The package includes:

o Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach
o Centrally located hotels
o Experienced tour director and driver
o 21 meals (12 breakfasts, 9 dinners)
o Visits and entry fees as per itinerary

Departure dates:

2009: May 08, 21*, 29; Jun. 19; Jul. 09*, 17, 30*; Aug. 07, 20*; Sept. 04, 17*, 25; Oct. 8*

*Operates in reverse direction.

Highlights:

o Visit Adelaide, the ‘city of churches’
o Visit the opal capital and an underground mine
o Watch sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock)
o Walk through Walpa Gorge at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
o Visit Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park
o Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air
o Walk around Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
o Tour the Battery Hill Precinct at Tennant Creek
o Cruise through majestic Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park
o Spot crocodiles on the Yellow Water Billabong cruise
o Soak in the thermal springs at Mataranka
o View ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr

Day 1 Sydney/Hay.

Depart Sydney and travel along the Hume Highway via Goulburn and the Riverina to Hay. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your Tour Director. Comfort Inn (D)

Day 2 Hay/Adelaide.

Leave Hay for Adelaide, travelling via vast Hay plains and Mildura. Cross the South Australian border and travel through the vineyards of the Riverland District to Adelaide. 12 day tour clients joining this afternoon and will be transferred to hotel. (Flight to arrive prior to 6.00pm). Grand Chifley (B)

Day 3 Port Augusta.

Travel to Port Augusta, situated on the quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf, in close proximity to the Flinders Ranges. Time to explore the Wadlata Outback Centre. Acacia Ridge Motor Inn (B,D)

Day 4 Coober Pedy.

After leaving Port Augusta, travel to Woomera before continuing to the isolated town of Coober Pedy, the opal capital! Afternoon tour includes a visit to an underground church and home, as well as an introduction to opals. Opal Inn (B,D)

Day 5 Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Leaving the opal capital behind, cross the border into Northern Territory and continue to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and nibbles as the sun sets over Uluru. 9 day tour clients joining this afternoon and will be transferred to hotel. (Flight to arrive prior to 3.00pm). Outback Pioneer Hotel (B)

Day 6 Uluru (Ayers Rock)/Kings Canyon.

This morning you may wish to join a tour to view sunrise at Uluru. Later travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta and see these massive domes of red conglomerate rock. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek bed between two domes. We continue to Kings Canyon Resort. Kings Canyon Resort (B,D)

Day 7 Kings Canyon/Alice Springs.

Join a guided climb to the canyon rim with magnificent views of Watarrka National Park or you may prefer to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor. Leaving Watarrka National Park behind, travel through to Alice Springs. See the
sights of Alice Springs, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air. Stop for views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill. All Seasons Oasis (2 nights) (B,D)

Day 8 Alice Springs.

You may wish to join an optional 4WD Safari to Palm Valley ($) or perhaps visit the Alice Springs Desert Park ($). (B)

Day 9 Tennant Creek.

Travel to Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). Time to walk around these precariously balanced boulders. On arrival in Tennant Creek we join a local guide for a tour of the historic Battery Hill Precinct. Tour a mine and experience the life of an early miner. Bluestone Motor Inn (B,D)

Day 10 Mataranka/Katherine.

Travel across vast outback stations. Visit the historic Daly Waters Hotel before continuing on to Mataranka. You can visit the replica of the original Elsey Homestead or take the beautiful palm lined walkway for a swim in the famous thermal springs. Travel on to Katherine. Knotts Crossing Resort Motel (B,D)

Day 11 Katherine Gorge/Kakadu.

Enjoy breakfast while cruising on Katherine Gorge. Visit the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre then continue deep into Kakadu National Park. Cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. You should see a variety of birdlife and perhaps a crocodile basking in the muddy shallows. Aurora Kakadu (B,D)

Day 12 Kakadu/Darwin.

Travel to Ubirr and climb to the top of this rocky outcrop for rewarding views. Stop at Bowali Visitor Centre. The displays here will take you on a journey through Kakadu’s varied habitats and landscapes. This afternoon, travel to Darwin and enjoy a sightseeing tour of this tropical city. Travelodge Mirambeena Resort (B,D)

Day 13 Depart Darwin.

Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)