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NORTHERN TERRITORY
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
Above Photo: Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park Cover Photo: Uluru
See the Northern Territory – the Sunlover Holidays way!It takes a lifetime of experience to create the experience of a lifetime and for over 30 years, Sunlover Holidays has been creating great holiday experiences for families, for couples, for friends and for adventurers right around Australia.
From Cape York to Kangaroo Island, from the Gold Coast to Margaret River, from the Kimberley to Hobart and everywhere in between our travel experts are here to help design and book your perfect holiday.
Our fourteen Sunlover Holidays brochures have something to suit all tastes and budgets and are the perfect planning tool for your next family holiday, romantic getaway, self-drive adventure or island escape.
Inside you’ll find our ‘Essential Experiences’ with ‘Must Do’ activities plus ‘Our Local Secrets’ section designed to enhance your holiday experience. Our Free Wi-Fi feature makes it easy to stay connected on holiday, just look for the properties displaying the Free Wi-Fi symbol.
We have a huge range of stay/pay and other special deals to make your holiday dollar go further as well as a fabulous selection of value add offers which are listed throughout the brochure.
Use this brochure for inspiration, then let our travel experts assist you to experience Australia your way – happy travelling!
Andrew BurnesCEO, Sunlover Holidays
3
Valid 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2016.
ContentsPlanning your Northern Territory Holiday 4
Travel Tips 6
Essential Experiences 8
Holiday Packages 10
Self Drive Holidays 11
Exploring the Northern Territory 13
Campervan Hire 13
Car Hire 14
Top End Cruising 15
Central Australia 16
Alice Springs 17
Uluru (Ayers Rock) 26
Kings Canyon 35
Top End 38
Darwin 39
Beyond Darwin 51
Kakadu and Arnhem Land 54
Accommodation Index 58
Important Booking Conditions 59
4
Planning your Northern Territory Holiday
LET SUNLOVER HOLIDAYS INSPIRE YOU TO DISCOVER MORE OF THESE FANTASTIC DESTINATIONS.
The Sunlover Holidays DifferenceFantastic prices, a diverse range of Australian holiday destinations, the widest choice of products and unmatched service, combined with over 30 years experience – that’s the Sunlover Holidays difference!
We’re committed to offering an extensive range of holiday options and our team of product experts regularly travel throughout Australia to bring you the very best holiday experiences. They are passionate about Australia and personally select each product, providing you with the greatest choice at the most competitive price.
Our team of travel experts are here to help, offering advice and information. They can tailor-make your dream holiday from hundreds of fantastic hotels, apartments and resorts as well as flights, cruises, car and campervan hire, extended touring, self drive holidays and a huge range of sightseeing tours and attractions.
100% Australian OwnedSunlover Holidays is a division of The AOT Group, one of Australia’s largest travel companies. We are 100% Australian owned and proud to employ over 300 staff located in our
offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. A booking with Sunlover Holidays ensures your dollar stays in Australia and helps generate jobs for Australians!
24 Hour ServiceWe know your holiday experience doesn’t end until you are safely home. That’s why our Customer Care Team is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should you require any assistance during your Sunlover holiday. All the necessary information will be provided with your travel documentation and you can contact the team at any time during your holiday. We’re with you on the journey.
Offering You Value for MoneyThroughout this brochure you’ll find amazing offers including free nights, room upgrades and food and beverage credits to name a few. Just look for the ‘Bonus Offer’ box.
We have also put together some fabulous Holiday Packages starting on page 10, which offer exceptional value for money. These packages include a choice of accommodation options to suit all budgets together with ‘must do’ tours and attractions, exclusive to Sunlover Holidays.
Our product team is always sourcing special deals throughout the year, so make sure you ask your travel agent for the latest Sunlover Holidays specials when making your booking.
Exclusively For YouWe’re always on the look out for ways to enhance your holiday experience. Throughout this brochure, you’ll find deals marked Exclusively For You . These are free bonus offers exclusive to Sunlover Holidays customers.
TripAdvisor This brochure is a great source of advice and has all the information you’ll need to create your dream holiday. We are now partnering with TripAdvisor to offer you (where available) hotel reviews. TripAdvisor rates real travellers’ experiences, giving you an unbiased and impartial point of view on the product we feature to assist you with your holiday planning. TripAdvisor ratings and reviews are available to view on our website at www.sunloverholidays.com.au.
The information on the following pages is designed to help you plan your dream getaway. You’ll find in-depth Travel Tips as well as a Calendar of Events on page 6. We’ve detailed our Essential Experiences on page 8 and share ‘Our Local Secrets’ on page 9.
2015-16 Signature Collection Unique Australian Experiences
Signature Collection
UNIQUE AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES 2015 – 2016
ONE&ONLY HAYMAN ISLAND
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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLANDINCLUDING OUTBACK QUEENSLAND
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QUEENSLAND ISLANDS & WHITSUNDAYS
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SUNSHINE COAST & BRISBANEINCLUDING FRASER COAST AND CORAL COAST
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GOLD COAST
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SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALESINCLUDING CANBERRA AND LORD HOWE ISLAND
For the best times of your life!HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
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MELBOURNE & VICTORIA
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TASMANIA
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ADELAIDE & SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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PERTH & THE WEST COASTINCLUDING PERTH, MARGARET RIVER, NINGALOO REEF AND GOLDEN OUTBACK
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SU
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GREAT AUSTRALIAN RAIL HOLIDAYS
2015/16
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NEW!FULLY ESCORTED
RAIL TOURSsee page 6
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KIMBERLEY CRUISING & BROOME
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NORFOLK ISLAND
2015/16
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5
Accommodation RatingsSTAR and Diamond ratings are used throughout the brochure to describe the standard of accommodation.
STAR RATINGS Properties featuring the Star symbols are independently assessed by Star Ratings Australia (SRA). SRA is a stand-alone accreditation business and a subsidiary of Australian Motoring Services (AMS). The Stars and the Star Ratings are a registered trademark of AMS. We have no input into the assessment process.
DIAMOND RATINGS Properties featuring Diamond symbols do not participate in a recognised rating scheme. The rating is supplied by the individual property based on their own assessment. We recommend they be used as a guide only.
HH Budget standard of accommodation ¿¿
HHH Comfortable standard of accommodation ¿¿¿
HHHH Superior standard of accommodation and ¿¿¿¿ facilities
HHHHH Deluxe standard of accommodation and ¿¿¿¿¿ facilities
I Denotes additional half rating ¯
Apartment Style AccommodationIn general, self-catering apartments feature cooking facilities with a minimum of microwave, hot plates, saucepans, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. Laundry facilities will be located either in the apartment, or in a guest laundry within the property. Most apartments are serviced every 7 days and do not provide hotel facilities such as porterage, room service or mini bars. Most apartments provide an initial supply of items such as tea, coffee, toilet paper and soap.
What the Symbols meanThe property has Free Wi-Fi available in the room/apartment. Free Wi-Fi may or may not be available in public areas. Please refer to the Property Features in the individual accommodation listing for further details.
Day spa facilities are available.
The property has one or more rooms providing wheelchair access with assistance.
A bonus is available if you are celebrating a special occasion (eg. honeymoon). Advise your travel agent when booking. The definition of ‘special occasion’ and type of bonus offered is at each property’s discretion. Conditions may apply.
Product that has been accredited under the second level of the national Ecotourism Certification scheme.
Product that has been awarded the highest level of the national Ecotourism Certification scheme.
Camping or cabin style accommodation is featured. Facilities vary – some camp grounds will have shower and toilet facilities, while more remote sites have limited facilities – e.g. a swim and a bush toilet.
Room ImagesRoom images featured on property listings are the lead-in room type, unless captioned otherwise.
Pricing GuidePrices featured in accommodation listings are per room for the period specified unless otherwise stated. The “from” price in the property heading has been calculated using the cheapest nightly rate available, ie. in the lead-in room type, in off-peak season using the longest stay (eg. 7 nights). If a free night offer is available, even if for part of a season, this has been included when calculating the “from” price. A minimum stay is generally required. Where prices for more than a one night stay are featured, the prices refer to stays of consecutive nights.
School Holidays 2015 – 16
Queensland 3 – 19 Apr, 27 Jun – 12 Jul, 19 Sep – 5 Oct, 12 Dec 15 – 24 Jan 16
New South Wales 3 – 20 Apr, 27 Jun – 13 Jul, 19 Sep – 5 Oct, 17 Dec 15 – 26 Jan 16
Victoria 28 Mar – 12 Apr, 27 Jun – 12 Jul, 19 Sep – 4 Oct, 19 Dec 15 – 26 Jan 16
Australian Capital 11 – 26 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, Territory 19 Dec 15 – 31 Jan 16
Tasmania 3 – 19 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 18 Dec 15 – 1 Feb 16
South Australia 11 – 26 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 12 Dec 15 – 31 Jan 16
Western Australia 3 – 19 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 18 Dec 15 – 1 Feb 16
Northern Territory 3 – 12 Apr, 20 Jun – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 4 Oct, 11 Dec 15 – 24 Jan 16
New Zealand 3 – 19 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 19 Dec 15 – 31 Jan 16
Kata Tjuta
Our OPEN DATED range of tours offers you the flexibility of pre-paying for your “must do” holiday experiences without having to lock in dates in advance. This means you can pick the day that best suits your needs once your holiday has commenced. Simply include an OPEN DATED tour in your itinerary, pay for your entire holiday prior to departure, then call us up to 24 hours in advance to book. OPEN DATED gives you the flexibility to buy now and book later! Just look for the OPEN DATED symbol on pages 18 to 20, 27 to 31, 41 and 55.
OPEN DATED TOURS
Buy Now & Book Later!
6
Travel TipsDarwin
Weather Guide TEMPERATURE AVERAGE
Central Australia Top End
Summer 18ºC to 36ºC 25ºC to 32ºC
Autumn 8ºC to 32ºC 22ºC to 32ºC
Win te r 4 ºC to 22ºC 19ºC to 31ºC
Spr ing 10ºC to 33ºC 23ºC to 33ºC
DISTANCES BY ROAD (KM)DARWIN
254 JABIRU316 303 KATHERINE422 408 106 MATARANKA989 975 673 567 TENNANT CREEK1497 1484 1181 1075 508 ALICE SPRINGS1818 1805 1502 1396 829 322 KINGS CANYON1964 1951 1648 1542 975 468 326 ULURU (AYERS ROCK)1871 1857 1555 1661 2228 1698 2019 2165 BROOME3027 3041 2711 2606 2039 1531 1606 1599 3228 ADELAIDE
Distances should be used as a guide only.
Calendar of Events
APRIL Alice Springs Cup Carnival 12th Apr-5th May
Barra Nationals Fishing Tournament, Daly River 19th-26th
JUNE Finke Desert Race, Alice Springs 6th-8th
V8 Supercars Championship Series, Darwin 19th-21st
JULY Alice Springs Show 3rd-4th
Darwin Cup Carnival 4th Jul-3rd Aug
Darwin Beer Can Regatta 5th
Lasseters Camel Cup, Alice Springs 11th
Royal Darwin Show 23rd-25th
AUGUST Garma Festival, Arnhem Land 1st-4th
Katherine Country Music Muster 13th
Darwin Festival 6th-23rd
Henley on Todd Regatta, Alice Springs 15th
SEPTEMBERAlice Desert Festival 10th-14th
TBC – Dates for this event were yet to be confirmed at the time of printing.
How to Get ThereBY AIR Virgin Australia service Darwin from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, Uluru (Ayers Rock) from Sydney. Qantas, Qantaslink and Jetstar service Darwin and Alice Springs from capital cities throughout Australia. Qantas fly to Uluru from Sydney, Cairns and Melbourne.
FLIGHT DURATION FROM / TO DARWIN ALICE SPRINGS ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
Sydney 4 hrs 30 mins 3 hrs 10 mins 3 hrs 15 mins
Melbourne 4 hrs 30 mins 2 hrs 55 mins 3 hrs
Adelaide 3 hrs 45 mins 2 hrs 10 mins -
Brisbane 4 hrs 15 mins 3 hrs 15 mins -
Cairns 2 hrs 35 mins 2 hrs 25 mins 2 hrs 50 mins
Perth 3 hrs 45 mins 3 hrs 10 mins -
Darwin - 2 hrs -The above table shows flight durations for direct flights only. Connecting flights from other destinations are also available. Times are a guide only and subject to change.
BY RAIL Take the ultimate journey through the heart of Australia on The Ghan. This amazing rail journey begins in Adelaide and traverses the Red Centre, passing through Alice Springs and Katherine before concluding in Darwin in the Top End (also operates in reverse).
BY CAR Take the time to explore and discover as you make your way through the Northern Territory by road. Whether it’s getting there, or getting around, we recommend Avis Car hire. See page 14 for details or ask your travel agent about the great specials Avis has to offer.
We offer a selection of suggested driving itineraries, providing you with the freedom to see the Northern Territory at your own pace. Refer to the Self Drive Holidays starting on page 11 for more details.
Speed limits apply in all urban areas and highways of the Territory. Travellers should drive at a speed that suits the road, vehicle, weather conditions and their driving experience. Avoid driving after dark, as cattle and wildlife often congregate alongside outback highways at night.
Aboriginal CultureAlmost one quarter of the Northern Territory’s population are Aboriginal people and approximately half of the Territory is Aboriginal-owned land. Family business and ceremonies are important to Aboriginal people and these matters take priority, which may alter scheduled tours or restrict access to sites with spiritual significance.
Fees and PermitsA national park entry fee applies for visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park. Many tours do not include this fee so it is essential to purchase a national park ticket prior to commencing your touring. Tickets can be purchased from National Park Entry Stations. Driving over Aboriginal owned land and access into Arnhem Land is restricted. Visitors must apply for a permit from the Northern Land Council or alternatively choose a tour where operators have permission from the traditional owners to enter their land.
SwimmingThe Northern Territory has many safe places to swim, including local nature reserves and in some national parks. Salt and Freshwater crocodiles are found in most Top End billabongs and rivers, and are occasionally seen on remote beaches. This is generally sign-posted, but if you are unsure, don’t swim. Beach swimming is not recommended from October to April due to marine stingers.
GEM TREE
AILERON
TI TREE
1
TOBERMOREY
LAKE NASH
BARROW CREEK
WAUCHOPE
RABBIT FLAT
BarklyHomesteadRoadhouse
TANAMI
LAJAMANURENNER SPRINGS
KALKARINDJIELLIOTT
NEWCASTLE WATERS
DUNMARRA
LARRIMAH
Cape CrawfordRoadhouse
NGUKURRROPER BAR
BARUNGA
MANYALLALUH
Keep RiverNational Park
TOP SPRINGS
MATARANKA
LitchfieldNational Park
KakaduNational Park
GregoryNational Park
Mary RiverNational Park
NitmilukNational Park
Gurig Gunak BarluNational Park
Davenport RangeNational Park
West MacDonnellNational Park
Finke GorgeNational ParkWatarrka
National Park
Kata TjutaUluru-Kata TjutaNational Park Mt Conner
Rainbow Valley
Standley Chasm
Devils Marbles
NitmilukKatherine
GorgeEdith Falls
Cutta CuttaCaves
TO MARLA100KM
W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A
QUEENSLAND
SOUTH A USTRAL IA
ARAFURA SEA
TIMOR SEA
WESSEL ISLANDS
Lake Argyle
Lake Macdonald
Lake Neale
Lake Amadeus
R o p e r H wy
C a r p e n t a r i a H w y
V i ct o
r ia H
w y
La
j am
an
u R
d
B u n t in e H
wy
S T U A R T H W Y
B u c h a n a n H w y
T ab
l el a
nd
s H
wy
B a r k l y H w y
S T U A R T H
WY
S a n d o v e r H w y
P l e n t y H w y
ST
UA
RT
HW
Y
T a n a mi R
d
Ol d G
h a n Rd
MACDONNELL RANGES
Joseph Bonaparte Gulf
Beagle GulfVan Dieman Gulf
Gulf of Carpentaria
2
Purnululu(Bungle Bungle)
National Park
ALICE SPRINGS
ULURU
DARWIN
KUNUNURRA
ARNHEM LAND
FINKEERLDUNDA
KULGERA
YULARA
KINGS CANYONHERMANNSBURG
GLEN HELEN
CAMOOWEALTENNANT CREEK
THREE WAYS
DALY WATERS
KATHERINE
JABIRUCOOINDA
GUNBALANYA MANINGRIDANHULUNBUY
ADELAIDE RIVER
BATCHELOR
DALY RIVERPINE CREEK
WYNDHAM TIMBER CREEKVICTORIA RIVER
CROSSING
ALYANGULA
TIWI ISLANDSCOBOURG PENINSULA
GROOTE EYLANDT
GOVE PENINSULA
CROKER ISLAND
BATHURST ISLANDMELVILLE ISLAND
MT ISA
HALLS CREEK
SIMPSONDESERT
TANAMI DESERT
Central A
rnhem R
d
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INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTSREGIONAL AIRPORTSNATIONAL PARKSABORIGINAL LANDRAILMAIN ROADSDIRT ROADSACCOMMODATION REFERENCEATTRACTIONS
NO.
N
7
ADELAIDEPERTH
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
MELBOURNE
HOBART
DARWIN
ALICE SPRINGS
KATHERINE
ULURU
KAKADU AND ARNHEM LAND
Pages 54 to 57
DARWINPages 39 to 50
BEYOND DARWINPages 51 to 53
KINGS CANYON
Pages 35 to 37
ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
Pages 26 to 34
ALICE SPRINGS
Pages 17 to 25
8
1. Arnhem Land and KakaduDiscover the untamed beauty of Arnhem Land. Travel to the Mikinj Valley and enjoy seeing impressive sandstone outcrops, forests and floodplains. Walk around Kakadu National Park and catch a glimpse of rugged escarpments, plunging gorges, lush wetlands and cascading waterfalls. (see pages 10, 12, 41 to 45 and 55 for details)
2. Alice Springs Discover the origins of Alice Springs – known as Australia’s outback pioneering town. Visit the base of the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service and take a tour around the museum. At the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, learn about the restored heritage buildings. (see page 18 for details)
3. Uluru and Kata Tjuta Discover the mysteries of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Journey to the sunset viewing area to marvel at the sunset and changing colours of Uluru – a definite must see on any visit to the red centre. Be mesmerised by the large rock formations of Kata Tjuta, (The Olgas), which display markings by Aboriginal ancestors. (see pages 10 to 12 and 27 to 34 for details)
4. Kings CanyonBe captivated by the magical sandstone domes of Kings Canyon. Witness a sunset from the gorge or experience a three hour guided climb to the rim and marvel at the breathtaking views of Watarrka National Park. (see pages 11, 30 to 32 and 35 to 37 for details)
5. Litchfield National ParkSpend some time at Litchfield National Park to unwind in the tranquil settings of nature. Enjoy monsoon rainforests, calming waterfalls and notable historic ruins. Take a dip in the waterholes at Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls or Florence Falls. (see pages 12, 41 and 43 to 45 for details)
6. DarwinYou'll be amazed by what Darwin has to offer. Sailing Darwin Harbour at sunset is a highlight. Try food from all over the world at Darwin’s Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (Apr to Oct) right on the beach and watch a magical Darwin sunset. Or head out and experience cultural tours with Indigenous Larrakia guides, art and historical walks and scenic trails through coastal and woodland parks. (see pages 10 and 40 for details)
7. Nitmiluk National ParkNitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) covers a vast area of escarpment country, including 13 gorges carved from ancient sandstone. Enjoy a cruise or paddle along the gorges at your own pace. (see pages 12, 41, 43 to 45 and 52 for details)
8. MacDonnell RangesThe East and West MacDonnell Ranges are an adventure playground with hiking trails, four-wheel drive tracks and swimming holes. Take in the beauty of the rugged ranges from the air in a hot air balloon or a helicopter flight, or take it all in on the Larapinta Trail, 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. (see pages 18, 20, 22 and 32 for details)
9. Aboriginal Art and CultureA holiday in the Territory is a cultural journey. Learn about the Dreamtime and experience indigenous storytelling, dance and music. Get hands-on and try spear-throwing, didgeridoo playing or dot painting. View ancient rock art sites at Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock or wander the modern galleries in Darwin, each art piece will tell a story. (see pages 19 to 21 for details)
Essential Experiences
5 Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park
2 Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
3 Uluru9 Aboriginal Art
9
Kings Canyon
OUR LOCAL SECRETS
When friends are in town, a great
place for a drink is…
Monte’s in Alice Springs with its cosmopolitan
and bohemian vibe.
If I had a free day I would…
Hire a 4WD and visit Rainbow Valley
Conservation Reserve, south of Alice Springs.
Renowned for its sandstone bluffs and cliffs
with bands of different coloured rock, it is at
its most spectacular in the early morning or
late afternoon sun.
For a fine dining experience I would
visit…
Pee Wee’s at the Point in Darwin, set among
lush tropical surrounds with sweeping sea
views. Sample the locally produced cheese,
seafood, fruits and vegetables.
For an outback historical experience…
Visit the National Trust-Listed Hermannsburg
Historical Precinct. One of Central Australia’s
first settlements. Wander through the historic
German-style whitewashed buildings and also
view Aboriginal artwork unique to the area. Tip
– don’t leave without tasting the apple strudel!
While in Darwin don’t leave without…
Visiting the many art galleries to see traditional
and contemporary works from local artists.8 Larapinta Trail, MacDonnell Ranges
1 Mt Borradaile, Arnhem Land 7 Nitmiluk National Park
6 Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin