21 Days Melbourne to Darwin Outback Adventure
84 reviews , updated on : Sun, 23 Jun 2019 21 days day Outback Adventure on Our coach trip from Melbourne to Darwin via the 'Red Centre' of Australia. See the best of South Australia and the Northern Territory, visit a Clare Valley winery, camp under the stars near Uluru, visit a kangaroo orphanage and sleep underground at Coober Pedy. Travel to Adelaide, Flinders Ranges, Parachilna, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu and more on Our Outback Adventure.
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Tour Highlights
- Sunset and sunrise over Uluru
- 'Valley of the Winds' walk at Kata Tjuta
- Guided hike of Kings Canyon
- Visit Aboriginal rock art sites in Kakadu National Park
- View the magic of the Flinders Ranges
- West MacDonnell Ranges
- Opal Mine & Town tour
- Wine school and Make Your Own
- Great Ocean Road
- Paint your own souvenir boomerang
- Grampians walks and MacKenzie Falls
- Kakadu River Cruise
- Arnhemland (seasonal)
- Katherine Gorge canoeing (boat cruise in wet season)
- Litchfield National Park Waterfalls
Tour Info
| Code | TD-AAMRMD |
|---|---|
| Style |
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| Duration | 21 Days |
| Price |
From $
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| Departures | |
| Vehicle | Modern Air-conditioned Vehicle |
| Suitability | 19-39 Years |
| Start | Melbourne @ 06.30 am |
| Finish | Darwin @ 05.00 pm |
| Travel Insurance | Required |
Welcome to your trip - meet your travel buddies and hit the road. If you've ever seen a car commercial, chances are you've seen the Great Ocean Road. With mere metres between road and water, hairpin bends and epic views out every window - today you'll join the list of five million people to do this road-of-passage each year. Before putting rubber on the Great Ocean Road, we'll spot koalas in the wild and lunch in a seaside village. This afternoon is all about the Twelve Apostles, aka the Stonehenge of Australia. Tonight chill out and get to know who you're travelling with. Included today: -Coastal Lookouts -12 Apostles -National Park entry Meals: - Dinner Optional activities: -Scenic helicopter flight over 12 Apostles
From one natural wonder to another, we'll explore the 167,000 hectares of The Grampians - a mecca for hikers and rock climbers. More than just a place to get geology goosebumps, you'll be standing on sacred ground, with 80% of Victoria's Aboriginal rock art on show. Meet the traditional land owners, whose ancestors were scratching and dabbing their Dreamtime stories onto rock long before the Pyramids of Egypt were conceived. Then paint your own story onto a boomerang. Dinner with the crew tonight. Included today: -Paint your own souvenir boomerang -National Park entry Meals: - Breakfast - Dinner
Next up: McKenzie Falls, the largest waterfall in Victoria. It's no Niagara, but flowing water is guaranteed year-round - a rare promise in a country that's 40% desert. Then, the Northern Grampians for one last panorama shot where #natureporn trends with views to Mt Williams, the highest peak in the park and third-highest mountain in Victoria. Tonight, after a walking tour, get a slice of history as you get some shut eye in Old Mt. Gambier Gaol. Included today: -National Park entry -Pinnacles Walk -McKenzie Falls -Gaol history walking tour Meals: - Breakfast
Stroll through the Valley Lake conservation area and learn about the pre-human flora and fauna existence. Snap madly away on the camera as you spot a Skippy - hot tip: don't go to hug one. Before kicking on to Adelaide, check out the Blue Lake (depending on what time of the year you visit, the lake changes colour) and the Umpherston Sinkhole. Because no South Australian voyage is complete without wine, we get to concoct our own potion as we stop at Wynn's Coonawarra vineyard. Chin chin! Included today: -Make your own blended wine class Meals: - Breakfast Optional activities: -Naracoorte Caves
"You've made it to one of the world's coolest cities (according to Lonely Planet). Today's a free day for the adventurous to head out to spot seals, kangaroos and penguins on Australia's answer to the Galapagos: Kangaroo Island. Learn about some of the 46 endemic species. Spend the day slurping noodles in the Adelaide Central Market, or take a tram to the seaside village of Glenelg. Meals: - Breakfast Optionals: -Kangaroo Island day trip -Barossa Valley day trip
There are more wineries around here than flies on a sheep. On our way to the Clare Valley, we'll stop at the Barossa Reservoir Whispering Wall - there's a time and a place for confessions. This isn't it. There is a classic Aussie pub at the end of the road today. Meals: - Breakfast - Dinner
Flinders Ranges National Park is a spoiled brat, it has everything. From mountains to gorges and creeks to rivers, you're lucky you get to play in it today. Take a hike to Wilpena Pound - a natural amphitheatre about three times the size of Uluru. Then to rock art site Arkaroo Rock. Included today: -Wilpena Pound guided walk -National Park entry Meals: - Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Destination: Coober Pedy. Where locals live in homes carved deep underground to escape the heat. Along with these subterranean houses, this place is know for another little gem. Opals. 75% of the world's opals come from here. We'll take a mine and town tour to check it all out. Then: time to meet the orphans of the kangaroo world and learn more about how abandoned joeys are nurtured back into the wild. Included today: -Opal mine & town tour -Kangaroo orphanage Meals: - Breakfast - Dinner
It's time to cross the gemstone littered and soft grounds of the Moon Plain up the middle of Australia. Then, check out the world's longest Dingo Fence (good thing there's a gate) and truck on past some very remote roadhouses before crossing the border into the Northern Territory. That resort pool is just what the doctor ordered. Meals: - Breakfast
We're hitting the red ground running as we pull into Yulara. It's off to the breathtaking Uluru in the afternoon for a guided tour, and a glass of bubbles as the glow of sunset morphs through 50 shades of red. Tonight hone your Aussie BBQ skills and cook your own steak (or veggie burger). Welcome to the outback, mate. Included today: -Mt Conner -Uluru Sunset -National Park entry Meals: - Dinner
Start your day with a big bowl of 'oh my god' thanks to a breathtaking sunrise back at Uluru. Follow in the footsteps of the traditional owners of this sacred World Heritage site with a full base walk, where you can escape the crowds and check out hidden waterholes. Keep watch for wedge-tailed eagles, spinifex hopping mice and thorny devils. Or splurge on a Harley ride or scenic flight and soar over the rock. Later, join an optional meditative dot painting class in the Aboriginal Art Markets and give yourself a free astrology lesson, stargazing at the endless Southern night sky. Included today: -Sunrise over Uluru -National Park entry -Uluru base walks -Anangu Visitor centre -Guided walk by your crew Meals: - Breakfast Optional activities: -Scenic flights -Harley Davidson rides -Camel tours -Sounds of Silence -Guided astrology tour
Get ready for some soul searching as we venture into the heart of sacred Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas) and walk amongst the 36 red sandstone giants through the Valley of the Winds. After a Dreamtime archeology lesson, and a drive into Watarrka National Park, live the life of a jolly swagman as we sleep under the stars in custom swags. Cue campfire stories and marshmallows tonight. Please be aware that in winter months (May-Sept), nighttime temperatures can drop to near 0 degrees, warmer clothing will be required for the night sleeping in the swag. Included today: -Valley of the winds walk -National park entry Please note that the twin / double / or single upgrade is not applicable to the Overnight Swag Night at Kings Canyon. This has not been included in when upgrade rates were calculated. Meals: -Breakfast -Dinner. Optional activities: -Quad Bike Ride -Sunset Camel Tour
If you would walk 500 miles (steps), then you'll make it through the toughest part of the Rim Walk - Heart Attack Hill. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is the real deal and the most famous canyon in Oz. Think age-old cycads, eroded dome shapes, a visit to The Lost City - and that's not even the best part. The sheltered valley and waterhole of the Garden of Eden makes today bloody bonza (translation: awesome). Included today: -Guided hike of Kings Canyon -Garden of Eden walk Meals: - Breakfast - Lunch
Wake up. Rub eyes. Climb into a hot air balloon. Just saying, it's an option...and an amazing start to the day. Back to earth venture on an excursion out amongst the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Our stops include the peaceful Simpsons Gap and the impressive Standley Chasm. It's back to Alice Springs to grab a late lunch and explore the town centre. This afternoon, have a wander. There are local Aboriginal art galleries to check out, the Desert Park Gardens to explore and the Reptile Centre to get creeped out in. Book in the optional late afternoon Kangaroo Sanctuary tour for sunset. Included today: -Stanley Chasm -Simpsons Gap Meals: -Breakfast Optional activities: -Hot air balloon ride -Desert Park -Alice Springs Reptile Centre -Kangaroo sanctuary
Today we'll take to the skies, bound for Darwin where you'll meet up with your new NT crew. Meals: -Breakfast
. What to do? There's Mindil Beach for chilling on, a fair few food markets to feast at and plenty of shops for a spot of souvenir shopping. Tonight you could hit the lively waterfront. Meals: -Breakfast
Kakadu, here we come. Inside the 20,000 square kilometre park, we'll head to the village of Jabiru and check out the Bowali Visitors Centre. Fancy getting high and mighty? You could take an optional scenic flight over the Escarpment that borders Kakadu and Arnhemland. For the next two nights you'll be calling the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park home. Expect phenomenal wildlife, like-worthy scenery and of course local Indigenous culture. Tonight, get to know your coach mates over a BBQ. Wet season itineraries Nov - May: will vary slightly and will be adjusted to suit the conditions of the day and all included available sights and walks that are open and can be accessed, will be. Included today: -Bowali Visitor Centre -National Park entry Meals: -Dinner Optional Activities: -Kakadu scenic flight
Aboriginal Rock Art sites are high on the list for today, as our Kakadu National Park exploring continues. This morning we venture to Nourlangie Rock to spot some of the most famous Australian Indigenous art works. Then we'll swap artwork for alligators on a East Alligator River cruise in Arnhemland. Naturally. Stepping into Arnhemland and getting a look into the Aboriginal lifestyles is a real privilege (we've been given special permission to enter this part of Arnhemland). Try your hand at spear throwing while you're there. Then we'll see some ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr before climbing to the top of a rocky lookout for beautiful views over the Nardab floodplain. Enjoy the sunset before heading back to our lodge. **Wet season itineraries Nov - May: will vary on this day with access to some areas cut by high water levels. Your crew will ensure that you see and participate in as many areas / activities that are open and available within Kakadu, and include a sightseeing boat cruise (substituted when access to East Alligator River is unable). Included today: -Aboriginal Rock art sites -Kakadu river cruise -Arnhemland (seasonal) -National Park entry Meals: -Breakfast
Check out the southern parts of Kakadu this morning. We'll grab some picnic bits and head to one of the NT's best al fresco lunch spots. Explore the magical Edith Falls and have a dip in one of the world's most idyllic natural pools. Cooled off and refreshed we are on the road again and headed for Katherine. As the day draws to a close, we round it out with an evening game of lawn bowls and a BBQ with some locals at the nearby Country Club. Included today: -Edith Falls -Evening Lawn Bowls Meals: -Breakfast -Dinner
Katherine Gorge is well known as a superb canoeing spot, so that's exactly what we have lined up. Surprise! With its dramatic cliffs plunging down to the pandanus-lined Katherine River, the gorge is all yours to explore. Paddling not your game - then you may wish to upgrade to an optional 3 gorge cruise (seasonal) to venture even further. We get back on the famous Stuart Highway heading for Batchelor, the gateway to the stunning Litchfield National Park. **Wet season itineraries Nov - May: Canoeing in the Katherine Gorge will be replaced with a Katherine Gorge Scenic Boat Cruise included in trip price. Included today: -Katherine Gorge canoeing (boat cruise in wet season) Meals: -Breakfast Optional activities: -Upgrade to Katherine Gorge boat cruise (dry season)
National Park, pools and a picnic are the order of the day. In Litchfield NP you'll see waterfalls, pockets of rainforest and beautiful pools. Check out giant termite mounds, Wangi Falls and slip into the natural pool of Florence Falls. Then venture over to the Buley Rock Holes for another soaking. After lunch outdoors, we'll take on the short drive and last leg of our discovery back into the heart of Darwin. Included today: -Litchfield National Park entry Meals: -Breakfast -Lunch
Includes
- 20 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 9 dinners
- 18 nights in hotels, lodges & hostels, 1night underground, 1night in a swag
- Entrance fees to national parks
- Internal flight/s as marked on trip map
- Modern air-conditioned coach
- Awesome Driver/Guide
Notes
- Group Size - Average 15, maximum 24
- Transport - Modern air-conditioned vehicles
- This trip is for active 18-39 year olds.
- Pick up: 6.30am at Base Melbourne
- Drop off: 6.00pm at Melaleuca on Mitchell
- Optional Activities are available
- Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers on all trips.
- A luggage limit of 15kgs applies between Alice Springs and Uluru.
Accommodation
- On your trip you will stay at a variety of multi-share accommodation, which may include hostels, motels, cabins, lodges, and camping out in tents and even a traditional Aussie swag! The number of people in a room varies depending on the type of accommodation. To keep costs down accommodation is based on a multi-share, same sex basis.
- If you are travelling with a friend and require twin or double accommodation, this is available at a small extra charge (not available while in the Northern Territory). Should this be required, you can select this at the time of booking.
Meals
- Breakfasts are included each day (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast consists of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, a range of spreads, and fruit juice, tea or coffee. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on some occasions it may be available.
- Included evening meals will be combination of those prepared by the Our Road Crew, local restaurants and places in which we stay.
- If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise us when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu.
What to Bring
- Sturdy Walking Shoes
- Rainproof Jacket
- Swimming Costume and Towel
- Toiletries
- Hat & Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Torch and Travel Pillow
- Water Bottle
- Camera
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