Australia’s Northern Territory: The Ultimate Adventure

Unleash your wild side in the Australian Outback! Discover the spiritual heart of Australia, spot wild crocodiles on a scenic cruise, tour on the back of a Harley Davidson, and much more.

This itinerary is for the weekend warrior who wants adventure, but also wants to relax in a luxurious setting for dinner and drinks. We designed this Australia’s Northern Territory: The Ultimate Adventure vacation for a couple from Phoenix.

They began their Northern Territory adventure in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Ayers Rock and the Olgas). Here, they enjoyed a magnificent dinner under the stars, complete with a stunning view of Uluru and a didgeridoo serenade. The next day, they rose early to watch Uluru change colors at sunrise, and took an exhilarating Harley Davidson motorcycle ride through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

From there, they journeyed to the wetlands of the tropical Top End. Darwin, the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital city, is a stepping stone to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders, including World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, and the Mary River region, where our couple enjoyed a wonderful 2-night stay at Wildman Wilderness Lodge.

Next for their Australia’s Northern Territory: The Ultimate Adventure vacation, they traveled to a beautiful nature reserve in Port Douglas, Queensland, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the ancient Daintree Rainforest. In Port Douglas, they stayed at the incredible Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a deluxe eco-retreat hidden in the Daintree. They loved exploring the forest and secluded beaches of the area.

At last, their Australia’s Northern Territory: The Ultimate Adventure vacation came to an end and it was time to say goodbye to Australia. They began their journey home, recounting their incredible adventures in the Northern Territory!

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Australia’s Northern Territory—the real outback! Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is considered the spiritual heart of Australia and over the next 2 days, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the strong sense of spirituality and Aboriginal culture here. Today, explore Sails in the Desert Hotel in Voyages Ayers Rock Resort. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy one of the resort’s many free activities, or browse Aboriginal art at the Mulgara Gallery.

Tonight, enjoy an intimate dining experience under the outback night sky. Tali Wiru, meaning “beautiful dune” in the local Anangu language, brings the magic of fine dining under a star-filled sky. This open-air restaurant has magnificent views of Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta, bringing you a unique ambience only found in Australia’s Red Centre desert. Enjoy a didgeridoo serenade, a 4-course dinner paired with Australian wine, and an Aboriginal storyteller bringing culture and spirituality to life.
Sails in the Desert Hotel

Day 2
Enjoy a guided walk around the base of Uluru this morning and embrace the culture, geology, and environment that make up the essence of this amazing natural attraction. Find yourself in awe as you watch Uluru change colors at sunrise, visit waterholes, view ancient rock art sites, and learn stories of the Dreamtime that have been passed down over thousands of years by the local Anangu people.

Now it’s time to explore the outback on the back of a Harley! Hop on to your Harley and explore more of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Your guide will reveal the hidden secrets of this diverse environment and its cultural significance to the Aboriginal people of this region.
Sails in the Desert Hotel

Day 3
Experience the “tropical outback” and fly to Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory. Transfer to Wildman Wilderness Lodge located in the Mary River region, on the edge of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Wildman is set amongst breathtaking scenery with access to one of the most fascinating, diverse, and culturally rich national parks in the world. Wildman will be your home for the next 2 nights, in one of the standalone cottages or “habitats” offering premium accommodation in this remote and wild setting.
Wildman Wilderness Lodge

Day 4
Today, enjoy a full-day wildlife and wilderness adventure in Kakadu National Park. Kakadu has an unspoiled landscape (which you may recognize from Crocodile Dundee), where you will find rugged escarpments, lush rainforests, roaring waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art galleries that date back to more than 50,000 years.

Stop at South Alligator River before continuing past lush floodplains and billabongs to reach Ubirr, where you’ll see one of Kakadu’s most famous rock art sites as well as panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains and Arnhem Land escarpment. Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch near the East Alligator River, then take a short walk to Cahills crossing to spot one of the many saltwater crocodiles that inhabit this area. The last stop in the park is at Mamukala Wetlands for stunning views over the wetlands and an incredible variety of birdlife.
Wildman Wilderness Lodge

Day 5
Following breakfast, transfer back to Darwin and to your wonderful apartment-style accommodation at Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct. From the sparkling harbor and WWII history, to the city’s Asian-influenced food and tropical outdoor lifestyle, Darwin is an adventurers’ paradise. Treat your tastebuds and indulge your sense of fun and adventure in the Territory’s tropical capital city.
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Day 6
Bring the Northern Territory to life on an Aboriginal-guided tour of Litchfield National Park. Take the roads less travelled from Darwin to the world class natural beauty and cultural symbolism of Litchfield National Park. Share unforgettable experiences with a tiny group of like-minded visitors—a taste of adventure in safety and comfort.
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Day 7
Today, you will have the opportunity to have a true Aboriginal experience on a Wetlands Discovery Tour. Just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin is Corroboree Billabong, part of the Mary River Wetlands and home to one of the largest concentrations of saltwater crocodiles in the world. See them up close on a scenic cruise, where you’ll also see diverse birds and other native wildlife.

You’ll then meet your Aboriginal guides for an immersive cultural experience. Learn about traditional medicinal uses of the local plants on a bush walk, try your hand at playing the didgeridoo or clap sticks, and learn how to weave dilly bags and baskets using the local flora.
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Day 8
Today, travel by plane to tropical Queensland. On arrival into Cairns, enjoy a shared transfer to Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a luxurious, uniquely Australian eco-retreat. Thala is located on 145 acres of pristine landscapes, where the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Forest paths weave amongst wispy eucalyptus with chalk white bark, linking the bungalows with the main building. Wander onto a private beach where hours can be spent discovering secluded coves.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Day 9
Today is yours to spend at leisure. Thala’s nature reserve supports many interesting and rare habitats with a constantly changing kaleidoscope of natural wonders, making the experience very rewarding for naturalists and wildlife photographers. You can explore the area with expert guides, see wild wallabies, go sea kayaking, help the reserve’s conservation efforts by planting native trees, and more.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Day 10
This morning, your adventure comes to an end as you take a scenic transfer to Cairns airport and begin your journey home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
10 day stay
2 travelers

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