Outback Safari

Fly to Sydney.

On arrival make your way to your hotel.

At leisure to take in the sights. Don't miss a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, explore Darling Harbour and perhaps laze a while at Bondi.

Transfer to the airport and fly north. On arrival make your way to your hotel. Later, catch the sunset over Uluru as you enjoy a glass of bubbly and some nibbles.

It's an early start, but you'll agree it was well worth it when you spy the sun appearing over Uluru. You also have the opportunity to circumnavigate the base of the Rock or, take a shorter guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred spot decorated with millennia-old Aboriginal rock art. Later, visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta and wander through Walpa Gorge, with more bubbles to serenade another sunset.

Another early alarm call, albeit optional today, to see the Uluru Field of Light, a dazzling installation by Bruce Munro (at extra expense). Later, visit Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station. Continue to Kings Canyon, part of the immense Watarrka National Park where you can get your heart pumping on the 500 step climb on the 3.7 mile rim walk or take it easier on the creek bed walk.

As you journey toward Alice Springs you'll pass cattle stations the size of small countries and can also spy the MacDonnell Ranges undulating across the red earth. On arrival in Alice Springs visit an intimate museum charting the town's history as a telegraph station before sunset panoramas from Anzac Hill steal the scene.

Visit Alice Springs Desert Park before dropping in on the incredible Royal Flying Doctor Service. End the day on a high at the Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, with a hosted BBQ dinner under the stars. This is a lesson in off-the-grid, sustainable living.

Begin with a fascinating visit to the School of the Air which broadcasts daily classes to children in Australia's most remote reaches. As you travel onward, glimpse the otherworldly precariously balanced boulders that characterise Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) and the landscapes surrounding gold-rich Tennant Creek.

Soak up the atmosphere in the Daly Waters Historic Pub where it's a tradition to leave a memento to decorate the walls. Next up is a visit to the Elsey Homestead in Mataranka where you can explore the grounds or enjoy a dip in the palm-shrouded thermal springs.

Explore the natural beautify of Nitmiluk National Park on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience cruise along Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. As you wind through the gorge, keep watch for lush rainforest gullies in giant cracks and maybe a freshwater crocodile or two on the banks. More wildlife lurks in Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong, which is a mecca for sea eagles, brolgas and little kingfishers, not to mention more crocodiles in the muddy shallows.

By far the best way to grasp the immensity of Kakadu National Park is from the air and an optional scenic flight allows you to do just that (at extra expense). Travel on to Darwin, where there's a quick city tour to get your bearings before you have time to enjoy the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.

A day at leisure to spend as you wish. You can sign up for optional experiences such as exploring Litchfield National Park or head north to the Tiwi Islands for a deep dive into Indigenous history and art (both at extra expense). This evening, meet up with fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

The tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward journey.