The only reason for going to Darwin is to access Kakadu National Park. I and my two children (daughter, fifteen, and son, seventeen) signed onto a three-day camping tour of Kakadu with Kakadu Dreams. Nez was our guide, and presented us with a fantastic view of this immense park. Camping is the only way to really grasp this incredible area. My daughter became entranced with the digi, and purchased the "right" one just before we rolled back into Darwin.
Visting independently? It'll cost you $35 to get the Uluru Express to Ayers Rock. Get the sunset tour with combined walk, it's the same price as the sunset tour alone. The Olgas are $50, the gorge walk is quite disappointing though. Don't forget you need to add $25 to all this for the park three-day pass. Bring a mosquito net -- flies will drive you mad.
Tennant Creek … I stayed here for one night and that was just the right time as there is not much to see or do.
Annie's Place Hostel in Alice Springs … I stayed in Annie's Place in March, and it was amazing. The hostel is really clean, the rooms are spacious and en suites, the meals are cheap and good, and we did the tour. And now I just tell everyone to do it!! This tour is just perfect!! You sleep in swags, and the guide (Will) was really nice. We had good fun. Just go there!!!
HI - Darwin - Globetrotters YHA Backpacker Resort in Darwin … I stayed at this hostel for over two months with four of my friends. I had an absolutely fantastic time. The staff at reception make this place ROCK, especially Tracy, Ben and Chris, who are outrageously funny and witty. Very high cleaning standards compared to other hostels I have stayed in. They have wicked Wednesdays and Sunday sessions offering cheap drinks at the bar along with soccer, volleyball, and best of all, five dollar jugs of beer which make you sound a star on the karaoke.
Haven Hostel in Alice Springs … Wow, so clean and new. i's great to stay somewhere with such high standards, they've thought of everything. indoor and outdoor kitchen. finally somewhere to have that great aussie bbq! they have a great TV lounge with a massive TV and free breakfast from 5 a.m., which was great as my tour left at 5 a.m. -- so close to town as well.
HI - Darwin - Globetrotters YHA Backpacker Resort in Darwin … I have stayed at this hostel twice now, and loved it. The atmosphere here is amazing! I have met some great people while staying here and the staff are great! The rooms may not be the best ever but they are comfortable! I had the best time here and will be back!!! The cheap drinks at the bar are also very good!!!
Alice Lodge Backpackers in Alice Springs … You must have got a different person to the rest of us Cathy.....
Melanka Backpackers Resort in Alice Springs … No problems with this hostel at all. Didn't encounter any of the problems written on this page. Good location, right opposite Greyhound, 5 min walk to town, great party bar and clean rooms. I paid 20 bucks and got a 3-bed dorm.(Rather than 16 bucks and got a 10-bed that a certain other establishment gave me). All good as far as I'm concerned. Rooms were clean, as was linen, as were the showers and toilets.
Melaleuca on Mitchell in Darwin … Excellent accommodation, and well situated.
Alice Lodge Backpackers in Alice Springs … This hostel is really chilled out. manager is friendly and very helpful with info about tours and things to see and do in alice. Pool is refreshing and trust me with temps in Alice springs you need it. the hostel has big trees to relax under in the hammocks for reading. all in all nice, friendly relaxed place. oh and it has free breakfast and internet too.
Leprechaun Motel & Caravan Park in Darwin … This is the best motel at which I have ever stayed.
Kookaburra Backpackers Lodge Hostel in Katherine … Certainly one of the best hostels that I have ever stayed in, both in Australia and in Europe. Apart from superb accommodation and beautiful garden setting, Bill and Val make you feel like a member of their family. I have stayed there on numerous occasions, and recommend it very highly.
Annie's Place Hostel in Alice Springs … My friend and I stayed here and had a great time. The meals are really good value and scrumptious — it is great to have a bar and swimming pool on the hostel grounds. The owner and the owner's dog Bear took a liking to me, but unfortunately I had to leave all too soon! We love Mulga, he's really funny — you must go to Annie's Place in Adelaide, too!
Coco's House in Katherine … It is a very special place, very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. staying in such places while traveling makes traveling even much more interesting.
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