14 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.
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.
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.
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
✓ 4 nights deluxe hotel accommodation in Alice Springs & Darwin
✓ 9 nights permanent tent with beds, mattresses and linen
✓ 28 meals including 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
✓ Domestic flight between Alice Springs and Darwin
✓ Transportation in purpose built modern 4WD coaches
✓ Two escorted tour guides throughout (Day 2 - 7 and 9 - 13)
✓ 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.
Welcome to Alice Springs! You can arrive at any time as there are no activities arranged for the day.
Check in & arrival information.
A taxi from Alice Springs airport to your accommodation costs approximately $50 per car. Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
You will be collected from your accommodation for the drive to one of Australia’s most famous icons – Uluru.
Guests starting at Ayers Rock Resort will join the group and we all then 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, who will explain 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.
Rising early, take a short walk to a lookout close to our campsite to view sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta without the hustle and bustle of the public viewing areas before heading off to Kata Tjuta for a walk through the spectacular "Valley of the Winds".
Afterwards, we're off to Kings Creek Cattle Station for our second nights' remote private 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. Dinner around the campfire makes for a very social time with another night out under the stars. Tonight, listen for the sound of dingoes howling in the distance while watching the desert sky light up above you.
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 enjoy a well-earned lunch followed by a short 30 minute drive to a unique and inspiring Aboriginal cultural experience.
After nearly 5 years of operation Karkke has fast become a must do cultural immersion including a "welcome to country", bush tucker, bush stories and a greater overall appreciation and understanding of the world’s longest surviving culture.
Later we return for our second nights camp at Kings Creek Cattle Station, once again an open fire to keep us warm, all the while the stars glistening above keeping us company and curious, the sheer magnitude of the Central Australian night sky has to be seen and contemplated.
An early start today in preparation for a scenic four wheel drive along the famous Mereenie Loop road, firstly to see views of Tnorala (Gosses Bluff Crater) a sacred site which scientists believe to be the remnants of a Comet from space, that crashed to earth around 142.5 million years ago. Following this, it’s time for a short scenic drive to Tylers Pass, which reveals majestic 360 degree views of this stunning landscape.
Traveling the Mereenie loop road presents a great opportunity to spot native wildlife amongst this vast and amazing scenery. We will visit the Mt Sonder viewing area situated on the Finke River before a convenience stop at Glen Helen, maybe you need a coffee, certainly a well-earned break after several hours driving.
Ormiston Gorge awaits shortly after, the legs will be stretched as the scenery satisfies, the Gorge is spectacular and the Ghost Gum walk will elevate you enabling majestic views and an appreciation of a unique Central Australian treasure. After lunch the West MacDonnell Ranges continues to amaze, followed by Ellery Creek Big Hole, referred to as "the beach" by Alice Springs locals where you can take a swim. It’s cold, but it’s also a once in a lifetime opportunity!
We now head on for a night’s bush camp, its remote, its beautiful and it’s the Outback in its most simplistic form. Sleeping under the stars, snug and safe in your swag (bush bed) are moments remembered for a lifetime.
After being woken by the birds, enjoying a hot brew and breaking camp, we now lock in the hubs and 4WD along the Owen Springs Reserve. Once owned by Sydney Kidman the reserve offers a variety of landscapes and history all off the beaten track and all once again, unique to this part of the world.
The Camel farm awaits and so too the days first facilities. Maybe a camel ride is something you have thought about? Now's your chance, John and his team are more than happy to have you along for a Camel ride on these once vital “Ships of the Desert”. Don’t forget to purchase an ANZAC biscuit, none better than right here!
We now head to Uluru for our final night in the outback. Viewing Atila along the way and stopping at Curtin Springs cattle station for a comfort stop, you’ll arrive at dusk to our comfortable camp for a nice hot shower. Due to the short winters days’, viewing sunset on Uluru may not be achievable this evening. Settle in for our last dinner together around the campfire and marvel again at some of the clearest skies you can imagine.
Enjoy your final breakfast in the Outback and witness sunrise over Uluru before a quick trip into the resort township. Continue driving to Alice Springs for the night. Today marks the end of your first group tour.
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.
Departing from Darwin around 7.00am we begin the short journey to Litchfield National Park to explore the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments. Discover the intriguing cathedral and magnetic termite mounds before we head to Buley Rockhole for an invigorating swim. A short journey later we arrive at Florence Falls where you will enjoy a hike and another welcome swim followed by a picnic lunch.
Early afternoon we leave the highway behind and hit the dirt travelling along a typical outback track taking us deep into Kakadu National Park. Travel past billabongs and traverse water crossings bringing ample opportunity for wildlife spotting before a comfort stop and chance for refreshment. Early evening we arrive at our private campsite complete 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.
Awake for breakfast this morning before joining an iconic Yellow Waters Cruise. A must do activity within Kakadu National Park, the award winning Yellow Waters cruise 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.
On completion of your cruise we travel to Twin and Jim Jim Falls. Explore Twin Falls Gorge which is accessed by 4-wheel drive track, a boat shuttle service and a rocky walking track and boardwalk. 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. After lunch we travel toward the Katherine region arriving at our private campsite in the early evening.
It’s up early this morning to get into Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) for a 2 hour dawn boat cruise (optional and own expense) or walk along the sheer rock walls that make the area so spectacular. A short drive 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. Return to Darwin accommodation approximately 6.30pm.
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
Single supplement is $1,427 person in addition to the twin share price.
Please note, that this single supplement is available from Day 1 to Day 8. During the tour of Kakadu solo travellers will be paired with another same sex traveller for the Kakadu portion of this trip.
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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