We leave Darwin behind, and our journey takes us south to the town called Adelaide River. The War Cemetery is the resting place of WWII service men and women, and it is the site of the only Australian war cemetery on Australian soil. Back on the bus we travel to Pine Creek. Originally the town was built to service the Overland Telegraph Line, but while digging holes for posts gold was found and soon led to the gold rush in 1871. We have a comfort stop here and head out to Leliyn / Edith Falls for relaxation and swimming in the main natural pool. The Edith River comes down from the Nitmuluk escarpment at Leliyn, creating the Top Pools and the idyllic plunge pool surrounded by lush Melaleuca and Pandanus trees. Enjoy floating with a pool noodle or swim to the waterfall base. If you love walking, join your guide on a walk along the Leliyn Trail to the summit. Take in the spectacular scenic views, marvel at the sandstone formations and soak in the crystal-clear upper pools. This is sure to be a full afternoon in paradise. From here Katherine is only a short 45-minute drive away and we will stay for the next two nights. Finish the day with an entertaining and delicious dinner under the stars at Marksie’s Bush Camp. (Day 3 Overnight Contour Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Stroll along the shops of Katherine and visit the fantastic Katherine Museum. The township is set on the Katherine River which flows through Nitmiluk National Park. In the afternoon we are destined for a Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise at Katherine Gorge. Sit back and relax as the tranquil surroundings take you into a spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture and history. Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge, changing colour with the setting sun. Our tour includes a three-course candlelight dinner, featuring fresh, local Australian produce cooked on board, and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. (Day 4 Overnight Contour Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

We travel further south to a small town called Mataranka, which was made famous by the novel “We of the Never Never” – a book written about nearby Elsey Station by Jeannie Gunn. The Mataranka Homestead Tourist Resort is our accommodation for tonight. Framed by two rivers and the serene Elsey National Park, the homestead is a great place to relax, and you will soon discover why so many travellers stay for several days. Swim in the crystal clear and sandy-bottomed thermal pool, sit back and immerse yourself in a truly relaxing atmosphere. (Day 5 Overnight Mataranka Motel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After a morning swim in the thermal pools, we leave the “Top End” and the trail of the giant termite nests. We stop at Daly Waters Historic Pub for a look around and some quirky photo opportunities before heading down to Tennant Creek for our overnight stay. (Day 6 Overnight Bluestone Motor Inn, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

We continue our journey to the giant rock formations of Devil’s Marbles. Stroll between the giant rounded boulders which are the result of millions of years of erosion and are a nature lovers’ and photographers’ delight. Then we pass through Barrow Creek and Aileron on our way to Alice Springs. For the next 4 nights we are staying at the Diplomat Motel superbly located in the centre of Alice Springs. Upon arrival we check into our newly renovated rooms and join back together for a restaurant dinner. (Day 7 Overnight Diplomat Motel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Alice Springs is nestled in between the Western and Eastern MacDonnell Ranges and today we will explore the Western region. The panoramic landscapes are known for their sunburnt oranges, maroons and purple colours and our first visit takes us to Glen Helen Gorge. A permanent waterhole surrounded by towering red cliffs is the main feature of Glen Helen Gorge and home to a variety of water birds and fish. Then we visit the world heritage listed Ochre Pits, a colourful outcrop of ochre on the banks of a sandy creek. Ochre is an important part of Aboriginal Culture and this area is a registered sacred site. For lunch we travel to Standley Chasm, a narrow gap which was formed by rushing floodwaters over thousands of years ago. It is at its most dramatic around noon on a sunny day. Enjoy a walk through the chasm surrounded by fire-red walls up to 80m in height. On our return drive to Alice Springs we stop at the Telegraph Station. Enjoy a guided tour before heading back to our hotel in Alice Springs. (Day 8 Diplomat Motel, Breakfast, Lunch)

Enjoy two free days in Alice Springs. Visit the Women’s Hall of Fame or the Transport Hall of Fame. Check out the Desert Park, which is home to a vast range of plants and wildlife native to the area. Other great places to see are the School of the Air, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and several stunning art galleries. There is an opportunity to experience the breathtaking feeling of floating silently above the Outback as the sun slowly rises over the desert on a fabulous ballooning adventure. This optional activity will be available to you on the first free morning in Alice Springs. (Day 9/10 Overnight Diplomat Motel, Daily Breakfast included)

Today we drive to Kings Canyon, the biggest attraction inside Watarrka National Park. The canyon has been forged over 400 million years and is made from layers of sandstone with hard shale between the layers. Marvel at the sheer cliffs from the ground and absorb the surrounding nature on our easy walk into the base of the canyon. A bird’s eye view is the best way to see this amazing part of the Watarrka National Park. Our last activity for today has us all flying in a scenic helicopter over the Canyon Rim, the “Lost City” and the “Garden of Eden”. It is a fabulous and exhilarating helicopter flight which completes a fantastic day at Kings Canyon. Tonight, we dine at the fabulous Outback Bar & Grill at the Kings Canyon Resort. (Day 11 Overnight Kings Canyon Resort, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Get up early and join your guide on a more challenging Rim Walk at Kings Canyon. Explore Kings Canyon, a scenic landscape of rugged ranges, ancient sandstone walls, rock holes and gorges. If moderate walking is not for you, enjoy a leisurely morning at the resort. Feel and experience aboriginal culture up close with a tour led by members of the local indigenous community. Be taken on an authentic journey while learning about musical instruments, weapons, bush tucker and medicines. After an inspiring introduction to the local culture, we continue our journey to the most spectacular of indigenous sacred sites. Uluru -Ayers Rock is our destination today. It is the world’s largest monolith rising 348 metres above ground with a circumference of 9.2 kilometres. Upon arrival we check into our rooms for the next 3 nights. Refresh and meet back for a delightful buffet dinner at the Ilkari Restaurant. Taste some of the finest produce available under the Australian sun.   (Day 12 Overnight 5-star Sails in the Desert Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Start the day with a sunrise breakfast at Kata Tjuta and witness the desert coming to life. Then we head off to explore the Kata Tjuta rocks, estimated to be over 500 million years old. The 36 weathered rock domes are another significant area for the indigenous – Anangu people. We follow a natural track between two of the tallest domes to a viewing platform at the end. Take in the beautiful surrounding scenery and listen to the sound of Walpa Gorge.

After lunch we get ready for a beautiful afternoon. Learn about musical instruments, weapons, bush tucker, and medicines at the Culture Centre and view the many displays and incredible art before we head to Uluru. Experience a spectacular sunset with many changing colours of Uluru and its surrounding landscape. (Day 13 Overnight 5-star Sails in the Desert Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

An early rise this morning for a sunrise breakfast near Uluru. Watch the changing colours of Uluru as the first sunlight of the day creep across the desert plains. Uluru is one of Australia’s most recognized natural landmarks and today is the time to take in the true magnitude of the rock, by a walk around the base. For those not wanting to take on the full journey, join your guide on several well selected and shorter walks at Uluru. Spend the afternoon with souvenir shopping, a visit to the local art gallery, museum, theatre or enjoy a relaxing nap or a treatment at the Red Ochre Spa. One of the best ways to experience Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta is from the air. This afternoon we give you the opportunity for an optional scenic helicopter flight.

Tonight’s dinner choice is yours. Try one of the many restaurants in town square and finish the night with a walk through the Field of Light. Or join the Field of Light Dinner with Outback Style canapes and sparkling wine or other drinks.  Experience the outback sky and the once in a lifetime Field of Light art installation of 50,000 illuminating glass spheres. For the more adventurous, explore the great Central Australian desert from the back of a camel, an unforgettable journey through red dune country with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as a stunning backdrop during sunset. (Day 14 Overnight 5-star Sails in the Desert Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch)

A day to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery  as we leave the Northern Territory and venture into South Australia along the Stuart Highway. The road is named after John McDouall Stuart. Shifting sand dunes, salt and clay pans made this construction a tough assignment. We arrive in Coober Pedy and spend two nights and one full day here to explore this bizarre and unique town. (Day 15 Overnight Coober Pedy Lookout Cave, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After a well-earned sleep in we head out for the day, exploring Coober Pedy and trying our luck in noodling. Only here can you arrive with just a shirt on and leave as one of the richest people in the world! Coober Pedy is known for underground living, a moon landscape and brilliant opal. We start with an Opal Mine tour and look at some amazing opal that has been found here. See how some of the locals lived and visit the Serbian underground church. Our next stop takes us to the golf course, a unique area to be playing golf. Then we go noodling, meaning we search for opal through mullock piles. Once you have found your first shiny piece, you will understand how easy it is to get opal fever.

Coober Pedy is truly unique and so are the people that live and lived here. Learn about Crocodile Harry and visit his eccentric and amusing home. Complete the town tour with the views from the Big Winch Lookout, views of the Blower Truck and the first tree ever seen in town. Late afternoon we drive out to the Kanku- Breakaways Conservation Park just on the outskirts of Coober Pedy. Step onto the red soil of South Australia’s Outback which looks like you have landed on Mars, fantastic photo opportunities here. Finish the day with a pizza dinner at the best pizza bar in town before retiring underground just like the locals do. (Day 16 Overnight Coober Pedy Lookout Cave, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today we leave the opal township of Coober Pedy and make our way to Port Augusta. We stop at Woomera, the town which is known as the Woomera Rocket Range. Learn about famous Len Beadell who surveyed the site and stroll amongst the rockets and planes left behind by the British. Continue onto Port Augusta and enjoy the views at the Matthew Flinders Ranges Lookout during late afternoon light. We check into our accommodation for tonight and join back for our last group dinner. (Day 17 Overnight Standpipe Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

On our last day we walk one of the many walking trails in the Arid Lands Botanical Gardens. Beautiful plants and birdlife as well as a great souvenir shop for last minute gifts. We drive to Port Germein with time to stroll along the once longest wooden jetty of the Southern Hemisphere. We take on the final journey to Adelaide, but not without a stop at Lake Bumbunga. The lake is known to change colour from pink, to white, to blue, depending on the salinity of the water throughout the year and a fabulous opportunity for a final group photograph. We arrive in Adelaide around 4pm. (Day 18 Breakfast, Lunch)