If one were to wish for the premium Northern Territory Experiences to be co-ordinated and packaged together, this itinerary would be the answer.

The itinerary includes such memorable events as an overnight on The Ghan train from Alice Springs to Darwin, a stay at historic Bullo Station, a working cattle ranch once operated by Sara Henderson, an iconic single mom and rancher, and now operated by her daughter, as well as visits to the Red Centre, Sydney and Cairns.

Day by day itinerary:

Day 1                          Depart USA               
(Wednesday or Monday Departures)
Depart Los Angeles International Airport for your Qantas flight to Sydney, Australia.

Day 2          Cross International Date Line

Stand in awe as you explore the World Heritage listed Uluru (Ayers Rock), combining natural wonders, cultural significance and emanating a strong presence just from its sheer domination of the surrounding landscape.

After lunch (own expense), join a tour that visits The Olgas. Claimed by many to be just as impressive as Ayers Rock, the Olgas is a collection of giant weathered red domes with fissures, gorges and valleys carved between them.  30 miles west of Ayers Rock, there are 36 individual domes known to the local Aboriginals as Kata Tjuta - the place of many heads. Stroll through the Valley of the Winds or Olga Gorge and catch a glimpse of some of the captivating creatures of the region, such as the Thorny Devil.

Day 4           Ayers Rock
To appreciate the grandeur of the outback, you will be met at your hotel prior to sunrise for the Spirit of Uluru Morning Tour. You will have the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise without rushing, all the while absorbing an exposition of Ayers Rock’s natural history and deep significance to the Anangu aboriginal people. Short walks will bring you close to this wonderful and powerful place, viewing rock art, waterholes and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of Uluru. The final stop is to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre before returning to the hotel.

This evening y our Sounds of Silence journey begins on a lone sand dune and then a meandering path that takes you to an uninterrupted, three hundred and sixty degree view of this vast landscape.  Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and a selection of delectable canapés.  As the sun sets, you feast on a barbecue buffet of authentic Australian delicacies including barramundi, kangaroo, emus, crocodile, bush salads and classic desserts, complemented by some of Australia's finest wines.  After supper, enjoy stargazing, as a resident astronomer takes you on an unforgettable tour of the spectacular southern night sky.

Day 5           Ayers Rock - Alice Springs
After breakfast you will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your connecting flight to Alice Springs.

Ooraminna Homestead: William and Mary Hayes were one of the pioneer families of the Alice Springs District. They arrived in 1884 with horses and bullock teams loaded with steel poles to replace the original wooden poles on the Overland Telegraph Line. Today, six generations later, Bill and Jan Hayes and their family, own and operate Deep Well Station, the location of Ooraminna Homestead. The family invites you to experience the unique beauty of the outback with them.

At Ooraminna Homestead you can learn what the Outback really is, as well as explore the ancient landscapes or trace the endeavors of early gold mining and pastoral pioneers. See the stars light up the desert sky or enjoy the delights of camp oven cooking.  Here it is possible to see previously unexplored country, find a waterhole or just relax and enjoy the vastness of the Australian Outback.

This Northern Territory cattle station allows you to gain insight into the workings of such a property, if you are lucky you may be able to be involved in a muster, or watch the chopper pilots bring the cattle in. See the different land formations, learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region and experience the fascinating views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 6           Ooraminna Homestead
Activities at Ooraminna Homestead are designed to be casual and relaxing yet informative and interesting.  Join Sal for a cattle station tour; wander to the Pub and Township – a film set ,climb a rocky outcrop or bird watch – the activities choices are endless.

Day 7           Ooraminna -Alice Springs - DarwinExplore the outback in comfort. Alice Springs Helicopters provide exciting, scenic and adventurous guided helicopter scenic flights to Simpson’s Gap, Standley Chasm, Glen Helen Gorge on the Finke River, Trephina Gorge, Ruby Gap on the Hale River and Corroboree Rock – all in the stunning East and West MacDonnell Ranges, stretching 600 kilometres across Central Australia. Choose from 10 minute flights to half a day tours, all with informative in-flight commentary by experienced pilots. Heli-safaris can also be arranged with individual packages tailored to suit any itinerary or budget.

Alternatively, take a dawn hot air balloon flight transfer - view the brilliant colors of the desert as you float over the landscape on your journey back to Alice Springs. From the air spot cattle or wildlife and appreciate the rugged beauty of rock features to sandy river beds to the grassy flats.

Upon arrival in Alice Springs, enjoy a city tour.  Visit Alice Springs School of the Air – the world’s largest classroom covering over one million square kilometers; Travel through the harsh rocky environment to Alice Springs Telegraph Station; Visit the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame – founded by Molly Clark in 1993 to preserve the place of women in Australia’s history through the display and archiving of their stories and artifacts.

This afternoon, join an Aboriginal Sacred Sites and Cultural Tour.   Discover the magical history of The Central Arrernte culture and hear the Caterpillar (Yeperenye) story as told by your local Aboriginal Guide.
Travel alongside the famous Todd River, view the old Afghan Cameleers' campsites and discover their link to the Ghan. Enjoy a guided tour of Emily Gap and Jessie Gap where you will stop at sacred sites and learn about traditional sources of food and medicine. Take in a visit to the Anzac Hill panoramic lookout over Alice Springs.

Day 8           Alice Springs and The Ghan
Take the opportunity to see the bird and reptile occupants of Australia's Red Centre up close and personal at the themed Desert Park. Venture through three desert habitats and discover Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland habitat. You'll witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature theatre and see rare and endangered animals in the spectacular nocturnal house you are sure to leave having seen the beauty, complexity and depth of the desert wildlife and culture in a completely different way!

The Ghan:  It’s an odd name for a train but in Australian history it is a living legend. The legend has soared to new heights with the extension of The Ghan journey to Darwin.

Experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. Marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes from the rusty hues of the Red Centre to the tropical splendor of the Top End. The Ghan is the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent.

Day 9           Darwin
Upon arrival in Darwin you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Day 10           Darwin - Bullo River Station
This morning, join a Walking tour of Darwin for a begind-the-scenes tour of Australia the movie.
The tour will include Stokes Hill Wharf where the set for the movie ‘Australia’ was built and parts of the movie were filmed. 

The old wharf precinct was a target for Japanese bombs during World War II.  Now Darwin's Wharf is a popular leisure precinct for the city. In addition to offering a great alfresco dining experience the wharf has several attractions such as Indo Pacific Marine, the Pearling Exhibition, Deckchair Cinema and a purpose built fishing platform. It is also the departure point for a number of harbor cruises. Built in the 1880s, the wharf has long been a focal point for Darwin. Now with container shipping operations relocated to the new East Arm Port a major redevelopment project is underway. The new Waterfront development will add a new and attractive dimension to Darwin with a range of recreational facilities, new accommodation, marina and cruise ship terminal.

The tour will also include the following Darwin historical sites:

WWII Oil Storage tunnels. 
Large tunnels were built into the bluff on which Darwin’s CBD now stands to protect naval oil supplies from bombing during World War Two. The tunnels were not completed until late in the war after the air raid threat had abated. The Tunnels are now one of the attractions of the Wharf Precinct and house a photographic display of wartime images from the Top End.

Northern Territory Parliament House
Located in State Square, Northern Territory Parliament House is Australia’s newest. Opened in 1994, it was built on the site of the old Darwin Post and Telegraphic Office, which was virtually razed in the first bombing of Darwin.

Old Town Hall Ruins
Built from local porcelanite stone and Cyprus pine, the Town Hall was
opened in 1883 and had many uses before functioning as a Navy workshop and storage area during the war.

Transfer  to Darwin’s General Aviation terminal for your charter flight transfer to Bullo River Station.

Bullo River Station: Marlee and Franz Ranacher welcome you into their home and relish the opportunity to share their stories and encourage guests to participate in all that Bullo has to offer.

Day 11          Bullo River Station
After breakfast, your day is at leisure to enjoy some of the many varied activities available.
The Bullo River staff is a friendly and capable team who will arrange all your activities tailor-made each day to suit your wishes. They will accompany you on river cruises up the spectacular Bullo River Gorge to fish or spot crocodiles, help you interpret local aboriginal rock art, or introduce you to the hundreds of bird species that call Bullo home. You might like to try cattle mustering or horse riding.  There are great opportunities for river and coastal fishing.

Day 12          Bullo River Station - Darwin
Upon arrival in Darwin, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.  This afternoon, join a city sights tour for the perfect introduction to Darwin. See the Chinese Temple and the lush Botanical Gardens. Tour the historic sights of the city including the East Point Military Precinct. See the Stokes Hill Wharf area and the Mooring Basin. There is also time available to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. 

Day 13          Darwin - Cairns
This morning you will transfer from your hotel to Darwin Airport for your Qantas flight to Cairns. Upon arrival in Cairns, you will me met and transferred to your accommodation. 

Day 14          Cairns
After breakfast at your hotel, today you will experience the fascinating and beautiful Barrier Reef.

Day 14          Cairns to Sydney
Upon arrival in Sydney, you will be transferred to your hotel.
After check in, you will make your way to Circular Quay for a magnificent Seafood Buffet Luncheon Cruise on Sydney Harbor.  Enjoy stunning harbor views with a comprehensive commentary.

Remainder of afternoon at leisure.

Day 15          Sydney
After breakfast, join a short walking tour of The Rocks.  Hear how The Rocks was inhabited by that First Fleet of convicts arriving as they did into Sydney Cove in 1788 thus impacting forever on the local Indigenous people’s way of life.

The story unfolds with many rich accounts of the antics of sailors, larrikins and rogues as they roamed the rugged rocks seeking the haunts of entertainment and friendly company.  Still to be seen today are the storehouses, pubs and working class cottages from the time when this place took on all of the characteristics of a dockside area and a disease ridden slum.  Weave your way through hidden narrow alleyways, along charming cobbled lanes and into shady courtyards, linger by quaint terrace cottages and visit a gothic church.  

The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 16          Sydney - USA
After breakfast you'll be transferred to Sydney International Airport for your return flight to the USA.