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Darwin/Kakadu vs. Red Centre/Ayers Rock/Kings Canyon/Alice Springs

Darwin/Kakadu vs. Red Centre/Ayers Rock/Kings Canyon/Alice Springs

Old Apr 26th, 2012, 03:57 PM
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Darwin/Kakadu vs. Red Centre/Ayers Rock/Kings Canyon/Alice Springs

We only have time (4-5 days) for either Darwin/Kakadu or Red Centre (Ayers Rock/Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs). Which would you recommend? We are into outdoor activities, but we also enjoy sightseeing and relaxing. Our trip will be in August, and our other two stops will be Sydney and Cairns.
robicobi is offline  
Old Apr 26th, 2012, 04:19 PM
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I vote Red Centre though 4-5 days to include Kings Canyon and Alice Springs will be cutting it a bit fine.
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Old Apr 26th, 2012, 10:11 PM
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It is getting to be a habit but I agree with Stormbird. Assuming that you don't already live in a desert of have had lots of experiences in them.

The average tourist spends a day and a half at Ayers Rock, so it is all doable.

Can you fly to Ayers Rock spend a day or so fly to The Alice and then out from there? You would miss Kings Canyon. It is a very long drive drive otherwise.

The West Macdonells are lovely.
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Old Apr 26th, 2012, 10:16 PM
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I agree with stormbird. I know there is a tour that takes you to Uluru and Kata Tjuta one day, staying overnight at Ayers Rock, then back to Alice via Kings Canyon. That would allow you 2-3 days for looking around Alice. We were in Alice last August - check out my trip report A Town like Alice for some ideas. We were also there 2010 - trip report was posted. If you want to read it just click on my name and you should get it.
Darwin / Kakadu is also great, and I would certainly recommend doing that area when you can return to Australia, but for now the Red Centre would be my choice.
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Old Apr 27th, 2012, 08:55 AM
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I'd vote for a Darwin/Litchfield/Katherine combo. Spend a day in Darwin visiting Aquascene, the Museum/Art Gallery, Fannie Bay Gaol, the Aviation Museum etc. OR spend that day at the Territory Wildlife Park and Berry Springs. Then spend a day at Litchfield N.P. swimming in the fabulous natural pools (Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes) and viewing the amazing magnetic termite mounds. Then drive down to Katherine and spend 2 - 3 days hiking and swimming at the natural pool at Edith Falls NP, hiking and canoeing at Katherine Gorge NP, enjoying the Katherine Hot Springs, touring the Cutta Cutta Cave and spotlighting crocs on the Crocodile Night Adventure.
I think you'll find more varied outdoor activities doing a trip like this than either of the two trips you originally mentioned.
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