18 Day Melboure to Darwin Safari

Tour Details

Operator

Adventure Tours Australia

Destinations

Darwin, Ayers Rock (Uluru), Alice Springs, Adelaide, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Flinders Ranges, Outback South Australia, Rawnsley Park, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Otway Ranges, Coober Pedy, Kings Canyon, Wilpena Pound, Grampians, Bells Beach, Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park, Mary River Wetlands, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Tennent Creek and Halls Gap

Departs From

Melbourne

Tour Description

Day 1 - Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Princetown
We begin our journey travelling through Geelong before stopping at Torquay (home of Quicksilver and Rip Curl) where you can pick yourself up a bargain, before making our way to the world famous Bell's Beach. Here we commence our journey on the renowned Great Ocean Road, one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Australia, calling into the seaside towns of Lorne & Apollo Bay exploring pristine beaches, gorges and the magnificent cool temperate rainforest of the Otway NP. We spend time at the awesome Otway Fly, (25 metre high elevated tree top walk) and explore Loch Ard Gorge before enjoying sunset at the Twelve Apostles. Tonight we stay in the coastal village of Princetown. (D)
Day 2 - Princetown to Grampians NP
We drive to the Twelve Apostles then take the Gibson Steps down to the beach for a different perspective of this amazing formation. Continuing along the western end of the Great Ocean Road we visit London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands before arriving at Warrnambool for a chance to view whales (seasonal). Travelling on through country Victoria, we arrive at the magnificent Grampians NP, where we accept the challenge of a hike to the Pinnacle. We finish the day with a walk to The Balconies & Reeds Lookout before arriving at our overnight accommodation in the Grampians. (B, D)
Day 3 - Halls Gap to Adelaide
Today we spend the morning hiking to the bottom of MacKenzie Falls & Hollow Mountain for breathtaking views over the north of the Grampians before leaving this magical place. Travelling west, we break for lunch at Horsham then continue through the agricultural district of Victoria, into South Australia and Bordertown, home of the rare White Western Grey Kangaroos. We cross the mighty Murray River, then pass through the picturesque Adelaide Hills arriving into the city of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included (B)
Day 4 - Adelaide

A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 5 - Adelaide to Parachilna
Leaving Adelaide we travel through Clare Valley then continue on to Kanyaka Homestead the Flinders Ranges. We stop and view rock art at Yourambulla Caves before heading for our overnight dorm accommodation at Parachilna. (LD)
Day 6 - Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
We drive through Parachilna Gorge before arriving at Wilpena Pound, to climb Mt Ohlssen-Bagge for fantastic views over the ranges. After lunch, we travel to remote Rawnsley Park sheep station where we stay overnight in dorms. (BLD)
Day 7 - Rawnsley Park to Coober Pedy
We travel to Coober Pedy then take a town and opal mine tour with a chance to go opal fossicking (time permitting). We stay in an underground bunkhouse in Coober Pedy. (NB. upgrade to Hotel accommodation is available at own expense) (BLD)
Day 8 - Coober Pedy to Uluru
Drive through rugged desert country to Yulara for the sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) then view the stars in our overnight permanent camp at Yulara. (BLD)
Day 9 - Uluru to Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon
Up early for the Uluru sunrise where you can enjoy a base walk or choose to climb Uluru, then take a guided interpretive walk at Mala. We visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and head to Kings Canyon for our overnight camp. (BLD)
Day 10 - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Explore Kings Canyon, including the breathtaking North and South walls. After lunch we depart for Alice Springs viewing the rugged desert scenery along the way. Overnight Dorm. (BL)
Day 11 - Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight dorm included. (No meals)
Day 12 - Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight dorm included. (No meals)
Day 13 - Alice Springs to Banka Banka
On the way north to the Devils Marbles we stop at the Tropic of Capricorn & visit an Aboriginal community. We stop for lunch at Mary Ann Dam with the chance for a swim (summer only). After a tour of the Battery Hill Gold Mine at Tennant Creek, we travel on to the historic Banka Banka Cattle Station to meet the locals & maybe a swim. Overnight camp. (LD)
Day 14 - Mataranka to Katherine Gorge
We head further north to experience the famous outback pub at Daly Waters, and meet more locals. After lunch we travel to Mataranka thermal springs for a swim. In the late afternoon we travel to the magnificent Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp. (BLD)
Day 15 - Katherine Gorge to Darwin
Spend half a day exploring Katherine Gorge by canoe, boat cruise or helicopter (at own expense). Enjoy lunch before heading to Darwin via Edith Falls and Adelaide River. Overnight in Darwin - dormitory accommodation included (upgrade to motel at own expense). (BL)
Day 16 - Darwin to Mary River
See the falls of Litchfield National Park before heading to the Mary River Wetlands. This afternoon look for 'crocs' and other wildlife on our private river cruise. Arrive at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge to experience an Aboriginal Corroborree, dinner and overnight camp. (LD)
Day 17 - 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 18 - 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. (BL)