Day 1: Arrive in Uluru
The flight into Uluru Airport offers spectacular views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta and will give you a great idea of what the next 14 days hold. At night, take in the pristine night skies of the Outback at a free stargazing experience. Look and listen in awe as your host tells celestial tales and offers visitors a glimpse into their telescope.
Day 2: Uluru
Head to the Field of Light art installation at sunrise for an unforgettable experience and watch Uluru change colour as the sun rises. At sunset, hop on a camel and take in the awe-inspiring land of Uluru and Kata Tjuta on this magnificent creature's back.
Day 3: Uluru to Kings Canyon
Cycling around Uluru is a great way to explore the area and discover all that the desert landscape has to offer. The afternoon is perfect for an easy transit to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.
Day 4: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
At Watarrka National Park, embark on the 3.7-mile Kings Canyon Rim Walk and enjoy stunning views of the desert surroundings and a surprisingly lush waterhole. From there, journey to Alice Springs on the scenic four-wheel-drive route and explore the waterholes of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Days 5 & 6: Alice Springs
What better way to start the day in Alice Springs than by hot air balloon? Enjoy magnificent views under clear Northern Territory skies. By night, join an expert guide on a nocturnal tour of Alice Springs Desert Park. On this tour you will be able to spot rare wildlife such as the mala and bilby.
Alice Springs is the second-largest town in the Northern Territory and offers so much to explore. From petting a python at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre to learning about Australian pioneer history at Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air to an evening camping under the stars – the memories you make here will last a lifetime.
Day 7: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
Today, you'll make your way to Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), gigantic boulders scattered across a wide valley. A four-and-a-half-hour drive north of Alice Springs, the experience is well worth the trip as you'll feel as if you're transported to another world. Continue 62 miles and arrive at Tennant Creek where you'll relive the gold rush years on a mine tour at Battery Hill Mining Centre.
Day 8: Tennant Creek to Daly Waters
Despite its remote location, there's plenty to do in Tennant Creek. Saddle up for a bush tucker trail ride or learn about local Aboriginal culture at Nyinkka Nyunyu Art Centre. Drive four hours north and you'll happen upon historic Daly Waters Pub, where you can go lawn bowling… on main street!
Day 9: Daly Waters to Katherine
Just a 2-hour drive from Daly Waters and you'll be soaking and swimming in the crystal clear thermal pools of Mataranka Hot Springs. Here, you've officially been transported to the tropics of the Northern Territory. Only an hour's drive and you've arrived in Katherine, just in time to dine at Marksie's Stockman's Camp Tucker Night.
Day 10: Katherine to Cooinda, Kakadu National Park
Take your pick of a river cruise, canoeing, a bush walk, or helicopter tour to see and enjoy Nitmiluk National Park and its namesake gorge. Be sure to take in an Indigenous painting workshop at Top Didj before your three-hour drive to Cooinda in Kakadu, where adventure awaits.
Day 11: Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is home to the Yellow Water Billabong cruise. Here, you'll see spectacular wildlife and take in dramatic scenery while you learn about local Aboriginal culture. You can choose from a hands-on tour with local guides or join a free ranger-guided walk through the ancient rock art galleries of Nourlangie or Ubirr.
Day 12: Cooinda, Kakadu to Darwin
It's time to bid Kakadu a fond farewell as you head back towards the Northern Territory's capital city of Darwin. Be sure to stop for a wildlife cruise on the way, where you'll witness huge saltwater crocodiles jumping for food on the Adelaide River.
Days 13 & 14: Darwin
Darwin is home to a popular waterfront area and has several beaches and green areas – like Bicentennial Park – to choose from. Be sure to time your visit to include a magical sunset at the foodie dream spot, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. As you may have experienced from dining in the NT, the region is renowned for its world-class fishing – so consider taking an extended fishing charter, or a half-day Darwin Harbour fishing trip to cap off your Essentials Tour of the Northern Territory.
If you're looking to make a whistle-stop tour of some of the top attractions in the Northern Territory, check out 10 essential experiences in Uluru and the Outback.
