11 Day Off the Beaten Track Luxury Itinerary

Welcome to Darwin, the gateway to the unique natural wonders of Australia's Northern Territory.

This multicultural, fast-developing city lies nearer to Singapore than Sydney, which gives you an idea of the sheer size of Australia. Darwin's chilled-out feel and beautiful climate are a welcome introduction to this incredible land.

Between cyclones and bombing by the Japanese in World War Two, Darwin has been rebuilt several times in its history. While the architecture is modern and stylish, it's still very much a "frontier town" with a small-town feel.

Settle in and unwind with a stroll along the esplanade and sample local cuisine in one of the fabulous restaurants at the Waterfront. Relax and see a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, catch the sunset over the Timor Sea, or try street food at the Mindil Beach Markets. You'll feel like a laid-back local in no time.
 

Accommodation: Darwin - 1 Night

Hit the road in your comfortable rental car, swapping the modern streets of Darwin for ancient Kakadu.

Kakadu National Park

The Kakadu National Park is a great mix of culture and natural beauty. Here you can learn about Aboriginal culture from the traditional owners and view Aboriginal rock art up to 20,000 years old. Around a third of Australia's bird species are located in the National Park, and migratory birds flock to the wetlands in their millions.

Bamurru Plains

Your home for the next two nights is the exclusive Bamurru Plains resort on the edge of Kakadu National Park. Your luxurious safari-style bungalow overlooks the never-ending floodplain and with mesh walls on three sides you can hear, see and almost touch the wildlife around you.

Accommodation: Bamurru Plains - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 211 km | 131 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

The Bamurru Plains resort is so large that there are four distinct habitats – vast floodplains; stunning melaleuca forests; savannah woodlands populated by buffalo, dingos and wallabies; and finally a riverine environment where the silver flashes of fish or sunbathing crocs will catch your eye as you cruise slowly by.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Top End with some of the optional activities on offer. Unravel the mysteries of the floodplains on a guided bushwalk, or embark on a wildlife-spotting expedition in an open-topped 4WD.

You could take an airboat ride and search the waters for nearby crocodiles or try quad-biking around the extensive property. However you choose to spend your day, it's impossible to remain unchanged by this remote and beautiful wilderness.

After returning your rental car to Darwin, fly to Australia's Red Centre for a three night adventure in Dual World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Here you come face to face with Australia’s most recognisable natural icon and one of the world’s largest monoliths, Ayers Rock. Ayers Rock is also known as Uluru; this is the name given by the Yankunytjatjara people, whose land the rock is situated on.

Longitude 131°

Longitude 131°, your luxury desert basecamp at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, is a haven of privacy, tranquillity and luxurious spaces for you to relax in exclusive style.

As the closest resort to Uluru, the property has unimpeded views of Australia's most iconic landmark. Watch in awe as the 600 million year old monolith changes colour with the sun shifting across the sky.

Chef Jonathon Bryant uses outback ingredients such as bush plums, lemon myrtle, muntries (native berries) and salt bush - plus fresh produce from all over Australia - to create memorable and delicious cuisine included in the price of your stay.

Accommodation: Ayers Rock - 3 Nights

Approximate Distance: 211 km | 131 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

An exceptional touring program designed exclusively for guests is included in your luxury wilderness experience at Longitude 131°.

Guests may choose two out of the four daily options, which vary according to the season... 

Here is a taste of the many cultural and wilderness experiences on offer:

Uluru Sunset

Capture the changing lights reflected over Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips down below the horizon, chilled glass and canapé in hand. The essential outback experience!

Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta

Explore the impressive formation of Kata Tjuta on a walk through Walpa Gorge and discover how eons of continental upheaval have created today’s landscape.

Table 131°

Dine out and discover the wonders of the night sky at an exclusive venue among the dunes. Enjoy the sense of natural theatre over four courses complemented with fine Australian wines.

Field of Light

Experience Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed art phenomenon, Field of Light. Created from 50,000 bud-like stems and frosted-glass spheres, the installation blooms and appears to sway as darkness descends over Australia’s spiritual heartland.

Enjoy more of the small group activities included with your stay at Longitude 131°. Alternatively you can select from their bespoke options (own expense) including custom-guided hikes, and helicopter, camel, motorcycle & biking tours.

Uluru Camel Tours (Own Expense)

Join a camel train through red dune country, with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as a stunning backdrop. Popular at sunrise and sunset, tours are guided by cameleers who love to share the animals’ quirky names and stories.

Helicopter Scenic Flights (Own Expense)

Take adventure to new heights, lifting off from the lodge’s helipad on a range of scenic flights. The 30 minute aerial tour of Uluru and Kata Tjuta makes an exhilarating arrival or departure experience.

Indigenous Culture & Art Tour at Cave Hill (Own Expense)

In the company of local indigenous community members, marvel at the age-old rock art and gain insight into everyday Aboriginal life. Engage a private guide or join a scheduled tour for a shared sightseeing experience by 4WD or helicopter.

Sound of Silence Dinner

Experience the essence of the Red Centre in just four magical hours with Sounds of Silence. This evening affair unfolds under the shimmering outback sky, commencing with canapés and chilled sparkling wine atop a dune, with views of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness envelops, immerse yourself in the captivating sound of a didgeridoo, joining fellow travelers at your table for an unforgettable dining experience amidst the serenity of the outback.

Leaving the Red Centre behind you will fly to Adelaide, South Australia's capital city. Today is yours to discover Adelaide however you desire.

Explore Adelaide

Nestled in one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions, cosmopolitan Adelaide is filled to the brim with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. With spacious boulevards and vibrant inner-city districts and lush gardens, South Australia's capital has it all.

History buffs will love the exquisite churches around every corner, many dating back to the 19th century. Grab a bite to eat at Adelaide Central Market: this bustling hub contains over 80 stalls offering cheese, seafood, patisseries and artisan produce.

For a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, head to Glenelg beach and join a cruise in search of wild dolphins. Or if you'd like to try some local grape varieties, the iconic Penfolds vineyards and Magill Estate cellar door are a mere 15 minute drive from town.

Adelaide is known as the Festival Capital of Australia - from comedy and cabaret to food and fashion, there's always something on no matter when you visit.

Accommodation: Adelaide - 1 Night

Kangaroo Island

Australia's third largest island is a treasure trove of picture-perfect beaches, great fishing, native wildlife and stunning landscapes. The peaceful haven of Southern Ocean Lodge is your home for the next two nights.

Southern Ocean Lodge

The luxurious Southern Ocean Lodge offers a unique and exclusive experience on Kangaroo Island. Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge boasts unmatched views of the Southern Ocean and Kangaroo Island's wilderness.

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island - 2 Nights

Today you are free to choose from a menu of guided island excursions offered by your hosts at Southern Ocean Lodge. Options include:

Wonders of Kangaroo Island

This half day experience is a spectacular introduction to Kangaroo island’s wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a Fur Seal Colony are just some of the trip highlights.

Coastal Clifftop Walk

Take a scenic walk starting right on the Lodge’s doorstep, atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk offers a bird’s eye view of thundering waves crashing against the coastline. Experience and learn about local flora, fauna and coastline ecosystems.

Kangas & Kanapés

Soak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, a historic island property, where local wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies gather to graze. Observe these creatures in their natural environment, sip premium South Australian beverages and enjoy a ‘kanapé’ while the sun sets.

Wake up in an unspoiled paradise, take a deep breath and relax: there's time to explore the delights of Kangaroo Island before your return flight to Adelaide today.

With native wildlife living all over the Island, you can practically rub shoulders with the cuddly koalas, furry wallabies and sea lions who reside here. Foodies will love the culinary treats in store: sample local crayfish from a shack on the water's edge, try the sought-after local honey, or try one of the island's 12 wineries (or two, or three).

Here are some more suggestions for a memorable day on Kangaroo Island: - Discover the stalactite-covered Admirals Arch and the giant granite boulders of the Remarkable Rocks at Flinders Chase National Park - Relax on the white sand beach at secluded Vivionne Bay - Wander along the shore and view sleepy sea-lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park - Deep sea fishing in Kangaroo Island's famous waters - Admire the island from above on a breathtaking scenic flight

Return to Adelaide

For your last night in Australia you are spoiled for dining options: Adelaide's reputation as a foodie destination is well deserved. Famous for culinary creativity and blessed with outstanding local produce, there truly is something for everyone.

Accommodation: Adelaide - 1 Night

Say farewell to Adelaide today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 11 Day Luxury Self Drive Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.