Cosmos Top End & Central Australia Explorer (3381)
11 Days from Darwin to Uluru
Landscapes like no other and an abundance of cultural heritage, this is just some of what you can expect to uncover on this 11-day tour through Central Australia. Starting in Darwin, you’ll travel south through the Northern Territory, ending in Uluru (Ayers Rock), with overnights in Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru.Start your morning in Darwin with an orientation of the city’s main highlights then onwards to the Adelaide River for a thrilling jumping croc cruise. In Kakadu, enjoy spotting local wildlife from your guided Yellow River Cruise; at Nitmiluk National Park, see the famous Katherine Gorge and enjoy a swim in Edith Falls; Kings Canyon, where your Tour Director will take you on the incredible Kings Canyon Rim Walk; and of course, at Uluru, where you’ll enjoy walks to the base of the Rock and Mutitjulu Waterhole.Throughout this tour of Central Australia, you’ll also learn a lot about the traditional custodians of the land, Australia’s Indigenous Aboriginal people and culture. Enjoy a guided walk in Kakadu National Park to the Nourlangie ancient rock art site; visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre where you’ll learn about local Aboriginal culture; discover Aboriginal Rock paintings at Uluru and learn about their stories and their historic significance.These are just some of the many highlights of this Central Australia tour featuring awe-inspiring scenery, fascinating cultural history and fun-filled experiences.
Itinerary (2024)| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN DARWIN | | | Welcome to the Northern Territory! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4pm in time for a welcome meeting and drink. | | Day 2 | DARWIN | | | Start your day with an orientation tour of Darwin and see some of the city’s highlights. Next, travel down the murky waters of the Adelaide River and be thrilled and awed on a Jumping Croc Cruise. It’s your chance to see these prehistoric creatures up close and in their natural habitat. Have your cameras ready for some fantastic photo ops! Return to Darwin where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B) | | Day 3 | KAKADU NATIONAL PARK | | | This morning, visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn more about the local aboriginal people who have lived in the region for up to 50,000 years. Afterward, cruise the unspoiled waterways of the Yellow Water Billabong. Enjoy incredible scenery with the opportunity to spot water buffalo, crocodiles, and an abundance of bird species. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may want to take an optional helicopter flight to see more of this vast park or just relax with a cool drink at your resort's pool. This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring local delicacies and bush food. Perhaps try some of the Northern Territories’ famous Barramundi. (B,D) | | Day 4 | KAKADU NATIONAL PARK–NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK–KATHERINE | | | Visit Nitmiluk National Park and enjoy a walk to Edith Falls where there is time for a swim in this amazing setting. Arrive in Katherine and enjoy a cruise through the dramatic Katherine Gorge. See dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and pristine wilderness. You'll have the chance to see wildlife including cockatoos, eagles, and wallabies plus learn the history and culture of the local indigenous people. This evening is at leisure. (B) | | Day 5 | KATHERINE–MATARANAKA–TENNANT CREEK | | | Start your day with a visit to Mataranka Thermal Springs where you can relax and enjoy this tropical oasis. Later, make a stop for a long cool drink at the historic Daly Waters Pub. Hear stories about the pub's history, meet some of the friendly locals, and see the treasures left behind by visitors from around the world. Your evening is at leisure in the Northern Territory's "Heart of Gold", Tennant Creek. (B,D) | | Day 6 | TENNANT CREEK–DEVILS MARBLES–ALICE SPRINGS | | | Discover the iconic Devils Marbles, a collection of massive granite boulders. The boulders stand 6 meters high and were formed over millions of years. Enjoy a short walk and hear the ancient mythology of how the local aboriginal people believe them to be the fossilized eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Before arriving at the hotel, make a stop at Alice Springs Brewing Co to sample some of their locally brewed craft beer. This evening is at leisure. (B) | | Day 7 | ALICE SPRINGS | | | This morning, visit remarkable Standley Chasm, a geological and cultural icon. Explore the history of this land as well have the chance to walk "the Gap of Water," a striking geological formation with a Local Indigenous Guide. Afterward, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn about the medical care required to service the Outback. Next, visit the School of the Air to see how educational services are provided in this remote region and then the Old Telegraph Station to discover how early settlers developed communications in this remote region. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a bike hire and explore more on your own, browse the local art galleries and shops, try your luck at the casino, or relax by your resort's pool. (B) | | Day 8 | ALICE SPRINGS–KINGS CANYON | | | This morning, travel to majestic Kings Canyon. After a relaxed lunch, lace up your walking boots for the incredible Kings Canyon Creek Walk. Other walks are available as well as scenic helicopter tours. Tonight, enjoy a refreshing drink as you watch the sunset. (B) | | Day 9 | KINGS CANYON–ULURU | | | You may wish to rise early to join in the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Enjoy amazing views and iconic sites such as the Garden of Eden, Priscilla's Crack, and the weathered domes of "the Lost City." Continue to Uluru and enjoy a locally guided tour at the base of the rock and visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Discover aboriginal rock paintings and learn their stories and historic significance. This evening, witness the sunset at Uluru with nibbles and drinks. (B)NOTE: The optional Kings Canyon Rim Walk is challenging. There is a steep portion at the beginning of the walk which requires an acceptable level of fitness. Suitable footwear should be worn. Please speak to your Tour Director if you are unsure of your ability. | | Day 10 | ULURU | | | For those that wish, choose to rise early and see the sunrise over Uluru. Later, enjoy a walk at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 36 brilliant domes. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to take an optional scenic helicopter flight, take part in a bush food experience, or participate in a walking tour. This evening, join your Tour Director for a festive farewell dinner. (B,D) | | Day 11 | ULURU | | | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
Included Cosmos Meals Breakfast daily, 3 dinners
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