18 Day Darwin to Melbourne Safari

Itinerary

Day 1 - Darwin to Mary River

See the falls of Litchfield National Park before arriving at the Mary River Wetlands. This afternoon look for ’crocs’ and other wildlife on our private river cruise. Arrive at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge for dinner and overnight camp. (LD)

Day 2 - Mary River to Kakadu

We call in at Mamukala Wetlands then head to the awesome Jim Jim Falls to take a walk to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Here we join a National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience up the stunning gorge to the waterfall where you can relax on the sandy bank. We drive on to Kakadu for dinner and our overnight camp. (BLD)

Day 3 - Kakadu to Darwin

Our first stop is Ubirr where we discover ancient Aboriginal rock art. We continue our journey to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where we do some hiking and enjoy a refreshing dip in the plunge pools. We then return to Darwin, enjoying the impressive scenery along the way. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)

Day 4 - Darwin to Katherine Gorge

After departing Darwin, we take a look at the Adelaide River WWII War Cemetery before spending the afternoon either canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the striking Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge. Overnight in our permanent campsite. (LD)

Day 5 - Mataranka to Tennant Creek

Relax in Mataranka’s crystal clear thermal pools then experience the famous Outback Aussie pub at Daly Waters. After lunch, travel south to Tennant Creek for our overnight camp at Juno Horse Farm. (BLD)

Day 6 - Devils Marbles to Alice Springs

Visit the Battery Stamp Mine at Tennant Creek for a gold mine tour then explore the mysterious formations of the Devils Marbles before leaving for Alice Springs. Overnight dorm accommodation (upgrade to motel at own expense). (BL)

Day 7 - Alice Springs

A FREE day to explore the sights of Alice Springs. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (No meals)

Day 8 - Alice Springs

FREE DAY to explore the sights of Alice Springs (all activities at own expense). Overnight dorm accommodation included. (No meals)

Day 9 - Alice Springs to Kings Canyon

Travel from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon, where we climb and explore the Canyon viewing the impressive formations of the ’Amphitheatre’, ’The Lost City’, the picturesque ’Garden of Eden’ and the breathtaking North and South Walls. We then head to our permanent campsite for some great camp oven cooking. (LD)

Day 10 - Kings Canyon to Uluru

Depart Kings Canyon heading for Uluru (Ayers Rock). After lunch, hike the spectacular ’Valley of the Winds’ in Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Head to a secluded viewing area to enjoy champagne while watching the desert sun set over Uluru before tucking into a hearty dinner. Overnight Yulara permanent campsite. (BLD)

Day 11 - Uluru to Coober Pedy

An early start for one of the highlights of the tour - the Uluru sunrise. Enjoy a walk around the base exploring its mysterious rock formations and Aboriginal art sites and watching the changing light on the desert or choose to climb. Visit the Cultural Centre to view and purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts. After lunch, continue on to Coober Pedy. Overnight underground bunkhouse Coober Pedy. (NB: Upgrade to hotel available at own expense). (BLD)

Day 12 - Coober Pedy to Rawnsley Park

Enjoy a morning town and mine tour with an opal cutting demonstration followed by the chance to go opal fossicking (time permitting). Then we head down the Stuart Highway on our way to the spectacular sheep station of Rawnsley Park where we overnight in dorm accommodation. (BLD)

Day 13 - Wilpena Pound to Parachilna

An early start to the day for the challenging climb of Mt Ohlssen-Bagge. Be rewarded with fantastic views of Wilpena Pound, the Ranges, desert and Lake Torrens. In the late afternoon we travel onto Parachilna for sunset and our overnight dorm accommodation. (BLD)

Day 14 - Parachilna to Adelaide

This morning we take a short walk to view rock art at Yourambulla Caves then visit the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. We take a break in the beautiful Clare Valley before continuing on to Adelaide, arriving in the late evening. Overnight dorm accommodation included (BL)

Day 15 - Free day in Adelaide

A free day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 16 - Adelaide to Grampians NP

An early start this morning, driving through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, crossing the mighty Murray River, passing through South Australian country towns to today's destination, the magnificent Grampians National Park. We spend the afternoon hiking at Hollow Mountain & the amazing MacKenzie Falls, finishing the day with breathtaking sunset views from The Balconies and Reeds Lookout. Overnight is at Halls Gap, in the 'Heart of the Grampians'. (D)

Day 17 - Grampians NP via the Great Ocean Rd to Princetown

Start the morning with a challenging hike to the 'Pinnacle', exploring the natural wonders and breathtaking views this national park has to offer. We visit Brambuks Aboriginal Cultural Centre before heading south to the coast & Warrnambool for a chance to view whales (seasonal). The renowned Great Ocean Road beckons for us to explore its beauty. You will see the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, The Grotto, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge before enjoying sunset over the Twelve Apostles. Stay overnight in the township of Princetown. (B,D))

Day 18 - Princetown to Melbourne

This morning we enjoy an early sunrise at the Twelve Apostles before making our way down Gibson Steps to the beach for a different perspective of these amazing formations. Next up we spend time at the awesome Otway Fly, (a 25 meter high elevated tree top walk). Continuing on we pass through the magnificent cool temperate rain forests of the Otway National Park, onto the coastal towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne, exploring the pristine beaches & gorges. We make our way via the world famous Bells Beach to Torquay (home of Quicksilver and Rip Curl) after clearing the shops of bargains we head to the our final destination of Melbourne. (B)

Further Information

Max Passengers

16/24

Highlights

Kakadu National Park, Mary River Wetlands, Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge, Mataranka Springs, Devils Marbles, Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Uluru (Ayers Rock), Coober Pedy, Parachilna, Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges, Bells Beach, Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, Great Ocean Road, Warnambool, Grampians NP

What to bring

Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera & film, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for $15). 15kg luggage limit

What's Included

Experienced guides, all meals as indicated, accommodation transfers, camping fees & equipment, Opal Mine tour, Grampians NP entry fee, entry to Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, hostel dorm accommodation where stated