This iconic itinerary bridges South Australia and the Northern Territory, presenting a striking tapestry of changing landscapes. Journey north through the rolling vineyards of the Clare Valley to the ancient, geological amphitheater of Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges. Traversing the sunbaked outback, uncover the unique world of Coober Pedy before crossing into the Red Centre where the spiritual heart of the continent comes alive. Experience the magic of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Then head to the Top End to cruise through the towering walls of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and Kakadu National Park’s famous Yellow Water Billabong.
Adelaide effortlessly blends culture and charm, drawing in food lovers, history buffs, and art enthusiasts alike. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a drink, then explore the city’s highlights on a guided tour, including a visit to the legendary Central Market to meet a local gourmand who will take you behind the scenes - taste testing stall to stall.
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Depart Adelaide and journey through the Clare Valley, where rolling vineyards produce fragrant Rieslings and bold reds beneath wide blue skies. Continue north to Hawker, a small town that inspired artist Jeff Morgan’s striking depictions of the Outback. Visit his gallery to view large scale works and a unique collection of memorabilia. Arrive at Wilpena Pound Resort for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, set within a vast natural amphitheatre of the Flinders Ranges. Here, towering ridgelines and ancient landscapes surround you, offering a powerful introduction to South Australia’s rugged interior and the beginning of an unforgettable Outback journey.
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River red gums frame Hills Homestead on an easy walk along Wilpena Creek to Wangarra Hill Lookout, unveiling sweeping views across Wilpena Pound. Travel on to heritage listed Quorn, once a former railway hub on the route of the original Ghan and the Central Australia Railway. Continue through the dramatic Pichi Richi Pass to Port Augusta for a visit to the Wadlata Outback Centre, tracing the region’s journey from dinosaurs to today, the formation of the Flinders Ranges and beyond.
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Uncover history at Woomera, once a rocket-testing site, now home to a fascinating aerospace park showcasing Australia’s innovations. Journey through sunbaked landscapes so surreal they resemble the moon, arriving at Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world. Go beneath the surface with a Local Guide, discovering the underground mines where dazzling opals are unearthed - maybe even finding your fortune! Explore the town’s unique subterranean homes and facilities, a testament to life in one of the country’s most extreme and isolated environments. The South Australian Outback holds endless surprises.
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Leaving Coober Pedy’s underground dwellings, your journey into the Northern Territory begins at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Australia’s spiritual heart and a World Heritage-listed wonder. As sunset paints the iconic monolith in shifting hues, capture nature’s brilliance with every snapshot. Raise a glass, savour delicious bites, and share stories with fellow adventurers beneath the vast Red Centre Outback sky. Ask us about pre-booking our Optional Experience* exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner for tonight.
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Early starts are well worth it when you witness a breathtaking Red Centre sunrise - words cannot describe how beautiful it is. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, encounter Uluru, standing 348 metres tall and dating back half a billion years - even loftier than the Eiffel Tower. At its base, embark on a guided walk to the serene Mutitjulu Waterhole, a place sacred to the Anangu people, steeped in ancient stories. More soul stirring landscapes unfold at Kata Tjuṯa, where immense sandstone domes guide you into tranquil Walpa Gorge. Sheltered from the harsh desert, this cool corridor nurtures rare plants, spearwood trees, birdlife and animals that flourish in surprising abundance.
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Rise before dawn for a breathtaking glimpse of the Uluru Field of Light, an Optional Experience*, where 50,000 glowing bulbs transform the desert landscape into a mesmerising spectacle. It’s an unforgettable way to begin your day. Among Australia’s record-breaking rock formations, few are as striking as Attila (Mt. Conner) - its flat-topped silhouette is impossible to forget. Pause at Kings Creek Station, Australia’s largest wild camel exporter, where camel burgers make for a unique outback lunch. Then, prepare for the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon rim walk, a 440-million-year-old geological wonder, featuring soaring sandstone domes, dramatic plateaus, and hidden rock pools - a true feast for the senses.
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The Northern Territory Outback is a land of vast scale, from sprawling cattle stations to the dramatic MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch toward Alice Springs on our drive today. The town holds a special place in Australian history with its 1872 Telegraph Station, one of 11 connecting Adelaide to Darwin over 3,200 kilometres. See it up close, then take in its significance from Anzac Hill, where sweeping views offer a glimpse into the landscapes that inspired many works in Alice Springs’ galleries.
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Start your day with a scenic drive to the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges. Marvel at the rugged beauty and unique rock formations as you explore Simpsons Gap, a picturesque gorge with towering cliffs and a tranquil waterhole. Return to Alice Springs for a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn about the incredible medical services provided to remote Australian communities. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Unwind by the hotel pool, soaking up the sun, or take the opportunity to discover more of Alice Springs at your own pace. Whether you choose to explore local shops, visit art galleries, or simply relax, this day offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
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Begin your day with a visit to the School of the Air, broadcasting lessons across 1.3 million square kilometres. If touring during the school term, you might observe live educational sessions. Depart Alice Springs and head towards Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), a fascinating collection of boulders formed over millions of years. These unique rock formations vary in size, with some reaching up to 6 metres high. You can walk through the boulders, marvelling at their impressive size and the natural beauty of the area. Continue your journey to Tennant Creek, your base for the night, known for its rich gold mining history.
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Since the 1930s, the Daly Waters Pub has been a beloved Outback institution, serving up schnitzels, barramundi burgers, and hearty steaks. Its walls tell stories, adorned with quirky keepsakes left behind by travellers - from bras to boots. What will you add to the collection? Next, the Land of the Never Never awaits in Mataranka, where you can visit a replica of the Elsey Homestead, featured in the 1982 film We of the Never Never. Or take a peaceful stroll through palm-lined walkways and indulge in a soak at steamy thermal springs - the perfect remedy for weary limbs before arriving in Katherine.
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The Jawoyn people have called Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge home for millennia, their deep connection to Country reflected in the ancient tale of the cicada, symbolising their spiritual bond with the land on a cruise through the gorge, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Journey into Kakadu National Park, where the Yellow Water Billabong cruise unveils untouched wetlands bursting with diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Glide through this unique landscape, spotting majestic crocodiles, vibrant birdlife, and lush vegetation, all guided by local experts. Keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles, brolgas, and kingfishers, their striking colours adding to the magic of the Top End - an unforgettable immersion into Australia’s wild beauty.
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The vast beauty of Kakadu is best admired from above. Take an Optional Experience* morning flight for sweeping views of this immense wilderness, gaining insight into its Indigenous significance. Back on solid ground, uncover the Aboriginal art of Ubirr, where ancient rock galleries tell stories of the land’s deep cultural heritage. Climb to the top for panoramic vistas across floodplains and escarpments, a backdrop made famous in the movie Crocodile Dundee. As night falls, Darwin’s tropical energy takes over. Begin at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, where a fusion of global flavours awaits, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening.
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Your final full day in the Northern Territory is fittingly warm and tropical embrace the relaxed rhythm of the Top End. Spend the morning your way, whether it’s sleeping in before indulging in a tropical breakfast or setting off on one of our optional experiences. Explore Litchfield National Park, a spectacular blend of magnetic termite mounds, cascading waterfalls, and refreshing waterholes (seasonal swimming). Alternatively, venture to the Tiwi Islands, where First Nations guides offer deep insights into Indigenous history and art. No matter how you spend the day, gather in the evening for a memorable dinner, celebrating the incredible experiences shared along the journey.
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It’s time to say farewell and head home, sorting through snapshots of an unforgettable journey. But the best souvenirs? The lasting memories of two weeks immersed in untamed Outback experiences.