THROUGH THE RED CENTRE

Introduction

This 14-day adventure begins in Adelaide with a tour of the Barossa Valley wine region and a night on Kangaroo Island where Australian sea-lions rest and nurse their pups, among the roaming wallabies and kangaroos. Australia’s ‘red centre’ awaits, watch the sun rise over Uluru and take in the Kata Tjuta Domes, then step aboard the legendary Ghan Train for an unforgettable overnight experience and a leisurely cruise on Katherine River before re-boarding the train to Darwin. Finally, a 2-day Kakadu and East Alligator River adventure reveals this wildlife abundant area of the Northern Territory.

Day-by-Day

Day 1 & 2: Adelaide, Barossa Valley

Arrive in Adelaide and settle into the relaxed sunny vibe of this Southern Australian City. The following day enjoy a full day premium wine tasting tour in the picturesque Barossa Valley, crossing Jacobs Creek and with a visit to the historic township of Tanunda. Visit the Peter Lehmann winery for a private cellar door tasting followed by the oldest Shiraz winery in the world at Langmeil. Stop at Mengler’s Hill Lookout for breath-taking panoramic views before the final tasting at Lindsay Wines, where wine is fused with art and music for a joyous experience.

Day 3: Kangaroo Island

Depart Adelaide for a day trip to remember, a full day and night on Kangaroo Island, a spectacular wildlife haven where striking rock formations and magical animal encounters will leave lasting memories. One of the best places in Australia to see wild native animals, walk among the sea lions at Seal Bay colony, swim with the dolphins, see the koalas and kangaroos on a wildlife tour and marvel at the astounding geological wonders. 

Day 4: Adelaide

Return to Adelaide with the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city. Adelaide, known as the 'City of Churches', has a sophisticated, cultured and casual feel to it with a vibrant arts and live-music scene; and a comprehensive festival calendar throughout the year. Down the tram tracks you will also find Glenelg, or ‘the Bay’ which is the cities nearest beach and faces the sunset each evening with a host of bars and restaurants from which to enjoy the view.

Day 5: Alice Springs

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Alice Springs, where you will then be transferred to the hotel. Alice Springs has a hardy and rugged appearance, but there's more going on here than first meets the eye. You can enjoy a number of excellent museums, a fine wildlife park and outstanding galleries of Indigenous art.

Day 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

The following day travel by coach through the desert landscapes to Uluru (Ayers Rock) within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Discover the unique Australian flora and fauna, including the Perentie monitor lizard and the thorny devil, then learn about the intriguing cultural traditions of the Anangu people while discovering fascinating sacred sites. Watch the sunset over the horizon and the vibrant colours in the sky create a magical show as you sip a glass of chilled Australian wine and savour the moment. 

Day 7: Kings Canyon

The following morning, coffee is served as the sun rises, setting the red centre alight and the depth of Uluru’s colour returns once again. Travel to Kata Tjuta and the mystical 36 domes, arriving at the Walpa Gorge for a walking tour around the unusual rock formations.

Day 8: Alice Springs

Join a guided walk through the boulder strewn floor of Kings Canyon, stopping for lunch at Kings Creek Station (not included) before exploring a working cattle station. Alternatively, in the cooler months, those with a good level of fitness may choose to climb the rim of the canyon for spectacular views of Watarrka National Park.

Day 9: Ghan Train, Alice Springs to Katherine

Transfer to the railway station and board the legendary Ghan in the early evening, after settling into your cabin, enjoy dinner served in the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant. The Ghan offers an all inclusive experience with the romance and adventure of train travel, the rich history of this route and the spectacular scenery, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Day 10: Ghan Train, Katherine to Darwin

Enjoy an early breakfast onboard the train, then alight for a morning exploring Katherine with a leisurely cruise on Katherine River or perhaps gain an insight into the traditions of the Jawoyn people with a cultural experience. Back onboard the train, lunch is served as it departs Katherine and continues the journey through the lush tropical landscape to Darwin, arriving early evening and transferring to the hotel.

Day 11: Darwin

Spend the morning exploring Darwin on a city tour of the lush Botanic Gardens, historic sights, Stokes Hill Wharf and the museum and art gallery. In the evening, enjoy fish and chips onboard a cruise of the harbour, spotting magnificent marine mammals and the harbours best sights.

Day 12: Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park covers 20,000 square kilometres of landscape from rocky escarpment to floodplains abundant with wildlife. Search for saltwater crocodiles on a guided cruise of Yellow Water Billabong and spot the colourful birdlife for which the region is known. After a guided walk to the rock art galleries filled with historic Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, check into your hotel within Kakadu National Park.

Day 13: Darwin

This morning, there is time to visit another ancient Aboriginal rock art gallery, before lunch at Corroboree Park Tavern en-route to join the Jumping Crocodile Cruise, where these awesome creatures launch themselves out of the river. View the Marrakai plains from the wetlands centre and stop at Fogg Dam Nature Reserve before heading back to Darwin.

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Prices

From £5,799 per person

Truly Individual Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• Domestic flights
• 13 nights accommodation
• Overnight Ghan Train Alice Springs to Darwin Gold Class Twin 
• 2-day Kakadu Tour & Overnight Kangaroo Island tour
• Tours in Barossa Valley, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Darwin
• Private airport transfers
• Documents, vouchers and information pack

Price based on two people sharing accommodation. Any element of this holiday can be tailor-made to suit you. Simply enquire below!