Adventure in Australia, from Ocean to Outback
Get off the beaten track in South Australia and the Northern Territory with a tailored journey expertly planned by First Class Holidays
Australia is a vast land packed with unforgettable experiences, many of which lie far from the customary east-coast hot spots. Under the multi-award-winning guidance of First Class Holidays, you can soak up the best of South Australia and the Northern Territory, two lesser-visited regions filled with extraordinary rewards. First Class Holidays has been creating 100% tailor-made trips for close to 30 years, partnering travellers with the best local experts and offering a price-match promise.
South Australia and the ocean
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The Lane Vineyard, Adelaide Hills (South Australia) -
Snorkelling in South Australia (South Australia)
Often overlooked by visitors, despite its beguiling natural scenery and warm locals, South Australia is one of the country’s most thrilling escapes. Cultured and leafy state capital Adelaide is Australia’s only National Park City and serves as a gateway to the many diverse regions. Take a few days to delve into its gourmet food scene and celebrated museums before heading offshore to the wildlife wonderland of Kangaroo Island, Australia’s answer to the Galápagos, a quick 40-minute flight from Adelaide. Here you can see koalas, wallabies, fur seals and – yes – kangaroos go about their business among spectacular landscapes.
South Australia is deservedly known as the vineyard capital of Australia. The likes of McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley have earned their impressive reputations, but there are respected vineyards even on the edge of the state capital. The Adelaide Hills wine region lies barely a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Renowned for its cool-climate vintages, it’s home to great food and wine, as you’ll sample for yourself at its many cellar doors.
For aquatic adventures and dramatic coastal scenery, head west to the Eyre Peninsula, just a 45-minute flight from Adelaide. Swim alongside sea lions or – should your nerve hold – cage-dive with great white sharks. The peninsula is popular with weekending locals, who come for the pristine, white sandy beaches and fresh seafood.
If it’s impressive scenery you’re after, the Flinders Ranges are just a five-hour drive north of Adelaide. This colossal spread of ancient peaks dates back some 600 million years. It’s a stirring thought to mull over as you explore its rocky gorges, winding trails and bountiful flora and fauna.
Northern Territory and the Outback
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Uluṟu, the sacred Aṉangu site (Shutterstock) -
Maguk is a pristine natural waterfall and plunge pool (Northern Territory)
‘The Territory’ is where Australia’s wide-open, sun-baked scenery is at its most dramatic. Many travellers are surprised, then, that the region also offers some decidedly verdant natural attractions. Litchfield National Park, for example, lies close to the Territory’s capital city, Darwin. Famed for its swimming holes, bush walks and tumbling waterfalls, the park is a genuine outdoor gem.
Litchfield, however, is no match for the dual UNESCO World Heritage-listed spectacle of Kakadu National Park, where sweeping escarpments stretch above wildlife-rich river plains, and 20,000-year-old Aboriginal rock art decorates craggy overhangs. Factor in saltwater crocodiles and some 300 bird species and you’re left with somewhere that is truly one of a kind, combining the perfect mix of historic culture and nature.
From here, permit allowing, you can take a trip eastwards to the astonishing East Arnhem Land, an unspoilt coastal wilderness that offers an opportunity to experience Aboriginal culture. Even in a country over-endowed with special places, Arnhem Land’s 97,000 sq km spread of beaches, rainforest and savannah woodland is truly remarkable.
As you head south, no less memorable are the sandstone ravines of Nitmiluk National Park, near the town of Katherine. Here, one of the chief draws is the chance to canoe – or cruise – along spectacular river gorges hemmed in by towering cliffs and fringed by lush greenery.
The same could also be said, of course, of Uluṟu, the Northern Territory’s most iconic sight. Nothing quite prepares you for seeing this sacred Aṉangu site up close. Its sheer size and shifting hues can be almost overwhelming, and by staying at the luxurious Longitude 131 ̊, you’ll be combining unbeatable views of an Australian icon with unforgettable, world-class comforts.
Ocean to Outback with First Class Holidays
First Class Holidays’ Ocean to Outback self-drive itinerary takes in several of the wonders mentioned here, with fully inclusive car hire and 15 nights’ accommodation, during which you’ll travel from coast to coast through the heart of the country. Among a whole range of inspiring experiences, highlights include an Adelaide food tour, a dolphin kayak eco-tour, lunch in the Barossa Valley, an outback BBQ dinner, a full-day 4WD exploration of the West MacDonnell Ranges, a sunrise tour of Uluru by Segway, a trip to Kata Tjuta, a class on Indigenous dot painting and a sunset dinner cruise in Darwin. Prices start from £8,379 per person.
About the experts
First Class Holidays is proud to offer over 28 years of exceptional service with a personal, friendly approach that’s led the company to becoming an industry leader in delivering memorable, tailor-made holidays. First Class Holidays has won several awards and all of its trips are ABTA and ATOL protected. Their team of experts can provide first-hand knowledge on everything, from flights and hotels to sightseeing and excursions. Contact First Class Holidays at enquiries@fcholidays.com or 0161 8885628.
