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Central Australian Discovery

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Operated by APT
Tripcode: GODA16
Overview
Destination:
Start:Darwin → Adelaide,
Finish:,
Duration:16 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Style:
Land Tour,
Travel Period
May 2026 - September 2026
Darwin → Adelaide

Discover Central Australia’s ancient and sublime sights on this 16-day adventure from Darwin to Adelaide. Cut through the heart of the nation, stopping at iconic outback destinations including Flinders Ranges National Park, Coober Pedy and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In 2025 tour operates as a 15-day itinerary - GODA15

Highlights
  • Board a scenic flight over the Lost City, a series of large sandstone outcrops that evokes the remains of an ancient civilisation.

  • Indulge in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Savour a glass of sparkling before helping yourself to a ‘bush tucker’ inspired buffet accompanied by the music of a didgeridoo and the spectacular Field of Light art installation.

  • Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Oodnadatta Track, where the long road reveals a new chapter of Australia's rich history and stunning landscapes.

  • Discover an enchanting fusion of sound and light at Kings Canyon, crafted by renowned British artist Bruce Munro, widely celebrated for his iconic Field of Light art installation at Uluru.

  • Journey into the heart of pristine Watarrka National Park and embark on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which affords a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape.

Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive Darwin

Be met on arrival in Darwin and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a special Signature Experience welcome dinner.

Signature Experience – Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise

Set off at across the city's harbour aboard the Spirit of Darwin, admiring a spectacular sunset while feasting on a delicious buffet dinner.

Day 2 - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Katherine

Head towards the remote township of Katherine and enjoy a Signature Experience. Later, discover the music, stories and ways of the local Jawoyn people.

Signature Experience – Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise

Board a cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and marvel at the winding network of gorges carved from centuries-old sandstone. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles and birdlife along the way.

Day 3 - Katherine, Lorella Springs Wilderness Park

Today, travel to Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, a one million-acre working castle station that stretches all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Day 4 - Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, Lost City

Today, we will explore this coastal wilderness sanctuary, driving through a variety of landscapes and a scenic flight. This 4000-square-kilometre park contains coastal floodplains, salt flats and mangroves, escarpment country and dense forest. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the wilderness park at your own pace. 

Signature Experience – Lost City Scenic Flight

Board a scenic flight over the Lost City, a series of large sandstone outcrops that evokes the remains of an ancient civilisation.

Day 5 - Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, Barkly

Leave the oasis of Lorella Springs to journey along Nathan River Road towards Ryan’s Bend. Along the way, take a break to savour a leisurely lunch at the iconic Heartbreak Hotel. Afterwards, continue your route to Barkly Homestead, your evening destination. 

Day 6 - Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), Alice Springs

Venture to Alice Springs via Tennant Creek. Along the way, stop at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A living cultural landscape, nearly the entire reserve is a registered sacred site.

Day 7 - Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges

Explore Simpsons Gap, which pierces the West MacDonnell Ranges. This sacred area is an important spiritual site to the Arrarnta Indigenous people, where several Dreamtime stories have said to take place. Continue to the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, whose landscapes played a significant role in the stories of Western Arrernte Indigenous culture. At Angkerle (Standley Chasm), follow a creek where spring-fed pools attract a variety of unique birdlife. Afterwards, visit Ormiston Gorge, home to a variety of unique species. Later, take the afternoon to unwind.

Signature Experience – Outback Bush Barbecue

Delight in an evening of exceptional entertainment and outback dining, set against the dramatic backdrop of the remote East MacDonnell Ranges. Savour a gourmet two-course bush barbecue paired with premium beverages, as a talented bush balladeer brings Australia’s rich heritage to life through timeless song.

Day 8 - Mereenie Loop Road, Kings Canyon

Travel to Hermannsberg and visit the Hermannsburg School of Modern Art, where you can view authentic art pieces. Afterwards, travel to Gosses Bluff crater, before heading off-road along the Mereenie Loop Road. Take in the outback scenes as you travel to Kings Canyon. 

Signature Experience – Kings Canyon Light-Towers

Experience the Light-Towers at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon, a captivating sound and light exhibit created by renowned British artist Bruce Munro. Known worldwide for his Field of Light installation at Uluru, Munro's latest creation is now illuminating Kings Canyon. 

Day 9 - Kings Canyon, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Journey into the heart of Watarrka National Park today, where unspoiled bush and red rock canyons create an amazing experience. The Luritja people have called Watarrka National Park home for more than 20,000 years. After lunch, head inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), consisting of 36 domes that form deep valleys and steep-sided gorges. Explore Walpa Gorge before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort.

Signature Experience – Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Embark on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. On this challenging hike, venture around the rim of the canyon’s incredible sandstone walls, then after reaching the lookout, marvel at the canyon itself. About halfway along is the Garden of Eden, featuring a waterhole and riverine vegetation.

Day 10 - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

At sunrise, embark on a base tour of Uluru, learning stories from the Dreamtime while you explore this icon.

Signature Experience – Sound of Silence Dinner

This evening, experience ‘A Night at Field of Light’. Indulge in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Savour a glass of sparkling before helping yourself to a ‘bush tucker’ inspired budget accompanied by the music of a didgeridoo. At the same time, immerse yourself in the spectacular Field of Light art installation.

Day 11 - Coober Pedy

Cross into South Australia and arrive in the outback town of Coober Pedy. Visit the Umoona Opal Mine, where you'll get an insight into Indigenous and European settlement in the area, as well as learning about how opals are mined.

Day 12 - Oodnadatta Track, Marree

Today you will journey along the Oodnadatta Track, pausing at William Creek for lunch. Perhaps board a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. Take to the skies and gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder from above (own expense). Afterwards, drive to the edge of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre and lookout over the seemingly endless salt flats. Later, arrive at the small town of Marree.

Signature Experience – Travel the Oodnadatta Track

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Oodnadatta Track, where every turn reveals a new chapter of Australia's rich history and stunning landscapes. Traverse rugged terrain and ancient pathways, immersing yourself in the heart of the Outback's rugged beauty.

Day 13 - Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

On the way to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, stop for lunch at Parachilna’s famous Prairie Hotel. Arrive at the national park, which is a cultural site renowned for its 800-million-year-old landscapes. Explore Wilpena Pound, cradled within a natural amphitheatre of mountains. Continue to your accommodation, set amongst river red gums and native pines.

Day 14 - Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

A full day has been set aside for you to explore Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in more depth. Visit Brachina Gorge and keep an eye out for the endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby as you traverse the gorge’s ancient layers. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps take an optional scenic flight over Wilpena Pound (own expense).

Day 15 - Clare Valley, Adelaide

Farewell Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park as you make your way through the wine-growing district of the Clare Valley.  Arrive in Adelaide and toast the end of your journey during a farewell dinner.

Signature Experience – Dine at the Watervale Hotel

Visit the highly acclaimed Watervale Hotel for a delightful meal featuring local produce from their organic, bio-dynamic farm in the Clare Valley. 

Day 16 - Depart Adelaide

After breakfast, farewell your new-found friends and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
APT

APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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15 nights
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