. (no meals included)

Accommodation
Hostel (1 night)

Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Day 5: Mary River Wetlands & Ubirr
This morning, we'll pick you up from out the front of the Melaleuca at 6:50am to travel into Wulna Country and receive a Cul Cul or unique 'Welcome to Country' by the traditional owners of the land, the Limilngan-Wulna people. Learn about their ancient culture as you enjoy bush tucker talks, didgeridoo demonstrations and basket weaving. Next stop is the Mary River wetlands system, which has the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the southern hemisphere. Get close to these ‘salties’ and other wild creatures on a billabong cruise. Late in the afternoon arrive into Ubirr in time for sunset, seeing the vivid Aboriginal rock art that dates back over 20,000 years. In the evening head to your overnight camp in Kakadu where the group will have dinner.

Note: Total driving time today is around six hours. Total walking distance is up to two kilometres.

Accommodation
Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities
Mary River cruise
Pudakul Cultural Experience

Meals Included
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6: Kakadu National Park
Early this morning after breakfast, travel by 4WD to the Twin Falls. Experience this spectacular gorge aboard a boat cruise that’s operated by the national park, with a walk along the boardwalk afterwards. Unwind and relax on the sandy banks before heading to explore Jim Jim Falls. After a quick lunch break, take in the views of this natural wonder before taking a challenging walk to the base of the falls. Here you can choose to swim or relax on the beach, enjoying the spectacular scenery, before making the short drive to your overnight bush camp.

Note: Total driving time today is just over four hours. Total walking distance is approximately one-and-a-half kilometres.

Accommodation
Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities
Jim Jim Falls Walk
Twin Falls Walk
Twin Falls Gorge River Cruise

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7: 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. Visit the historic gold-mining centre of Pine Creek and head 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 today is around five-and-a-half hours. Total walking time is approximately an hour-and-a-half.

Accommodation
Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Pine Creek Gold-Mining Centre

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 8: 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. Settle down for the night in a snug camp and enjoy dinner with your group.

Note: Total driving time today is around four-and-a-half hours. Total walking time is up to three-and-a-half hours (optional walks included).

Accommodation
Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities
Katherine Gorge Scenic Cruise - AUD87
Katherine Gorge Canoe from - AUD45

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 9: Litchfield National Park to Darwin
Once you’ve had breakfast, head to 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 where your trip ends. Enjoy an optional night out with the group if you decide to stay in Darwin for the night. The total driving time today is around three-and-a-half hours.

Note: 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'.

Included Activities
Buley Rockholes
Florence Falls
Litchfield National Park
Wangi Falls

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 1 Adelaide

Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting.

There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.

Day 2 Adelaide/Halls Gap

Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range.

Day 3 Halls Gap

Trek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Visit the culturally significant MacKenzie Falls for a short hike. Walk to the stunning Balconies, then spend the afternoon relaxing with the locals - our resident wild kangaroos and emus.

Day 4 Halls Gap/Port Campbell

Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater of Tower Hill, with the opportunity to spot some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road as far as the township of Port Campbell.

Day 5 Port Campbell

Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surrounding natural attractions. Opt for a walk along any number of short paths available to immerse yourself in nature. If the luck of weather is on your side, round out the day by watching the light become golden over the Twelve Apostles on the drive to Port Campbell.

Day 6 Port Campbell/Mornington Peninsula

Spend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park. Travel by ferry across Port Phillip to the Mornington Peninsula.

Day 7 Mornington Peninsula

Spend the morning exploring the Mornington Peninsula, including a visit to Cape Schanck. In the afternoon, opt to visit a winery or relax and enjoy yourself at one of the many incredible beaches in the area.

Although fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.

Day 8 Mornington Peninsula/Melbourne

Continue on to Melbourne but first make a few stops along the way. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.

Day 9 Melbourne

Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration.

Day 10 Melbourne

Depart at any time.