Australia
ULURU TO KAKADU
02-15 JUL 2027 • 14 DAYS • 16 GUESTS
Journey through Australia's remote Outback and Top End to witness spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife and engage with the world's oldest continuing living culture. A land of stunning diversity, where waterfalls cascade over sandstone escarpments into ancient gorges, Aboriginal rock art decorates cliff faces, and waterways are filled with menacing-looking saltwater crocodiles and a countless array of birdlife.
Adventure into the rugged red heart of Australia to experience its diverse landscapes, desert plains, rugged mountain ranges, rocky gorges, and sacred indigenous landforms. Rising dramatically from the Central Australian desert, the enormous red rock formations of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) are some of Australia's most iconic attractions. They will take your breath away as the changing light enhances their beauty. Likewise, Watarrka’s (Kings Canyon) sheer red cliffs and steep walls overlooking its lush forest will leave you in awe as you hike its rim trail. Learn about the culture, customs, and art of the land’s traditional custodians, and experience dinner under the starry night sky.
Aboriginal communities preserve their cultural heritage by passing on their knowledge, language, stories, songs, and art from one generation to another. On this journey, you will have opportunities to learn about country and culture, offering a real connection through immersive experiences, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation of Australia's First Nations people. You will also have the chance to visit indigenous art galleries and engage with the artists, peruse or purchase their art.
The country town of Alice Springs is the gateway to Central Australia. Explore the unique wildlife of the outback at the Desert Park, and visit the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air, both crucial in connecting the outback to the outside world. Take in the grandeur of the Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges) with its spectacular ochre-red gorges, rocky hills, and waterholes framed by white Ghost gums.
Kakadu is Australia's largest National Park and is world-heritage-listed for both its natural and cultural wonders. Its rivers and wetlands are home to a third of Australia's bird species and the largest population of Saltwater Crocodiles. It’s also renowned for its extensive rock art sites and living cultural landscape. The waterholes and waterfalls are ideal for cooling off following a guided hike. Be amazed by the tremendous force of a crocodile leaping out of the water to snatch food beside you on a boat cruise. Experience the early morning magic of a Yellow Water Billabong sunrise cruise and watch the sunset amid the red-ochre rocks with panoramic views across the lush floodplains and stone country.
Arnhem Land, a vast area twice the size of Switzerland, is the spiritual home to some of Australia's most significant First Nations peoples, many maintaining a traditional lifestyle governed by ceremonial laws. Only accessible with a special permit, spend time exploring the eucalyptus and tall grass bushland, ancient escarpments, and pristine rivers. Engage with the Traditional Custodians of this ancient land and hear their creation stories depicted through amazing rock art. Learn about their knowledge of the bush, their ancestors, and their traditional way of life.
Enjoy a breathtaking aerial perspective of these vast and diverse landscapes, including ancient escarpments, winding rivers, floodplains, and wetlands.
HIGHLIGHTS
Journey into the rugged beauty of Australia’s Red Centre and the wild Top End.
Connect with ancient culture through creation stories, sacred sites, and extraordinary rock art shared by Australia’s Traditional Custodians
Watch the changing light illuminate Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Watarrka
Dine beneath a canopy of brilliantly sparkling stars
Wander through ancient landscapes, hike stunning nature trails, see breathtaking waterfalls, and plunge into refreshing waterholes
Enjoy close encounters with some of Australia's most iconic animals
Cruise along rivers and sprawling wetlands filled with crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife
Fly over the spiritual homeland of Australia on a scenic flight of Kakadu and Arnhem Land
Savor fresh, flavorful meals infused with native ingredients, enjoy bush picnics and classic Aussie BBQs, and relax in comfortable lodges with the best local guides leading the way
POST-EXT - The Kimberley Icons
The Kimberley region is one of the world's last true wilderness frontiers, an untouched and ancient corner of Australia with immense beauty to be explored.
If the Kimberley is high on your Bucket list, we can organize either a suitable cruise or a 4x4 overland adventure; depending on your preferred style of travel, budget, time availability, and itinerary choice.
RESERVE MY SPACE & ENQUIRIES
You've got that "I don't want to miss out" feeling for a good reason. Our expeditions are life changers and we have a solid following of Wild Earth Explorers who love returning to adventure with us. Don't hesitate in reserving your space today.
“WOW!!! What a fantastic experience. It’s always such a pleasure to travel with you. The two of you bring so much joy and enthusiasm to these adventures it’s virtually impossible not to have a good time. As always….an amazing itinerary and a seamless experience. So looking forward to the next one.”
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
AUSTRALIA 01 - Uluru to Kakadu
02-15 JUL 2027 ● 14 DAYS ● 16 GUESTS
Day 01 | Jul 2 Depart home and travel to Yulara (Ayers Rock), Australia (if crossing the International Date Line depart Jul 1)
Day 02 | Jul 3 Arrive in Yulara
Day 03 | Jul 4 Visit Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Centre / Aboriginal Art Workshop / Uluru sunset with a special Welcome dinner on the dunes
Day 04 | Jul 5 Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) sunrise / Valley of the Winds Walk / Mala and Kuniya base walks at Uluru with local Anangu guide
Day 05 | Jul 6 Watch the sun rise on Uluru / Travel to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) / Kings Creek Walk / Luritja Lookout sunset
Day 06 | Jul 7 Sunrise Kings Canyon Rim Walk / Travel to Alice Springs
Day 07 | Jul 8 Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges) / Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Gorge, Standley Chasm
Day 08 | Jul 9 Alice Springs Desert Wildlife Park / Telegraph Station Reserve / Flying Doctors / School of the Air / Fly to Darwin
Day 09 | Jul 10 Visit Litchfield National Park’s magnetic Termite Mounds, waterfalls and natural swimming holes / Adelaide River Jumping Crocodiles Boat cruise
Day 10 | Jul 11 Explore Kakadu National Park / Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve / Corroboree Billabong Cruise / Nourlangie Rock Art / Nawurlandja Sunset / Jabiru
Day 11 | Jul 12 Cross the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land / See traditional local artists at work / Explore Injalak Hill Rock Art with an indigenous guide / Back in Kakadu visit the Rock Art of Ubirr and watch the sunset over the Nadab floodplains
Day 12 | Jul 13 Travel to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) / Walk to Barramundi Falls and swim in the large plunge pool. / Visit Gunlom Falls and climb to the rock pools above the falls for sweeping views across the bushland of Kakadu
Day 13 | Jul 14 Yellow Water Billabong Sunrise Cruise / Scenic Flight over Kakadu and Arnhem Land / Mamukala Wetlands / Travel back to Darwin / Farewell Dinner
Day 14 | Jul 15 Fly home or join us for the Kimberley Icons Post-Extension for the ultimate Australia adventure
OPTION: The Ghan Rail Journey
For rail enthusiasts, we can arrange an overnight journey aboard The Ghan — one of the world’s great train adventures - available as an optional add-on to your expedition. Departing Alice Springs on Day 7 and arriving in Darwin the following evening, this legendary journey features stylish private cabins, attentive service, and superb food and wine, along with a memorable off-train experience in Katherine. Please contact us if you’d like to include The Ghan as part of your Australian adventure.
COMBINE FOR THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
AUSTRALIA - Minke Whales, Reefs & Rainforest
25 JUN - 4 JUL 2027 • 10 DAYS • 16 GUESTS
Pair the magic of the reef and rainforest with the raw beauty of the Red Centre and Top End for the ultimate Australian adventure. Encounter inquisitive Minke Whales on the pristine northern Great Barrier Reef, dive and snorkel spectacular coral gardens alive with marine life, and retreat to a luxury eco-lodge deep in the World Heritage–listed Daintree Rainforest. Guided by local experts, you’ll uncover ancient culture, extraordinary wildlife, and some of the most breathtaking natural settings on Earth.
WILD EARTH LEADER
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Spirit of Freedom & Adobe Stock