16 day Sydney to Darwin Rail & Coach Safari

Tour Details

Operator

Adventure Travel

Destinations

Sydney, Darwin, Ayers Rock (Uluru), Alice Springs, Adelaide, Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Kings Canyon, Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge and Mary River Wetlands

Departs From

Sydney

Tour Description

Rail to Adelaide followed by coach to Darwin - see the amazing sights of this vast country...

Day 1 - 2: Sydney to Adelaide
This afternoon, board the world famous Indian Pacific train in Sydney and travel this magnificent route through the Australian Outback to Adelaide. Arriving in Adelaide the following afternoon, your evening is free to explore this beautiful city. Overnight Adelaide.

Day 3: Adelaide to Parachilna
We travel through the picturesque Clare Valley to Alligator Gorge in the Southern Flinders Ranges, renowned for its unique ruggedness and distinct flora and fauna. Here we stretch our legs on an interpretive walk and then continue on to the historic railway township of Quorn. In the afternoon we view Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves and continue on to Parachilna for a memorable 'Aussie BBQ' (including local game). Overnight Parachilna. (LD)

Day 4: Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
We drive through Parachilna Gorge (weather permitting) before arriving at Wilpena Pound to climb Mt Ohlssen-Bagge for fantastic views over the ranges After lunch, we travel to remote Rawnsley Park sheep station where we stay overnight in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)

Day 5: Rawnsley Park to Coober Pedy
Today we journey north along the Stuart Highway to Coober Pedy. Enjoy an opal mine tour with a chance to go opal fossicking (time permitting). We stay in an underground bunkhouse in Coober Pedy. (BLD)

Day 6: Coober Pedy to Uluru
We drive through rugged desert country to Yulara for sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) then view the stars from our overnight permanent camp. (BLD)

Day 7: Uluru to Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon
Up early for the Uluru sunrise where you can enjoy a base walk or choose to climb Uluru, followed by a guided interpretive walk at Mala. We visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and head to Kings Canyon for our overnight camp and delicious camp oven dinner. (BLD)

Day 8: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Hike and explore Kings Canyon including the breathtaking North and South Walls, the 'Lost City' and 'Garden of Eden' After lunch we depart for Alice Springs. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)

Day 9: Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight dorm included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 10: Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight dorm included. (Meals at own expense).

Day 11: Alice Springs to Banka Banka
We cross the Tropic of Capricorn then pull over at Ti Tree for the opportunity to purchase authentic Aboriginal art. Next stop is the Barrow Creek Pub where we view the historic Telegraph Station. Further 'up the track' we explore the Devils Marbles; precariously balanced granite boulders sacred to the traditional owners', before arriving at Banka Banka Cattle Station where we camp overnight. Weather permitting - take a dip in the picturesque waterhole. (LD)

Day 12: Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge
We head further north to the famous outback pub at Daly Waters, the oldest pub in the Northern Territory and first international airport in Australia! After lunch we travel to Mataranka to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the crystal clear thermal springs. Late afternoon we travel towards the magnificent Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp. (BLD)

Day 13: Katherine Gorge to Darwin
Spend half a day canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular gorge. There is also the chance for a scenic helicopter flight (at own expense) to appreciate the vastness of the gorge system. After lunch we head into Darwin via Edith Falls and Adelaide River. (BL)

Day 14: Darwin to Mary River
See the falls of Litchfield National Park before heading to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, home to a vast array of bird life. This afternoon look for 'crocs' and other abundant wildlife on our private river cruise. Arrive at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge where we stay overnight in our private campsite. (LD)

Day 15: Mary River to Kakadu
Our first stop is Ubirr where we discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and climb to enjoy picturesque views. We continue on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where we hike to the plunge pools for a refreshing dip. Stay overnight at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (BLD)

Day 16: Kakadu to Darwin
This morning we 4WD into the awesome Jim Jim Falls, hiking to the base of the falls then continue on to Twin Falls. Here we join a National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience up the stunning gorge to the waterfall and sandy bank. In the afternoon we return to Darwin, enjoying the impressive scenery along the way. (BL)

Inclusions: Experienced guides (days 3 - 16), meals as indicated, hostel dorm accommodation / camping (sleeping bag required for camping; may be hired for $15), selected national park fees and Opal Mine tour.