11D10N Outback Safari

Today is one of colours. The ochre soil spiked with cycads as you come into land. The endless blue sky. The russet hues of Uluru… And that’s all before the enchanting hour. Come sunset, the landscape changes with every click of your camera. If you can stop snapping, have a glass of bubbles and some nibbles with your fellow adventurers.

Hotel
Desert Gardens, Ayers Rock Resort, (2 nights)

If you’re looking for a reason to roll out of bed before dawn, make it an Uluru sunrise. We’re not saying it’s better than the sunset. But rising with the birds certainly has benefits. Like being cool when you tour the base of the world’s biggest monolith. A circumnavigation is 11 kilometres, if you’re up for it. Or you can join a guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred spot decorated with millennia-old Aboriginal rock paintings. Dive even deeper into First Nations traditions at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Then wander through Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge, with more bubbles to serenade the day’s end.

The only other reason to get up before dawn is to glimpse the Uluru Field of Light, a dazzling installation by British artist Bruce Munro that sees 50,000 stem-like globes blanket the Uluru soil. It’s optional – we won’t judge you for sleeping in, steeling yourself for today’s adventures. But if you’ve come this far, it would be a shame to opt for shut-eye over eye-popping. Speaking of which, did you know Australia has the largest population of wild camels in the world, and Kings Creek Station, your next stop, is the largest exporter of these doe-eyed creatures? From here, the land eases into Kings Canyon, part of the immense Watarrka National Park. Views over the Red Centre are perspective-resetting.

Hotel
Kings Canyon Resort.

Cattle stations are the size of small nations in the NT outback, as you’ll discover on your journey toward Alice. The other ‘big’ thing in these parts is the MacDonnell Ranges, undulating across the red earth like a serpent’s spine. Back in 1872, Alice Springs was a hive of activity, as a Telegraph Station was built to connect Adelaide and Darwin as part of the Overland Telegraph Line. Sweat and tears went into the project, as you’ll discover browsing the grounds-cum-museum. If you thought you were getting out of a sunset, think again – panoramas from Anzac Hill steal the scene.

Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton, (2 nights).

In remote parts of Australia, community is everything, whether to ensure stories of the Arrernte people are not forgotten, or to help those who need help. The passionate Royal Flying Doctor Service health workers commute hundreds of kilometres to provide aid. Their stories are at once uplifting and inspiring. End the day on a high at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, where the Falzon family host a BBQ Be My Guest dinner under the stars. This is a lesson in off-the-grid, sustainable living. Let it inspire you to follow suit at home.

The whole of Peru covers 1.3 million square kilometres – the same size playing field that the School of the Air broadcasts daily classes to. Watch a live session with kids in some of Australia’s most remote reaches, providing them with educational tools otherwise unavailable. Not on the curriculum? Aliens, although you will learn all about them passing through Wycliffe Well, also known as Australia’s ‘UFO capital’. Undeniably otherworldly are the precariously balanced boulders that characterise Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) and the landscapes surrounding gold-rich Tennant Creek.

Hotel
Bluestone Motor Inn.

When you’re not working hard in the Australian outback, you’re having a lot of fun. Case in point the Daly Waters Historic Pub, where the food – schnitzels, burgers – comes second to the atmosphere. Follow the lead of those here before you and leave a memento to decorate the walls. If you were a fan of TV drama We of the Never Never, you’ll recognise your next destination: the (replica) Elsey Homestead in Mataranka. Explore, or soak in the palm-shrouded thermal springs.

Hotel
Contour.

Cruising around Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge this morning is a humbling experience. You can almost feel the spirits yawning as they created this landscape on Jawoyn land, part of Nitmiluk National Park. A sprinkling of crocs, a flutter of rare birds. It takes your breath away. More wildlife lurks in Kakadu’s Yellow Water Billabong, which is a mecca for sea eagles, brolgas and little kingfishers.

Hotel:
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile, Jabiru.

The best way to grasp the immensity of Kakadu and Arnhem Land? From the air, should you wish to take an optional flight. You won’t regret it – perspective is always a good thing. Speaking of which, Ubirr’s Aboriginal rock art dates back an eye-watering 20,000+ years. If it looks familiar, that’s because it starred in classic Aussie movie, Crocodile Dundee. Get your Darwin bearings on a quick tour – we want to give you as much time as possible to enjoy a bite to eat at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.

Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton, (2 nights).

Think of today as dessert: the sweet finale to a decadent degustation. Travel deep into Litchfield National Park, pocked with 100-year-old, two-metre-high magnetic termite mounds. We’re not sticking around though – Florence and Wangi falls await. Change into your swimming costume and take a dip in the gem-like waterholes. Darwin can get steamy, but you’ll have wind in your sails as you cruise the harbour at sunset, enjoying one last toast to the NT.

‘Ma Muk’ (‘See you later’), as the Larrakia people would say. This Dreamtime adventure is over for now, but we’re positive your memories will last forever.