Red Centre, Wildlife & Wine Adventure

Start your journey in Darwin, the tropical hub of the Northern Territory, and enjoy the next three days exploring Australia’s smallest capital city. Visit Litchfield National park and swim in the plunge pool of Florence Falls, travelling past lush monsoon forest and towering termite mounds along the way. Cruise around the magnificent Darwin Harbour aboard the Charles Darwin and witness the sun set over the glistening water. 

Included day tours:

• Darwin City Sights

• Litchfield Waterfalls Tour

• Darwin Sunset Cruise

Optional add-ons / upgrades:

• Kakadu National Park Explorer

Travel Designers recommendation:  Visit Mindil Beach Sunset market on a Thursday or Sunday for great street food and local Art.

Depart Darwin for your next destination, Alice Springs, to explore the sights of this bustling outback township. Visit the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum and learn about the history and development of the service. Alice Springs is also a fantastic place in which to immerse yourself in the traditions of the Aboriginal people. There are exhibitions and performances to enjoy as well as local markets to admire indigenous art and local crafts.

Optional add-ons / upgrades:

• Outback Ballooning

Travel Designers recommendation:  A trip on a hot air balloon to experience the vast outback desert from above is a must whilst in Alice Springs. 

For the next six days embark on the ultimate Outback road trip across red scorched earth, passing stunning gorges and ranges. Head west from Alice Springs and follow the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges before a night’s stay at Glen Helen’s Homestead Lodge. Continue your journey through the Red Centre with a stay in the magnificent Kings Canyon. Enjoy the breathtaking Rim Walk, with panoramic views of the rugged canyon and scattered boulders below or, for a gentler walk, enjoy a stroll between the canyons towering walls. Next stop, Australia’s most famous icon; Uluru. As darkness falls, witness the ‘Field of Light’ installation under the outback sky followed by an authentic barbeque under the stars. Start your last day early and observe the changing colours of Uluru as the sun rises. Conclude your last day of exploring witnessing the sun setting over Uluru with a glass of Australian wine.

Included day tours:

• Field of Light - Star Pass

Optional add-ons / upgrades:  

• Uluru (Ayers Rock) Helicopter Flight

Travel Designers recommendation: Visit the Cultural Centre to learn more about Uluru and its traditional owners through interesting displays and workshops.

Accommodation: Explore the Red Centre Self-drive

Return your car to Ayres Rock Airport and board a flight back to Alice Springs for the evening.

Travel Designers recommendation: Be sure to book a table at the quirky Overlander Steakhouse. The tasting platter is a great way to sample some Australian delicacies including camel, crocodile and kangaroo.

Begin your time in South Australia with a city tour of the cosmopolitan city of Adelaide, the state capital. Learn about the blend of European and modern architecture and visit Montefiore Hill and Colonel Light’s lookout for panoramic city views. This afternoon head to the popular seaside suburb of Glenelg, just a 20 minutes’ drive or tram ride from the city, with the afternoon free to explore Holdfast Shores and the Marina Pier.

Included day tours:

• Adelaide City Highlights tour

Optional add-ons / upgrades:

• Fleurieu Explorer: Off Piste Tours

• Murray River Highlights

Travel Designers recommendation: With so many great restaurants in the city and vineyards in the surrounding countryside, Adelaide is the perfect place for foodies and wine lovers. 

Depart Adelaide and travel in a small group 4WD adventure and get close – up with the incredible nature and wildlife on Kangaroo Island. A knowledgeable guide will take you off the beaten track, visiting all the famous landmarks of Kangaroo Island, including the iconic Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, home to a colony of long-nosed seals. Partake in a guided walk along Seal Bay and bush walks where koalas and kangaroos may be spotted. After your overnight stay, explore the island further before departing on the ferry back to Adelaide.

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Upgrade to a short return flight from Kangaroo Island to Adelaide, and view the stunning landscapes from the sky.

Travel Designers recommendation: Visit the Frogs & Roses restaurant for some delicious homemade pizza and cheesecake.

Accommodation: Highlights of Kangaroo Island 4WD tour (Ozone Hotel)

Today you have a free day to explore Adelaide. Choose to wander around the variety of shops on Rundle Street or take a stroll down North Terrace, home to the Botanic Gardens, South Australia Museum, and the Art Gallery of South Australia. Be sure to indulge in Adelaide’s food culture and dine on some of the freshest produce from around the state.

Optional add-ons / upgrades:

• Fleurieu Explorer: Off Piste Tours

• Murray River Highlights

Travel Designers recommendation: Visit the historic Adelaide Central Markets, with more than 80 food stalls, you won’t find this variety of food under one roof anywhere else.

Collect your car and venture out of the city to the Barossa, located approximately 70km to the north-east of Adelaide. With over 150 wineries and cellar doors, you’ll be spoilt for choice over the next few days. Enjoy lunch at one of the many wineries surrounded by stunning scenery of rolling hills, or if you fancy a change of pace, unwind in a spa or play a round of golf at one of the championship courses before your overnight stay.

Optional add-ons / upgrades:

• Make Your Own Blend at Penfolds

• Hot air balloon flight

Travel Designers recommendation: Try your hand at winemaking at the famous Penfolds vineyard and leave with your very own personalised blend!

Spend your last day in Adelaide soaking up the vibrant city atmosphere or perhaps head out of the city to Gulf St Vincent, home to over a thousand common bottlenose dolphins with the opportunity to share the sea with these intelligent creatures. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy a drink in a tucked away bar or watch a show at one of the city’s many live music venues.

Optional add-ons / upgrades:

• Temptation Dolphin Swim

Travel Designers recommendation: For a sweet treat, visit Scroll hand-crafted ice-cream shop. The ‘Nutterbutter’ is delicious!

Accommodation: Choose from the Furama Riverfront, Hotel Grand Central, Hotel Miramar or Peninsula Excelsior.

Travel Designers recommendation:  Don’t forget to try a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, where the famous cocktail was created. 

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