Top End & Central Australia Explorer
Top End & Central Australia Explorer
Top End & Central Australia Explorer
11 Days
Visiting: Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine, Mataranka, Daly Waters, Tennant Creek, Devils Marbles, Alice Springs, Standley Chasm, Kings Canyon, Uluru, Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3381-2025
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$5852
$5245 (USD)
Operator discount: -$607
Tour Overview
Landscapes like no other and an abundance of cultural heritage, this is just some of what you can expect to uncover on this 11-day tour through Central Australia. Starting in Darwin, you’ll travel south through the Northern Territory, ending in Uluru (Ayers Rock), with overnights in Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru.Start your morning in Darwin with an orientation of the city’s main highlights then onwards to the Adelaide River for a thrilling Jumping Croc Cruise. In Kakadu, enjoy spotting local wildlife from your guided Yellow River Cruise; at Nitmiluk National Park, see the famous Katherine Gorge and enjoy a swim in Edith Falls; Kings Canyon, where your Tour Director will take you on the incredible Kings Canyon Rim Walk; and of course, at Uluru, where you’ll enjoy walks to the base of "the Rock" and Mutitjulu Waterhole.Throughout this tour of Central Australia, you’ll also learn a lot about the traditional custodians of the land, Australia’s Indigenous Aboriginal people and culture. Enjoy a guided walk in Kakadu National Park to the Nourlangie ancient rock art site; visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre where you’ll learn about local Aboriginal culture; discover Aboriginal Rock paintings at Uluru and learn about their stories and their historic significance.These are just some of the many highlights of this Central Australia tour featuring awe-inspiring scenery, fascinating cultural history and fun-filled experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Darwin
Location: Darwin
Welcome to the Northern Territory! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4pm in time for a welcome meeting and drink.
Day 2: Darwin
Location: Darwin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with an orientation tour of Darwin and see some of the city’s highlights. Next, travel down the murky waters of the Adelaide River and be thrilled and awed on a Jumping Croc Cruise. It’s your chance to see these prehistoric creatures up close and in their natural habitat. Have your cameras ready for some fantastic photo ops! Return to Darwin where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Day 3: Kakadu National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn more about the local aboriginal people who have lived in the region for up to 50,000 years. Afterward, cruise the unspoiled waterways of the Yellow Water Billabong. Enjoy incredible scenery with the opportunity to spot water buffalo, crocodiles, and an abundance of bird species. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may want to take an optional helicopter flight to see more of this vast park or just relax with a cool drink at your resort's pool. This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring local delicacies and bush food. Perhaps try some of the Northern Territories’ famous Barramundi.
Day 4: Kakadu National Park,Nitmiluk National Park,Katherine
Location: Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Nitmiluk National Park and enjoy a walk to Edith Falls where there is time for a swim in this amazing setting. Arrive in Katherine and enjoy a cruise through the dramatic Katherine Gorge. See dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and pristine wilderness. You'll have the chance to see wildlife including cockatoos, eagles, and wallabies plus learn the history and culture of the local indigenous people. This evening is at leisure.
Day 5: Katherine,Mataranka,Tennant Creek
Location: Katherine, Mataranka, Daly Waters, Tennant Creek
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day with a visit to Mataranka Thermal Springs where you can relax and enjoy this tropical oasis. Later, make a stop for a long cool drink at the historic Daly Waters Pub. Hear stories about the pub's history, meet some of the friendly locals, and see the treasures left behind by visitors from around the world. After dinner, your evening is at leisure in the Northern Territory's "Heart of Gold", Tennant Creek.
Day 6: Tennant Creek,Devils Marbles,Alice Springs
Location: Tennant Creek, Devils Marbles, Alice Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the iconic Devils Marbles, a collection of massive granite boulders. The boulders stand 6 meters (19 feet) high and were formed over millions of years. Enjoy a short walk and hear the ancient mythology of how the local aboriginal people believe them to be the fossilized eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Before arriving at the hotel, make a stop at Alice Springs Brewing Co to sample some of their locally brewed craft beer. This evening is at leisure.
Day 7: Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs, Standley Chasm, Alice Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit remarkable Standley Chasm, a geological and cultural icon. Explore the history of this land as well have the chance to walk "the Gap of Water," a striking geological formation with a Local Indigenous Guide. Afterward, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn about the medical care required to service the remote region of the Outback. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a bike hire and explore more on your own, browse the local art galleries and shops, try your luck at the casino, or relax by your resort's pool.
Day 8: Alice Springs,Kings Canyon
Location: Alice Springs, Kings Canyon
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, travel to majestic Kings Canyon. After a relaxed lunch, lace up your walking boots for the incredible Kings Canyon Creek Walk. Other walks are available as well as scenic helicopter tours. Tonight, enjoy a refreshing drink as you watch the sunset.
Day 9: Kings Canyon,Uluru
Location: Kings Canyon, Uluru
Meals Included: Breakfast
You may wish to rise early to join in the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Enjoy amazing views and iconic sites such as the Garden of Eden, Priscilla's Crack, and the weathered domes of "the Lost City." Continue to Uluru and enjoy a locally guided tour at the base of the rock and visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Discover aboriginal rock paintings and learn their stories and historic significance. This evening, witness the sunset at Uluru with nibbles and drinks. NOTE: The optional Kings Canyon Rim Walk is challenging. There is a steep portion at the beginning of the walk which requires an acceptable level of fitness. Suitable footwear should be worn. Please speak to your Tour Director if you are unsure of your ability.
Day 10: Uluru
Location: Uluru, Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga, Uluru
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
For those that wish, choose to rise early and see the sunrise over Uluru. Later, enjoy a walk at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 36 brilliant domes. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to take an optional scenic helicopter flight, take part in a bush food experience, or participate in a walking tour. This evening, join your Tour Director for a festive farewell dinner.
Day 11: Uluru
Location: Uluru
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Uluru and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 dinners
UNESCO Sites
Kakadu National Park|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Accommodation
Travelodge Resort Darwin
Centrally located to all of Darwin¿s key attractions. The Travelodge Resort Darwin has recently received a facelift. 136 hotel rooms now feature new beds and bedding, smart TVs, and a modern new design.
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Situated in the heart of the World Heritage Kakadu National Park sits the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. Take part in the unique experience of the Australian Outback at this one-of-a-kind hotel, which from above resembles a crocodile - an animal well known in these parts. After hours of exploration and touring of the land, feel restored after taking a dip in the outdoor pool, lounging in the shady garden, or partaking of the many unique Outback flavors at the on-site restaurant and bar. The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is committed to supporting its environment and the community within it, while providing friendly service and comfort for its visitors. The hotel features coin-operated, self-service laundry.
Contour Katherine
Situated near the Katherine town center, the Ibis Styles Katherine features 100 comfortable guestrooms, a restaurant, bar, pool, tennis court, barbecue area, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Bluestone Motor Inn
Bluestone Motor Inn offers 65 air-conditioned guestrooms in Tennant Creek. The hotel features a family-owned restaurant, outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Mercure Alice Springs
Situated on the banks of the famous Todd River, Mercure offers spectacular views of the towering River Red Gum, while the well-manicured lush green lawns of the Resort create a relaxing atmosphere as you soak in the Australian Outback charm of the Northern Territory. The hotel features a swimming pool, fitness center, gift shop, restaurant, lounge, coin-operated self-service laundry, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Kings Canyon Resort
Situated in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Kings Canyon Lodge has been thoughtfully designed to blend in with the beauty of its natural surroundings. The hotel features a relaxing pool, multiple restaurants and bars, self-serve laundry, convenience store, roaming Wi-Fi available for purchase, and a dedicated viewing deck for prime viewing of the sunset.
Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge
Australian hospitality has its own style of service that combines both professionalism and genuine warmth. You'll find this authentic brand of service at the Outback Pioneer Hotel. It offers comfortable rooms and is perfect for the demands of travelers looking for quality service in relaxed surroundings. The hotel features an outdoor pool, restaurant, lounge, and complimentary Wi-Fi. As a guest, you have access to all the facilities the resort has to offer including swimming pools, Resort Town Square shops, tennis courts, coin-operated self-service laundry, visitor centre, tour desk, and more.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Sunday
Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.