13 Day Uluru & Kakadu Dreaming
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Small group tour, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including Uluru, Kings Canyon, Gosse Bluff, Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National park and the incredible Katherine Gorge
✓ 3 nights deluxe hotel accommodation in Darwin
✓ 9 nights permanent tent with beds, mattresses and linen
✓ 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
✓ Domestic flight between Uluru and Darwin
✓ Transportation in purpose built modern 4WD coaches
✓ Two escorted tour guides throughout (Day 1 - 5 and 8 - 12)
✓ All park and entry fees
✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information
✓ Only $99 deposit per person
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
On arrival there is a free shuttle which will take you to the Desert Garden Hotel. At approximately 1pm you will be collected from here and travel the short distance to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring this extraordinary monolith starting with an interpretive walk led by your guide (approximatly 2.5km) and hearing of the Aboriginal law and religion (Tjukurpa). You will also learn about the art and culture of the local custodians, the Anangu people, and visit the acclaimed Cultural Centre where you can explore the displays and learn of the flora and fauna unique to this area.
Experience the famous changing colours of Uluru at sunset complete with sparkling wine and nibbles and plenty of photo opportunities. This is a great time to kick back and contemplate the vastness of the desert while getting to know your fellow travellers. Afterwards settle in at our private camp, complete with our signature Endless Star dining experience before retiring to your swag under the amazing night sky or your comfortable safari tent complete with beds.
Rise early this morning for an unforgettable experience to view the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta and witness the changing colours. After, we head to Kings Creek Station for our second nights' remote private bush camp, complete with flushing bush toilets and hot showers. With nobody else for miles, this camp has stunning views out over the George Gill Ranges and gives you a real feel for the outback. Tonight, enjoy dinner around the campfire and million star setting.
Today we head off to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) for a mind blowing 6km walk through the towering walls, crevices and plateaus of Watarrka. We will visit the Amphitheatre, Lost City and the tranquil ‘Garden of Eden’. Afterward we travel a short distance to our next stop to enjoy a well-earned lunch followed by the opportunity to immerse yourself in an authentic indigenous cultural experience. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk with our indigenous custodians while learning about bush tucker and the healing powers of bush medicine, and gain an insight into Aboriginal dot painting.
This afternoon we start our trip towards our remote bush camp at Owen Springs Reserve. Sleep tonight under the clearest skies with no light pollution. You will think that you can almost touch the stars.
Following an early breakfast we embark on a stunning 4WD experience traveling through Owen Springs Reserve, we then rejoin the sealed road and arrive at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of the West MacDonnell Ranges most picturesque swimming and walking spots known to the locals as Udepata. Arrive at Ormiston Gorge to hike the Ghost Gum Walk followed by a swim in the rock hole.
After lunch we head to Goose’s Bluff sacred site to view the original crater which is believed to be the remnants of a comet impact almost 1 million years ago, then it’s time for some four wheel driving on the famous Mereenie Loop Road which presents a great opportunity to spot some native wildlife amongst amazing scenery.
We return to our private camp at Kings Creek Station in time for a welcome hot shower before dinner and stargazing around the campfire.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before we leave Kings Creek Station and begin making our way back to Uluru. We stop en route at Kathleen Springs to enjoy a leisurely 1.5 hour walk which takes us to a picturesque spring- fed waterhole at the head of Kathleen Gorge, this is an ideal spot to sit and enjoy the tranquillity before we hit the road again.
This evening you can also visit Bruce Munro’s art installation ‘Field of Light’ (optional and at your own expense - paid locally) or opt to stay back at camp and marvel at the clearest skies you can imagine.
Enjoy your final breakfast in the Outback before we depart for the Ayers Rock Resort before boarding your coach transfer to Alice Springs, where you will spend the evening.
Today you will be transferred by coach to Alice Springs Airport in time for your flight to Darwin.
On arrival in Darwin, please make your own way to your hotel. Darwin Airport is located approximately 10km from your hotel. A taxi ride will cost you between $25 to $30.
Today we depart Darwin early to begin the short journey to Litchfield National Park, famous for its spectacular array of waterfalls. Discover the intriguing cathedral and magnetic termite mounds before enjoying a swim at a nearby waterhole.
This afternoon we make the journey to Kakadu National Park. Travelling past billabongs and traversing water crossings, there is plenty of time for wildlife spotting. This evening, we arrive at own own private camp with comfortable permanent tents, you’ll have time to shower and refresh while your guides prepare dinner before enjoying an evening with your fellow travellers and some stargazing.
Nothing is quite like waking up to the sound of the surrounding bush. Enjoy breakfast this morning before heading to the iconic Yellow Water cruise. A must do activity within Kakadu National Park, the award-winning Yellow Water Cruises is Aboriginal owned and centres around a spectacular billabong system that is home to some remarkable and diverse wildlife. Spotting crocodiles is only one of the many wildlife viewing opportunities on this unique water system.
After the cruise we travel to the iconic Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls. Twin Falls, only accessible by 4WD and a short boat ride is well worth the effort. Once there relax on the sandy banks and admire the falls. There’s more 4-wheel driving as we make our way to Jim Jim Falls where a walk through a monsoon forest and over boulders takes us to the waterfall and plunge pool, which are surrounded by 150 metre cliffs. Spend the afternoon taking in the sheer beauty of your spectacular surrounds before we make our way back to camp for a hearty dinner and well-earned rest.
This morning we travel to nearby Nourlangie Rock. Here you can see how local Aboriginal people lived in this area through changing times. Environmental and social changes are reflected in the rock art and in the ground, where archaeologists have uncovered over 20,000 years of Aboriginal occupation. Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, a Gun-djeihmi name for the local area and creek on land owned by the Mirarr clan. See the audio-visual presentations and Marrawuddi Gallery showcasing Aboriginal art by artists from within Kakadu and the wider region. Lunch today is at the culturally significant Aboriginal art site, Ubirr, located within the East Alligator region of the park. Here you will view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land before heading to our private campsite at Jabiru. Enjoy some free time late this afternoon where you can relax by the pool with a cold beverage until dinner is ready.
It’s a relaxed start to the morning today with the chance of a sleep in before a leisurely breakfast. Then it’s time to head to Gunlom Falls made famous by the movie Crocodile Dundee! After a tasty picnic lunch, relax around the lower plunge pool before hiking to the top of the falls where you can enjoy the many rock holes and the amazing view on offer beyond the natural infinity pool. After lunch we travel toward the Katherine region arriving at our private campsite in the early evening.
Rising early this morning we head to Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). Here you have the opportunity to join a boat cruise (own expense - $105 paid locally) or walk along the sheer rock walls that are so iconic to the area. A short dive later we arrive at Top Didj Cultural Experience and meet Indigenous artist Manuel Parrikal who will teach you about Aboriginal culture and the significance of his painting style in this interactive activity. Our next stop is at Edith Falls for lunch and one final swim before heading back to Darwin via a comfort and refreshment break at the Adelaide River.
Your Red Centre and Top End journey comes to an end today. At the appropriate time make your own way to the airport or continue your onward journey. Your hotel is located approximately 10km from Darwin Airport and a taxi ride will cost you between $25 to $30
Vehicles
We operate a range of late model large and small 4WDs trucks and minibuses. For your comfort, our fleet of high end vehicles have all been modified or custom built to suit the harsh Australian outback conditions our tours travel in. Vehicles are purpose build 4WD ISUZU TRUCK coaches up to 21 seats.
Permanent Tents
These 4WD tours are suitable for all ages seeking an authentic outback experience providing a moderate level of comfort. With remote and some powered campsites they include hot water, flushing toilets, complete with permanent safari tents with beds, all linen, pillow and sleeping bags. Swags are also available for those wanting to sleep out under the stars. Sleeping bags are included, however you are welcome to provide your own.
What to pack
Sunscreen, torch (preferably hands free head light), camera (plus spare fully charged batteries), mosquito repellent (summer), face fly net, towel, toiletries, any medication required, water bottle (1.5 litre is best). Fresh water supplies for refilling bottles will be available throughout the tour. If you have walking/trekking poles/sticks these can also be handy in some of the undulating terrain.
In summer shorts and a shirt is all that is really needed. We would also recommend light weight long sleeve shirts and long (zip off) pants. Our temperatures can be excessive and this can impact fair skinned people. A jumper/pullover is recommended for the early morning if it happens to get a bit chilly. Swimwear is recommended as there will be swimming opportunities - don't forget a towel! Also bring a broad brimmed hat (not a baseball cap), sunglasses and sunscreen.
Winter days are generally mild and most of the time you can still wear shorts and a shirt during the day. However, the nights and early mornings can be very cold. You will need to bring warm clothes - long pants, a good jumper, wind breaker, a beanie, scarf, gloves and good woollen socks are recommended.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request:
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tour Type - Small
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with between 10-20 other guests depending on your selected tour.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Not available. Please note, single or solo travellers will be paired with another same sex traveller for Uluru and Kakadu portions. A $349 single supplement is payable for the Darwin accommodation portion as sharing is not available in Darwin. All other times singles will be pair with another same sex traveller. Please note, this option must be requested in the special requests section and the cost will able added to your final invoice.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
10 to 20 travellers, maximum.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is a Fully Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
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