Adelaide to Darwin

DAY 1: Saturday 1st May 2021    

Flinders Ranges (L,D)

Welcome to South Australia, where your adventure begins. You’ll be picked up from the YHA Adelaide at 8.30 am and head to the culinary epicentre of the State’s capital, the Adelaide Central Market. We’ll meander through the markets to collect some local produce to enjoy a little later in the day. Next, visit Australia’s Aboriginal Cultural Institute, Tandanya. The First Nation precinct provides a wonderful opportunity to experience both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Leave South Australia’s capital behind and head north to the Clare Valley, home to some of the country’s best wines. Perhaps purchase a bottle (or two!) and pair it with your delicious lunch. After lunch enjoy expansive views of the Flinders Ranges as you drive towards Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of rocky mountains. Experience the sunset at Wilpena Pound before settling into your accommodation for the night.

Included Activities

• Wilpena Pound

Special Information

• The total driving time today is approximately 6 hours.

Accommodation: Your own room at Rawsley Park or similar.

DAY 2: Sunday 2nd May 2021    

Quorn (B,L,D)

It’s an early (but worthwhile) start this morning as you enjoy a short and leisurely walk along one of the many tracks in Flinders National Park. Spanning a massive 450 km, you won’t be able to cover it all, but your guide will choose the best trail for your group, depending on the time of year. Travel to the site of the Yourambulla Caves where you’ll have the opportunity to view some Aboriginal rock art before stopping for lunch at Quorn. Spend the afternoon enjoying a couple of walks. Warren Gorge provides stunning ochre rock faces that complement the blue skies. Keep your eyes peeled for the very well camouflaged local rock wallabies. Tonight, you’ll stay in the quintessential South Australian town of Quorn.

Special Information

• The total driving time today is approximately 3.5 hours.

Accommodation: Your own room at Great Northern Lodge or similar

DAY 3: Sunday 2nd May 2021    

Cooper Pedy (B,L,D)

Leave Quorn in the rearview mirror and head to Coober Pedy, the ‘opal capital of the world’. Due to extremely hot temperatures in the area most of the town is constructed underground, with residents living in homes carved into the hillsides. Upon arrival take a guided tour of the town, an underground house and the opal mine (with n opal-cutting demonstration). The rest of the afternoon is free to explore. You may even like to try your hand at ‘noodling’ (fossicking) for opals. End the day with some rescued joeys at Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage. Tonight, stay in a multi-share underground bunkhouse in Coober Pedy.

Included Activities

• Anna Creek Station
• Coober Pedy Mine tour
• Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage

Special Information

• Total driving time today is approximately 6 hours.

Accommodation: Desert Cave or similar

DAY 4: Tuesday 4th May 2021    
Cooper Pedy/Yulara (B,L,D) 

We’ll be honest, there’s a fair bit of driving today. From Coober Pedy travel past the Dingo Fence and Breakaways Reserve, and into the Northern Territory. Be prepared to ‘hold on’ as your guide hits the indicator on the vehicle for the first time, leaving the Stuart Highway and turning left onto the Lasseter Highway towards Uluru. Make sure you have your phone fully charged and your neck cushion handy!

Included Activities

• Dingo Fence

Special Information

• Total driving time today is approximately 8 hours.

Accommodation: Permanent Safari Tent

DAY 5: Wednesday 5th May 2021  
Yulara / Uluru (B,L,D)   

Rise early this morning and be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the day is still fresh, enjoy a walk around the base of this incredible sandstone formation, which is of great spiritual significance to the Anangu people. Walk to the cave paintings near Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of Uluru where you will be in the hands of an Anangu guide who will share the stories of this unique landscape. This exclusive experience will give you an insight to the meaning behind Anangu art and traditional culture. The onsite Cultural Centre also houses an extensive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts for you to browse. Head back to camp for lunch.

Included Activities

• Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
• Uluru Base Walk
• Uluru Cultural Centre
• Kata Tjuta
• Maruku Arts cultural experience

Special Information

• There isn’t much driving today, about an hour in total between destinations. You will walk approximately 5 km.

Accommodation: Permanent Safari Tent

Day 6 – Thursday 6th May 2021  
Uluru / Kings Canyon (B,L) 

Today, explore one of the Red Centre’s greatest treasures, Kata Tjuta, a group of domed red rocks rising spectacularly out of the desert. Like Uluru, they’re sacred to the Anangu people and are believed to be 600 million years old. After lunch travel to Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon).

Included Activities

• Watarrka National Park Entry Fees

Special Information

• Driving time is about 6 hours today, and you will walk approximately 2 km.

Accommodation: Your own room at KC Resort or similar

Day 7 – Friday 7th May 2021    
Kings Canyon / Alice Springs (B,L)    

With its 300-metre high sandstone walls, hidden waterholes, fern forests, chasms, canyons and caverns, Watarrka National Park is central Australia’s answer to an oasis. The highlight attractions here are the Garden of Eden, the Amphitheatre and the Lost City – all sites you’ll get to visit on the Rim Walk. Following lunch, it’s back on the road for the onward drive to Alice Springs, where this adventure concludes.

Included Activities

• Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Special Information

• Driving time today is approximately 5 hours back to Alice Springs.
• The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is approximately 6 km. It is a requirement that you have a minimum of 3 litres of water with you.
• Please consider bringing your own refillable water bottles

Accommodation: Your own room at Hotel Aurora or similar

Day 8 – Saturday 8th May 2021
Alice Springs (B)

Today you will have time to to explore Alice Springs at your own leisure.

Included Activities

• Guided tour of Guimarães

Accommodation: Your own room at Hotel Aurora or similar

Day 9 – Sunday 9th May 2021
Darwin (B)      

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight bound for Darwin (flight not included in quote), skipping the 1500 km and almost 24 hours if you went by road! Once arrived, catch the Darwin Airport shuttle service to your hotel where you’ll spend the afternoon and evening, before setting off on your Top End adventure early tomorrow morning. The rest of the evening is free for you to do as you please in Australia’s northernmost state capital.

Accommodation: Your room at Argus Hotel Darwin or similar

Day 10 – Monday 10th May 2021
Darwin (B)        

After breakfast this morning, head to onto the water on a wildlife cruise in the Mary River Wetlands, a network of waterways home to crocodiles and native bird species. Kakadu National Park and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art in Ubirr. Your guide will lead an interpretive cultural walk through the numerous rock galleries, before you climb to the top of a lookout for views over the Nardab floodplain.    

Accommodation: Your room at Argus Hotel Darwin or similar

Day 11 – Tuesday 11th May 2021
Darwin – Mary River via Litchfield National Park (B,L)        

Welcome to the Northern Territory! Your adventure begins in the tropical city of Darwin. Set off from Darwin and head south to Lichfield National Park, a huge sandstone plateau with dozens of waterfalls. Explore Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and the Buley Rockholes. After a picnic lunch, stroll through steamy rainforests and cool off with a dip in one of Litchfield’s picturesque swimming holes.

We then hit the road to Wulna Country, where your Limilngan-Wulna hosts – the land’s Traditional Owners – will greet you with a Cul Cul or ‘Welcome to Country’. Learn about their culture during bush tucker talks and didgeridoo and basket weaving demonstrations.

Included Activities

• Litchfield National Park
• Pudakul Cultural Experience

Special Information

• Total driving time: approximately 5.5 hours (approximately 400 km)
• Total walking time: approximately 45 minutes

Accommodation: Mary River Wilderness Retreat or similar

Day 12 – Wednesday 12th May 2021
Kakadu National Park: Ubirr & Barramundi Gorge (B,L)        

After breakfast this morning, head to onto the water on a wildlife cruise in the Mary River Wetlands, a network of waterways home to crocodiles and native bird species.

Kakadu National Park and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art in Ubirr.

Your guide will lead an interpretive cultural walk through the numerous rock galleries, before you climb to the top of a lookout for views over the Nardab floodplain.

Included Activities

• Ubirr Rock
• Kakadu National Park Fee
• Mary River cruise

Special Information

• Total driving time: approximately 6.5 hours (approximately 550 km)
• Total walking time: approximately 2 hours

Accommodation: Your room at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel or similar

Day 13 – Thursday 13th May 2021
Kakadu – Katherine (B,L)        

This morning you have the option to take a scenic flight over Kakadu (at your own expense). The flight takes in views over the Arnhem Land escarpment, vast flood plains and billabongs. Later spend time exploring Kakadu’s other major Aboriginal rock art site – Nourlangie (Burrunggui), while your guide provides a glimpse into how the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live. After lunch head south and stop to visit the historic gold-mining centre of Pine Creek. Stop for a quick dip at Maguk or Gunlom Falls, before continuing on to Katherine.

Included Activities

• Bowali Visitor Centre
• Pine Creek Gold-Mining Centre
• Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)

Optional Activities

• Flight (Fixed Wing Aircraft) over – Kakadu – from – AUD150

Special Information

• Total driving time: approximately 5.5 hours (approximately 400 km)
• Total walking time: approximately 1 hour

Accommodation: Your room at Ibis Katherine or similar

Day 14 – Friday 14th May 2021
Katherine Gorge – Darwin (B,L)        

Depending on the season, head out on a morning cruise along the inky waters of Katherine Gorge, or canoe between red rock walls that are up to 70 metres high (both of these activities are optional and at your own expense). This 23 million-year-old landscape was formed by the Katherine River, which flows from Arnhem Land out to the Timor Sea. After lunch we head to the beautiful Edith falls for one last refreshing swim in the huge plunge pool before we hit the road back to Darwin, where your adventure comes to an end on arrival.

Included Activities

• Edith Falls

Optional Activities

• Katherine Gorge Scenic Cruise – AUD95

Special Information

• Total driving time: approximately 5 hours (approximately 400 km)
• Total walking time: approximately 1 hour

TOUR DATES: 1ST – 14TH MAY 2021

TOUR PRICING: A$7,666 PLUS AIRFARES/TAXES

Great Northern Lodge

Great Northern Lodge features a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Quorn. This 4-star motel offers a shared kitchen, room service and free WiFi. The motel also offers bike hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. The units come with air conditioning, a microwave, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the motel all rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with free toiletries. Great Northern Lodge offers a à la carte or Full English/Irish breakfast. The accommodation offers a barbecue. Guests at Great Northern Lodge will be able to enjoy activities in and around Quorn, like hiking, golfing and cycling.

Desert Cave

Set partially underground, this relaxed hotel is 13 minutes’ walk from Old Timers Mine & Museum and a 14-minute walk from the Big Winch Lookout, a scenic viewing point.

Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and tea and coffee making equipment. Some rooms are underground. Room service is available.

Amenities include a casual restaurant, a cafe, and a subterranean bar and game room, plus a shopping arcade and a display on opal mining. There’s also an outdoor pool and a coin-operated laundry.

KC Resort

Set in the Watarrka National Park, this remote outback resort is 6 km from Kings Canyon Airport and 166 km north of Highway 4.

The relaxed hotel rooms feature flat-screen TVs, limited Wi-Fi access (fee), minifridges, and tea and coffee making equipment. Upgraded rooms add private balconies and whirlpool baths. There’s also a caravan park and campground.

The resort has a relaxed bistro, a bar and a restaurant for Australian BBQ fare. There’s also an outdoor pool, a tennis court, a playground and a BBQ area, as well as a convenience store and a petrol station. Activities such as hiking, quad biking and helicopter tours are available.

Hotel Aurora

A 12-minute walk from Alice Springs Reptile Centre, this casual hotel in a colourful, contemporary building is 1.9 km from Alice Springs train station and 8 km from Alice Springs Desert Park.

Relaxed rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and minibars, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms add balconies, while suites include kitchenettes and whirlpool baths. Room service is available.

There’s an informal regional restaurant with a terrace, as well as a garden courtyard and BBQ facilities. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Argus Hotel Darwin

This relaxed, down-to-earth hotel is a 5-minute walk from 2 bus stops, a 10-minute walk from Crocosaurus Cove and 2 km from Mindil Beach.

Laid-back, airy rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges and tea and coffeemaking facilities. They also include balconies with city and/or harbour views.

There’s an outdoor pool, as well as a fitness centre.

Mary River Wilderness Retreat

Fronting 3 km of the Mary River and set on the edge of Mary River National Park, this remote retreat is 39 km from Kakadu National Park.

Bright bungalows have verandahs and air-conditioning, plus minifridges and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded quarters add cathedral ceilings and pool views. Family rooms include bunk beds. There’s no Wi-Fi.

Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, boat rental (seasonal) and a bar/restaurant (seasonal). There’s also bike, electric 4×4 buggy, cooking equipment and fishing tackle rentals, plus a wilderness tour (fee).

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Built in the shape of a crocodile, this warm hotel is in a remote township surrounded by Kakadu National Park. It’s a 6-minute walk from Jabiru Golf Club, 6 km from the park’s Bowali Visitor Centre and 8 km from Jabiru Airport.

Traditional rooms feature dark wood furnishings and aboriginal artwork. All offer Wi-Fi (paid) and desks, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms have direct access to a courtyard. Room service is available.

There’s an all-day bistro/bar, an outdoor pool and a sundeck, in addition to a lobby lounge decorated with taxidermied crocodiles and indigenous artifacts.

Ibis Katherine

Alongside Stuart Highway, this streamlined hotel in redbrick buildings is 32 km from the hiking trails of Nitmiluk National Park, and 6 km from Katherine Hot Springs.

Casual rooms offer Wi-Fi (fee), and tea and coffeemaking facilities, as well as flat-screen TVs and desks. Upgraded rooms add bunk beds. Family rooms also have kitchens and laundry facilities.

A breakfast buffet (surcharge) is served in a modern restaurant with a terrace. Additional amenities include a cocktail bar, a gym and an outdoor pool, as well as a tennis court and a barbecue area.

Tour Inclusions:

• Your dedicated Two’s a Crowd tour host 
• All guiding and experiences as per detailed itinerary.
• English speaking tour manager for the duration of your tour
• Accommodation at listed hotels (or similar) in your own room with breakfasts daily.
• All transport as mentioned by comfortable, air conditioned vehicles.
• Group airport transfers
• All meals as per itinerary (B=breakfasts, L= lunches and D=dinners).
• All entrance fees as per detailed itinerary

Tour Exclusions:

• International/domestic flights to the start/end of the tour (the friendly Two’s a Crowd team can assist with competitive quotes and airfare bookings from wherever in the world you are located)
• Flight Alice Springs to Darwin
• Any visas/travel permits if required
• Services not mentioned in the itinerary
• Late check out at hotels
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Drinks with included lunches and dinners
• Tips and gratuities
• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
• Travel Insurance (compulsory – please ask TAC booking staff for a quote)
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

TOUR DATES: 1ST – 14TH MAY 2021

TOUR PRICING: A$7,666 PLUS AIRFARES/TAXES

Great Northern Lodge

Great Northern Lodge features a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Quorn. This 4-star motel offers a shared kitchen, room service and free WiFi. The motel also offers bike hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. The units come with air conditioning, a microwave, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the motel all rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with free toiletries. Great Northern Lodge offers a à la carte or Full English/Irish breakfast. The accommodation offers a barbecue. Guests at Great Northern Lodge will be able to enjoy activities in and around Quorn, like hiking, golfing and cycling.

Desert Cave

Set partially underground, this relaxed hotel is 13 minutes’ walk from Old Timers Mine & Museum and a 14-minute walk from the Big Winch Lookout, a scenic viewing point.

Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and tea and coffee making equipment. Some rooms are underground. Room service is available.

Amenities include a casual restaurant, a cafe, and a subterranean bar and game room, plus a shopping arcade and a display on opal mining. There’s also an outdoor pool and a coin-operated laundry.

KC Resort

Set in the Watarrka National Park, this remote outback resort is 6 km from Kings Canyon Airport and 166 km north of Highway 4.

The relaxed hotel rooms feature flat-screen TVs, limited Wi-Fi access (fee), minifridges, and tea and coffee making equipment. Upgraded rooms add private balconies and whirlpool baths. There’s also a caravan park and campground.

The resort has a relaxed bistro, a bar and a restaurant for Australian BBQ fare. There’s also an outdoor pool, a tennis court, a playground and a BBQ area, as well as a convenience store and a petrol station. Activities such as hiking, quad biking and helicopter tours are available.

Hotel Aurora

A 12-minute walk from Alice Springs Reptile Centre, this casual hotel in a colourful, contemporary building is 1.9 km from Alice Springs train station and 8 km from Alice Springs Desert Park.

Relaxed rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and minibars, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms add balconies, while suites include kitchenettes and whirlpool baths. Room service is available.

There’s an informal regional restaurant with a terrace, as well as a garden courtyard and BBQ facilities. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Argus Hotel Darwin

This relaxed, down-to-earth hotel is a 5-minute walk from 2 bus stops, a 10-minute walk from Crocosaurus Cove and 2 km from Mindil Beach.

Laid-back, airy rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges and tea and coffeemaking facilities. They also include balconies with city and/or harbour views.

There’s an outdoor pool, as well as a fitness centre.

Mary River Wilderness Retreat

Fronting 3 km of the Mary River and set on the edge of Mary River National Park, this remote retreat is 39 km from Kakadu National Park.

Bright bungalows have verandahs and air-conditioning, plus minifridges and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded quarters add cathedral ceilings and pool views. Family rooms include bunk beds. There’s no Wi-Fi.

Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, boat rental (seasonal) and a bar/restaurant (seasonal). There’s also bike, electric 4×4 buggy, cooking equipment and fishing tackle rentals, plus a wilderness tour (fee).

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Built in the shape of a crocodile, this warm hotel is in a remote township surrounded by Kakadu National Park. It’s a 6-minute walk from Jabiru Golf Club, 6 km from the park’s Bowali Visitor Centre and 8 km from Jabiru Airport.

Traditional rooms feature dark wood furnishings and aboriginal artwork. All offer Wi-Fi (paid) and desks, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms have direct access to a courtyard. Room service is available.

There’s an all-day bistro/bar, an outdoor pool and a sundeck, in addition to a lobby lounge decorated with taxidermied crocodiles and indigenous artifacts.

Ibis Katherine

Alongside Stuart Highway, this streamlined hotel in redbrick buildings is 32 km from the hiking trails of Nitmiluk National Park, and 6 km from Katherine Hot Springs.

Casual rooms offer Wi-Fi (fee), and tea and coffeemaking facilities, as well as flat-screen TVs and desks. Upgraded rooms add bunk beds. Family rooms also have kitchens and laundry facilities.

A breakfast buffet (surcharge) is served in a modern restaurant with a terrace. Additional amenities include a cocktail bar, a gym and an outdoor pool, as well as a tennis court and a barbecue area.

Tour Inclusions:

• Your dedicated Two’s a Crowd tour host 
• All guiding and experiences as per detailed itinerary.
• English speaking tour manager for the duration of your tour
• Accommodation at listed hotels (or similar) in your own room with breakfasts daily.
• All transport as mentioned by comfortable, air conditioned vehicles.
• Group airport transfers
• All meals as per itinerary (B=breakfasts, L= lunches and D=dinners).
• All entrance fees as per detailed itinerary

Tour Exclusions:

• International/domestic flights to the start/end of the tour (the friendly Two’s a Crowd team can assist with competitive quotes and airfare bookings from wherever in the world you are located)
• Flight Alice Springs to Darwin
• Any visas/travel permits if required
• Services not mentioned in the itinerary
• Late check out at hotels
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Drinks with included lunches and dinners
• Tips and gratuities
• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
• Travel Insurance (compulsory – please ask TAC booking staff for a quote)
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary