This is an 11-Day Luxury Fly and Seek remote wilderness tour. Explore tropical Darwin, the Kakadu floodplains, ancient Uluru, and Kangaroo Island's wilderness. Be immersed in Australia's wildest locations without skimping on creature comforts. Stay in safari-style lodges, luxury bungalows and remote resorts, waking up each day to unforgettable views across outback plains, vast red deserts, and rugged coastlines. Gourmet dining is included at remote lodge locations, allowing you to expand your palate. Try native outback ingredients and discover tantalizing new flavours you just can't find anywhere else.
Duration: 11 Days
Starts: Darwin
Finishes: Adelaide
Gateway to the natural wonders of Australia's Northern Territory
This multicultural, fast-developing city lies closer to Singapore than Sydney, which gives you an idea of the sheer size of Australia. Darwin’s chilled-out feel and beautiful climate are a welcome introduction to this incredible land.
Between cyclones and bombing by the Japanese in World War II, Darwin has been rebuilt several times in its history. While the architecture is modern and stylish, it’s still very much a “frontier town” with a small-town feel.
Settle in and unwind with a stroll along the esplanade and sample local cuisine in one of the fabulous restaurants at the Waterfront. Relax and see a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, catch the sunset over the Timor Sea, or try street food at the Mindil Beach Markets. You’ll feel like a laid-back local in no time.
1 night at Hilton Darwin
Take a scenic air charter to Bamurru Plains
From the sensation of lift-off to the excitement of soaring above the twists and turns of the Adelaide River, your charter flight to Bamurru Plains is a unique and spectacular 30-minute experience. Spot wildlife from your window as you fly along the coastline of the azure-blue Arafura Sea while enjoying a bird’s eye view of Australia’s very own ‘Okavango’ before landing at a private airstrip. A Bamurru field guide will be waiting to drive you 20 minutes through the savannah bush to the Safari Lodge where a refreshing native-inspired tonic will have you settled in and ready to explore in no time.
Bamurru Plains
Your home for the next two nights is the exclusive Bamurru Plains resort on the edge of Kakadu National Park. Your luxurious safari-style bungalow overlooks the never-ending floodplain and with mesh walls on three sides. You can hear, see and almost touch the wildlife around you.
2 nights at Bamurru Plains Wild Bush Luxury
Approximate Distance: 211 km | 131 miles
Total Driving Time: 30 min flight time
Explore the wilderness
The Bamurru Plains resort is so large that there are four distinct habitats – vast floodplains; stunning melaleuca forests; savannah woodlands populated by buffalos, dingos and wallabies; and finally a riverine environment where the silver flashes of fish or sunbathing crocs will catch your eye as you slowly cruise by.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Top End with some of the optional activities on offer. Unravel the mysteries of the floodplains on a guided bushwalk, or embark on a wildlife-spotting expedition in an open-topped 4WD.
You could take an airboat ride and search the waters for nearby crocodiles or try quad-biking around the expansive property. However you choose to spend your day, it’s impossible to remain unchanged by this remote and beautiful wilderness.
After returning by air to Darwin, fly to Australia's Red Centre
Fly to Australia’s Red Centre for a three-night adventure in Dual World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Come face to face with Australia’s most recognisable natural icon and one of the world’s largest monoliths, Ayers Rock. Ayers Rock is also known as Uluru; this is the name given by the Yankunytjatjara people, whose land the rock is situated on.
Longitude 131°
Longitude 131°, your luxury desert basecamp at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, is a haven of privacy, tranquillity and luxurious spaces for you to relax in exclusive style.
As the closest resort to Uluru, the property has unimpeded views of Australia’s most iconic landmark. Watch in awe as the 600 million-year-old monolith changes colour with the sun shifting across the sky.
Chef Jonathon Bryant uses outback ingredients such as bush plums, lemon myrtle, muntries (native berries) and saltbush – plus fresh produce from all over Australia – to create memorable and delicious cuisine (included in the price of your stay).
3 nights at Longitude 131 - Uluru - Kata Tjuta
Choose two out of the four daily options
An exceptional touring program designed exclusively for guests is included in your luxury wilderness experience at Longitude 131°.
Guests may choose two out of the four daily options, which vary according to the season.
Here is a taste of the many cultural and wilderness experiences on offer:
Uluru Sunset
Capture the changing lights reflected over Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips down below the horizon, chilled glass and canapé in hand. This is the essential outback experience!
Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta
Explore the impressive formation of Kata Tjuta on a walk through Walpa Gorge and discover how aeons of continental upheaval have created today’s landscape.
Table 131°
Dine out and discover the wonders of the night sky at an exclusive venue among the dunes. Enjoy four delicious courses, complemented by fine Australian wines, while the stars twinkle high above you.
Field of Light
Experience Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed art phenomenon, Field of Light. Created from 50,000 bud-like stems and frosted-glass spheres, the installation blooms and appears to sway as darkness descends over Australia’s spiritual heartland.
Free Day to explore
Enjoy more of the small group activities included with your stay at Longitude 131°. Alternatively, select from their bespoke options (own expense) including custom-guided hikes, helicopter flights, and camel, motorcycle & biking tours.
Uluru Camel Tours (Own Expense)
Join a camel train through red dune country, with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as a stunning backdrop. Popular at sunrise and sunset, tours are guided by cameleers who love to share the animals’ quirky names and stories.
Helicopter Scenic Flights (Own Expense)
Take adventure to new heights, lifting off from the lodge’s helipad on a range of scenic flights. The 30-minute aerial tour of Uluru and Kata Tjuta makes an exhilarating arrival or departure experience.
Indigenous Culture & Art Tour at Cave Hill (Own Expense)
In the company of local indigenous community members, marvel at the age-old rock art and gain insight into everyday Aboriginal life. Engage a private guide or join a scheduled tour for a shared sightseeing experience by 4WD or helicopter.
Leave the Red Centre behind and fly to Adelaide. Discover the city at leisure
Explore Adelaide
Nestled in one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, cosmopolitan Adelaide is filled to the brim with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. With spacious boulevards, vibrant inner-city districts and lush gardens, South Australia’s capital has it all.
History buffs will love the exquisite churches around every corner, many dating back to the 19th century. Grab a bite to eat at Adelaide Central Market: this bustling hub contains over 80 stalls offering cheese, seafood, patisseries and artisan produce.
For a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, head to Glenelg Beach and join a cruise in search of wild dolphins. Or if you’d like to try some local grape varieties, the iconic Penfolds vineyards and Magill Estate cellar door are a mere 15-minute drive from town.
Adelaide is known as the Festival Capital of Australia – from comedy and cabaret to food and fashion, there’s always something on no matter when you visit.
1 night at Eos by SkyCity
Stay Southern Ocean Lodge
Kangaroo Island
Australia’s third-largest island is a treasure trove of picture-perfect beaches, great fishing, native wildlife and stunning landscapes. The peaceful haven of Southern Ocean Lodge is your home for the next two nights.
Southern Ocean Lodge
The luxurious Southern Ocean Lodge offers a unique and exclusive experience on Kangaroo Island. Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge boasts unmatched views of the Southern Ocean and Kangaroo Island’s wilderness.
2 nights at Southern Ocean Lodge
Choose from a menu of guided island excursions, offered by your hosts at Southern Ocean Lodge.
Options include:
Wonders of Kangaroo Island
This half-day experience is a spectacular introduction to Kangaroo island’s wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a Fur Seal colony are just some of the trip highlights.
Coastal Clifftop Walk
Take a scenic walk starting right on the lodge’s doorstep, atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk offers a bird’s eye view of thundering waves crashing against the coastline. Experience and learn about local flora, fauna and coastline ecosystems.
Kangas & Kanapés
Soak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, a historic island property, where local wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies gather to graze. Observe these creatures in their natural environment, sip premium South Australian beverages and enjoy a ‘canapé’ while the sun sets.
There's time to explore the delights of Kangaroo Island before your return flight to Adelaide
With native wildlife living all over the Island, you can practically rub shoulders with the cuddly koalas, furry wallabies and sea lions who reside here. Foodies will love the culinary treats in store: sample local crayfish from a shack on the water’s edge, try the sought-after local honey or try one of the island’s 12 wineries (or two, or three).
Here are some more suggestions for a memorable day on Kangaroo Island:
Discover the stalactite-covered Admirals Arch and the giant granite boulders of the Remarkable Rocks at Flinders Chase
Relax on the white sand beach at secluded Vivonne Bay
Wander along the shore and view sleepy sea-lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park
Deep-sea fishing on Kangaroo Island’s famous waters
Admire the island from above on a breathtaking scenic flight
Return to Adelaide
For your last night in Australia, you are spoiled for dining options: Adelaide’s reputation as a foodie destination is well deserved. Famous for culinary creativity and blessed with outstanding local produce, there truly is something for everyone.
Say farewell to Australia's wilderness
We know you will enjoy your 11 Day Luxury Fly Around Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.
“This is the ultimate Australian outback experience for those who love life's little luxuries. Sleep under the stars in sumptuous mesh-walled safari bungalows at Kakadu National Park; enjoy unparalleled views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) from floor-to-ceiling windows at the end of your bed, and marvel at the wild Kangaroo Island coastline from your luxury suite at Southern Ocean Lodge. Each remote location offers gourmet dining so you won't need to lift a finger.”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
ENQUIRELike what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. Each Absolute New Zealand tour is tailored to who you are and what you want to do.
Explore Tropical Darwin, Bamurru floodplains, ancient Uluru and Kangaroo Island wilderness:
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START PLANNINGLocated in Darwin’s city centre, just 250m | 0.15mi from the Esplanade, Hilton Darwin features a restaurant, bar and outdoor swimming pool. Many rooms have views of Darwin Harbour. The spacious rooms at Hilton Darwin feature modern décor and local Aboriginal artworks. Guests can work out at the state-of-the-art fitness centre, with glimpses of Darwin Harbour and Parliament House, or relax by the rooftop pool offering city views.
The ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ concept brings a uniquely Australian style to your stay – Bamurru Plains is a safari lodge with exclusive access to 300 km of floodplains and savanna woodland on the Mary River, on the edge of Kakadu National Park. A profusion of bird and wildlife are at the doorstep of this unique bush experience.
Nestled among rich red dunes, Longitude 131° overlooks Australia’s best-known natural icon, Uluru. The welcoming open spaces of the central Dune House include a restaurant and bar with ever-changing views of the monolith as a backdrop for dining as well as lounging areas in contemporary campaign style, ideal for relaxing with an icy drink and exchanging stories of the day’s adventures in the outback.
Always personalised, Eos by SkyCity Adelaide encompasses the finest in modern hospitality. From signature restaurants and entertainment to opulent suites and spa experiences, they’re here for the pleasure-seekers. This is a precise alchemy designed with you at the centre. Step in or step out: each distinct delight is delivered with a deft touch.
Globally celebrated and multi-award winning, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island is Australia’s most acclaimed wilderness lodge. Sensitively designed to blend seamlessly with the wildly beautiful landscape, Southern Ocean Lodge appears to float along its secluded clifftop setting. This Lodge is currently being rebuilt and reopens in 2023.
Always personalised, Eos by SkyCity Adelaide encompasses the finest in modern hospitality. From signature restaurants and entertainment to opulent suites and spa experiences, they’re here for the pleasure-seekers. This is a precise alchemy designed with you at the centre. Step in or step out: each distinct delight is delivered with a deft touch.
With views to Uluru and across the desert to Kata Tjuta, Longitude 131˚ is Australia’s most celebrated luxury camp. Dotted among the red-rust-coloured dunes of the Central Desert are sixteen tented pavilions, each connecting you with the outback landscape and its heritage. A truly glamorous base from which to explore the incredible Red Centre and discover vibrant Aboriginal artworks alongside relics from the region’s explorers. The bar and restaurant offer contemporary Australian dining and the friendly staff are ready to share a yarn.Uluru
Gathered as if around a campfire, the fifteen luxury tents at Longitude 131° each offer views to Uluru – from the end of your bed! The premium Dune Pavilion is the only accommodation with views to both World Heritage-listed wonders Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Guests may choose two out of the four daily options, which vary according to the season.
Here is a taste of the many cultural and wilderness experiences on offer:
Uluru Sunset Capture the changing lights reflecting from Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips down below the horizon. With a chilled glass and canapé in hand, this is the essential outback experience!
Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta Explore the impressive formation of Kata Tjuta on a walk through Walpa Gorge and discover how aeons of continental upheaval have created today’s landscape.
Table 131° Dine out and discover the wonders of the night sky at an exclusive venue between the dunes. Enjoy the view of the natural theatre over four courses, complemented with fine Australian wines.
Field of Light Experience Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed art phenomenon, Field of Light. Created from 50,000 bud-like stems and frosted glass spheres, the installation blooms and appears to sway as darkness descends over Australia’s spiritual heartland.
Destroyed by bushfires in 2020, the new-look Southern Ocean Lodge is slated to open in the second half of 2023.
Southern Ocean Lodge provides an iconic accommodation experience on Kangaroo Island and is designed to be a sanctuary of comfort, style and personal intimacy, redefining the Australian standard. Located at Hanson Bay on the island’s southwest coast, the lodge site adjoins both the Flinders Chase and Cape Bouguer/Kelly Hill National Parks. Set back from a cliff above the pounding surf, the sensitive design showcases a full frontal ocean panorama and is within easy reach of all of Kangaroo Island’s major attractions. Modern luxury and design integrity meld with Kangaroo Island’s vernacular architecture and an amazing coastal colour palette, creating a unique eco-chic style. Its location, stunning views, contemporary environmental design, locally sourced food and beverages, personalised interpretative activities and modern wellness spa ensure the lodge’s status as a South Australian icon.
The twenty-one luxe suites, endowed with imposing views of the Southern Ocean cantilever along the coast, create the ultimate fusion between a breathtaking wilderness setting and unbridled creature comforts. Interiors feature lavish king beds, a sunken lounge, a dramatic glass-walled bathroom and an outdoor terrace with occasional seating and a daybed. Other features include a walk-in wardrobe, complimentary room bar, twice daily housekeeping, optional climate control, heated floors, internet, music system (with MP3 input), premium amenities, safe and telephone. Televisions are available in selected suites only. Signature design elements such as sandblasted limestone floors and recycled spotted gum feature walls, as well as contemporary bespoke furnishings and artworks commissioned from local Kangaroo Island artisans, harness the natural theatre of this dramatic landscape and environs.
Wonders of Kangaroo Island This half-day experience is a spectacular introduction to Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a Fur Seal Colony are just some of the trip highlights.
Coastal Clifftop Walk Take a scenic walk starting right on the lodge’s doorstep, atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk offers a bird’s eye view of thundering waves crashing against the coastline. Learn about local flora, fauna and coastline ecosystems.
Kangas & Kanapés Soak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, a historic island property, where local wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies, gather to graze. Observe these creatures in their natural environment, sip premium South Australian beverages and enjoy a ‘kanapé’ while the sun sets.
Guided Wild Bush Luxury safari program which may include airboat safaris, croc-spotting river cruises, open-top game drives, quad biking and guided wilderness walks
Darwin is very different from the other state capitals. It’s more like a rural city with an outback atmosphere that’s very laidback. There are no skyscrapers. Because it is so close to Indonesia, the Asian influences are very noticeable. Darwin is green and lush with palms and the perfume of frangipanis. It has a tropical climate, and therefore not four seasons but only two, wet and dry. Wet season lasts from November until April and the dry season from May until October, which is also the busiest time for Darwin’s tourism. Darwin attractions include museums, parks, the Mindil Beach sunset markets, art galleries, beaches and historic buildings. Darwin is the base for Kakadu and Litchfield national parks.
Bamurru Plains is a safari lodge with exclusive access to 300 km | 186.5 mi of floodplains and savanna woodland on the Mary River, on the edge of Kakadu National Park and the coastal floodplains of Australia’s Top End. A profusion of birds and wildlife are at the doorstep of this unique bush experience that exudes ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ and brings a touch of style to the discovery of a remote and beautiful wilderness.
Uluru / Ayers Rock is Australia’s most recognisable natural icon. Standing 348 metres high, the monolith has a great cultural significance for the traditional Aboriginal owners, the Anangu people.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is located 440 kilometres by road south-west of Alice Springs and encompasses both Uluru and the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), both dating back hundreds of million of years. Visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park can also browse through the informative and award-winning Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
Festivals and food, arts and culture, shopping and sports. This is Adelaide – the city where there’s always something going on. Whether you want to party or relax on your next holiday, South Australia’s capital has it all. With spacious boulevards and vibrant inner-city districts, sophisticated architecture and lush gardens, Adelaide is the perfect venue for all sorts of activities – big or small. You might want to immerse yourself in the culture of Adelaide’s North Terrace, with its museums and cafes. Or indulge in retail therapy at Rundle Mall, sample the tastes on offer at the famed Adelaide Central Market and sip award-winning wines at the National Wine Centre. Maybe you prefer to follow in the footsteps of sporting champions at the world-famous Adelaide Oval or enjoy a retreat to the cosmopolitan seaside suburbs of Glenelg and Brighton. In Adelaide, there is a brilliant blend of things to see and do. All you have to do is choose.
Think of an island seven times the size of Singapore. Think of native bushland, wildlife and pristine beaches. Think of adventure and days of exploring. Think of beach houses, local wines and sunsets. You’re thinking of Kangaroo Island, a brilliant blend of nature and adventure. Kangaroo Island is a true wildlife sanctuary. Thanks to its isolation from the mainland, the island has suffered less from the impact of European settlement and retains more than half of its native ‘old-growth’ vegetation.