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OUTBACK ODYSSEY: AN 11-DAY NORTHERN TERRITORY EXPLORER
UNVEILING THE OUTBACK: AN 11-DAY NORTHERN TERRITORY EXPLORER ADVENTURE
Embark on an extraordinary 11-day Northern Territory Explorer, immersing yourself in the heart of Australia's iconic Outback. Witness the breathtaking landscapes of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Aboriginal communities, and explore the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park. From the vibrant city of Darwin to the serene landscapes of Alice Springs, this comprehensive journey captures the essence of the Northern Territory. Experience the beauty of Litchfield National Park, the thrill of crocodile spotting, and the tranquility of hot air ballooning. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Australia's untamed and timeless landscapes.
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Start Location: Darwin
End Location: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the steamy NT capital Darwin
- Visit World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park
- Visit Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
- Enjoy epic landscapes of Uluru.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Darwin
Get to know the steamy NT capital at your own pace – you’ll fast find that the characters here are almost as colourful as the sunsets. You’ll enjoy the latter over drinks and nibbles with your Travel Director and fellow adventure-seekers. A tasty entrée to your 11-day Northern Territory tour from Darwin
Overnight: Darwin
Day 2: Darwin
Today is about getting your Darwin bearings on a city tour revealing the events that have shaped the city over the decades, from wars to natural disasters. You’ll be a Darwin expert after visiting attractions like East Point Military Reserve and the Darwin Museum. The afternoon is at your leisure. If you’re at a loss for ideas, we can point you in the direction of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility, perhaps, or the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, loaded with 200+ stalls. Grab a bite and watch the day end with your feet in the sand.
Day 3: Darwin - Kakadu
Aboriginal culture is strong in this part of Australia, and its kept alive by Traditional Landowners on this morning’s tour. Dive deep into Aboriginal heritage on a family-owned experience highlighting art, music and bush tucker. Your next deep dive is into the heart of Kakadu, a World Heritage listed national park that is one of Australia’s most important living ecosystems. Today’s Kakadu tour will whet your appetite for a full day of wildlife immersion tomorrow.
Overnight: Kakadu
Day 4: Kakadu National Park
Kakadu is vast, spanning almost 20,000 square kilometres. The best way to gain appreciation for just how immense it really is from the air on an optional (but highly recommended) morning flight. Now that you have your bearings, take to the land to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and cruise the wildlife-packed Yellow Water Billabong to search for enormous saltwater crocs – your eagle-eyed guide knows where to look. End your Kakadu tour on a high, watching the sun set over floodplains.
Overnight: Kakadu
Day 5: Kakadu - Katherine
From one glorious national park to another… today’s backdrop is the end-of-Earth escarpments of Nitmiluk National Park, carved by rivers millions of years ago. Cruising through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is a humbling experience even before you know the region’s history. Small wonder freshwater crocs and all manner of birds call the cavern home. See how many sets of eyes you can see peering at you from the water’s surface.
Overnight: Katherine
Day 6: Katherine - Tennant Creek
If the Elsey Homestead looks familiar, that’s because it starred in the 1982 Aussie drama We of the Never Never. Today it’s better known for its Mataranka thermal hot springs. Pop on your swimsuit and have a soothing soak, the magical setting surrounded by palms. The only thing more refreshing is a cold beverage at the Daly Waters Pub, self-declared as Australia’s ‘original outback pub’. You can imagine the kind of swagger the locals bring. Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark as well; a memento, perhaps, or autograph on the walls. You’ll arrive in Tennant Creek with a new appreciation for country life.
Overnight: Tennant Creek
Day 7: Tennant Creek - Alice Springs
The Stuart Highway is long (2,700 kilometres), very straight and very flat. Which makes the appearance of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) on the horizon all the more dramatic. These massive granite boulders pock the countryside. But they’re not just a pretty sight – they’re a sacred place for the Aboriginal community, created by the fossilised eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Get the lay of the land atop Alice Springs’ Anzac Hill. From this vantage, the East and West MacDonnell Ranges appear to stretch to the horizon.
Overnight: Alice Springs
Day 8: Alice Springs
Sleep in, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon as the desert awakens, explore the West Macs on a guided tour… this morning is yours to spend as you choose. Save some energy for this afternoon’s Alice Springs tour and visit to the historic Telegraph Station – the reason the town was formed, to connect the country and allow smooth communication. It’s still not always easy to communicate in the outback, with many children getting an education through remote learning. Discover how the School of the Air operates, ensure that all kids have access to information and skills needed in later life.
Overnight: Alice Springs
Day 9: Alice Springs - Uluru
From the moment you wake up until the last of day disappears, spiritual Aboriginal culture is all around on today’s Northern Territory tour. Get set to be in awe over Dreamtime stories about the creation of Uluru, the world’s largest monolith. It’s particularly pretty at sunset when the fading rays change the desert’s colour with every sip of your sparkling wine.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Day 10: Uluru
There aren’t many things worth getting up in the dark for. Sunrise over Uluru is one. It’s a magical time of day, the shifting light casting the countryside aglow. Exploring the base of ‘the Rock’ on an Uluru tour, you’ll begin to understand why this part of the country is so special to the Anangu people, who have called the region home for millennia. Go at your own pace this afternoon. We wouldn’t blame you for taking a dip in the resort pool to cool off. But if you want to see the monolith in another different light, opt to chopper around it, in a helicopter or on the back of a Harley. Either way, you’ll have plenty of stories to tell over your Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Day 11: Farewell from Uluru
Another reason to rise early: to catch the (optional) Field of Light art installation that blankets the desert floor. Your spirit will glow just as brightly as you bid farewell to this epic Northern Territory tour.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2025 dates and prices
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Small Group Tours
Travel with a limited number of participants for a personalized journey with a tour leader.Experienced Tour Leaders
Who have gone through intensive vetting and training.(But most contract their tour leaders from Anderson Vacations.)
Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Travel to unique places, visit more attractions each day.
Without the distractions of tipping.Activities and excursions included as part of the tour.
(Not as add-ons.)Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver that are accredited with Kakadu & Uluru National Parks
- Local Specialists (Guides)
- Centrally located premium hotels
- 10 Full Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- 1 Farewell Dinner
EXCLUSIONS
- International Flights
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.
What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?
We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
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Tour Code
11NAD
Outback Odyssey: An 11-Day Northern Territory Explorer
11 days
Created On: 21 Dec 2024
Highlights
- Explore the steamy NT capital Darwin
- Visit World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park
- Visit Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
- Enjoy epic landscapes of Uluru.
Inclusions
- Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver that are accredited with Kakadu & Uluru National Parks
- Local Specialists (Guides)
- Centrally located premium hotels
- 10 Full Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Exclusions
- International Flights
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Darwin
Get to know the steamy NT capital at your own pace – you’ll fast find that the characters here are almost as colourful as the sunsets. You’ll enjoy the latter over drinks and nibbles with your Travel Director and fellow adventure-seekers. A tasty entrée to your 11-day Northern Territory tour from Darwin
Overnight: Darwin
Day 2: Darwin
Today is about getting your Darwin bearings on a city tour revealing the events that have shaped the city over the decades, from wars to natural disasters. You’ll be a Darwin expert after visiting attractions like East Point Military Reserve and the Darwin Museum. The afternoon is at your leisure. If you’re at a loss for ideas, we can point you in the direction of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility, perhaps, or the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, loaded with 200+ stalls. Grab a bite and watch the day end with your feet in the sand.
Day 3: Darwin - Kakadu
Aboriginal culture is strong in this part of Australia, and its kept alive by Traditional Landowners on this morning’s tour. Dive deep into Aboriginal heritage on a family-owned experience highlighting art, music and bush tucker. Your next deep dive is into the heart of Kakadu, a World Heritage listed national park that is one of Australia’s most important living ecosystems. Today’s Kakadu tour will whet your appetite for a full day of wildlife immersion tomorrow.
Overnight: Kakadu
Day 4: Kakadu National Park
Kakadu is vast, spanning almost 20,000 square kilometres. The best way to gain appreciation for just how immense it really is from the air on an optional (but highly recommended) morning flight. Now that you have your bearings, take to the land to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and cruise the wildlife-packed Yellow Water Billabong to search for enormous saltwater crocs – your eagle-eyed guide knows where to look. End your Kakadu tour on a high, watching the sun set over floodplains.
Overnight: Kakadu
Day 5: Kakadu - Katherine
From one glorious national park to another… today’s backdrop is the end-of-Earth escarpments of Nitmiluk National Park, carved by rivers millions of years ago. Cruising through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is a humbling experience even before you know the region’s history. Small wonder freshwater crocs and all manner of birds call the cavern home. See how many sets of eyes you can see peering at you from the water’s surface.
Overnight: Katherine
Day 6: Katherine - Tennant Creek
If the Elsey Homestead looks familiar, that’s because it starred in the 1982 Aussie drama We of the Never Never. Today it’s better known for its Mataranka thermal hot springs. Pop on your swimsuit and have a soothing soak, the magical setting surrounded by palms. The only thing more refreshing is a cold beverage at the Daly Waters Pub, self-declared as Australia’s ‘original outback pub’. You can imagine the kind of swagger the locals bring. Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark as well; a memento, perhaps, or autograph on the walls. You’ll arrive in Tennant Creek with a new appreciation for country life.
Overnight: Tennant Creek
Day 7: Tennant Creek - Alice Springs
The Stuart Highway is long (2,700 kilometres), very straight and very flat. Which makes the appearance of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) on the horizon all the more dramatic. These massive granite boulders pock the countryside. But they’re not just a pretty sight – they’re a sacred place for the Aboriginal community, created by the fossilised eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Get the lay of the land atop Alice Springs’ Anzac Hill. From this vantage, the East and West MacDonnell Ranges appear to stretch to the horizon.
Overnight: Alice Springs
Day 8: Alice Springs
Sleep in, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon as the desert awakens, explore the West Macs on a guided tour… this morning is yours to spend as you choose. Save some energy for this afternoon’s Alice Springs tour and visit to the historic Telegraph Station – the reason the town was formed, to connect the country and allow smooth communication. It’s still not always easy to communicate in the outback, with many children getting an education through remote learning. Discover how the School of the Air operates, ensure that all kids have access to information and skills needed in later life.
Overnight: Alice Springs
Day 9: Alice Springs - Uluru
From the moment you wake up until the last of day disappears, spiritual Aboriginal culture is all around on today’s Northern Territory tour. Get set to be in awe over Dreamtime stories about the creation of Uluru, the world’s largest monolith. It’s particularly pretty at sunset when the fading rays change the desert’s colour with every sip of your sparkling wine.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Day 10: Uluru
There aren’t many things worth getting up in the dark for. Sunrise over Uluru is one. It’s a magical time of day, the shifting light casting the countryside aglow. Exploring the base of ‘the Rock’ on an Uluru tour, you’ll begin to understand why this part of the country is so special to the Anangu people, who have called the region home for millennia. Go at your own pace this afternoon. We wouldn’t blame you for taking a dip in the resort pool to cool off. But if you want to see the monolith in another different light, opt to chopper around it, in a helicopter or on the back of a Harley. Either way, you’ll have plenty of stories to tell over your Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Day 11: Farewell from Uluru
Another reason to rise early: to catch the (optional) Field of Light art installation that blankets the desert floor. Your spirit will glow just as brightly as you bid farewell to this epic Northern Territory tour.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
