Overview
Experience the life-changing impact of the outback as you camp in the wilderness and learn about ancient Aboriginal culture. Absorb the beauty and wisdom of sites such as Uluru, Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park and lose yourself among sandstone cliffs and natural rock pools at Watarrka National Park.
Itinerary
Northern Territory: Uluru to Darwin in 11 Days
- History
- Australian History
Day 1
Travel to Uluru
Didgeridoo and Clapping Sticks Workshop
Listen to the distinctive sounds of the Yidaki, the traditional Aboriginal term for the didgeridoo. Learn basic techniques, including circular breathing, and how to play the instrument.
Sunset at Sunset Strip
Witness an unforgettable sunset over Uluru from the Sunset Strip. Watch as the changing light transforms the landscape and the rock formations shift in colour before your eyes.
Day 2
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park guided visit
Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where spectacular rock formations rise from Central Australia’s vast red plains. Visit the Cultural Centre to learn about the beliefs, traditions and history of the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land. Explore Uluru’s base, including ancient rock art and caves, and experience Kata Tjuta on the Valley of the Winds walk.
Day 3
Travel to Watarrka
Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Delve into Aboriginal culture as you learn about seasonal bush tucker, traditional grinding stones and plants used as bush medicine by the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Arrernte) peoples. Discover the history and meaning behind Aboriginal dot painting.
Day 4
Watarrka National Park visit
Visit Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon’s towering sandstone walls and desert landscapes. Take on the Rim Walk, climbing to sweeping views before passing Priscilla’s Crack, the domes of the Lost City, and descending to the Garden of Eden. This activity is weather dependent and may be adjusted for safety.
Travel to Alice Springs
Travel to Alice Springs, known as the heart of the Outback, set between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. The town is deeply connected to Aboriginal culture and is home to the Arrernte people, the traditional custodians of the region, known as Mparntwe.
Day 5
Royal Flying Doctors guided visit
Visit a historic hangar and museum to discover the heroic stories of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) through interactive holograms and touchscreen exhibits.
School of the Air guided visit
Discover the history of this pioneering educational facility, which has provided lessons to children in remote locations since 1951. Step inside the “World’s Largest Classroom” and learn how students living across the Australian Outback access their education.
Alice Springs Desert Park visit and Nature Theatre
Learn about wildlife, conservation and culture as you explore the Desert Park. Continue to the Nature Theatre to see birds of prey and other desert predators.
ANZAC Hill lookout and view sunset
Take in panoramic views of Alice Springs and the surrounding ranges from the top of Anzac Hill. The Anzac Hill Memorial honours those who have served in defence of Australia during times of war.
Day 6
Travel to Daly Waters via Devils Marbles
The Devils Marbles, or Karlu Karlu as they are known by the Warumungu people, are a sacred and culturally significant site. Formed over millions of years, these giant granite boulders continue to change through natural erosion, creating a remarkable landscape that evolves over time.
Pub dinner
Day 7
Travel to Nitmiluk via Mataranka Homestead 'Never Never Country'
Mataranka Thermal Pool visit
Swim in the crystal-clear, naturally warm waters of the Mataranka Thermal Pool. Surrounded by the beauty of Elsey National Park, enjoy time to relax in this natural oasis, where the water stays warm year-round.
Day 8
Nitmiluk Dreaming cultural cruise
Journey through the stunning gorges of Nitmiluk National Park, where the Outback meets the tropics. Make your way through the gorges, see Aboriginal rock art, and learn about the ancient Aboriginal culture of the area.
Footsteps of our Ancestors education program
Gain insight into the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the Jawoyn people through hands-on, interactive activities. This cultural immersion program encourages students to consider what it means to be an Indigenous Australian while learning about the world’s oldest living culture.
Travel to Kakadu via Edith Falls
Discover Leliyn (Edith Falls), a scenic series of waterfalls and natural pools in Nitmiluk National Park. Surrounded by paperbark trees and pandanus, this peaceful setting offers the chance to enjoy the Australian bush and swim in refreshing natural waters when conditions permit. Take in the picturesque landscape and learn more about this unique part of the Northern Territory.
Edith Falls visit and swim
Cool off with a swim at Edith Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls and pools in Nitmiluk National Park. Please note: visit is subject to weather conditions.
Sunset at Ubirr Rock
Watch the sunset from Ubirr Rock, overlooking the Nadab Floodplain. Take in the stunning landscape as the sun disappears and reflect on the history of the region.
Day 9
Yellow Waters sunrise cruise
As the sun rises, watch the billabong come to life. See native birds among the waterlilies, spot saltwater crocodiles on the banks and maybe catch sight of a wild buffalo feeding on the floodplains. The diverse wetlands offer ever-changing scenery throughout the year.
Kakadu National Park visit
Covering more than 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is renowned for its cultural and natural significance. Take in its waterfalls, tropical rainforests, wetlands, wildlife and ancient rock art.
Bowali Visitor Centre visit
Begin your Kakadu National Park adventure with an introduction to the park through videos, displays and a library filled with information about the area.
Nourlangie Rock Art guided walk
Follow a 1.5-kilometre circuit walk through Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), where paintings, shelters and artefacts offer insight into traditional ways of life. Learn stories of the region dating back thousands of years, including Namarrkon, the Lightning Man, a powerful creation ancestor.
Day 10
Travel to Darwin
Darwin Military Museum visit
Go back in time to the Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1942. Learn what life was like in the Northern Territory during the Second World War, the region’s contribution to the war effort and hear firsthand accounts of the bombing that changed Darwin forever.
Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory visit
Take in the internationally renowned artistic, cultural and scientific collections at MAGNT. See exhibitions curated from the museum’s collection alongside travelling exhibitions from across Australia.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets visit
Make your way through Darwin’s largest market, set along the beachfront with more than 200 stalls. Sample local and international cuisine, browse arts and crafts and enjoy live performances along the waterfront.
Depart for home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Darwin
Extend your time in Darwin with an excursion to Litchfield National Park. See the park’s remarkable magnetic and cathedral termite mounds, surrounded by the landscapes of the Northern Territory. Continue to Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, taking in two of the park’s most popular natural attractions before departing Darwin.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
Accommodations
Transportation to and from your destination
Experienced coach driver and services of a camp cook
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Daily meals with options varying by program
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
WorldStrides Tour Journal (available upon request)
Scenes from the Northern Territory
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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