Outback Safari

Outback Safari

20 Views
11 Days From

$5280

$4488

Outback Safari

11 Days Starting in Uluru, Australia and ending in Darwin, Australia

Visiting: Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Alice Springs, Katherine, Kakadu National Park, Darwin

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

NUAD26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $5280 $4488 Operator discount: -$792 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 02-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Australia's iconic Outback with the Outback Safari tour. This adventure takes you from the majestic Uluru to the vibrant city of Darwin, offering a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Cruise through Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong with local guides, explore the School of the Air, and enjoy the historic charm of Daly Waters Pub. Discover the rich traditions of the Jawoyn people on a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise and relax in the Mataranka Thermal Hot Springs. With a specialist team of experienced guides, you'll explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks, while staying in centrally located premium hotels. This tour promises breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and the chance to immerse yourself in the heart of Australia's wilderness.

Highlights

  • Go behind the scenes with local guides while cruising Kakadu’s Yellow Water Billabong.

  • Leave a memento on the walls of the Daly Waters Pub, a tradition for over 40 years.

  • Learn about the local culture of the traditional Jawoyn landowners on a cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge.

  • Relax in the crystal-clear waters of Mataranka Thermal Hot Springs, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

  • Experience the stunning Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to the iconic Uluru rock formation.

  • Explore the precariously balanced boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) near Tennant Creek.

  • Discover the ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park, dating back over 20,000 years.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Uluru

Location: Uluru

Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens

Today is one of colours. The ochre soil spiked with cycads as you come into land. The endless blue sky. The russet hues of Uluru… And that’s all before the enchanting hour. Uluru has been home to the Anangu for millennia. You will discover their connection to the land when you arrive in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at sunset watching the shifting colours transform the desert. Elevate your evening with the exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner (own expense).

Day 2: Uluru Sunrise - Kata Tjuta

Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens

Help protect the highlights of Australia's wilderness through your bucket list visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You'll encounter iconic Uluru, half a billion years old, standing 348 metres high and taller than the Eiffel Tower. If you’re looking for a reason to roll out of bed before dawn, make it an Uluru sunrise. We’re not saying it’s better than the sunset. But rising with the birds certainly has benefits. Like being cool when you tour the base of the world’s biggest monolith. A circumnavigation is 11 kilometres, if you’re up for it. Or you can join a guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred spot decorated with Aboriginal rock art. Later, visit Kata Tjuta and wander through Walpa Gorge, with more bubbles to serenade another sunset.

Day 3: Uluru - Kings Canyon

Location: Uluru

Accommodation Name: Kings Canyon Resort

The only other reason to get up before dawn is to glimpse the Uluru Field of Light, a dazzling installation by British artist Bruce Munro that sees 50,000 stem-like globes blanket the Uluru soil (own expense). It’s optional – we won’t judge you for sleeping in, steeling yourself for today’s adventures. But if you’ve come this far, it would be a shame to opt for shut-eye over eye-popping. Speaking of which, did you know Australia has the largest population of wild camels in the world, and Kings Creek Station, your next stop, is the largest exporter of these doe-eyed creatures? From here, the land eases into Kings Canyon, part of the immense Watarrka National Park. Views over the Red Centre are perspective-resetting. Feeling fit? Get your heart pumping on the 500 step climb on the 6km rim walk or take it easier on the creek bed walk.

Day 4: Kings Canyon - Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs

Cattle stations are the size of small nations in the NT outback, as you’ll discover on your journey toward Alice Springs. The other ‘big’ thing in these parts is the MacDonnell Ranges, undulating across the red earth like a caterpillar's spine. Back in 1872, Alice Springs was a hive of activity, as a Telegraph Station was built to connect Adelaide and Darwin as part of the Overland Telegraph Line. Sweat and tears went into the project, as you’ll discover browsing the grounds. Finally – panoramas from Anzac Hill steal the scene.

Day 5: Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs

Visit Alice Springs Desert Park. It's home to a vast range of plants and wildlife native to the area. You can really appreciate the beauty and diversity of this incredible landscape. In remote parts of Australia, community is everything, whether to ensure stories of the Arrernte people are not forgotten, or to help those who need help. The passionate Royal Flying Doctor Service health workers commute hundreds of kilometres to provide aid. End the day on a high at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, where the Falzon family host a BBQ Be My Guest dinner under the stars. This is a lesson in off-the-grid, sustainable living.

Day 6: Alice Springs - Tennant Creek

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation Name: Bluestone Motor Inn

The whole of Peru covers 1.3 million square kilometres – the same size playing field that the School of the Air broadcasts daily classes to. If you are lucky enough to be there during school term you might see a live session with kids in some of Australia’s most remote reaches, providing them with educational tools otherwise unavailable. Undeniably otherworldly are the precariously balanced boulders that characterise Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) and the landscapes surrounding gold-rich Tennant Creek.

Day 7: Tennant Creek - Katherine

Location: Katherine

Accommodation Name: Contour Hotel Katherine

When you’re not working hard in the Australian outback, you’re having a lot of fun. Case in point the Daly Waters Historic Pub, where the food – schnitzels, burgers – comes second to the atmosphere. Follow the lead of those here before you and leave a memento to decorate the walls. If you were a fan of TV drama We of the Never Never, you’ll recognise your next destination: the (replica) Elsey Homestead in Mataranka. Explore, or soak in the palm-shrouded thermal springs.

Day 8: Katherine - Kakadu

Location: Kakadu National Park

Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Explore the natural beauty of Nitmiluk National Park on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. You’ll wind through this gorge carved through ancient sandstone alongside steep cliff walls, watching for lush rainforest gullies in giant cracks, and maybe a freshwater crocodile or two on the banks. You can almost feel the spirits yawning as they created this landscape on Jawoyn land, part of Nitmiluk National Park. It takes your breath away. More wildlife lurks in Kakadu’s Yellow Water Billabong, which is a mecca for sea eagles, brolgas and little kingfishers.

Day 9: Kakadu - Darwin

Location: Kakadu National Park

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

The best way to grasp the immensity of Kakadu National Park? From the air, should you wish to take a scenic flight (own expense). You won’t regret it – perspective is always a good thing. Speaking of which, Ubirr’s Aboriginal rock art dates back an eye-watering 20,000+ years. If it looks familiar, that’s because it starred in classic Aussie movie, Crocodile Dundee. Get your Darwin bearings on a quick tour – we want to give you as much time as possible to enjoy the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.

Day 10: Darwin Free Time

Location: Darwin

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

Today, go your own way. That might mean sleeping in, then heading out for a delicious tropical lunch. Or signing up for optional experiences, like explorations into Litchfield National Park. This pocket of the NT is a staggering union of magnetic termite mounds and waterfalls (swimming is seasonal and opening is controlled by NT Parks). Alternatively, head north to the Tiwi Islands, where you take a deep dive into Indigenous history and art with First Nations guides (both own expense). Whichever route you go, we’ll see you at the Farewell Dinner.

Day 11: Farewell From Darwin

Location: Darwin

‘Ma Muk’ (‘See you later’), as the Larrakia people would say. This Outback adventure is over for now, but we’re positive your memories will last forever.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay in centrally located premium hotels including Desert Gardens, Kings Canyon Resort, Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Bluestone Motor Inn, Contour Hotel Katherine, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, and Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.

  • Specialist Team

    A specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver accredited with Uluru and Kakadu National Parks.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Visits to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks.

  • National Park Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to national parks are included.

  • Transfers

    Arrival and departure transfers are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours with local guides, including a cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge and a tour of the School of the Air.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner and the Uluru Field of Light installation are not included and are at your own expense.

  • Scenic Flights

    Scenic flights over Kakadu National Park are not included and are at your own expense.

  • Litchfield National Park and Tiwi Islands Tours

    Optional tours to Litchfield National Park and the Tiwi Islands are not included and are at your own expense.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy comfortable transportation with arrival and departure transfers included. Note that flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife might I see during the Outback Safari tour?

    During the Outback Safari tour, you might see freshwater crocodiles along the banks of Nitmiluk Gorge, as well as sea eagles, brolgas, and little kingfishers in Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong.

  • Are there any special experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge, where you can learn about the local culture of the traditional Jawoyn landowners through your indigenous guide’s expertise.

  • What is the level of physical fitness required for this tour?

    A low level of fitness is required for most of the tour, but a high level of fitness is needed for the Kings Canyon Rim walk. There are other options available for those with lower fitness levels.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in centrally located premium hotels such as Desert Gardens, Kings Canyon Resort, Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Bluestone Motor Inn, Contour Hotel Katherine, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, and Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    No, flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. However, return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.

  • What are some optional activities available during the tour?

    Optional activities include the exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner and the Uluru Field of Light installation, as well as explorations into Litchfield National Park and the Tiwi Islands, which are at your own expense.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Saturday - Tuesday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$5280 $4488

Operator discount: -$792

Saturday - Tuesday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
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Operator discount: -$792

Saturday - Tuesday

Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025
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Operator discount: -$792

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Prices last published on 28-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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