14 Day Itinerary
Uluru to Darwin
Before your drive: Experience Uluru
- Upon arriving in the Red Centre, you’ll want to spend at least a couple of days discovering Uluru and the surrounding areas. Check into your accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort, then head straight to the viewing platform for your first glimpse of Uluru. It’s a quick 15-minute jaunt from the resort – just stay on the marked trails and you’ll be marveling at the view in no time.
- Located a 45-minute drive from the resort, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a vast desert playground that’s home to both iconic landmarks. You could spend a full day discovering Uluru on foot (the Base Walk is a 10km leisurely track) and visiting the Cultural Centre, where you can take in free presentations by park staff and Anangu, view exhibits, browse galleries, and gain a deeper understanding of local culture.
- Kata Tjuta is also a must-visit, especially for hikers! Choose from the Walpa Gorge walk (an easy, hour-long jaunt) or the more challenging Valley of the Winds (moderate terrain, which takes about 3-4 hours to complete). Similar to Uluru, Kata Tjuta plays an important role in Anangu culture. Please respect all signage and stay on marked trails at both sites.
- Back at the resort there’s plenty to keep you busy as you gear up for your 14-day journey. A host of free cultural experiences introduce guests to Anangu traditions. Looking for relaxation? Spend an afternoon lounging poolside. There’s lots to see and do after the sun sets, too – book the Wintjiri Wiru experience to witness an ancient Mala story brought to life with choreographed drones, or take part in the guided Outback Sky Journeys tour to learn the secrets of the vast desert sky.
Day 1: Start at Uluru, travel to Kings Canyon
- Experience Uluru’s dramatic color changes at sunrise. Book a Sunrise Journeys or Desert Awakenings experience, which includes a delicious breakfast as the sun rises over the Red Centre paired with an informative talk about the plants and animals you’ll see.
- Before you begin your four-hour drive to Kings Canyon, stop by the Yulara IGA to pick up supplies for your road trip: snacks, bottled water, and a picnic lunch. On your way out of town, the Shell station is perfectly located for a last-minute petrol fuel-up.
- Enjoy scenic views during the 4-hour journey to Kings Canyon.
Day 2: Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges
- After breakfast, hike the famous 6 km Rim Walk for breathtaking views. This moderate walk begins with a short climb, then evens out around the canyon’s edge. Bring your camera!
- Pause at the Garden of Eden, a lush, green oasis within Kings Canyon, for a scenic break. This permanent watering hole and its brilliant green surroundings are a stunning contrast to the red and orange rock formations.
- Head towards the picturesque West MacDonnell Ranges. This 644km mountain range is best explored from Tjoritja National Park, where cool, scenic gorges provide welcome refuges for the animals living nearby. Explore the area with a variety of guided tours and walking trails you can discover on your own. Image credit: Tourism Australia
Day 3: West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs
- Continue your exploration of Tjoritja National Park at Ormiston Gorge, known for its stunning red cliffs and refreshing swimming holes.
- Speaking of swimming, if you’re in need of a refreshing dip, Ellery Creek Big Hole is the place to go. Known for being one of the local area’s best swimming spots, this permanent waterhole is a popular destination for swimmers, hikers, and campers.
- Continue your journey to Alice Springs. Check into your accommodations, grab a local brew from Alice Springs Brewing Co., and refuel with a delicious dinner at one of the town’s restaurants.
Day 4: Alice Springs
- Explore the town’s natural side with a visit to Alice Springs Desert Park. Learn about the plants, animals, and landscapes of the Outback.
- Spend some time at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum. Discover the history of this essential service and take a virtual reality tour as a “patient”.
- Visit the site where the town of Alice Springs began – the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Image credit: Tourism Australia.
Day 5: Alice Springs to Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
- Take in the panoramic views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill before leaving town on the next leg of your journey.
- Stop at the historic Barrow Creek Telegraph Station, one of 15 original stations, now managed as a historical reserve.
- During your drive along the Stuart Highway, you’ll see Karlu Karlu, also known as Devils Marbles. These massive granite boulders scattered across the desert do resemble the child’s toy. Image credit: Tourism Australia.
Day 6: Karlu Karlu to Mataranka via Daly Waters
- Visit the historic Daly Waters Pub for breakfast. Built in 1930, the pub has served countless thirsty travelers and boasts an interesting history featuring shoot outs, cattle stampedes, and, of course, the occasional old-fashioned bar brawl.
- Stop by the historic Daly Waters Airfield and learn about this significant WWII site.
- At Mataranka Thermal Pools, you can relax and unwind from being in the driver’s seat in the natural, warm waters surrounded by lush palms.
Day 7: Mataranka to Katherine
- Swim in the crystal-clear, spring-fed waters of Bitter Springs, located near Mataranka. One of two natural thermal pools in Elsey National Park, Bitter Springs’ waters are warm all year round.
- Explore Elsey National Park’s walking trails and beautiful landscapes. The park is a popular boating and fishing destination and boasts a popular campground.
- Continue north to the gateway town of Katherine, a drive of about 1 hour, 17 minutes (120km). Image Credit: Tourism Australia.
Day 8: Katherine
- Relax in the warm, clear pools of Katherine Hot Springs, located on the banks of the Katherine River for which the town is named.
- Discover local history and culture at the Katherine Museum. Shop for souvenirs in the gift shop and learn about the history of early telegraph lines, flying doctors, and other historic Australian settlers. Don’t forget to grab a cup of tea and a scone!
Day 9: Katherine to Nitmiluk National Park
- Take a boat tour through the stunning Katherine Gorge system. A two-hour Katherine Gorge Cruise allows you to see spots not accessible on foot or by tour vehicle, while listening to commentary on the area’s history and geology. An early morning cruise is also available.
- Swim or hike around the picturesque waterfalls at Edith Falls.
- Camp at Nitmiluk National Park. Sleep under the stars and enjoy a truly Outback experience.
Day 10: Nitmiluk National Park to Kakadu National Park
- Wake up early for a morning hike up to the infinity pool at the top of Gunlom Falls for sweeping views.
- Drive to Kakadu National Park, approximately one and a half hours away (127km). This park is an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for being Australia’s largest national park and one of the largest in the world’s tropics.
- Spot wildlife on a sunset Yellow Water Billabong cruise in Kakadu. Image credit: Tourism Australia.
Day 11: Kakadu National Park
- See ancient Indigenous rock art at the Nourlangie Rock Art Site. This 1.5km walk documents life in the region beginning 20,000 years ago.
- Don’t miss Ubirr Rock, where some of the world’s most outstanding rock art is located. Observe paintings of creation ancestors and local wildlife, including the Tasmanian tiger, which is believed to have become extinct on the mainland 2000-3000 years ago.
- Swim in a secluded plunge pool in a lush setting at Maguk Gorge, known for its sparkling waterfall.
Day 12: Kakadu National Park to Litchfield National Park
- Tour the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about Kakadu’s ecosystems and culture.
- Drive to Litchfield National Park, a scenic two-hour journey through the Top End.
- Check out the Magnetic Termite Mounds in Litchfield Park. Located about 17km from the eastern edge of the park, the mounds are visible from a boardwalk where you can stroll and read more about these fascinating structures. Image credit: Tourism Australia.
Day 13: Litchfield National Park
- Cool off during a swim in the beautiful double waterfall plunge pool at Florence Falls. Prefer to stay dry? There’s also a viewing platform at the top of the falls to take in the view.
- Relax in a series of cascading pools at Buley Rockhole.
- At Wangi Falls, enjoy another dip, or take a bushwalk around these popular falls. Near the falls you’ll also find a BBQ area and a café.
Day 14: Litchfield National Park to Darwin
- Continue exploring Litchfield National Park with a visit to the Lost City, unique sandstone pillars resembling an ancient city.
- Break up the 1 hour, 15 minute drive to Darwin with a stop at Berry Springs Nature Park, where you can enjoy a quick, refreshing swim.
- Conclude your journey in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory – Darwin. Image credit: Tourism Australia
