APT Touring - Central Australian Discovery 2027

Head towards the remote township of Katherine and enjoy a Signature Experience. Later, discover the music, stories and ways of the local Jawoyn people.

Signature Experience – Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise

Board a cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and marvel at the winding network of gorges carved from centuries-old sandstone. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles and birdlife along the way.

Staying Contour Hotel Katherine

Today, journey to Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, a vast one-million-acre working cattle station that stretches all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Along the way, stop at the Mataranka Thermal Pools to take in the tranquil surrounds and view this natural oasis. Continue to Roper Bar, a historic crossing on the Roper River, before visiting Butterfly Falls, where you can admire the peaceful setting and natural beauty of the area.

On arrival at Lorella Springs, settle in and soak up the sense of space and tranquillity that defines this remarkable part of northern Australia.

Staying Two Nights, Lorella Springs Wilderness Park

Today, we will explore this coastal wilderness sanctuary, driving through a variety of landscapes and a scenic flight. This 4000-square-kilometre park contains coastal floodplains, salt flats and mangroves, escarpment country and dense forest. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the wilderness park at your own pace. 

Signature Experience – Lost City Scenic Flight

Board a scenic flight over the Lost City, a series of large sandstone outcrops that evokes the remains of an ancient civilisation.

Leave the oasis of Lorella Springs to journey along Nathan River Road towards Ryan’s Bend. Along the way, take a break to savour a leisurely lunch at the iconic Heartbreak Hotel. Afterwards, continue your route to Barkly Homestead, your evening destination. 

Staying Barkly Homestead

Venture to Alice Springs via Tennant Creek, travelling through the vast and ever-changing landscapes of the Northern Territory. Along the way, stop at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), a striking collection of massive granite boulders scattered across the landscape. This is a living cultural landscape, with deep spiritual significance to the Traditional Owners, and nearly the entire reserve is recognised as a sacred site. Take time to explore the area, admire the unique formations, and learn about the stories and significance that make this place so special.

Staying Two Nights, Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs

Explore Simpsons Gap, which pierces the West MacDonnell Ranges. This sacred area is an important spiritual site to the Arrarnta Indigenous people, where several Dreamtime stories have said to take place. Continue to the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, whose landscapes played a significant role in the stories of Western Arrernte Indigenous culture. At Angkerle (Standley Chasm), follow a creek where spring-fed pools attract a variety of unique birdlife. Afterwards, visit Ormiston Gorge, home to a variety of unique species. Later, take the afternoon to unwind.

Signature Experience – Outback Bush Barbecue

Delight in an evening of exceptional entertainment and outback dining, set against the dramatic backdrop of the remote East MacDonnell Ranges. Savour a gourmet two-course bush barbecue paired with premium beverages, as a talented bush balladeer brings Australia’s rich heritage to life through timeless song.

Travel to Gosses Bluff crater, before heading off-road along the Mereenie Loop Road. Take in the outback scenes as you travel to Kings Canyon. 

Signature Experience – Kings Canyon Light-Towers

Experience the Light-Towers at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon, a captivating sound and light exhibit created by renowned British artist Bruce Munro. Known worldwide for his Field of Light installation at Uluru, Munro's latest creation is now illuminating Kings Canyon. 

Staying Kings Canyon Resort

Journey into the heart of Watarrka National Park today, where unspoiled bush and red rock canyons create an amazing experience. The Luritja people have called Watarrka National Park home for more than 20,000 years. After lunch, head inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), consisting of 36 domes that form deep valleys and steep-sided gorges. Explore Walpa Gorge before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort.

Signature Experience – Kings Canyon Rim Walk

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, marvel at the canyon itself. About halfway along is the Garden of Eden, featuring a waterhole and riverine vegetation.

Staying Two Nights, Uluru, Sails in the Desert

At sunrise, begin a magical journey around the base of Uluru, one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks. As the first light illuminates the rock’s rich red hues, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the history, geology, and unique features of this remarkable site.

Signature Experience – Sounds of Silence Dinner

This evening, experience ‘A Night at Field of Light’. Indulge in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Savour a glass of sparkling before helping yourself to a ‘bush tucker’ inspired buffet accompanied by the music of a didgeridoo. At the same time, immerse yourself in the spectacular Field of Light art installation.

Cross into South Australia and arrive in the unique outback town of Coober Pedy. Visit the Umoona Opal Mine, where you’ll gain insight into both European and Indigenous settlement in the region, as well as learn about the fascinating process of opal mining.

Tonight, check in to the Desert Cave Hotel, offering a comfortable and authentic Outback stay, and relax after a day of exploration.

Staying Coober Pedy, Desert Cave Hotel

Today you will journey along the Oodnadatta Track, pausing at William Creek for lunch. Perhaps board a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. Take to the skies and gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder from above (own expense). Afterwards, drive to the edge of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre and lookout over the seemingly endless salt flats. Later, arrive at the small town of Marree.

Signature Experience – Travel the Oodnadatta Track

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Oodnadatta Track, where every turn reveals a new chapter of Australia's rich history and stunning landscapes. Traverse rugged terrain and ancient pathways, immersing yourself in the heart of the Outback's rugged beauty.

Staying Marree Hotel

On the way to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, stop for lunch at Parachilna’s famous Prairie Hotel. Arrive at the national park, which is a cultural site renowned for its 800-million-year-old landscapes. Explore Wilpena Pound, cradled within a natural amphitheatre of mountains. Continue to your accommodation, set among river red gums and native pines.

Staying Two Nights, Wilpena Pound Resort

A full day has been set aside for you to explore Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in more depth. Visit Brachina Gorge and keep an eye out for the endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby as you traverse the gorge’s ancient layers. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps take an optional scenic flight over Wilpena Pound (own expense).

Farewell Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park as you make your way through the wine-growing district of the Clare Valley. Arrive in Adelaide and toast the end of your journey during a farewell dinner.

Signature Experience – Dine at the Watervale Hotel

Visit the highly acclaimed Watervale Hotel for a delightful meal featuring local produce from their organic, bio-dynamic farm in the Clare Valley. 

Staying Adelaide, The Playford Hotel

After breakfast, farewell your new-found friends and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.