16 Day Melbourne to Darwin Explorer (*649)

Melbourne and Victoria Tours » 16 Day Melbourne to Darwin Explorer (*649)

Type: Tours and Attractions - 5 or More Day Tour Packages

The ultimate adventure, travel from one end of the country to the other and notice the difference in culture between the two. Depart from coffee-mad Melbourne and head to the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park. Cross through in South Australia and visit Coober Pedy, the Opal Capital of the World and the Flinders Rangers. Hang out in Adelaide before moving North to the Red centre of Alice Springs. Watch the sunrise over Uluru and hike around the National Park, sleeping under the stars. From Alice Springs, head up north to visit to Katherine Gorge and then get ready for a Top End Kakadu adventure. The tour concludes in Darwin.

How to book: Payment in full is required at time of booking. You can book online via the rates table below or call + 61 7 4044 9792 from overseas or 1800 681 685 from within Australia. (Office hours: 8am - 6pm, 7 days a week).

Departs: Thursdays

Day 1 – Melbourne via Great Ocean Road to Halls Gap

DEFAULT PICK UP: In front of St Pauls Cathedral (Flinders St), 07:15am.

Departing Melbourne we pass through Geelong, stopping for a quick photo opportunity at an iconic surfbeach town of Torquay. We then begin our journey along one of Australia’s most beautiful and famousdrives, the Great Ocean Road.

A short stop at Kennett River lets you do some koala spotting. We visit ApolloBay for our lunch stop before getting back on the Great Ocean Road where we stop to admire the iconicTwelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Bring your camera!Late afternoon we make our way into the Grampians for our overnight stay in Halls Gap where we enjoydinner (own expense) with your new friends before we overnight in the Grampians. (L)

Day 2 – Grampians National Park to Adelaide

Grampians National Park is an area rich in Aboriginal culture set in a beautiful landscape. We learn about thelocal Aboriginal culture with a visit to the Brambuck Cultural Centre. We embark on a few walks in the National Park and take in some of the breathtaking views before making our way to either McKenzie Falls orSilverband Falls where we hike to some stunning views.

Leaving the Grampians behind, we pass through thetown of Horsham before crossing the famed mighty Murray River and making the last leg of our journey into Adelaide. Accommodation tonight is at the Adelaide Central YHA. (B)

Day 3 - Adelaide, staying at the Adelaide Central YHA

Make the most of a day to relax and explore South Australia’s capital city Adelaide (overnight dormaccommodation included at the Adelaide Central YHA; meals and activities at own expense). If you’re looking for something exciting todo outside the city, why not try our Kangaroo Island Highlights Day Tour (Tour Code PKICC) or a BarossaValley wine tour (Tour Code PBVDT).

Day 4 – Adelaide to Flinders Ranges

PICK UP: Adelaide Central YHA (135 Waymouth St), 06:30am

We leave South Australia’s capital city behind and head for the hillside vineyards of the Clare Valley plus astring of classic country towns before we stop for an optional tasting (own expense) at one of the many localcellar doors.

After lunch we can start enjoying the expansive views of Flinders Ranges as we weave our waytowards Wilpena Pound, one of Australia’s most magnificent natural features. We have the option of a fewhikes to explore this stunning area. We stay overnight in the Flinders Ranges (LD)

Day 5 – Flinders Ranges to William Creek via the Oodnadatta Track

Today we breakout from the Flinders Ranges and head north passing the mining town of Leigh Creek andvisiting the gallery of outback eccentric Talc Alf at Lyndhurst. We are now following the historic route of theold Ghan railway and the Overland Telegraph line.

Before we really get off the beaten track we stop inMarree for some lunch beside the old Ghan rail station. We are now on the renowned Oodnadatta track aswe pass Australia’s largest salt lake, Lake Eyre. Our last stop for the day is William Creek, home to its famouspub and a population of about six! Tonight we temporarily increase the population as we camp for the night.(BLD)

Day 6 –William Creek to Coober Pedy

Desert landscapes of red dunes, salt pans and gibber plains feature as we pass through Anna Creek Station,the world’s largest cattle station at almost 24 000 square kilometres. Today’s first stop is LakeCadibarrawirracanna – yes that is the longest lake name in the world.

We then continue our approach toCoober Pedy, the ‘Opal capital of the world’. We take a town tour and view an underground house,underground church and we also take a mine tour including an opal cutting demonstration. The afternoon isfree for some more exploring or you can even try ‘noodling’ (fossicking) for opals. We stay overnight in anunderground bunkhouse. (BLD)

Day 7 – Coober Pedy to Erldunda

Before we leave Coober Pedy and head out across the Moon Plain we get up close to some local wildlife andlearn about rescued joeys at Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage. We pass the Dingo Fence, thelongest fence in the world, and take in the view of the Breakaways Scenic Reserve, made famous by themovie Mad Max III. Early afternoon we arrive at Erldunda, located almost right in the geographical centre ofAustralia. Here we can take a swim in the pool or enjoy some relaxation time at our campsite for the night.(BLD)

Day 8 – Erldunda to Kata Tjuta and Uluru

We start the day by heading to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch, before making the journey to one of the RedCentre’s greatest treasures: Kata Tjuta. Get up close to this ancient geological formation during a hikethrough the beautiful Valley of the Winds. Tonight you can sleep in a permanent tent or curl up in a swag(Aussie bedroll) as you watch the desert sun set over Uluru and enjoy a night under the outback stars. (BLD)

Day 9 – Uluru to Kings Canyon

Rise early and be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning’s fresh, enjoy an unguided walkaround the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as youembark on a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter).* It is a unique opportunityto share experiences and to connect with and learn about the oldest culture on earth. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to ourexclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)

Day 10 – Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations and towering rock facesof Kings Canyon. You’ll really appreciate the sheer size and beauty of the canyon as we trek through theAmphitheatre, and discover the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden, and the North and SouthWalls. Enjoy a lunch before we make our way to Alice Springs. (BL)

Day 11 – Alice Springs

Enjoy a free day to relax and explore Alice Springs (overnight dorm accommodation included; meals andactivities at own expense).

Day 12 – Alice Springs to Daly Waters

PICK UP LOCATION: YHA Alice Springs, 06:05am

Leaving Alice we pass by the Tropic of Capricorn and make our way to Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) where weexplore the well-known marble shaped granite boulders, a site sacred to its traditional owners.

Continuing north we make a stop at Tennant Creek for a chance to purchase lunch and stretch our legs before wecontinue to Daly Waters to our overnight camp located right near the NT’s famous Daly Waters OutbackHotel. Here you have an opportunity to check out the famous pub, enjoy a swim in the pool, have a cooldrink and purchase some of the local fare for Dinner. Overnight at our camp at Daly Waters.

Day 13 – Daly Waters to Darwin

After an early morning start as we make our way to Nitmiluk National Park, home to Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls. Your guide will lead a short return walk to Baruwei Lookout, allowing you to get a postcard shotof the gorge and learn about this stunning area and its significance to the local Jawoyn Aboriginal people.Once we finish exploring the gorge we have one final stop for a swim at the beautiful Edith Falls before wedrive the last leg into the Northern Territory’s capital city, Darwin.

Day 14 – Darwin to Mary River

DEFAULT PICK UP: Adventure Tours Australia Shop, 52 Mitchell St Darwin, 06:50am.

Leaving Darwin, we journey south to the beautiful Litchfield National Park where we visit the stunningwaterfalls that flow all year round. Take a refreshing swim and enjoy lunch before we travel into WulnaCountry and receive a Cul Cul or unique ‘Welcome to Country’ by the traditional owners of the land, theLimilngan –Wulna people^. They’ll share with us their local Aboriginal culture with bush tucker talks, didgeridoo lessons, basket weaving and spear throwing.We finish the day in the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where the exotic birds are not the only wildlife tosee.

Keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on an afternoon river cruise! Climb into your sleeping bag for a wellearnedrest at our secluded Mary River camping spot. (LD)

Day 15 – Mary River to Kakadu

Today we head to Kakadu National Park, World Heritage listed for its stunning natural features and for beingthe centre of the world's oldest living culture. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr before climbing tothe top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next we head to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay atour permanent camp in Kakadu National Park. (BLD)

Day 16 – Kakadu to Darwin

Get ready for some 4WD action today as we make our way to Jim Jim Falls, the crown of Kakadu and certainto be one of our trip highlights. Admire views of this 200m natural wonder before continuing on to Twin Falls. See the beauty of the gorge and feel the force of the waterfalls from a national park operated boat andboardwalk experience.

Features & Inclusions

Experienced guide
national park entrance fees
meals as indicated
2 Aboriginal cultural experiences*
accommodation transfers
7 nights camping, and 8 nights dorm accommodation with shared facilities

Rates and Tariffs

2014-15 Season

1^st Apr 2014 to 31^st Mar 2015

16 Day Melbourne to Darwin Explorer - PMDE16

$2365.00 adult

2015-16 Season

1^st Apr 2015 to 1^st Jan 1970

16 Day Melbourne to Darwin Explorer - PMDE16

$2365.00 adult

* Booking terms and conditions may apply, please details below.

Booking Information

How to book: Full amount is to be paid when making a booking. The minimum number of people per trip required for the trip to run is 5. You can book online via the rates table below or call from overseas or 1800 681 685 from within Australia.

Where will I sleep?

Includes 8 night dorm accommodation with
share facilities, 7 nights camping

What to bring:
Sturdy walking shoes (preferably ankle high), hat and sunscreen, towel and toiletries, swimming gear, warm clothing, water bottle, torch, insect repellant, camera, travel pillow, money for optional snacks you might want to buy and/or meals not included on the specific tour you might be doing.

How much luggage can I bring?

The vehicle has limited space so please keep your luggage to a maximum of 15 kgs in a backpack or soft overnight bag with a small day pack for easy access to camera, film, sunblock etc.

Do I have to participate?

Part of the enjoyment of our tours is bonding with a group of like-minded adventurers so we make them active and hands on. Passengers are expected to help with the preparation of food, washing of dishes and general assistance to the guide as directed.
How fit do I have to be?

Our tours are active so a reasonable level of fitness and swimming ability is needed. If you enjoy hiking through gorges, swimming in waterfalls and directly experiencing the environment then our tours are perfect for you. If you have any doubts about your suitability for our tours, accommodation type and vehicles on each itinerary page and consider if you have selected the right tour for you or please check with our Reservations Department before making a booking.

What do I eat?

Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food, please discuss this at time of booking. For breakfast we supply cereals, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-serve sandwich and salads; in the evening we have a cooked dinner. We always carry water in the vehicle and you will often have the chance to buy your own drinks, ice-creams etc at stops.

Booking Policy

Find and book Hotels or Tours in Australia and Tours of Australia

1 800 681 685 [Toll Free]
+61 (7) 4044 9792 from overseas

Instant Enquiry

Please use the below form to lodge an enquiry about this listing.

Actions