Australia
ULURU TO KAKADU
Jun 2027 • 14 DAYS • 16 GUESTS
~ Full trip details to be announced shortly ~
Journey through Australia's remote Outback and Top End to witness spectacular landscapes, prolific 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. Travel in style from Uluru to Kakadu aboard The Ghan on one of the world's great railway journeys.
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 (Ayres 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, Kings Canyon's 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 Anangu people, the traditional custodians of this land, and experience the extraordinary 'Field of Light' art installation light up the desert night before 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. In addition, you will 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. 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 West McDonnell Ranges with its spectacular ochre-red gorges, rocky hills, and waterholes framed by white Ghost gums. Float gently across the vast expanse of the Central Australian outback in a hot air balloon, spotting birds, wallabies, and the mighty red kangaroo. Gain an appreciation of the remoteness of this area as you glide across the vast landscape.
Travel in style from the Red Centre to Darwin on one of the world's greatest rail journeys. The Ghan, named after the Afghan cameleers who from 1838-1930 helped explore and build infrastructure in the outback, has marked almost 100 years of outback crossings from Adelaide to Darwin. Onboard enjoy superb food and wine, attentive service, and elegant private cabins.
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is a deep gorge carved through ancient sandstone over 20 million years by the Katherine River. The gorge and its surrounding landscape have great ceremonial significance to the Jawoyn people, the traditional custodians of this land. On a scenic river cruise, absorb the natural beauty of the towering cliffs while freshwater crocodiles laze on the riverbanks and endemic Australian birds flying overhead. Listen to the chatter of the estimated 50'000 Red- and Black Flying-foxes that roost in the trees by the river.
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. In addition, it's 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. 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. 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. Learn about their knowledge of the bush, their ancestors, and their traditional way of life. Gaze admiringly down upon the impressive views of winding rivers, lush wetlands, and stone country on a scenic flight.
HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the rugged beauty of Australia's Red Centre, Outback, and Top End
Travel from Uluru to Kakadu on one of the world's great railway journeys onboard the Ghan
Enjoy close encounters with some of Australia's iconic animals
Engage with ancient history, hear stories, and view art through the perspective of Australia's Traditional Custodians
Watch the changing light illuminate Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Wander through ancient landscapes, hike stunning nature trails, plunge into refreshing waterholes
Dine under a cape of brilliantly sparkling stars
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
Bespoke itinerary with delicious food, beautiful lodges, and the best local guides
PLEASE NOTE
This expedition is still in its creation phase. Adjustments to the itinerary are to be expected and full trip details, including brochure and trip cost, will only be available after the expedition is announced.
COMBINE FOR THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
AUSTRALIA - Minke Whales, Reefs & Rainforest
2027 ● 10 DAYS ● 16 GUESTS
Discover the treasures of Northern Queensland as we head deep into the Daintree rainforest, where ancient ferns and towering palms, glistening rivers, and white-sand beaches are home to many rainforest dwellers. Then, travel onboard a yacht to the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel and dive spectacular pinnacles filled with marine life and come eye-to-eye with playful and curious Minke whales. One of the most remarkable and unique wildlife encounters you can have in the wild.
ADD ON - The Kimberley Region
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.
ADD ON - Sydney or Melbourne
We are here for you and can assist with a tailor-made itinerary to discover the vibrant cities of Australia.
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
2027 ● 14 DAYS ● 16 GUESTS
Day 01: Travel to Australia
Day 02: Arrive at Uluru / Uluru Sunset Cocktails & Dinner
Day 03: Uluru / Aboriginal Art Centre / *Above & Beyond Experience
Day 04: Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) / Kings Canyon
Day 05: Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Day 06: West MacDonnell Range / Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Gorge, Standley Chasm / Alice Springs
Day 07: Balloon Flight / Desert Wildlife Park / Flying Doctors / School of the Air / The Ghan
Day 08: The Ghan / Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge / Darwin
Day 09: Kakadu National Park / Fogg Dam, Jumping Crocodiles, Boat cruise / Jabiru
Day 10: Arnhem Land Cultural Tour
Day 11: Jim Jim Falls / Nourlangie Rock / Nawurlandja Sunset
Day 12: Yellow Water Sunrise Cruise / Scenic Flight across Kakadu and Arnhem Land / Darwin
Day 13: Fly home / OR Fly to Cairns for Australia 02 - Minke Whales, Reef & Rainforest Expedition
Day 14: Arrive home
WILD EARTH LEADER
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Spirit of Freedom