Cruising Australia’s Top End & exploring the Red Centre

Leave the stress at home as you embark on the East Coast, Top End & Red Centre Explorer. Setting sail from Sydney you’ll make your way up Australia’s stunning East Coast while cruising aboard Princess Cruises majestic Sea Princess for ten leisurely nights with a port call in the vibrant city of Brisbane, the tropical town of Cairns (with plenty of coastal sights along the way) and to Alotau in Papua New Guinea – an undiscovered paradise of white-sand beaches, crystal waterfalls and volcanic mountains.

As you disembark in Darwin your exploration of the Top End begins with a sightseeing tour of Darwin. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility and enjoy the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. After lunch at local favourite spot, Stokes Hill Wharf, you will be dropped at your accommodation for the next 3 nights at the conveniently located DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade where welcome drinks and canapés await you in the evening.

The next day is free for you to explore Darwin at your own pace. Darwin is an easy city to explore on foot with most of the city’s attractions within walking distance, however it can be quite hot and humid so make sure you have good walking shoes, comfortable light clothing, water and sun protection. There is also a good bus transport and taxis available. The city is steeped in WWII history, unique local markets full of fresh produce and incredible Asian-influenced food and a friendly, laid-back dining scene where the local territory fare must be tried!

Your last full day in Darwin takes you to the spectacular Litchfield National Park to witness the rugged beauty and invigorating swimming holes of this famous area. First stop is Florence Falls, where you have the opportunity for a scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk. There is also the chance for a recharging swim by making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below. Travel on to Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole at the base of the falls. Finally visit Wangi Falls with its large crystal clear pool and offering magnificent photo opportunities from all angles.

A Red Centre adventure awaits as you fly from Darwin to Alice Springs and get your bearings of this historic town on the ‘A Town Like Alice’ tour. See the sights of 'The Alice' including The School of the Air where you learn how children who cannot access schools are educated by radio. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station, which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service, where you will see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote 'outback'. Make a stop at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can see up close and maybe touch some of the lizards and snakes of Central Australia's semi-arid desert. Enjoy panoramic views and more amazing photo opportunities of the township of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill before returning to your hotel.

Discover the heart of the Red Centre on an overnight return trip from Alice Springs. Begin by exploring the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park followed by the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Centre to gain some further insight into the fascinating cultural history of this area. Next you’ll travel the base of Uluru in comfort as your driver guide provides commentary about the numerous sacred sites and features to be found here. A bucket list experience of witnessing the striking colour changes of Uluṟu at sunset while enjoying nibbles and sparkling wine is just incredible. Stay the night at the iconic Sails in the Desert and enjoy another must-have experience of watching the first rays of the sun set Uluru and the magical Red Centre alight. Continue to the soaring rock domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and be equally impressed by the majesty of this incredible landmark. I would recommend a hat with a fly net for the Red Centre so you can really take in the amazing natural wonders of the mighty Red Centre, minus the friendly flies!