Territory Explorer & The Kimberley

Welcome to the very heart of Australia. Begin your discovery of the Red Centre this afternoon with a visit to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Here, learn about the culture and foundations of the Anangu people as well as the remarkable natural environment of the Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park itself. Your deeper understanding will enhance your visit to these natural wonders.

Enjoy your luxurious Special Stay for the next two nights, with dinner in the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant. Take a dip in the glimmering pool, enjoy a regional wine or cocktail at the Walpa Lobby Bar, indulge in a relaxing treatment at the Red Ochre Spa or simply curl up with a book on a daybed under the shade of the gumtrees. (D)

The iconic and mysterious Uluru is a bucket list location for travellers from all over the world. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people head to Australia’s red heart to soak up the ancient wisdom and one-of-a-kind panoramas Uluru provides. Scenic enhances your outback experience with a number of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from during your time in the Red Centre. Today, choose from a number of exciting activities. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• Uluru Highlights and Cultural Tour: View Uluru at sunrise and witness its chameleonic colour shifts before a picnic breakfast. Then take a guided tour to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, highlighting Aboriginal mythology and creation stories. Finish with a drive around Uluru, where you’ll come to appreciate the vastness of this ancient wonder.
• Desert Camel Ride: Catch the Camel Train and enjoy a ride through the classic Red Centre’s desert landscape on the back of one of these icons of the desert, all set against spectacular views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. (Weight restrictions apply)
• Uluru Base Trek: A guided sunrise trek around the 12 kilometre base trail of Uluru, embracing its culture, geology and environment. Enjoy a picnic breakfast as you listen to the variety of desert sounds from the surrounding environment.
• Sunrise Journey Tour: Sunrise journeys shines a light on Anangu artists in a mindful light, music and sound experience before the dawn of each new day. View the sunrise above the horizon with awe-inspiring views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Discover the mysteries of Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge during your afternoon visit. Also known as The Olgas, Kata Tjuta is sacred to the local Anangu people, a pillar of their spiritual life. The ochre landmarks will mesmerise you, especially as the sinking sun causes them to glow. Walpa Gorge is equally unmissable, a 2.6 kilometre walk among the domes of Kata Tjuta. The trail is filled with rare native plants and unforgettable scenery.

For a sight rarely seen by tourists, take a helicopter^ ride and observe Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air (at additional cost, must be booked before departure). The aerial view is the best way to fully appreciate the scope of these national treasures, and the vastness of the Red Centre.

Enrich: Tonight, enjoy a unique dining experience set amidst artist Bruce Munro’s international sensation, the Field of Light. As the sun goes down, a blanket of 50,000 incandescent stems lights up the desert. The installation, which spans more than seven football fields, highlights the natural colours of the desert – ochre, blue, white and deep violet – and enjoys a stunning silhouette of Uluru in the distance. As the Field starts to twinkle and glow, just like the stars above, you’ll enjoy canapés and authentic Australian cuisine.

Travel along the scenic drive from Uluru to Alice Springs for a tour of the ruggedly impressive Kings Canyon. A part of the Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon’s towering red walls protect a biome of native flora. Enjoy a relaxed walk along the canyon floor, where you’re likely to encounter the MacDonnell Ranges Cycad and other Australian wonders.

Tonight, wander amongst the maze of Light-Towers, an amazing immersive display of light, sound and landscape. Opened in April 2023, Light-Towers is devised by Field of Light artist Bruce Munro. These multicoloured towers of shimmering light and sound bring a new vibe to Kings Canyon.

Your two-night stay is located on the edge of Watarrka National Park, this relaxed and comfortable resort features spectacular outback landscapes, two restaurants, two swimming pools and a host of facilities. (B/D)

Take a rare opportunity to observe the wonders of this amazing canyon from the air on a scenic flight (at additional cost, must be booked before departure).

Expand your knowledge and understanding of this ancient land by taking part in an authentic aboriginal cultural experience. The Karrke Aboriginal cultural tour is a one-hour experience that includes a guided walk. Gain knowledge about life in this remote part of the country, including bush tucker and the various uses of grinding rocks, stones, seasonal edible trees, grass seeds as well as the utilization of bush medicine. This award-winning tour seeks to keep future generations in touch with the rich cultural heritage of the Red Centre and its people.

Afterwards, you’ll return to the Kings Canyon Resort for dinner. Perhaps enjoy a drink with new friends and discuss the day’s learnings and compare impressions of the outback. (B/D)

Observe the majesty of the East MacDonnell Ranges as you approach Alice Springs. Known locally as “Alice”, this vibrant outback hub is more than a country town. As a thriving community overflowing with a unique art scene, a one-of-a-kind culture and amazing outback vistas, Alice Springs is the beating heart of Australia.

Get to know “Alice” on a city tour, including a visit to the legendary Royal Flying Doctor Service, which was established to serve the needs of remote communities and subsequently expanded into a vital nationwide medical resource.

Later, check into your eco-friendly hotel for your overnight stay. Dinner tonight is an outdoor outback bush BBQ with damper cooking and entertainment by a bush balladeer that will make you feel right at home in this lively desert city. (B/D)

Start your day with a trip to the Anzac Hill Memorial. Originally dedicated to World War I veterans, Anzac Hill has since widened its scope to commemorate those who fought in all wars in which Australia was a participant. The hill is known for spectacular panoramic views of Alice Springs and the ranges beyond.

Discover the myriad flora and fauna that call Central Australia home on an Aboriginal Cultural Tour of the Alice Springs Desert Park. Along the way, you’ll learn about local Aboriginal customs as local expert guides reveal bush remedies and sources of food. Look closely and you may spot local birds, reptiles and even the odd bilby in their desert habitats.

Follow up with a visit to the world’s largest classroom. The Alice Springs School of the Air visitor centre tells the story of remote education in the outback. Learn all about the trials and tribulations associated with bringing education to the outback, a program that began in 1951.

Then it’s all aboard for your overnight Special Stay on the famous Ghan (Gold Service). The train, which runs between Adelaide and Darwin, provides one of the world’s greatest rail journeys as it cuts across remote desert landscapes in impeccable luxury. Relax in the Outback Explorer Lounge before a sumptuous dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. (B/D)

Enjoy breakfast on board The Ghan as you gaze out of the window, finding inspiration in the ever-changing outback landscape.

Eventually your luxurious carriage will arrive in Katherine, the “Crossroads of the North”. The third-largest town in the Northern Territory, Katherine is a gateway between outback desert and the tropical climate of the Top End. Here, you’re free to choose between experiences that will enhance your visit. Take a guided cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where you’ll marvel at the famed towering red ochre sandstone walls and hear stories of the local Jawoyn people.

Alternatively, enjoy The Ghan’s Katherine Outback Experience, an entertaining exhibition of life in the outback. See a horse-breaking demonstration, watch as dogs herd cattle and goats, enjoy live music (some performed on horseback), create your own Indigenous painting, learn to throw a spear and hear ancient Dreamtime tales.

No matter which you choose, you’ll later reboard the train and travel to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, where you’ll enjoy a four-night stay. (B)

Welcome to Darwin, the multicultural capital of the Top End. Despite surviving two cyclones and several wartime air raids, Darwin is distinguished by its relaxed lifestyle and proximity to the Northern Territory’s abundance of natural wonders. Crocodiles, culture and colourful characters abound as you explore the northernmost capital in Australia. Today, expand your visit with your choice of a range of illuminating activities. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure: Experience these reptiles in the wild on the beautiful Adelaide River, where crocs leap out of the water pursuing their prey. Your tour also includes a visit to Fogg Dam, a wetlands nature reserve teeming with wading birds and other unique wildlife. The wetlands of the Top End are of great international importance on account of their accessibility, splendour and cultural significance.
• Litchfield National Park: Litchfield National Park abounds with permanent spring-fed waterfalls, remnant monsoon vine forests, unusual rock formations and interesting scenery. An hour easily becomes a day relaxing in this wonderful park, which reveals its considerable wonders the further you explore.
• Darwin City Sights – Hop-on-Hop-off Tour: The perfect introduction to the Top End city of Darwin. The tour takes in all of Darwin’s main historical and cultural attractions with an opportunity to stop and visit during the tour.
• WWII Bombing of Darwin Tour: Learn about the history and significance of the Pacific Campaign of WWII; the largest attacks ever launched against Australia. Visit landmarks, view relics of the war and take a cruise on Darwin Harbour in this informative guided tour, which outlines the shocking extent of the damage suffered by Darwin during the war.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at PepperBerry, Hilton Darwin’s flagship restaurant which offers a culinary tour of modern Australian cuisine infused with bush spices. With something on the menu for everybody, it’s an ideal way to reflect on your journey and share memories with your new friends.

Relax and enjoy your surroundings before dinner. Of note is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, which is a great way to get up to speed on the Top End’s colourful history. Meet ‘Sweetheart’, the taxidermied remains of a giant saltwater croc, and take on the Cyclone Tracy interactive exhibit. (B/D)

Today, expand your visit to Darwin with your choice from a range of illuminating activities. (B)

Freechoice:

• Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure: Experience these reptiles in the wild on the beautiful Adelaide River, where crocs leap out of the water pursuing their prey. Your tour also includes a visit to Fogg Dam, a wetlands nature reserve teeming with wading birds and other unique wildlife. The wetlands of the Top End are of great international importance on account of their accessibility, splendour and cultural significance.
• Litchfield National Park: Litchfield National Park abounds with permanent spring-fed waterfalls, remnant monsoon vine forests, unusual rock formations and interesting scenery. An hour easily becomes a day relaxing in this wonderful park, which reveals its considerable wonders the further you explore.
• Darwin City Sights – Hop-on-Hop-off Tour: The perfect introduction to the Top End city of Darwin. The tour takes in all of Darwin’s main historical and cultural attractions with an opportunity to stop and visit during the tour.
• WWII Bombing of Darwin Tour: Learn about the history and significance of the Pacific Campaign of WWII; the largest attacks ever launched against Australia. Visit landmarks, view relics of the war and take a cruise on Darwin Harbour in this informative guided tour, which outlines the shocking extent of the damage suffered by Darwin during the war.

Travel to the amazing World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park to experience its stunning raw beauty first hand. One of the largest national parks in Australia, this living cultural landscape is unmissable for any visitor to the Northern Territory. From rivers and waterfalls to spectacular floodplains and rich cultural history, Kakadu’s story spans 20,000 square kilometres and 65 thousand years.

Marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock, some of the oldest and most evocative of its kind, and visit Bowali Visitors Centre for a greater understanding of Kakadu and its cultural significance.

Then it’s time to take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong. One of the best-known parts of Kakadu, Yellow Water is a 2.6 kilometre walk across the South Alligator River floodplain during the dry season. In the wet, it’s a completely different story – look forward to fantastic cruise across southern Kakadu. See huge crocs, water buffalo and remarkable birdlife in their habitat: Kakadu’s stunning World Heritage-listed wetlands.

Your overnight stay is an idyllic retreat inside Kakadu National Park. Relax in the large outdoor pool or have a drink at the Escarpment restaurant and bar before dinner. (B/D)

Explore the gems and stark escarpments of Kakadu National Park, including Jim Jim and Twin Falls, by fixed wing plane for a bird’s-eye view of the wetlands and rocky terrain (at additional cost, please book prior to departure).

Then it’s time to move on to Katherine, the “Crossroads of the North”. The third-largest town in the Northern Territory, Katherine is a gateway between outback desert and the tropical climate of the Top End. You’ll explore Nitmiluk National Park, owned by the Jawoyn people and home of the breathtaking Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, renowned for its towering sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art and serene waterways. Tonight, your Special Stay lodge is an 18-room outback sanctuary nestled in the bush and imbued with indigenous culture and artwork. (B/D)

Enrich: Take a dinner cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge, where you’ll marvel at the famed towering red ochre sandstone walls and hear stories of the local Jawoyn people.

Journey to Western Australia and let the vast expanse of the Kimberley slowly reveal itself. Visit Lake Argyle, one of the largest man-made lakes in the Southern Hemisphere. The Ord River Dam led to the creation of Lake Argyle which, at more than 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour, classifies as an inland sea. The freshwater lake contains more than 70 islands and features an incredible array of native wildlife, from freshwater crocs to hundreds of species of birds.

This afternoon, take a breathtaking cruise on the Ord River, which flows over 650 kilometres across the state. The damming of Ord River in the 1970s led to the creation of several new ecosystems, while the river itself provides a habitat for more than 75 species of birds. Marvel at the vast variety of birdlife, immense gorge walls and river scenery.

From there, it’s on to the town of Kununurra. Founded in the early 1960s as the Ord River Dam project got underway, the relatively young town of Kununurra contains a lifetime of delights. Lakes, waterfalls and rivers abound, as does a vibrant fishing scene. El Questro Wilderness Park is a particular highlight.

Tonight, enjoy the first of a two-night stay at your resort in Kununurra, home of the popular Kelly’s Bar & Grill. (B/D)

Surrounded by the ancient landscapes of the East Kimberley, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles beyond, Kununurra is 33 hours’ drive from Perth. It’s a perfect base for exploring this wild and remote part of Western Australia.

Opt for a flight over the Bungle Bungles and a chance to see the orange and black stripes of these massive sandstone structures (at additional cost, please book prior to departure). (B/D)

Enrich: Learn about Miriuwung country around Kununurra with our local Indigenous guide. Conservation of Miriuwung culture was given a huge boost in the early 1980s, when the Mirima National Parks were established to protect natural features and sites of importance to the Miriuwung people. Today, visitors to East Kimberley are invited to share the culture and traditions of the Miriuwung.

Enjoy morning tea and a tour of Hoochery Distillery, a local producer of rum and other spirits made with Australian sugarcane and rainwater from the region’s famed wet season. The Distillery, owned by the Dessert family, has successfully taken its handmade tropical gins and rums around the world, and is the oldest operating legal still in Western Australia.

Then, you’ll travel along the iconic Gibb River Road to the acclaimed El Questro Wilderness Park. Set in the untamed Kimberley landscape, El Questro began life as a working cattle station, but now dedicates its 700,000 acres to those wishing to get to the heart of the Kimberley experience. From thermal springs and waterfalls to deep gorges and majestic ranges, El Questro is a natural treasure.

Enjoy a two-night Special Stay in deluxe safari-style tented cabins at Emma Gorge, a stunning waterfall and ideal swimming spot.

+Optional El Questro Homestead upgrade: Take the opportunity to upgrade your stay to the deluxe El Questro Homestead, an exclusive retreat perched atop the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge (at additional cost, must be booked prior to departure and will substitute accommodation and touring activities). (B/D)

Today, choose from these elevating experiences during your time at El Questro. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• Chamberlain Gorge Cruise: A magnificent cruise through Chamberlain Gorge, a three kilometre waterhole, bound by diverse flora and fauna and set beneath towering sheer walled cliffs.
• Bush Culture and History Tour: Take an insight into the history of El Questro, changed from a working cattle station to a Wilderness Park. Learn about the legends and bush tucker of the local Aboriginal people.
• Injiid Marlabu Calls Us: An opportunity to gain an insight into the Ngarinyin culture and language, fostering a profound connection to Country and its people. Discover ancient healing rituals and generation tales and learn of its rich history and heritage.

Sunset Drinks: Relax over evening drinks at the El Questro Station Airstrip, which happens to enjoy some of the best views in the park. Chat with new friends while capturing stunning views of the sunset over the Cockburn Ranges.

Admire the striking colours of the massive Carr Boyd Range as you travel the Great Northern Highway to Halls Creek. From a distance, the Carr Boyd Range is a striking and desolate vista, but look closer and you’ll find beautiful natural swimming holes and cascading waterfalls.

You’ll arrive at Halls Creek, East Kimberley’s “heart of gold”. An exciting slice of the Australian outback, Halls Creek was put on the map when gold was discovered in 1885 – the first-ever discovery of its kind in Western Australia. The town came up around the prospectors that followed in the wake of the golden find, but by 1954 the town had been abandoned. Residents moved to the current site of the town, but old Halls Creek’s ruins remain today. Outside town, on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, is the remarkable Wolfe Creek Crater.

After you’ve arrived in Halls Creek, pay a visit to Yarliyil, a local Indigenous gallery that showcases the work of more than 100 local artists. Enjoy an overnight stay. (B/L/D)

Visit China Wall, a natural white stone wall reminiscent of the Great Wall of China. Look for the vein of white quartz that runs through this fascinating limestone occurrence.

Afterwards, you’ll head west to Fitzroy Crossing, a small town on the banks of the Fitzroy River. Home to five indigenous language groups and the prehistoric Mimbi Caves, Fitzroy Crossing is a window into an ancient world. It also happens to be a quirky outback haven.

Stay overnight at your lodge in Fitzroy Crossing, where you’re likely to spot wallabies early in the morning. (B/D)

Please Note: Select departures will overnight in Derby instead of Fitzroy Crossing.

Depart Fitzroy Crossing for Broome, the jewel of the Kimberley. The tropical coastal city is truly multicultural, with Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese and European influences blending with the local First Nations culture for a unique feel. Broome was built on pearling, but now features world-class diving in its turquoise waters, craft breweries and iconic camel rides along Cable Beach. However you choose to experience it, you’re sure to fall in love with this unique town.

Today enjoy a cruise on the Ballena catamaran past Broome’s picturesque coastline. Enjoy a selection of chilled alcoholic drinks available for purchase on board as you look for whales, dip your toes in the Indian Ocean or just relax and enjoy the view. Enjoy a two-night stay at your resort. (B)

Today, choose from these exciting Scenic Freechoice options to make the most of your time in Broome. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• Willie Creek Pearl Farm: During a guided farm tour and cruise, discover how the rare and beautiful ‘Australian South Sea Pearl’ is produced. Your guide will reveal the intricate process of today’s modern cultured pearling industry.
• Broome Harley Davidson™ Tour: Tour Broome Town and surrounds on a Harley Davidson™ Trike. Learn about Broome’s colourful history, today’s Broome and its future. This informative tour is designed to give you your bearings of Broome.
• Broome Indigenous Tour: Join Robert Dann in the place where he was born for a cultural experience. Learn about a small slice of 40,000 years of Broome and Kimberley culture. Visit local landmarks of Broome, the coastline and surrounding bush. Hear local Aboriginal stories and try some bush tucker.
• Cable Beach Camel Ride: Take an iconic one-hour camel ride along the white sands of Cable Beach. Look out over the Indian Ocean and keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life that can often be seen from atop a camel. (Weight restrictions apply)

Take an opportunity to fly in a seaplane and experience the Horizontal Falls on an exhilarating ride (at additional cost, must be booked prior to departure and will replace Scenic Freechoice touring).

Enjoy sunset at Cable Beach as you reflect on your journey around Australia’s central and northern wonders.

It’s time to leave your new friends and the wonders of the Kimberley behind and head home, taking with you stories for life.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. (B)