Day One: Journey to Griffith
Join your air-conditioned Coach for your journey south. A morning tea break will be provided at the Sutton Forest, followed by lunch at Which Craft Cottage. Just past the Yass area leave the Hume Highway & join the Burley Griffin Way travelling west to Harden/Murrumburrah for lunch & on through Temora for an afternoon comfort stop before arriving in Griffith. You will be warmly welcomed at the EconoLodge Griffith Motor Inn located in the heart of town, with time to settle in before Happy Hour & a delicious dinner in the Motels Restaurant. (L,D)

Day Two: The Riverina via the Hay Plains & Balranald to Mildura
This morning as you head west the countryside begins to change from the lush, irrigated farming areas to the drier regions surrounding Hay, where you break for morning tea. Cross the famous Hay plains with their large cattle and sheep properties as well as expanses of rice to Balranald where lunch will be provided. This afternoon you will be warmly welcomed at the Chaffey International for the night. (B,L,D)

Day Three: To Port Augusta
You bid farewell to Mildura as you continue your journey to Port Augusta. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the picturesque mid-north town of Burra, renowned for its quaint history and charming heritage buildings. As you arrive in Burra, a knowledgeable guide will join you on the coach for a two-hour guided tour, sharing comprehensive knowledge about the area. Enjoy the scenic drive as you head to Peterborough, where you’ll have the chance to view a miniature world from yesteryear. Take a break and soak in the sights before continuing your journey. Finally, you’ll check in at Standpipe Port Augusta, a comfortable accommodation where you can unwind and relax. (B,L,D)

Day Four: To Woomera & Coober Pedy
Today we head North to Central Australia on the Stuart Highway. We enjoy a visit to the rocket range town of Woomera and learn about Len Beadell – Australia’s most famous surveyor then proceeding via many salt lakes to Glendambo for our lunch stop. Afternoon travelling will see us into the opal mining town of Coober Pedy (where many people are still trying to find their fortune), where we’ll find tonight’s resting place. Visit an underground Opal mine and learn all about life underground and these magnificent gems. Experience a light and sound show at the Big Winch 360. You’ll be staying underground tonight at the Desert Cave hotel. (B,L,D)

Day Five: To Yulara
Leaving Coober Pedy, drive north toward Marla, a small roadhouse town that’s perfect for a quick break. Known as the last stop on the Stuart Highway before the Northern Territory, Marla offers fuel, refreshments, and a chance to stretch your legs. Continuing on, you’ll soon cross the border into the Northern Territory. Next we’ll stop at Erldunda, also known as “The Centre of the Centre” due to its location at the geographical heart of Australia. The Roadhouse here is a popular stop for travellers heading toward Uluru. From Erldunda, head west on the Lasseter Highway, which will take you toward Mt. Conner, also known as “Fool-uru” because of its similar appearance to Uluru. Stop at the Mt. Conner Lookout along the highway to see this impressive mesa rising from the flat desert landscape. The lookout offers views over a vast salt lake and is a great spot for photographs and short walks. Arriving in Yulara, the resort town located near Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park we will stay at Desert Gardens Hotel for the next 2 nights (B,L,D)

Day Six: Yulara
Start your day in Yulara and head to the Uluru Base Tour. Take a guided tour around Uluru’s base to see ancient rock art and learn about its cultural significance to the Anangu people. From there, visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, a serene site nestled into the rock’s edge, known for its cultural stories and as a vital water source. Next, explore the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can dive into the local Indigenous culture, art, and history with exhibits and galleries. Continue after lunch back at the resort with a drive to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk through Walpa Gorge, surrounded by towering rock walls and unique flora. Finally, return to Uluru for sunset drinks and nibbles and watch as its colours transform in the fading light, an unforgettable Outback experience. (B,D)

Day Seven: To Kings Canyon
Start your day early at Field of Light in Yulara to witness the breathtaking display of over 50,000 illuminated stems gradually dimming as the sun rises. This immersive light installation set against the backdrop of Uluru provides a stunning, ethereal start to the day. Next, head to Curtin Springs Station and visit their unique paper-making facility, where you’ll see handcrafted paper made from native grasses. Take a short tour to learn about the process and enjoy lunch at the roadhouse. Continue to Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station set in the beautiful desert landscape. It’s an ideal spot to try a camel ride before heading on. Finally, drive to Kings Canyon Resort for an overnight stay. From here, prepare for the Kings Canyon Valley Walk the next morning with sweeping views of the dramatic cliffs, hidden waterholes, and the spectacular canyon walls. (B,L,D)

Day Eight: to Alice Springs
Begin your journey at Kings Canyon with the Kings Canyon Valley Walk, an easier, scenic trail that takes you along the canyon floor, allowing close views of towering red cliffs and lush pockets of vegetation, such as cycads and gum trees. Afterward, continue along the Mereenie Loop Road, an adventurous unsealed route that weaves through rugged landscapes and offers glimpses of remote desert beauty and occasional wildlife. On your way, make a stop at Hermannsburg, a historic mission town that is now the Hermannsburg Cultural Precinct. Here, you can explore 19th-century buildings, visit galleries showcasing Aboriginal art, especially works by the renowned artist Albert Namatjira, and learn about the town’s significant role in Central Australia’s history and Indigenous culture. Finish your trip in Alice Springs, where you can unwind checking in to the Mercure Alice Springs for the next 3 nights. (B,L,D)

Day Nine: Alice Springs
Today we spend exploring ‘The Alice’ including a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Old Telegraph Station followed by the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here we’ll enjoy lunch and immerse ourselves in the stories of the desert that will help us to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful landscape that we are travelling through. Some free time this afternoon. This evening, we enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky. (B,L,D)

Day Ten: Alice Springs
Start your journey from Alice Springs and head west along Larapinta Drive toward Simpsons Gap in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Just a short drive from Alice Springs, Simpsons Gap is known for its towering red cliffs and permanent waterhole. Take the easy walking trail to the gap itself, where you might spot black-footed rock wallabies basking on the rocks in the early morning or late afternoon. The gap is especially striking in the morning light, with the sunlight casting warm hues over the rocky landscape. Continue west along Larapinta Drive to reach Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye). Surrounded by steep red walls, the chasm is a stunning geological feature best viewed around midday when the sun illuminates its narrow rock walls, creating a glowing orange effect. Take the short walk along the creek bed through dense cycads and native flora to reach the chasm. Standley Chasm is also a significant cultural site for the Western Arrernte people, and you can learn more about their history at the site’s visitor centre. After exploring, you can enjoy refreshments at the on-site café before heading back to Alice Springs. (B,D)

Day Eleven: to Tennant Creek
Leaving The Alice, we drive to Aileron which is a small stop in the Outback, but it’s well-known for its striking Anmatjere Man statue, a massive sculpture standing atop a hill, representing a proud Indigenous warrior. This landmark offers a great photo opportunity against the vast desert backdrop. From there to Ti Tree which is one of the most northernmost wine-growing regions in Australia, a surprise in the arid desert. The Ti Tree Roadhouse is a good place to have lunch before visiting the Barrow Creek Telegraph Station, one of the many stations that once linked Australia by telegraph. This small, remote outpost has an old-world charm and offers a peek into Australia’s colonial history. See Wycliffe Well is known for its quirky UFO-themed attractions. Claimed to be the UFO capital of Australia, this stop has embraced its reputation with murals and alien-themed decorations. Then pause at Karlu Karlu (The Devil’s Marbles) is one of the most famous natural attractions in the Northern Territory. These massive granite boulders, shaped by millions of years of erosion, are scattered across the landscape, creating an otherworldly sight. This sacred site holds deep spiritual significance for the local Warumungu people. Into Bluestone Motor Inn for the night. (B,L,D)

Day Twelve: To Katherine
Departing and continuing our journey north, we stop at The Daly Waters Historic Pub. It is an iconic stop on any Northern Territory road trip. This quirky pub is famous for its lively atmosphere and unusual collection of memorabilia left by travelers from all over the world. You might even see an old coach driver’s badge on the wall from the 1990s put there by the owner of Coach Holidays & Tours! Just before you reach Katherine, you’ll pass through Mataranka, a small town famous for its natural hot springs and as the setting of the novel We of the Never Never. And the Mataranka Thermal Pools. The crystal-clear, warm waters of these natural pools are a perfect place to relax. Surrounded by lush palm trees, it’s an oasis in the Outback. Then onto our bed for the night, the Contour Katherine. (B,L,D)

Day Thirteen: To Kakadu
As you leave Katherine, the first major attraction is Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), an ancient network of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River. We will cruise here this morning which offers breathtaking views of the sheer rock walls. The area holds deep cultural significance for the Jawoyn people, who share their stories through rock art and guided tours. As you head north, the landscape begins to change from the rugged cliffs of Nitmiluk to the wetlands and savannahs typical of the Top End. Along the way, you’ll pass through Pine Creek, a small town with a rich gold-mining history. This charming stop allows you to explore remnants of the gold rush era, including old mining equipment and historical buildings. North of Pine Creek, you enter the vast wilderness of Kakadu National Park, one of Australia’s most iconic and biodiverse regions. As you drive deeper into the park, you’ll encounter several noteworthy stops before reaching Jabiru. First, take time to visit the Mary River Roadhouse, a handy spot for a quick rest, refreshments, and information about the surrounding area. The Mary River region is renowned for its vast wetlands, home to an abundance of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, wallabies, and an extraordinary array of birdlife. If you’re interested in spotting wildlife, keep your eyes peeled as you drive, as you may catch sight of waterbirds and other animals that thrive in this region. As you approach Jabiru, the central town within Kakadu National Park, the surrounding scenery becomes a mix of lush wetlands, escarpments, and monsoon forests. Jabiru itself serves as the perfect base for exploring Kakadu, with plenty of accommodation and facilities. From here, we will visit further highlights of the park, including Nourlangie Rock, another significant rock art site. This journey from Katherine to Jabiru is not just a scenic drive; it’s an immersive experience in Australia’s natural and cultural heritage, filled with opportunities to explore the country’s oldest landscapes, learn about Aboriginal traditions, and encounter some of the most unique wildlife in the world. The next 2 nights are at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (B,L,D)

Day Fourteen: Kakadu
Kakadu National Park is a vast, biodiverse region in Australia’s Northern Territory, offering a rich blend of natural wonders, ancient Aboriginal culture, and unique wildlife. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for both its outstanding natural beauty and its cultural significance. The park is home to the Bininj/Mungguy people, who have lived in the region for over 65,000 years, and their deep connection to the land is reflected in the numerous rock art sites scattered throughout the park. One of the most famous spots to explore is Ubirr, located in the park’s northeast. Ubirr features some of the finest examples of Aboriginal rock art, with paintings dating back thousands of years. The rock art here depicts Dreamtime stories, animals, and traditional hunting scenes. A short walk through Ubirr leads to a stunning lookout that offers panoramic views over the surrounding floodplains. Kakadu’s wetlands are another highlight, with Yellow Water Billabong being the most famous. This expansive floodplain is teeming with wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, buffalo, and an extraordinary variety of bird species. A cruise through the Yellow Water wetlands offers a unique chance to witness this thriving ecosystem up close, with opportunities to spot iconic animals in their natural habitat. The wetlands are particularly vibrant during the wet season, when they fill with water and attract thousands of migratory birds. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise here today. There may also be the opportunity for scenic flights over the park early this morning – please check with your driver. (B,L,D)

Day Fifteen: to Darwin
The drive from Kakadu National Park to Darwin takes you through some of the most scenic and culturally rich areas in the Northern Territory. Leaving behind the sprawling wetlands and ancient escarpments of Kakadu, the journey begins with the lush landscapes and wildlife-filled areas of the park’s western region, transitioning into the savannahs and smaller towns that lead you toward the vibrant capital of the Northern Territory. As you depart Kakadu, one of the first places we will stop is Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, located near the town of Humpty Doo. This wetland area is home to an incredible array of bird species and is a haven for nature lovers. The boardwalk and lookout points provide great vantage spots to observe birds in their natural habitat, especially during the wet season when the dam fills with water and attracts large flocks of waterfowl. It’s also a good spot to see freshwater crocodiles, lotus lilies, and even buffalo grazing near the water’s edge. Your lovely hotel is the Leea Darwin for your stay in Darwin. (B,L,D)

Day Sixteen: Darwin
Join a city sights tour for the perfect introduction to Darwin, with expert commentary by a local guide. See the lush Botanic Gardens and the Chinese Temple, which was re-built after it was demolished by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Tour the historic sites of the city including the East Point Military Precinct. See the Stokes Hill Wharf area, the Mooring Basin and Darwin Aviation Museum. There is also time available to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, whose collections encompass Aboriginal art, visual arts, and Northern Territory history and natural sciences. (B,D)

Day Seventeen: Darwin
For those of you finishing the tour here this the day you fly out or continue to your own arrangements.