Lynn2 replied:

Whatever, you do you should travel the Gibb River Road if you want to experience some more remote areas of Australia. Absolutely beautiful gorges, wonderful places to camp. We were there 3 years ago, and on a trip from Manning Gorge to Leonard Gorge we were the only people there (and swimming, relaxing) for quite some time.

We did a somewhat longer trip than you are planning and covered all the areas mentioned above. After the GRR, Katherine Gorge was very disappointing - many, many, many tourists, queues and the gorge not half as spectacular as a result. Something worth considering perhaps???

Twin Falls was great. You have to swim/wade/float in to twin falls - there is no direct vehicular access. It was a wonderful experience. Ubirr also great, but very touristy, depends on your wants.

We took a helicopter flight from Broome to the Bungle Bungles which included a walk in and lunch etc. Apparently the road in is quite rough (but this was according to some English tourists, so I don't know how true this was). It is good to see the Bungles from the air as you get an amazing perspective.

I don't think I've helped, just been confusing. Whatever you decide I know you'll love it.
Lynn

MrBitchi replied:

"Day 5 – drive from Tennant Creek to Alice Springs.

Day 6 - drive another 450 Km from Alice Springs to Uluru. Overnight Uluru

Day 7 - back to Alice Springs"

If you do this you won't get much time to look around. Make Uluru 2 nights and have time to climb the rock and see the Olgas. Maybe return via Kings canyon.
BTW, all these destinations (option 1) can be accessed in a standard car. Much cheaper to hire, can definitely drop off in another location, more comfortable and economical for long distance touring.
Enjoy your trip whichever you do....
John

Oz Trekker replied:

G'day mcboom,

Being a Top Ender I can offer some up to date info if you elect to go with option 1. In answer to your query about renting a 4wd here in Darwin and dropping it off in Alice, the answer is yes you can. All the major players like Thrifty, Britz etc are up here and provide that option, but you would need to make a booking fairly soon as the international and interstate tourist season is full on at the moment.

According to the number counters, this years tourist numbers are close to reaching a record high and no matter where you go, it is shoulder to shoulder with a zillion other people. To only give yourself 2 days in Kakadu would be a bit of shame considering how much there is to see. I was out at the Mamukala Wetlands a week ago and it was a bit disappointing, but then I had just finished a 2 day trip along the Red Lilly Billabong track which was absolutely great - fantastic scenery and heaps of wildlife. To really have a 'good' look at Kakadu, you need at least a week.

I was down at Katherine Gorge a few weeks ago and regardless of what anybody should say, it is well worth the visit, but once again, completely swamped with tourists.

Just for the record, it is no longer possible to swim at Twin Falls due to the current ban in place.

Jeff

Member - Bob replied:

McBoom
where are you coming from? What are your start and end points? The problem with the itineraries that I see are that you are trying to cover too much distance, esp with option 1. My thoughts would be to choose between either:
1. a top-end tour starting and finishing in Darwin (Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Litchfield, Darwin)
2. the Kimberley (Broome, Derby, GRR, Kun., Bungles, Halls Creek, Fitztroy Xing, Geike Gorge, Broome)
3. the Centre (Alice, East Macs, West Macs, Mereenie Loop, Kings Canyon, Uluru, Boggy Hole/Palm Valley, Alice)
Each of these will easily fill seven days, and you won't be spending the majority of your time in the car.

mcboom replied:

Thanks again guys !