NT essentials 14 day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Uluru

The views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta from Uluru Airport are magnificent. It's closer than you think, at only three to four hours from most capital cities! In the evening, dine under the stars and listen to your hosts reveal the secrets of the stars. You can also glance through the telescope at the night sky for a closer view.

Day 2: Uluru

As the sun rises on Uluru, get up early to see the Field of Light art exhibit. Take a camel ride at sunset for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with stunning views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Day 3: Uluru to Kings Canyon (300km)

Cycling around Uluru's base and seeing the desert scenery up close is one of the best ways to see it. When you've had your fill of exploring the area, head to Watarrka National Park's Kings Canyon for an easy drive on cemented roads.

Day 4: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs (330km)

Conquer the 6km Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the desert and a pleasant surprise in the form of a lovely, verdant waterhole. Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges' waterholes on your way to Alice Springs through the picturesque four-wheel drive route.

Day 5: Alice Springs

In Alice Springs, there's no better way to start the day than with a sunrise hot air balloon flight. That evening, go on a nocturnal tour of Alice Springs Desert Park with an expert guide and see stunning uncommon wildlife like the mala and bilby.

Day 6: Alice Springs

Alice Springs is the perfect playground for everyone! At the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, you may handle a python, learn about Australian pioneer history at the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air, and make lifelong memories with a camping trip beneath the stars.

Day 7: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek (500km)

Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles is a four-and-a-half-hour journey north of Alice Springs, with massive rocks strewn across a large valley. Travel 100 kilometers to Tennant Creek and take a mine tour at Battery Hill Mining Centre to relive the gold rush era.

Day 8: Tennant Creek to Daly Waters (400km)

Tennant Creek has a surprising quantity of things to do. Take a bush tucker trail ride or visit the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art Centre to learn about local Aboriginal culture. The historic Daly Waters Pub is four hours north, where you can play bowls on the main street!

Day 9: Daly Waters to Katherine (275km)

Mataranka's crystal clear thermal pools are only a two-hour drive from Daly Waters. The tropics are not far away, as seen by the pandanus-lined pools. You'll arrive in Katherine after an hour's journey, just in time for Marksie's Stockman's Camp Tucker Night meal.

Day 10: Katherine to Cooinda, Kakadu National Park (250km)

Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) can be visited in a variety of ways, including by river cruise, canoe, bush walk, or helicopter. Before a three-hour drive to the next interesting location, Cooinda in Kakadu, the kids will enjoy an Indigenous painting session at Top Didj.

Day 11: Kakadu National Park

A Yellow Water Billabong trip is a must-do if you want to view amazing wildlife and dramatic scenery. A hands-on tour with local guides or a free ranger-guided walk through the rock art galleries of Nourlangie or Ubirr are both excellent ways to learn about the local Aboriginal culture.

Day 12: Cooinda, Kakadu to Darwin (300km)

Wave goodbye to Kakadu and return to Darwin, stopping for a wildlife cruise on the Adelaide River to observe giant saltwater crocodiles jump for food.

Day 13 & 14: Darwin

The youngsters will enjoy visiting the great Top End terrain, which includes Litchfield National Park's crystal blue waterholes and waterfalls, which is approximately an hour and a half south of Darwin. Make a point of stopping by the Asian-inspired Mindil Beach Sunset Markets for a magnificent sunset.

With crocodile and wildlife attractions nearby, Darwin offers many opportunities to get up up and personal with wildlife. An extended fishing charter or a half-day Darwin Harbour fishing tour will show you why the Top End is known for its world-class fishing.