9 Day Alice Springs to Melbourne Explorer (*668)

Departure location : Select Alice Springs accommodation from 5:40am - Default pick up: Haven Alice Springs at 06:10am. on Thursdays

Arrival location :Select Melbourne accommodation early evening day 9

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta and Uluru

DEFAULT PICK UP: Haven Backpacker Resort, 06:10am

Kick off your adventure on top of a camel! Our first stop is an authentic outback camel farm where you can choose to take a ride and experience the best in desert transport (at own expense). From here it is off to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch. Explore the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta as you get up close to this ancient geological formation during a Valley of the Winds hike. Fall in love with the desert sun as it sets over Uluru. Tonight you can sleep in a permanent tent or curl up in a swag (Aussie bedroll) and enjoy a night under the stars. (LD)

Day 2 – Uluru to Kings Canyon

An early start is rewarded with the sunrise over Uluru. While the morning’s fresh enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you embark on a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter).^ It is a unique opportunity to share experiences, connect with and learn about the oldest culture on earth. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to see more Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park(Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)

Day 3 – Kings Canyon to Erldunda

Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the formations and towering rock faces of Kings Canyon. You will be left breathless by the sheer size and beauty of the canyon, as we trek through the Amphitheatre and discover the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden, and the North and South Walls. We stop for lunch before we make our way back to our campsite for the night, Erldunda. (BLD)

Day 4 – Erldunda to Coober Pedy

We depart early this morning to make our way to Coober Pedy, crossing the Northern Territory/South Australian border. We take a break at the outback town of Marla, where we have a chance to purchase some lunch (own expense) and stretch our legs. The next stop is Coober Pedy, ‘the Opal Capital of the World’. Upon arrival your guide will give you a tour of this unique town, before visiting an underground mine and museum for a guided tour. You will also have a chance to purchase some of the opal jewellery produced from the mine. Tonight we stay overnight in a unique underground bunkhouse in Coober Pedy.

Day 5 – Coober Pedy - Quorn

After breakfast we continue the journey South along the Stuart Highway and stop at some of the salt lakes of Central Australia for an interesting photo opportunity. We pass by the ‘rocket launching’ town of Woomera— part of a former military test site. Next we make our way to Port Augusta where we stop to enjoy lunch (own expense). We continue our journey south and stop at ancient salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea.   We stop at the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and Pt Augusta before arriving in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley.  We stay in private accommodation at the historical “Mill”.  Get ready for tonight’s BBQ dinner – it doesn’t get any more Aussie than this! (D)

Day 6 – Quorn - Adelaide

Eat a hearty breakfast, because this afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! We then say farewell to the “Flinders”. Near the frontier township of Melrose we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout.  Our last stop is in the infamous Clare Valley before arriving late afternoon into Adelaide where we stay for the night. (B)

Day 7 – Adelaide, staying at the Adelaide Central YHA

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

Day 8 - Adelaide to Grampians National Park

PICK UP: Adelaide Central YHA (135 Waymouth St), 07:00am

Our journey takes us through the Adelaide Hills across the mightyMurray Riverbefore travelling past the Victorian border and on through Horsham. We make our way into the Grampians National Park, a beautiful area and a place of great significance for the local Indigenous people. We gain a good insight into their local customs witha stop at the Brambuck Cultural Centre. We then make the most of our afternoon to explore the region with a hike to either McKenzie or Silverband Falls. We then enjoya short nature walk to take in the full beauty of the Grampians.  Enjoy dinner with your new friends before we overnight in Halls Gap. (D)

Day 9 - Grampians National Park via Great Ocean Road to Melbourne

After an early start this morning we make our way to the Australian National Heritage listed and world-renowned Great Ocean Road. Enjoy the fantastic coastal views from the road. We explore Port Campbell National Park including a visit to London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formation. We pass through the beach towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne before a short stop a tKennett River to do some koala spotting. From here we take on that last part of the Great Ocean Road. Make the most of a great photo opportunity at the famed Aussie surf location before we make our final journey into cosmopolitan Melbourne. (B)