Day Trips in Northern Territory

Travel from Alice Springs to World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Considered the spiritual of the Red Centre, these two sacred sites feature stunning scenery and significant cultural importance. Discover the highlights with your guides, who take you to Mutitjulu Waterhole, Mala walk and the Cultural Centre. Learn about local Aboriginal history and traditions during this all-inclusive tour. Includes a buffet breakfast, lunch, snacks and an Aussie barbecue during the sunset at Uluru.

Experience the natural wonders and ancient cultural heritage of Kakadu - Australia's largest national park. On this full-day tour from Darwin, cruise along the Yellow Water billabong while spotting crocs basking on the banks. Admire ancient Aboriginal art at the 'desert museum' of Nourlangie Rock, and delve deeper into indigenous history at the Warradjan Aboriginal Centre.

Enjoy the quintessential Aussie Outback experience and absorb the ambience of the Red Centre without the crowds. Your guide will take you in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle to Mt Conner, located 100-kilometer east of Uluru on a privately owned cattle station called Curtin Springs. Look for red kangaroos, wallabies and other wildlife as you travel across the desert landscape. You will discover an ancient inland salt lake and learn about the European history of the region. Watch the sunset splash dazzling colors over Mt Conner as you sip a glass of sparkling wine. Then enjoy a delicious three course dinner at Curtin Springs Station before returning to Ayers Rock Resort.

Beat Australia's summer heat on this water-focused tour of the Wes MacDonnell Ranges. Spend the whole day pool-hopping in the national park with a small group, which ensures personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere. Stops include Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, the Glen Helen Gorge, and others for chances to don your bathing suit and jump in. Along the way, listen to guided commentary on the area's ecology and wildlife.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Aboriginal community that holds on tightly to its traditions. Located off the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands experience is led by an indigenous guide who shares local history and traditions. Partake in a traditional morning tea with Tiwi Islanders before visiting the Tiwi Museum and joining Aboriginal artists for an art-making workshop. You can also shop for Tiwi paintings, fabric, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices (own expense).

Explore a landscape of ancient rock formations, monsoon forests and cascading waterfalls on this full-day tour from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. Marvel at massive termite pillars, take a dip in natural swimming holes and explore rock pools at the base of the sparkling falls. Enjoy lunch at the Litchfield Caf e, and learn of the Aboriginal legends that surround this pristine landscape.

Uluru (Ayer's Rock) and Kata Tjuta are two of Australia's most photographed natural wonders and this full-day tour takes in both. Enjoy guided hikes to the Walpa Gorge, Mutitjulu Waterhole, and the Mala Walk; visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre; and tuck into a traditional Aussie barbecue dinner as you watch the sunset over Uluru.

Join an Aboriginal guide and traditional owner of Uluru on a 7-hour afternoon tour of the homeland, Patji. Travel in a rugged 4-wheel drive vehicle on remote bush tracks as you learn about the oldest living culture in the world. Stop at historically important sites along the way, hear about human survival in this harsh desert environment, and have afternoon tea around the campfire. At sunset, watch the sky change colors while enjoying light refreshments at a private sand dune that overlooks Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Take a full-day detour from Darwin to explore the beautiful natural playground of Katherine Gorge. Cruise between ancient sandstone cliffs for an up-close perspective of Aboriginal rock art and crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks. Take a dip in a natural swimming hole at the base of Edith Falls, and recharge with a delicious picnic lunch. Get a glimpse of local cattle culture on a coach tour of Katherine, and pass through the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek.

Discover the best of Litchfield National Park on a full-day tour from Darwin. Head to the Adelaide River for a private Jumping Crocodile cruise that gives you great views of the crocs. Continue into Litchfield National Park to cool off in swimming holes such as Florence Falls, Wangi Falls or Buley Rockhole, see the sculptural termite mounds and have a picnic lunch. Back in Darwin, watch the sunset at Mindil Beach while sipping a glass of champagne and nibbling prawn appetizers before returning to your hotel.

Explore the tropical wilderness of the Litchfield National Park on this full-day small-group tour from Darwin. Visit the Florence and Wangi Falls; cool off with a dip in the Buley Rockhole, and snap photos of the gigantic Cathedral and Magnetic Termite Mounds. You'll also enjoy a crocodile-spotting cruise along the Adelaide River and hear about the reptiles from the wildlife guide. Includes lunch, snacks, croc cruise, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Journey to the majestic chasm of Kings Canyon on this full-day adventure from Ayers Rock. Travel across the rugged landscape of Central Australia, stopping at the Kings Creek cattle and camel station for a taste of Outback ranch life and optional camel ride. Choose from a strenuous walk to the canyon rim for unbeatable views, or an easier route along the canyon creek bed. Stop for lunch at the Kings Canyon Resort, and suit your sightseeing schedule with the option to either return to Ayers Rock or continue on to Alice Springs.

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia's Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Includes lunch, snacks, guide, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Spend a day exploring the waterfalls, monsoon forest and rock formations of Litchfield National Park on a small-group tour from Darwin. Swim in natural rock pools such as Buley Rockhole, admire massive termite pillars, take a guided walk in the forest, hear Aboriginal stories, and learn about Australian plants and animals. Take a dip at waterfalls that cascade from the Tabletop Range, relax over a barbecue lunch and travel by air-conditioned minivan with a knowledgeable guide.

Take a culturally immersive day trip to the Tiwi Islands to witness the traditional practices of the Nguiu Aboriginal community. Take a short flight from Darwin to Brathurst Island, and spend the day observing and taking part in time-honored rituals and social practices. Admire local art depicting Dreamtime stories, and visit an ancient island burial ground while your guide shares insight into local spiritual practices. Watch a traditional totem dance and smoking ceremony, and chat with local community members over campfire billy tea and damper. Lunch and round-trip flights are included.

Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges on a full-day tour from Alice Springs. Travel with an expert guide to highlights such as Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek and Glen Helen. Have time to enjoy the region's natural beauty and capture photo ops of the Australian Outback as you hike into rock canyons, discover hidden waterholes and view historical sites. Chances to swim and hike along the way