Intrepid Travel - Best of the Northern Territory Itinerary

G’day and welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). This quintessential laidback Aussie town is the perfect place to start your journey into the ancient culture and landscapes of Australia’s Outback. This is your launching pad to reach some of the top spots on the agenda over the next few days. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and new travel companions. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town’s sights or tuck into an Outback inspired meal at one of the quirky local cafes.

Included Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 1 Night

Start your day exploring Simpsons Gap in Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges National Park) with a First Nations guide, learning about local flora, fauna, and the Tjunba totem. Walk along the riverbed marking the boundary between Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Journey onward through semi-desert landscapes to Watarrka National Park and hike the scenic Kings Creek Walk, surrounded by majestic cliffs and rock formations. Cap off the day with an included dinner and a visit to the Light Towers, an immersive visual and auditory experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximate Travel Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Kings Canyon - 1 Night

Spend the morning on a 3-4 hour (6km) rim walk across Kings Canyon, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the lush 'Garden of Eden.' Enjoy sweeping views of red cliffs and palm forests below. 

The King Canyon rim walk today is a Grade 4 walk, which requires a good level of mobility and health. Your leader can suggest shorter options for those seeking an easier walk. Sturdy enclosed shoes are required for all walks within the National Park. If the temperature is over 36 degrees, the Kings Canyon rim walk will be closed and an alternative activity will be provided.

Then, take a scenic drive to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, spotting wildlife along the way. Explore Kata Tjuta's 36 domed rock formations from a popular lookout, then head to Uluru. End the day watching the sun set over this iconic monolith, as the landscape transforms in color. To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, alcohol is not served on the sunset tour.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Uluru/Ayers Rock- 1 Night

You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites.

Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. Stop by Yulara for any travellers finishing the trip here. Then, hit the highway for Alice Springs just after lunch. This is where you’ll say goodbye to the members of your group who are leaving today and your local leader.

As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. You'll be unaccompanied tonight and during tomorrow's flight to Darwin.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your included airport transfer will take you from the hotel to Alice Springs Airport today. Fly to Darwin (flight not included, we recommend booking flight Qantas QF1959 at 9.20 am), or Gulumerrdgen in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Darwin is now located. Transfer to your hotel in Darwin, then meet your new group members and new leader during your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight.

Accommodation: Darwin - 2 Nights

For the final day of your Top End adventure, drive to the magnificent Litchfield National Park. Sitting on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to stunning waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds, then you’ll visit the Buley Rockhole – a series of shallow rock pools perfect for a quick dip. Then, walk to Florence Falls for a picnic lunch and another swim. If that’s not enough, the amazing Wangi Falls also provide a picturesque spot for a swim. Then, it’s time for the drive back to Darwin for the evening.

Included Meals: Lunch

Approximate Travel Time: 4 hours 

Rise early and head to Kakadu National Park, covering 20,000 sq km of pristine wilderness. Stop at Mamukala Wetlands to spot wetland birds, then visit Ubirr, famous for its rock art and First Nations history. In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise along the East Alligator River (no alligators, but plenty of crocodiles!), taking in the stunning landscape. An Aboriginal guide shares insights into the area's cultural significance, mythology, and wildlife. Afterward, return to your accommodation for a group dinner.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Approximate Travel Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Kakadu – 1 Night 

On your final morning in Kakadu, visit the Jim Jim Creek cultural arts centre, where you may participate in a weaving class and learn about its cultural significance. After lunch, explore Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), home to World Heritage rock art by the Bininj people. Enjoy short walks offering views of wildlife, art, and natural features. In the afternoon, drive back to Darwin to conclude your adventure. Extended stays in Darwin are available, talk to your First Light Travel Designer.

The Ubirr walk is a Grade 2-3 (easy to moderate) 1 km loop, taking around 1 hour to see the rock art sites and enjoy the views. The 250 m climb to the lookout is steep.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Approximate Travel Time: 5 hours

Flights Between Trips
Your flight from Alice Springs to Darwin is not included. Please see the itinerary for information on recommended flight details and book these through your agent or directly with the airline.

Start & End Times
The trip starts in Alice Springs with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes on arrival in Darwin at our finish point hotel by 4pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.

Single Supplement
A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

Combination trip
This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Darwin as some group members leave and new ones join you.

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.