13 Day Uluru to Darwin Self Drive Itinerary

On arrival at Ayers Rock Resort, collect your car and drive the short distance to the dual World Heritage-listed Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park.

Why not drive out and watch the sunset over Australia’s most renowned natural landmark. Witness the phenomenon of the changing colours on the massive sandstone monolith before returning to the comfort of your hotel for the night.

Accommodation: Uluru - 2 Nights

Rise early to experience a majestic Red Centre sunrise while sipping a warming cup of tea or coffee. After a tour of the base of Uluru, you may like to take either a self-guided walk around its 11km perimeter or a shorter guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole,  Your guide will explain the significance of the ancient Aboriginal rock paintings you’ll encounter and the culture of the traditional owners, the Anangu people.

This afternoon’s journey to the superb Kata Tjuta, a series of 36 magnificent domes of orange-hued sedimentary rock, where you can toast the magnificent sunset with a glass of sparkling wine.

Awe-inspiring Kings Canyon is your destination today. Stop for a lunch break at Kings Creek Station, the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia, and hear the intriguing story of owners Ian and Lynn Conway and their dedication to Aboriginal children in the region’s remote communities.

Continue to Kings Canyon, a spectacular natural formation whose sheer sandstone walls soar to a height of over 100 metres (328 ft). A 6km (3.7 miles) ‘rim walk’ around the canyon will reward you with marvelous views of Watarrka National Park. An easier walk along the canyon’s boulder-strewn creek bed is another option.

Approximate Distance: 325 km | 202 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Kings Canyon - 2 Nights

Experience the magnificence of Kings Canyon in Australia's outback aboard a helicopter. Depart from Kings Canyon Resort in a comfortable air-conditioned van to the launch site.

With the helicopter pad located directly at Kings Canyon, no time is wasted reaching your views as you embark on a 30-minute journey exploring the region, flying over the ancient 440-million-year-old canyon and inaccessible areas. Cruise along George Gill Range to Petermann Pound, where sightings of camels and brumbies in their natural habitat are possible. Return via Back Canyon for a comprehensive exploration before concluding the adventure.

Situated in Australia's geographic centre, Alice Springs is the gateway to Australia's most iconic landscapes. Nestled between the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges, the town is surrounded by gorges and stark desert plains. It is home to galleries of outstanding works from local indigenous artists.

1,200 kilometres from the nearest ocean and 1,500 kilometres from the nearest city, it's certainly remote. But Alice brims with local colour you can't find anywhere else. You won't forget your visit in a hurry.

Approximate Distance: 470 km | 292 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 2 Nights

THE JOURNEY

Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned coach with an experienced guide to the extraordinary West MacDonnell Ranges. Stroll through the shady creek bed of Simpsons Gap with the rare black-footed rock wallaby grazing on the rocky slopes. Enjoy a delicious morning tea as you discover stunning Standley Chasm, where culture and ancient rock formations combine in a dramatic display before returning to Alice Springs.

Before leaving Alice Springs this morning, visit the School of the Air to witness a classroom lesson broadcast over 1.3 million square kilometres to children living in remote locations. Then travel north, stopping to visit Karlu Karlu, an intriguing group of precariously-balanced granite boulders.

Later, settle into your accommodation at the former gold-mining town of Tennant Creek.

Approximate Distance: 470 km | 292 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Tennant Creek - 1 Night

The Stuart Highway follows the route which was the Overland Telegraph line which was built from 1870 – 1872. The telegraph line was constructed between Adelaide and Darwin and connected with a submarine cable that connected with Java in Indonesia and was used until the late 1970s. This road is more than suitable for 2WDs.

Traveling north, visit the quirky Daly Waters Pub (located 273 km, 170 mi, 3:25 hrs southeast of Katherine) before continuing to Mataranka, where a swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the thermal springs is a must-do. Tonight is spent in Katherine.

Mataranka Thermal Pools are lushly vegetated natural hot springs located in the Elsey National Park near the town of Mataranka which is a 109km (68 mi) drive southeast from Katherine.

Approximate Distance: 705 km | 438 miles   Total Driving Time: 7 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Katherine - 2 Nights

Prepare for a truly memorable experience as you travel through time and the three gorges of Nitmiluk Gorge. 

The three gorge cruise offers a relaxed experience, with our expert tour guides going into depth about the history and function of the eight to ten thousand-year-old Indigenous rock art you will see on this journey. Once you get to the third gorge, you will have an opportunity to swim at the Lilypond seasonal waterfalls or at the shallow rock pools. Depending on what time of the year you visit you may be able to swim in the many rock pools in gorges 1 and 2. As this is a slower-paced experience, you will also have moments to chat and ask questions of our expert tour guides.

This morning drive to the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park.

Kakadu National Park

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.

Recommended: Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Just 1km from your Kakadu accommodation, the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is well worth a visit. Named after Warradjan, the Pig-Nosed Turtle, the Centre offers a remarkable insight into the Aboriginal who have lived in Kakadu for thousands of years.

Approximate Distance: 335 km | 208 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Kakadu - 2 Nights

Visit fascinating Ubirr with its superb Aboriginal rock art dating back over 20,000 years and considered to be among the best in the world. Traditionally, people would camp under the cool, rocky shelters of Ubirr, relying on the plants and animals from the nearby floodplain and East Alligator River for their food, tools, and medicine. The smooth stone surfaces provided an ideal canvas for their paintings. Marvel at the intricate layers of paintings and then, climb to the top of the rocky outcrop for majestic views over the floodplains and escarpment country.

Travel to Litchfield National Park, pausing to examine the amazing termite mounds that dot the landscape. Then continue to Florence Falls, a double plunge waterfall leading to a popular swimming hole. Venture on to Wangi Falls for the opportunity to swim in the large waterhole before heading to Darwin.

This evening, why not indulge in a Darwin Harbour Farewell Dinner Cruise.

Approximate Distance: 410 km | 255 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Darwin - 1 Night

Say farewell to Darwin 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 13 Day Uluru to Darwin Self Drive vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.