Day 1 – Darwin to Daly Waters via Katherine & Mataranka

Depart Darwin 8 AM

We depart Darwin, travelling south through classic Top End savannah country. Passing the historic Adelaide River region, we continue toward Pine Creek and check out the top end of the Great Northern Railway connections opened in the 1889. Onwards to Katherine and enjoy lunch nearby the hot springs.

A highlight of the day is a relaxing swim at Mataranka Hot Springs, crystal-clear thermal pools set amongst palms and paperbarks, famously linked to We of the Never Never.

Overnight: Mataranka

Day 2 – Mataranka to Tennant Creek via Three Ways & Devils Marbles

Today we head south into classic Barkly Tableland country, stopping at the John Flynn Memorial, honouring the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Visit the famous Newcastle Waters region, a thriving centre in the cattle droving days

We arrive later in Tennant Creek, a historic gold-mining centre. Opportunity to visit key local heritage sites, including the Old Telegraph Station, and Battery Hill Gold Mining & Heritage Centre

Overnight: Tennant Creek

Day 3 – Tennant Creek to Alice Springs

Continuing south we visit the extraordinary Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu). These vast granite boulders are deeply sacred to Aboriginal custodians and are known in Dreaming stories as the Eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Time is allowed to walk amongst the formations and capture memorable photographs.

This morning we travel south through remote Central Australian landscapes, passing Wycliffe Wells — Australia’s famous UFO capital — before turning east into the Utopia region.

We visit the Aboriginal roadhouse and community of Aileron and visit their art centre. and purchase authentic artworks directly from the source — a powerful and meaningful cultural experience.

In the afternoon we arrive into Alice Springs, where the tour concludes.

Tour ends: Alice Springs this evening - Accommodation own arrangements

Inclusions

Fully accommodated in local motels
Small Group (max 4 per vehicle)
All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
Professional and experienced driver/guides
Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
All meals except 2 dinners in restaurants
Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.

Exclusions

2 dinners own purchase in restaurants
Alcohol
Flights to and from departure points
Options available - Katherine Gorge cruise, Daly Waters overnight with outback entertainment