Red Rocket - Alice Springs < > Darwin (Travels also in Reverse)
If you only have a week to explore the Northern Territory then the Red Rocket is for you. From the Red Centre and World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Top End, exploring Kakadu and Litchfield National parks this tour is designed for the budget traveller who wants a rich experience but time conscious journey.
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| RED ROCKET | |
| TOUR CODE: EX ALICE SPRINGS - RRAD TOUR CODE: EX DARWIN - RRDA HIGHLIGHTS :: ULURU (AYERS ROCK) :: KATA TJUTA (OLGAS) :: KINGS CANYON :: TENNANT CREEK :: DEVILS MARBLES :: MATARANKA SPRINGS :: KATHERINE GORGE :: MARY RIVER WETLANDS :: WILDLIFE CRUISE :: KAKADU NATIONAL PARK :: JIM JIM & TWIN FALLS :: ABORIGINAL ROCK ART ITINERARY DAY 1 :: ALICE SPRINGS TO KINGS CANYON & ULURU Pre-tour dorm accommodation (included) Kick off your Red Centre adventure with a drive through James and Waterhouse Ranges and the ancient Hugh and Finke river systems on the way to Kings Canyon. There’s a bit of exploring to do here: the monumental North and South Walls, the Amphitheatre, the Lost City and the lush, inviting Garden of Eden. From here we head to another ancient landform, Uluru (Ayers Rock) where we stay overnight in our private campsite. (LD) DAY 2 :: ULURU TO ALICE SPRINGS Sunrise at UIuru is worth the early start! Take a stroll part way around the base and discover mystifying rock formations and Aboriginal art sites, or climb Uluru if you choose. Be fascinated by the red domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and their spiritual significance to the Anangu people. We head back to Alice Springs after lunch, watching through the window as the rugged desert scenery passes by. (BL) Overnight dorm accommodation included. DAY 3 :: ALICE SPRINGS TO TENNANT CREEK We cross the Tropic of Capricorn before stopping at Ti Tree for the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists. Learn about the early struggles of bush telecommunications at Barrow Creek’s historic Telegraph Station – it’ll make your mobile phone seem like the space age! Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our camp at an outback station and if the weather’s good, you can take a dip in the pretty waterhole. (LD) DAY 4 :: TENNANT CREEK TO KATHERINE GORGE No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and ‘watering hole’ for travellers from far and wide. The tiny town is also home to Australia’s first international airport (but you wouldn’t guess it!). Mataranka lies in the heart of the ‘never-never’, and you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp at stunning Katherine Gorge. (BLD) |
DAY 5 :: KATHERINE GORGE TO DARWIN The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular waters. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We’ll head to Darwin after a bite to eat, with stops at idyllic Edith Falls (northbound only) and the ‘croc-filled’ Adelaide River (both a town and a river). (BL) Overnight dorm accommodation included. DAY 6 :: DARWIN TO KAKADU Spot crocodiles (and other wild creatures!) on a cruise along the fresh waters of the Mary River Wetlands. After lunch, discover more about the land and its stories at the Bowali Visitor Centre. The whole of Kakadu is spread out before you at Ubirr Rock, where we spend the afternoon. Tonight we camp in Kakadu National Park. (LD) DAY 7 :: KAKADU TO DARWIN Jim Jim Falls is our first stop today, and it’s a stunner! You’ll feel a bit dwarfed by the towering cliffs as we hike to the base of the falls. By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite for some lunch! This afternoon the spectacular gorge of Twin Falls is experienced onboard a National Park operated boat and along the boardwalk. Unwind for a bit on the sandy banks before we trek back to Darwin. (BL) BRING Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat, sunscreen, towel, toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera, film, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for AUD$15). INCLUDED Experienced guides, meals as indicated, accommodation transfers, 4 nights camping including camping fees & equipment, 3 nights dorm accommodation NOTE This package is made up of three individual tours; therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. Tropical Summer Program applies December to May. TROPICAL SUMMER PROGRAM (DECEMBER - MAY) DAY 1 :: - Litchfield National Park - Crocodile Cruise - Overnight camp Point Stuart Point Stuart DAY 2 :: - Mamukala Wetlands (seasonal) - Ubirr or Nourlangie Rock (seasonal) - Bowali Visitor Centre - Walk to Gubara Springs - Overnight camp Kakadu DAY 3 :: - Cathedral Termite Mounds - Boulder Creek Falls - Hike to Motor Car Falls - Return to Darwin |
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| 7 DAYS | ||
| Adult $1230 ($AUD) Child - N/A Valid between 01/04/09 - 31/03/10 + park entry fee + fuel levy  DEPARTS Alice Springs accommodation 5.30am 01APR-30JUN Tue Wed Fri Sun 01JUL-231JUL Daily 01AUG-28SEP Tue Wed Fri Sat Sun 29SEP-28NOV Tue Fri Sun 29NOV-31MAR Fri Sun TOUR OPERATES IN REVERSE DEPARTS Darwin accommodation 6.30am 01APR-28JUN Mon Wed Fri 29JUN-31JUL Daily 01AUG-29SEP Mon Tue Wed Fri Sat 30SEP-30NOV Mon Wed Sat 01DEC-31MAR Mon Wed FINISHES Darwin (or Alice Springs) accommodation early evening Day 7 MAX PEOPLE - 16/24 Valid till 31 March 2011 |
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Hikes up to 6-8kms per day. | |
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Maximum 24 front facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle. 16, 17 or 20 forward facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle Side-facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle |
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Permanently erected tents (multi-share), permanent cooking facilities and purpose-built fire pits, screened eating areas, share showers and toilets. Dorm or Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities |
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| Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day before travel. Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal & extreme weather conditions, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. Luggage limit of 15 kg applies - backpack or soft bag. | ||
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