Day 1: Daintree Mossman
The 95 kilometre (60 mile) Daintree region starts at Mossman Gorge, an hour’s drive north of Cairns, across the Daintree River, through the rainforest of Daintree National Park to Cape Tribulation and along the Bloomfield Track towards Cooktown.
The Daintree Rainforest is believed to be one of the three oldest in the world with unique plants and animals found nowhere else, a Paradise for bird-watchers and nature-lovers.
A must-do on any visitors list with its ancient rainforests, stunning valleys, superb beaches, spectacular forest-clad mountains, clear streams, magnificent rivers and Aboriginal heritage.
On arrival into Cairns, met and transferred to the luxurious Silky Oaks Lodge, set on the banks of the Mossman River, at the gateway to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest.
Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree Rainforest
Silky Oaks Lodge is situated on the banks of the Mossman River, at the gateway to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Each private cabin is appointed with handcrafted Australian colonial timber furniture and has its own private verandah overlooking billabongs (waterholes) or rock swimming pools. Optional activities available include spa and massage treatments, freshwater swimming, tennis, bike riding and guided walks through the rainforest during the day and evening to see kangaroos, birds and platypus.
Your stay at Silky Oaks lodges includes tropical breakfast, dinner with inspired daily menu matched with selected premium wines, signature evening drinks’hour (including canapés), selected in-suite bar*, guided rainforest walk, morning yoga class and one return scheduled shuttle to Port Douglas per day.
Silky Oaks Lodge
Tree House Retreat – Twin 3 nights
Day 2: Daintree Mossman (B, L, D)
Meet your representative in the lobby and shuttle transfer to Reef Marina in Port Douglas to depart on your full day scheduled/shared snorkelling and diving day on Agincourt Reef. Explore the very outer Great Barrier Reef in luxury and style. Made up of four separate reefs that face out to the South Pacific Ocean, Agincourt Reef is regarded as one of the most significant sites of this natural wonder. Explore rich, diverse coral gardens that help form these protective ocean walls, filled with hard and soft corals as well as the reef’s most iconic species such as sharks, stingrays, turtles, whales (in season), groupers and cods, Maori wrasse and parrotfish. Enjoy the very best in comfort with spacious decks, day-bed style seating, air-conditioned saloons and submerged platforms, extending the width of the vessel, to allow for easy access to and from the water. On board, enjoy a delicious tropical buffet lunch, overlooking the sparkling water.
On return to Port Douglas, shuttle transfer to your hotel.
Your tour will conclude at your accommodation.
Please note: All snorkelling equipment including lycra suits, wetsuits, prescription masks and flotation devices are included. Diving is additional and can include or exclude gear hire. Bring a beach towel, swimwear, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
Silky Oaks Lodge
Tree House Retreat – Twin 3 nights
Day 3: Daintree Mossman (B, L, D)
Meet your guide for a full day private tour of the Daintree and Botanical Ark.
Departing your accommodation this morning, travel north through rich farming areas toward the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Your first stop today is at the stunning Mossman Gorge. Famous for the beautiful Mossman River and its rugged gorges, today your guide will take you through this stunning location. You will be completely immersed in the culture of this region.
Your journey north of the river takes you through the local rainforest and on to your second stop, the Botanical Ark. The Botanical Ark is private Botanical Garden in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest where the owners are recreating small microcosms of rainforests from the four continents of the world, protecting and preserving the world’s most unique plant species. Enjoy a fascinating interpretive garden tour of this tropical oasis and then relax and unwind as you are served lunch with an exotic fruit tasting. This is a location with a difference, and you will be entranced by the passion of the owners and by the beauty of their property.
Rejoining your vehicle, continue towards the Daintree River where you cross by vehicular ferry. From here continue to the Jindalba boardwalk. The Wet Tropics is one of the richest sites for biodiversity on earth. Your guide will lead you along this fascinating boardwalk and point out many of the unique ecosystems and animals indigenous to this region only. Learn of their fascinating path and how they came to evolve in the Daintree Rainforest. To finish off the afternoon, make a quick stop for a refreshing ice cream at the Daintree ice cream factory. Enjoy a freshly made ice cream made exclusively from the fruit located onsite.
This tour concludes at your accommodation.
Silky Oaks Lodge
Tree House Retreat – Twin 3 nights
Day 4: Daintree Mossman – Uluru (B, L, D)
Considered the spiritual heart of Australia, this region’s gem is Uluru/Ayers Rock, but offers visitors so much more. A beautiful place for all things nature, wildlife, culture and adventure. Ayers Rock is also home to one of the great natural wonders of the world, Uluru/Ayers Rock towers above the surrounding landscape.
Geologists say their formation began about 550 million years ago. Uluru is not only a spectacular natural formation, but it’s a deeply spiritual place. You can feel a powerful presence the moment you first set eyes on it.
For the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu, World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park holds a special cultural significance.
Whether you choose to walk with a traditional owner, join a camel tour, self-drive or dine under a canopy of stars there is something to suit everyone.
Meet your driver and transfer by private vehicle to Cairns Airport for your onward flight to Uluru (flight not included).
On arrival into Uluru, transfer to the luxurious Longitude 131°.
Longitude 131°
The ‘safari’ style luxury tented site is the first of its kind in Australia. Built on the very edge of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, the fifteen individual tents have uninterrupted views over Uluru. Relax in the free-form swimming pool and enjoy an aperitif on the balcony as the sun sets over the desert, or simply lie in bed and watch the stars rise over the outback. Inside the tent, the atmosphere is lavish with expansive stone floors, beautiful bed linen, unique bathrooms and air conditioning. This is a special place where you will connect with the desert landscape and its magnificent natural wonders. At the Dune House enjoy a quiet drink, good food and the company of newfound friends.
Your stay at Longitude 131 includes all dining, open bar with French Champagne, premium wines and spirits, in-suite bar, signature experiences and return Ayers Rock Airport transfers, plus the option to undertake a guided Uluru Base Walk and two $50 Spa Kinara credits (must be applied to individual treatments)
After arriving at Longitude 131° and settling in, meet in the Dune House for a 3pm departure to the Cultural Centre where you will learn the cultural and spiritual meanings of Uluru & Kata Tjuta. Afterwards travel to Uluru, to learn about the history of the Mala people. Marvel at cave paintings, sources of bush tucker and other important sites, before taking a short walk into Kantju Gorge. Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the gorge walls illuminated in the vivid evening light, enjoying sunset drinks and canapés in the silence and solitude. You will be returned to Longitude 131° at approximately 7.15pm.
On your return, relax in the Dune House over pre-dinner drinks and canapés before enjoying a gourmet dinner with your fellow travellers or for a special occasion a private dinner by the pool or on the Dune Top.
Longitude 131
Classic Uluru – Luxury Tent – Twin 3 nights
Day 5: Uluru (B, L, D)
Depart Longitude 131° at 6am bound for Kata Tjuta. Upon arrival you will begin your journey with a guided tour of Walpa Gorge, where the natural history of Kata Tjuta is explained in great detail, learning how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created what is seen today. You will be returned to Longitude 131° at approximately 10am.
Spend your afternoon at leisure or take the opportunity to enjoy any of the optional tours available, such as a camel ride, Harley ride or helicopter tour over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Begin with a sundowner at the western face of Uluru, allowing you a front-row view of the sun’s daily light spectacular at it sets beyond Kata Tjuta. As the twilight cools the day, walk uninterrupted along the pathways in the Field of Light, just as the tiny buds are lighting up in the evening sky. When it’s time to depart, the field will be fully lit, mirroring the billions of stars in the midnight blue of the desert sky and offering an unforgettable transformation of the landscape. Next you will be transferred to an outdoor dining venue, where you’ll have an unforgettable dining experience under the stars. Return to the Dune House for complimentary after dinner drinks.
Longitude 131
Classic Uluru – Luxury Tent – Twin
Day 6: Uluru (B, L, D)
Depart the Dune House at 6am for Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park to view the sun rising over Uluru. You’ll then continue to the Mutitjulu Waterhole to view cave paintings and hear of the Kuniya/Liru Tjukurpa story. You will return to the Dune House at 9.15am for a well-earned continental buffet and a la carte cooked breakfast
Optional: Kings Canyon Air Safari SIC ex Ayers Rock
Meet your representative in the lobby and depart on your optional 90 minute helicopter flight tour of Kings Canyon. This tour takes you across the vast desert, over the great salt lakes of Lake Amadeus and on to the majestic Kings Canyon. This tour takes you across the vast desert, over the great salt lakes of Lake Amadeus and on to the majestic Kings Canyon. (Additional cost – $980 per person).
Your tour concludes at your accommodation.
Longitude 131
Classic Uluru – Luxury Tent – Twin
Day 7: Uluru – Darwin (B)
Transfer with Longitude 131° to Ayers Rock Airport this morning for your onward flight to Darwin (flight not included). You will be advised of the exact departure time by a Longitude representative.
Situated on the edge of a harbour bigger than Sydney’s, Darwin is a beautiful, fascinating tropical city – a melting pot of people and cultures that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. There is so much to do in Darwin but it is best known as the gate-way to Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land.
On arrival into Darwin, meet your driver at the baggage carousel and transfer by private vehicle to your accommodation.
Adina Apartment Hotel – Darwin Waterfront
Adina Apartment Hotel is proudly located in the middle of the Darwin Waterfront, a vibrant hub of this tropical harbour city. Enjoy seafront promenades, boutique shops, waterside restaurants, beaches, boating lagoon and wide rolling parklands at your doorstep. Rooms are modern, bright and spacious with all facilities, and a gym, pool and spa compliment any stay at the hotel.
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Premier Apartment – Studio – Twin
1 night
Day 8: Darwin-Top End (B, L, D)
Enjoy Darwin’s balmy weather and eclectic food and culture at outdoor festivals, waterfront restaurants, tropical parklands and art precincts. Darwin is gateway to Litchfield National Park, the Tiwi Islands, Kakadu and Arnhem Land as well as cross-continent journeys like the Ghan. Immerse yourself in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, a natural and cultural wonder around three hours from Darwin. Discover detailed Aboriginal art galleries, hike to the top of rugged escarpments and cruise the wetlands past waterlilies, waterfalls, crocodiles and migratory birds. Bordered by Kakadu National Park, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria, Arnhem Land is a vast unspoiled wilderness, rich in Aboriginal culture. The Yolngu people are the owners of Arnhem Land and have occupied the region for at least 60,000 years. The Yolngu retain strong cultural and spiritual links to the land and you will find authentic indigenous experiences. The Northern Territory’s Katherine region stretches from Dunmarra in the south to the Daly River region in the north. In total it covers an incredible 480,000 sq kilometres. From east to west it touches both the Queensland and West Australian borders. Katherine and its surrounds are the place to go for true outback adventure and indigenous experiences. Litchfield National Park, with its lush woodlands, spectacular waterfalls, sparkling plunge pools and tall termite mounds is an increasingly popular trip from Darwin.
Depart Darwin on your private charter flight to Bamurru Plains.
Please note: Flights depart the General Aviation area at Darwin Airport at 1.30pm daily and depart Bamurru at 11.30am daily. Flying time is 30 minutes in a single engine aircraft.
Please note: There is a strict luggage weight restriction of 15kgs per passenger in soft bags only, to fit in the aircraft luggage compartments. This weight restriction is subject to the flight’s overall payload restriction. Excess bags can be stored at the air charter office in Darwin. For helicopter transfers, the luggage allowance is 10kgs per passenger.
On arrival, meet your Bamurru Plains representative and transfer to your accommodation.
Bamurru Plains
Situated on the vast coastal flood plains of the Mary River delta in the Top End, just west of Kakadu National Park, Bamurru Plains is an utterly exclusive bush camp that exudes ‘Wild Bush Luxury’, bringing a touch of style to a remote and beautiful wilderness region. The property encompasses a variety of habitat including vast river frontage, coastal floodplains, savannah woodland, and paperbark swamps. With just ten safari bungalows with views over the wetlands, and a team of expert field guides, Bamurru Plains offers a select few guests the chance to immerse themselves in the story of the bush, while also enjoying the ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ touches. There is no internet access, no television or mobile phone coverage – a rare opportunity to ‘unplug’ and truly escape to your immediate environment.
The focus of your stay at Bamurru is in the environment around you and the wildlife and birdlife for whom it is home. The individual tent style safari suites are designed to blend with the surrounding bush and as such expose guests to the sights and sounds of the bush around you.
An extensive touring program focuses on exploring the surrounding country away from the lodge, with airboat trips on the wetlands, river cruises in search of crocodiles, bird watching, astronomy evenings, bush drives, quad bike safaris and guided wilderness walks.
Your stay at Bamurru Plains includes all meals, beverages (based on a select open bar) and scheduled activities (4WD safari, river trips, airboat trips, daily guiding).
Please note: There is no mobile reception at Bamurru Plains.
Bamurru Plains
Floodplain Chill Out – Safari Bungalow – Twin 3 nights
Day 9: Top End (B, L, D)
Choose from a range of scheduled activities including 4WD safari, river trips, airboat trips and daily guide walks/tours.
Bamurru Plains
Floodplain Chill Out – Safari Bungalow – Twin
Day 10: Top End (B, L, D)
Choose from a range of scheduled activities including 4WD safari, river trips, airboat trips and daily guide walks/tours.
Optional Tour
Today depart on a full day scheduled/shared tour to Kakadu National Park. Commence with a scenic flight to Jabiru in the heart of Kakadu where a field guide and custom built vehicle will be waiting to explore the park’s escarpment landscapes and ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr. Join a cruise on the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide by your side revealing local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants and animals and bush survival skills before returning overland, with a stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre, in time for sundowner drinks, canapes and the comfort of your safari lodge as the sun sets over Bamurru Plains.
Bamurru Plains
Floodplain Chill Out – Safari Bungalow – Twin
Day 11: Top End (B, L, D)
On departure, meet your Bamurru Plains representative and transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Darwin. On arrival in Darwin meet your driver and transfer by private vehicle to Darwin Airport for your onward flight.
Optional 3 Day extension in Darwin is available
