There’s over a million square kilometres of outback to explore in the Northern Territory but the luxury experts at A&K have handpicked the unmissable parts to deliver this perfect small group adventure. From north to south, highlights abound.
Two days in the tropical capital Darwin form the perfect beginning, discovering all the major sights from historic Fanny Bay Gaol and Government House to the Botanical Gardens and the idyllic waterfront. Art lovers will relish a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, which houses an impressive Aboriginal art collection and a cleverly curated Cyclone Tracy display. A day is given for guests to curate their own experience choosing from a walking tour focusing on the events that shaped the city’s history from WWII to Cyclone Tracy, a gourmet tour of Darwin’s top eateries or an historic harbour cruise.
Stepping back through 50,000 years of aboriginal history, the journey ventures into wild and untamed Arnhem Land where Davidson’s Safari Lodge at Mt Borradaile is a fitting base for discovering the area’s extraordinary indigenous rock art with a local expert providing rich traditional insight. Onwards to the magical Mary River floodplains at Bamurru Plains for a luxury glamping experience where the daily dawn chorus of magpie geese sets the scene for a wilderness adventure like no other. A swathe of activities is on offer from wetland airboat trips and guided walks to river cruises and quad bike safaris, each providing a different perspective on the wildlife and the extraordinary landscapes.
A short hop by charter flight delivers guests back to Darwin before flying south to the remarkable Red Centre where Kings Canyon is explored on foot from its scenic rim to the lush palm forest below. A five-course feast under the stars is a fitting end to a day of adventure in a remote and rugged landscape.
The grand finale awaits at majestic Uluru where the great monolith, and its everchanging colours, is uniquely experienced from one of the country’s most celebrated luxury camps, Longitude 131. A walk around the base of Uluru is a surprise with unexpected pockets of greenery providing wildlife and bush tucker spotting opportunities in contrast to the many open exposed areas where shade is rare.
A spectacular dusk visit to Kantju Gorge reveals the rock walls ablaze with light as the sun sets before an opportunity to experience the internationally-renowned Field of Light installation and a four-course dinner with Longitude’s resident astronomer illuminating the southern constellations. With no more than 14 guests this adventure is a deep dive into what makes the Northern Territory so remarkable.
A&K’s 11-day ‘Top End to Uluru: Outback Wanderings’
Dates: 20-30 May 2022; 5-15 August 2022.
Prices from: $15,520 per person twin share; $6,270 single supplement.
For more information visit https://www.abercrombiekent.com.au/journeys/top-end-to-uluru-outback-wanderings-a-small-group-journey
