The northern territory of Australia is among the most picturesque and historic regions in the entire nation. This unforgettable, five-night overland adventure from Darwin to Cairns offers ample opportunities to explore the northern territory's endemic natural beauty, wildlife and geology, Aboriginal past, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Kakadu National Park.
05MIDDRW-B Uluru - Australia's Iconic Red Centre
Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Departs from: Darwin at approximately 8:00 a.m.
Re-join ship: Cairns at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).
Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.
All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.
VISA INFORMATION:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Australia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
Only Australian dollars are accepted by all vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited.
Discover the spectacular natural beauty, geology, wildlife, Aboriginal past, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Australia's northern territory during this unforgettable, five-night overland adventure from Cairns to Darwin.
DAY ONE - Monday, December 7, 2020 - Darwin/Kakadu/Darwin
Discover the Top End in a unique way with combined air and ground experience.
Scenic Flight along the Northern Coast to the Mary River and out to Kakadu National Park
Depart the pier for a short transfer to Kookaburra Air. Upon arrival, receive your safety and flight instructions and board your plane. Now there is nothing else to do but to sit back with views of the ever-changing landscape and wildlife that inhabit these timeless lands of the Northern Territory. From coastal river systems that empty vast wetlands to the magical escarpments and waterfalls of Kakadu, after taking in some of the best views in the world land, in the National Park.
Yellow Waters of Cooinda Boat Cruise and wildlife and wetlands of the region
Once in Cooinda, embark on approximately 90-minutes wildlife cruise on the Yellow Waters billabong, a must-do activity within Kakadu National Park. The award-winning Yellow Waters Cruise is Aboriginal-owned, and centres around a spectacular billabong system that is home to remarkable, diverse wildlife. Crocodile-spotting is one of the many wildlife viewing opportunities on this unique water system.
Next, proceed for lunch at the Barra Bar and Bistro at Jabiru.
Visit to the Warradjan Cultural Centre
After lunch, visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn about the 40,000 years of Aboriginal occupation within the park.
At the conclusion of your visit, fly back to Darwin. After landing, transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy some free time to freshen-up before dinner.
Dinner is at the local Char Restaurant.
Overnight accommodations in an Entry-Level Room at the Hilton Hotel - Darwin.
DAY TWO - Tuesday, December 8, 2020 - Darwin
Breakfast at the hotel, Territory Wildlife Park, Tree-Top Aviaries, Lagoon
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and after depart for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Darwin's Territory Wildlife Park. Upon arrival, you will have access to all areas of the park and the park rangers will be available at each exhibit to talk to you about the exhibits such as the park's Nocturnal House where you can a look at the creatures of the night. Explore the different habitats and ecosystems of northern Australia, discover the nocturnal animals that inhabit this area and feel free to ask questions along the way. Many of the animals here are not found in zoos or wildlife parks anywhere else in the world.
Aquarium, Flora & Fauna, Whip Rays, Giant Barramundi, Saltwater Crocodile
Next, experience the watery depths of the park's Aquarium. Your journey of discovery starts in the small rock pools of sandstone escarpment country, and showcases the unique flora and fauna that is found in this harsh environment. Travel down streams and tributaries into the big northern Australian rivers. Here, walk under a 'river' where freshwater whip rays and giant barramundi swim overhead. In addition, meet the park's large, saltwater crocodile, 'Graham', and see the coral and fish that live offshore. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back.
Next, proceed for lunch at the The Precinct Restaurant in Darwin.
Paspaley Pearls Experience
In the afternoon, continue to the Paspaley headquarters where you will enjoy a pearl appreciation experience with the experts. Learn everything there is to know about the world's most important producer of cultured pearls from diving to harvesting. Witness the beauty of the pearls and maybe even treat yourself prior to returning to your hotel.
Dinner is at the Wharf One Food & Wine Restaurant.
Afterwards, retire for the evening in preparation for your morning departure to Ayers Rock.
Overnight accommodations in an Entry-Level Room at the Hilton Hotel Darwin - Darwin
DAY THREE - Wednesday, December 9, 2020 - Darwin/Ayers Rock
Breakfast, a morning at leisure, an airport transfer and a scheduled flight to Ayers Rock (Uluru)
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and transfer to Darwin Airport for your scheduled, approximately two-hour flight to Ayers Rock (Uluru), an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, meet your guide and depart for the scenic drive towards Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131°
Standing at the gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131° is the closest accommodation to the red rock formation that is Uluru, Australia's most endearing and enduring icon. Longitude 131° offers a unique opportunity to experience Australia's spiritual heartland whilst exploring the living and cultural landscapes of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Upon arrival at Longitude 131°, enjoy a warm welcome. Whilst settling in to your luxurious tent, you are treated to magnificent views as the light shifts and changes over Uluru.
Rust-Red Dunes, Luxury Tents
An intimate fifteen luxury tents, elevated atop rust-red dunes, complement the pristine natural environment and provide a private place to rest, relax and refresh. In the crisp, white linen of a king-sized bed, find the serene, silent sleep of the desert. Above the sweeping tent canopy floats a great expanse of southern sky, endless and sparkling. Constellations brimming with Anangu (local Aboriginal people) tales and stories beget the rich dreams found only in the heart of sacred, powerful places. As one of only a select number of guests, awake to your own private view of the sun rising over Uluru, drenched in its fabled light, and find unprecedented solitude and serenity.
Late-afternoon visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, an easy Mala Walk and the Kantju Gorge
Depart Longitude 131° before sunset for the transfer to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As you drive around Uluru, your guide explains its geology and the tourism history of the region. Journey along the Mala Walk and, as day transforms into night, walk into Kantju Gorge to witness the gorge walls ablaze with the light of the setting sun. For thousands of years, Kantju Gorge has been a place of serenity. Respect is paid to local customs, and the peace of Kantju Gorge remains paramount throughout this tour.
Sunset-Viewing at the Kantju Gorge with Sparkling Wine and Canapés
During your visit to Kantju Gorge, hear birds in their last flurries before the sounds of frogs and other insects erupt throughout the gorge as night closes in. Vivid colours remain on the vast gorge walls in a vision that only Longitude 131° guests can experience. Whilst sipping sparkling wine and nibbling on canapés, embrace the silence and solitude of Kantju Gorge as the sun slowly disappears for the day and the glorious colours of Uluru are revealed. After viewing the brilliant sunset, commence the drive back to Longitude 131°.
Dinner is at the Dune House restaurant.
Overnight in a Luxury Tent at Longitude 131° - Ayers Rock
DAY FOUR - Thursday, December 10, 2020 - Ayers Rock
Breakfast, a drive to Kata Tjuta with its 36 majestic domes, and a stop at a viewing area
After breakfast at the Dune House restaurant, meet your guide and depart for the short drive to Kata Tjuta. Also known as the 'Olgas'. Kata Tjuta is comprised of 36 majestic domes. Along the way, a brief photo stop is made at the Kata Tjuta Viewing Area, with expert commentary of the ecology, fire management, and flora and fauna of the area.
Guided walking trek through the Walpa Gorge
Leaving the viewing platform, continue on for a guided walking trek through the Walpa Gorge, where your guide explains the natural history of Kata Tjuta in great detail. Learn how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created what is seen today, as well as how these discoveries were made, and the dynamic interaction between the stark landscape and ecology.
Visit to the Cultural Centre to browse interactive displays about Uluru and Kata Tjuta
After admiring the mystical red domes from afar, visit the nearby Cultural Centre and browse the informative, interactive displays that provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Lunch at the Dune House restaurant, and a helicopter flight-seeing tour over Uluru
Following your visit, transfer back to Longitude 131°. Upon arrival, proceed for lunch at the Dune House restaurant. After lunch, you are treated to a panoramic, 15-minute helicopter flight over Uluru.
Uluru Sunset-viewing
In the late-afternoon, meet your guide and head out to see the famous Uluru sunset. Capture the changing lights reflected over Uluru's many faces as the sun slips down below the horizon, a chilled glass of sparkling wine and canapés in hand. Following this essential outback experience, experience Bruce Munro's internationally acclaimed art phenomenon, Field of Light.
Field of Light
Created from 50,000 bud-like stems and crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres, this installation blooms and appears to sway as darkness descends over Australia's spiritual heartland. Arrive at dusk and meander around the field, then re-board your custom touring vehicle before enjoying the cool night skies at Table 131°.
Table 131°
Dine out and discover the wonders of the night sky at an exclusive venue among the dunes (weather-permitting). Arrive to the mesmerising sounds of an ancient culture, and feast on a four-course meal complemented by the finest Australian wines. Later, Longitude's resident astronomer regales the gathering with tales of the southerly constellations.
Overnight in a Luxury Tent at Longitude 131° - Ayers Rock
DAY FIVE - Friday, December 11, 2020 - Ayers Rock/Cairns
Sunrise visit to Uluru, guided walking tour, the Mutitjulu Waterhole and cave paintings
In the early-morning, meet your guide and depart for wonderful opportunity to experience the remarkable changing colours of the desert landscape, and spectacular sight of Uluru as day breaks over Australia's heartland. A walk to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole offers a unique insight into the sheer physical and spiritual enormity of Uluru. Along the way, your guide points out cave paintings and other relevant sites important to Anangu and the early explorers. He also shares the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru, adding greater depth to Uluru's striking features.
Uluru Base-Walk
To climb the world's largest monolith is against the wishes of traditional owners because the path otherwise followed is the traditional route taken by their ancestral Mala (rufous hare-wallaby men) on their arrival at this sacred place. A walk along the base offers a deeply personal, moving and lasting experience.
Breakfast and a light lunch at the Dune House restaurant
Following your visit, re-board your custom touring vehicle for the ride back to Longitude 131° and proceed for breakfast at the Dune House restaurant. After breakfast and some free time at your leisure, check-out and proceed for a light lunch at the Dune House restaurant.
An airport transfer, scheduled flight to Cairns and a transfer to the Riley by Crystalbrook Hotel
After lunch, meet your guide and transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your scheduled, approximately three-hour, chartered flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, meet your guide, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Afterwards, make your way to the Cairns Aquarium and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner while watching beautiful sea creatures in a 14-metre 70,000 litre marine exhibit.
Overnight in a Panoramic Sea View Room at the Riley by Crystalbrook Hotel - Cairns
DAY SIX - Saturday, December 12, 2020 - Cairns/Kuranda/Cairns
Breakfast, Check-out, Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge, Dreamtime Walking Tour, Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide at approximately 8:30 a.m. and travel north to Mossman Gorge. Situated in part of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park, you will enjoy a 90-minute Dreamtime Walking Tour led by local Indigenous people. Absorb the sounds of the rainforest while you visit cultural significant sites, observe demonstrations of traditional plant use and identify bush food. Enjoy a taste of traditional bush tea and damper at the end of the tour before sitting down to a two-course lunch at Treehouse Restaurant.
Kuranda, Free Time, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Transfer to the pier and ship
After lunch, transfer to Kuranda, a small quaint mountain village near Cairns known for its scenic railway. Meander the streets during your free time for some gift shopping before boarding your scenic train ride at 3.15pm. This 90-minute ride takes you through luscious greenery with panoramic views and rolling hills. You will debark at Freshwater station and transferred back to Cairns and your awaiting ship.
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven, rocky, sandy, grassy, slippery, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, embark/disembark the boat, board/de-board the airplane and helicopter, and steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests with a fear of heights, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to bring lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, insect repellent, raingear, a camera, and local currency for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Programme Includes:
- Two-night stay in a ROH Room at the Hilton Hotel - Darwin
- Two-night stay in a Luxury Tent at Longitude 131° - Ayers Rock
- One-night stay in a Panoramic Sea View Room at the Riley by Crystalbrook Hotel - Cairns
- Scheduled flights: Darwin/Ayers Rock/Cairns (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating
- Five breakfasts, Six lunches and Five dinners with drinks included
- All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
Optional Experiences Available at Longitude 131° (charges apply):
- A helicopter flight over Uluru or Kata Tjuta (subject to availability and weather conditions)
- A Harley Davidson motorcycle tour around the base of Uluru (subject to availability)
- Spa Kinara Treatments (subject to availability)
Not Included:
Any meals not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.
