You'll jump behind the wheel this morning and make tracks for Kakadu National Park. As Australia's largest national park, Kakadu offers plenty of billabongs, waterfalls, and wetlands to keep you busy. Watch for water buffalo that have been sighted on the Kakadu Highway on your 3.5-hour drive in, and if you have time, detour to reach some of Kakadu's famous swimming holes and waterfalls. You'll arrive at Jabiru, the main township in Kakadu National Park, in the afternoon. After checking in, drive north to explore the East Alligator (Erre) region, northeast of Jabiru.
Day 9: Drive to Cooinda with Optional Stops & Activities
Tonight's accommodation in Cooinda is just a 45-minute drive away, so you'll spend most of today exploring the best of Kakadu National Park. On your way, detour to theBurrungkuy (Nourlangie) walk and discover why Kakadu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its outstanding cultural values. With its distinct rock paintings, this site documents life in the region from 20,000 years ago to the first contact with European explorers. This 1-mile (1.5 km) walk is an outdoor cultural museum where paintings, shelters, and artifacts present traditional life.
Nearby, stop at Nawurlandja Lookout for a short 40-minute walk, where you'll be rewarded with world-class views across Anbangbang Billabong to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and the Arnhem Land escarpment. Continue to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, developed by the Indigenous traditional owners of Kakadu. Here, artifacts illustrate the stories that the traditional owners wish to share with visitors. If you're keen to keep exploring, you could hike a two-hour path to Gunlom Falls, where a natural infinity pool promises an idyllic dip—it's also an unbeatable picnic spot.
Day 10: Yellow Water Sunrise Cruise, Drive to Darwin via Litchfield National Park
You'll boat along Kakadu's most famous wetland this morning at dawn with Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises. Yellow Water is part of the South Alligator River system, close to Cooinda, and the river system is located in its entirety within the park. Look for crocodiles and eagles, and admire the sunrise reflecting on the tranquil waters as you float around in the early hours. Then, it's time to hit the road, traveling southwest through Kakadu and toward Litchfield National Park, a 580-square-mile (1,500 sq km) reserve of tumbling waterfalls and crystal-clear natural pools.
On the 3.5-hour drive, pass Pine Creek, a former gold rush town full of historic character. After another two hours, you'll reach Litchfield. This park gives you the chance to swim in cool, crocodile-free waters at Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Sandy Creek Falls, Wangi Falls, or Cascades. Take your pick from those, plus choose one of many great hiking trails, from easy mile loops to the 24-mile (39 km) Tabletop Track. When you're ready, continue 90 minutes north to Darwin. Consider pulling into theHumpty Doo Hotel for dinner in a classic outback town of the same name.
Day 11: Fly to Alice Springs, Explore the Outback Town
This morning, head to the airport for your two-hour flight to Alice Springs. Make sure you leave enough time to return your rental car. On arrival in Alice Springs, collect another rental car and prepare for your great outback adventure. Known to the locals as "Alice," this town embodies the quintessential Australian spirit, from the ancient desert location to the Indigenous culture woven into the fabric of life here.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Alice Springs at your leisure. For a taste of local culture, head to the Araluen Cultural Precinct, which houses an art gallery and museum showcasing the region's history and Indigenous art. The Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum shows the essential work of the aerial medical service. Or visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary and meet rescued and orphaned baby and adult kangaroos.
Day 12: Drive to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop
When you're ready this morning, it's time to explore Australia's Red Centre! While the road is completely sealed (paved) on the 3.5-hour drive between Alice Springs and Kings Canyon, today, you can opt to add in the adventurous Mereenie Loop. This unsealed dirt road is a "must-do" for adventure lovers traveling through the desert, following a less-traveled road through some beautiful landscapes. You might even see a handful of wild camels or dingoes along the way.
Leave Alice Springs and head toward Glen Helen in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Stop for a swim at Redbank Gorge Pools, 12 miles (20 km) west of Glen Helen. If you have the time, buy an inner tire tube from Glen Helen Resort and splash your way through the gorge. You'll arrive at Kings Canyon in the afternoon. Enjoy the vast outback views and head to bed early, as you'll be exploring the famous Kings Canyon Rim Walk at sunrise tomorrow.
Day 13: Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Drive to Uluru
Rise bright and early to tackle the Rim Walk, a 3.7-mile (6 km) circuit around Kings Canyon. It usually takes 3-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace. The walk starts with about 500 steep steps, but it gets easier from there! From the top, marvel at the incredible views and see the sandstone domes known as the Lost City. Next, stay up top or venture down into the picturesque Garden of Eden filled with lush greenery.
After exploring Kings Canyon, continue your 3.5-hour drive to Uluru, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. You'll feel a powerful presence when you see the 1,150-foot-high (348 m) monolith and the surrounding UNESCO-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which holds a special cultural significance for the local Indigenous people, the Anangu. Just don't forget, a valid park pass is required to enter the park. You can purchase a three-day pass online or at the entrance before heading to your accommodation.
Day 14: Uluru Sunrise & Kata Tjuta, Sounds of Silence Dinner
Wake early to watch a sunrise over Australia's iconic rock—the incredible sight of the morning light igniting Uluru a fiery bright red is worth the early alarm clock. You'll leave in the dark to reach Talinguru Nyakunytaku, the Uluru viewing area. Witness the first light appear over the arid desert plains of the Red Centre as you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. After, you'll explore the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. From the base of Walpa Gorge, you'll wander past these unusual conglomerate rock formations, following a natural creek between two of the tallest domes.
This evening, experience the spellbinding Sounds of Silence dinner, eating under the desert sky while a storyteller shares stories. Your journey begins on a lone sand dune with 360-degree views of the Uluru monolith, the Kata Tjuta domes, and perhaps the best sunset of your life. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and canapés, then savor a mouthwatering barbecue buffet of Australian delicacies, such as barramundi and kangaroo, while enjoying the quiet of the desert. An Indigenous star talker will share tales of the night sky as you finish with a warm drink or glass of port wine.
Day 15: Explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Fly to Sydney
Start your last day in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at the Cultural Centre to learn more about the significance of Uluru to its traditional owners, the Anangu. Hear about Indigenous law, moral systems and culture, and the park's natural and human history. Next, take the 1.5-mile (2 km) Mala Walk route, which travels along parts of Uluru's base, through the caves where the Anangu's ancestors first settled, and past ancient rock art before arriving at Kantju Gorge.
Then, it's time to swap the sparse outback for buzzing Sydney. Drive to the airport in time to drop off the rental and board your three-hour flight. When you arrive in Sydney, you'll be greeted by your driver, who will take you to your city hotel. You'll be based within walking distance of many landmarks, including the world-renowned Sydney Opera House, so venture out to soak up the city. Pop down to the Opera Bar for a waterfront drink, then find a chic restaurant to celebrate your final night in Australia.
Day 16: Depart Sydney
It's time to say goodbye to Australia! If you have time, you could explore the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, jump on a ferry to cruise around the Sydney Harbour, or take a surf lesson at the famous Bondi Beach. When the time is right, a driver will transfer you to Sydney's airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!
More Great Australia Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these otherAustralia itineraries, or discover the best time to visit Australia.
A note on diacritical and retroflex markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.
