Katherine River

Highlights: Visit all the great icons as well as the hidden treasures of the outback along the way. Yourambulla caves, the Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Kings Canyon, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Kakadu National Park - just to name a few!

ITINERARY
Tour Code: PBTAN

Day 1: Adelaide to Parachilna
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the pretty Clare Valley to Quorn. This afternoon, we”ll check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves. Get ready for tonight”s BBQ dinner at Parachilna - it doesn”t get any more Aussie than this! We stay overnight in Parachilna. (LD)

Day 2: Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound
If the weather”s good, we”ll take the scenic route through the stunning Parachilna Gorge on our way to Wilpena Pound, the jewel of the Flinders Ranges. Grab your hiking boots for a guided climb of Mt Ohlssen-Bagge: you”ll be rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views over the ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)

Day 3: Rawnsley Park to Coober Pedy
It”s time to go underground! We”ll travel to Coober Pedy today in time for an opal mine tour and you might have the chance to go “noodling” for opals if there”s time. Our bunkhouse for tonight is - you guessed it! - underground. (BLD)

Day 4: Coober Pedy to Uluru
Driving through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara in time for sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The stars put on a show back at our permanent campsite at Yulara. (BLD)

Day 5: Uluru to Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
Wake up early to experience sunrise at Uluru - it”s worth the early start! Go for a walk around the base or climb to the top if you choose (although the traditional Anangu owners prefer it if you don”t), before we take a guided interpretive walk at Mala. After visiting Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) we head to Kings Canyon, where we camp for the night. (BLD)

Day 6: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
There”s lots to explore at Kings Canyon, including the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden, and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After a bite to eat, we make our way through the harsh desert landscape to Alice Springs. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)

Days 7/8: Alice Springs
Enjoy free days to explore Alice Springs. Accommodation included (meals at own expense).

Day 9: Alice Springs to Banka Banka
We pass by 23 26 22 south of the equator (otherwise known as the Tropic of Capricorn) before stopping at Ti Tree for the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists. Learn about the early struggles of bush telecommunications at Barrow Creek”s historic Telegraph Station - it”ll make your mobile phone seem like the space age! Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our camp at Banka Banka Cattle Station and if the weather”s good, you can take a dip in the pretty waterhole. (LD)

Day 10: Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge
No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and “watering hole” for travellers from far and wide. The tiny town is also home to Australia”s first international airport (but you wouldn”t guess it!). Mataranka lies in the heart of the “never-never”, and you”ll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp at stunning Katherine Gorge. (BLD)

Day 11: Katherine Gorge to Darwin
The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular waters. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We”ll head to Darwin after a bite to eat, with stops at idyllic Edith Falls and the “croc-filled” Adelaide River (both a town and a river). Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)

Day 12: Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing start to your day: the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, followed by the spectacular Mary River Wetlands. Birds aren”t the only wildlife abundant around here; keep your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we”ll stay tonight. (LD)

Day 13: Mary River to Kakadu
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it”s on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (BLD)

Day 14: Kakadu to Darwin
Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we”ll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL) 

Departure Dates
Departs Adelaide accommodation 7:00am
All year: Mon Wed Sat

Cost: AU$1590
Local Payment: AU$25 National Park Entry Fee + AU$12.50 Twin Falls Boat;
Transfer (seasonal) + AU$15 Fuel Levy

Validity: 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009

Price includes:
- All touring,
- camping 6 nights,
- hostel dorm accommodation 7 nights,
- opal mine tour,
- South Australia park fees,
- 9 x Breakfasts (B), 12 x Lunches (L), 9 x Dinners (D)

Price excludes:

Government Service Tax of 2.575%