Northern Territory Escape

Be met on arrival into Alice Springs. Nestled in the MacDonnell Ranges, this iconic outback town is the geographical centre of Australia, made famous by its rich pioneering history and enchanting ancient Indigenous culture. Venture out of the town to visit the spectacular Standley Chasm, where you can wind through a striking gorge between towering rock walls.

This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers. Stay: Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza (D)

The Australian outback comes to life today as you travel through rugged landscapes to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. First viewed by Europeans in 1872, Uluru is one of Australia's most famous and sacred sites. During a visit to the park's Cultural Centre, you will learn about Anangu culture and the park's natural environment. After your Field of Light Insider Experience, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Uluru, Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens Hotel (B/D)

Insider Experience: This evening, be thrilled by the acclaimed Field of Light, which has delighted visitors since April 2016. With more than 50,000 solar-powered stems, covering the area of seven football fields, the exhibition is aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights'.

In the afternoon, travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Take in panoramic views of the domes and walk into Walpa Gorge. Tonight, perhaps treat yourself to an evening of magic under the sparkling outback sky at the optional Sounds of Silence Dinner (additional expense). (B)

Insider Experience: Early in the morning, marvel at the magnificent sunrise over Uluru and take a guided tour around the base of this famous monolith, viewing ancient caves and fascinating Indigenous rock art sites.

Travel to Kings Canyon, in the heart of Watarrka National Park, for an afternoon walk along Kings Creek to the canyon's floor. Savour an Insider Experience before enjoying dinner at your resort this evening. Stay Two Nights: Kings Canyon Resort (B/D)

Insider Experience: A special experience awaits at Kings Canyon's Light Towers, a collection of 69 two-metre towers which transform colour as a celestial soundscape sets the scene. Enjoy delicious canapes and drinks before wandering among the spectacular installation as the sun sets over the ochre landscape.

In the afternoon, you may wish to partake in an optional Karrke Indigenous experience (additional expense). (B/D)

Insider Experience: This morning, embark on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. On this challenging hike, venture around the rim of the canyon's incredible sandstone walls,then after reaching the lookout, be rewarded as you marvel at the spectacular views of the canyon itself. About half way along is the magical Garden of Eden, featuring a waterhole and riverine vegetation.

Return to Alice Springs for an exciting day of Insider Experiences. Stay: Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza (B/D)

Insider Experience: Visit the world's largest classroom. Covering more than 1.3 million square kilometres, Alice Springs School of the Air has been bridging education gaps caused by remote locations and providing schooling to children at cattle stations, roadhouses, Aboriginal communities and national parks with daily lessons since 1951. Take a tour of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base. Sit inside an RFDS aircraft, see historic radios used by the doctors and discover how the doctors operated in 1928. With no navigational aid and no radio, the first flying doctor, Arthur Affleck, operated using only a compass and map.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Darwin (not included). Be met on arrival in Darwin.

This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Darwin. Admire the architecture of this tropical capital, take a leisurely stroll through the Botanic Gardens, and visit the Darwin Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal Flying Doctor Base. Stay Two Nights: Darwin, Travelodge (B/D)

Travel to Litchfield National Park, a huge sandstone plateau with cascading waterfalls. Swim in the natural pool at Wangi Falls, view the double waterfall that is Florence Falls and wander amid the intriguing magnetic termite mounds. (B)

Make your way to stunning Kakadu National Park. Rich in flora, wildlife and beautiful scenery, Kakadu is home to more than 5000 rock art sites. For these reasons, the park is one of the few World Heritage sites listed for both its cultural values and natural features. Visit Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to view the informative displays depicting Aboriginal culture. Learn about Indigenous heritage and traditional way of life, including the relationship between Aboriginals and their land. Enjoy an exciting Insider Experience before returning to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Kakadu, Mercure Crocodile Hotel (B/D)

Insider Experience: Embark on a Yellow Water cruise through the wetlands of Kakadu, home to an abundance of birdlife and, of course, the saltwater crocodile.

Further explore Kakadu National Park and its Indigenous rock art paintings with a visit to Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr Rock. Many paintings and drawings depict Aboriginal life over thousands of years and reflect the connections between people and the land. (B)

This morning we farewell Kakadu National Park and travel to the beef grazing town of Katherine. Northeast of Katherine lies stunning Nitmiluk National Park, with its spectacular gorges carved into the Arnhem Land plateau by the Katherine River. After your fascinating Insider Experience, return to your accommodation. Stay: Katherine, Contour Hotel Katherine (B/D)

Insider Experience: Join a cruise between the striking sandstone cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge, learning about the flora, wildlife and ancient Indigenous rock art in the gorges.

Visit Adelaide River and the Australian war cemetery en route to Darwin.

This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your new-found friends. Stay: Darwin, Travelodge (B/D)

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. (B)