Melbourne to Darwin Tour
There isn’t a more fascinating way to make the trip from Melbourne to Darwin, than by joining us on our Melbourne to Darwin Tour! The 11 Day Tour begins in Melbourne, heading to Adelaide, prior to making the journey north to Darwin. The tour covers many iconic sights such as the Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park, Flinders Rangers and Uluru – just to name a few.
Accommodation is a combination of dormitory and sleeping in swags – an awesome way to take in the spectacular night sky of the Milky Way. This is an unforgettable trip across Australia taking in the awesome outback as you journey from south to north.
Tour Details
Operates: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Departs: 7:00am
Returns: 5:00pm
Important Information
Our Melbourne to Darwin tour combines our Melbourne to Adelaide, Adelaide to Alice Springs and Alice Springs to Darwin tours to offer you the best flexibility in one great value package. You select your travel dates for each tour, meaning you can spend extra time in Adelaide and Alice Springs or keep travelling straight on. Accommodation is included while on tour, but we leave the accommodation in Adelaide and Alice Springs between tours up to you.
These tours are suitable for travellers aged 18 – 49 years. We do not recommend this tour for travellers over 50 years, however contact us if you consider yourself young at heart and still wish to join the tour. Minimum age for travel is 8 years, but please consider whether this style of travel is suitable for your child.
This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Luggage is restricted to a maximum of 7kgs per person. If you are travelling with more than 7kgs, please notify us when you book.
Melbourne to Darwin Tour Itinerary
Embark on an epic journey through Australia’s rugged and vast landscape our Melbourne to Darwin Tour! Start in Melbourne and travel the scenic route via Adelaide to Australia’s Red Centre before arriving in Darwin.
This Melbourne to Darwin Overland Tour combines our 3 Day Melbourne to Adelaide, 6 Day Adelaide to Alice Springs Tour with Uluru and 3 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Tour. You’d be sure to leave with unforgettable memories after this journey!
Tour Highlights
- Admire the magnificent 12 Apostles and Great Ocean Road
- Visit the spectacular Grampians National Park
- Get close and personal with an abundant array of Australian wildlife and plants
- Visiting the Opal Capital of the World at Coober Pedy
- Explore the Red Centre highlights Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon & Karlu Karlu
- Experience the warm waters of Mataranka Thermal Springs
Day 1: Great Ocean Road to Grampians
The first day of your Melbourne to Darwin Tour is spent exploring the pristine beaches and dramatic coastline along the Great Ocean Road. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way including Memorial Arch and stunning lookouts. Enjoy the chance to spot koalas, kookaburras and parrots with a bushwalk prior to tucking into lunch in the town of Apollo Bay. In the afternoon we explore the Otway Rainforest with a guided bushwalk before we reach the highlight of day one – the famous 12 Apostles. To conclude your first day, we will experience night-time kangaroo spotting prior to spending a night at the stunning Grampians National Park.
Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation
Optional Activity: Take a helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles: $145 per person
Meals included: Lunch
Day 2: Grampians to Adelaide
Wake up refreshed and ready to tour the iconic Grampians National Park. Throughout the day, keep your eyes peeled for the unreal collection of native animals on display such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, echidnas and koalas. Spend the day hiking through the scenic mountains, visiting Halls Gap at the centre of the Grampians, and learn about the history of the area. Prior to departing the Grampians for Adelaide, we will experience the stunning views from Reed’s Lookout or Lake Bellfield, explore McKenzie Falls or Silverband Falls, and check out the ancient cave paintings in the area.
Accommodation: Not included. Please arrange your own accommodation in Adelaide.
While visiting Adelaide, check out our other day tours from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island and Barossa Valley.
Meals include: Breakfast
Day 3: Adelaide to Flinders Ranges
We depart from the Adelaide CBD and travel through the vineyards of the Clare Valley wine region, prior to heading towards the outback town of Melrose, the gateway to the Flinders Ranges. We take a leisurely stroll through Alligator Gorge, which at times is sprouting with wildflowers, prior to settling in at Flinders Ranges for the night.
Accommodation: Swag camping (summer) / Dormitory accommodation (winter)
Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Coober Pedy
On the fifth day of our Melbourne to Darwin Tour, we travel to Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world. En-route you will notice an incredible changing landscape. Take the opportunity to spot native Australian wildlife including kangaroos, emus and eagles. In a guided tour of an underground mine, an opal mine and a museum, you will learn about the significant history of Coober Pedy. Josephine’s Kangaroo Orphanage offers a real eye-opening experience for visitors, as you get the chance to get up close and personal with rescued kangaroos and baby joeys. At Josephine’s Kangaroo Orphanage, you can take home a piece of Aboriginal art memorabilia such as a didgeridoo. The night is spent sleeping like the locals in the area do, in underground bunkhouse accommodation.
Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kings Canyon
Day six is a big day, as we journey to reach the picturesque Watarrka National Park (also known as King’s Canyon). We spend the day driving up the Stuart Highway, with several pit stops along the way. We spend the night camping in an authentic station.
Accommodation: Swag camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Kings Canyon & Uluru
We have an early wake up prior to exploring Watarrka (King’s Canyon). At King’s Canyon, don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the ginormous sandstone walls, vast canyon floor and picturesque gorges. The Canyon Rim walk is approximately 3-4 hours in duration, covering the spectacular Garden of Eden, and enlightens guests about the local Aboriginal culture. A well earnt lunch stop is shortly followed by a journey into Uluru. Ayres Rock is a stunning sight and a must visit destination for all visitors to Australia. At Uluru, we learn about the Aboriginal History at the Uluru Kata Tjuta Aboriginal Cultural Centre before finding a spot to enjoy the spectacular Uluru sunset. Sit back and relax as you take in the change of colours across the vast desert landscape, before bedding down under the unforgettable night sky.
Accommodation: Swag camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Uluru
We begin day eight at dawn with a 3.5 hour walk around the base of Uluru. When hiking through acacia woodlands and grassy clay pans, you will have the chance to spot wildlife at the various waterholes. The geological features of the rock formations in the area are unique, and your professional guide will teach you more about the different formations, and indigenous interpretations of the rocks throughout the day. We spend the rest of the day relaxing at the campground.
Accommodation: Swag camping
Optional activities: Camel Safaris, Helicopter Flights, Segway Tours and Skydiving at Uluru.
These upgrades are available for purchase from the driver on the morning of your tour, and cannot be pre-booked.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Kata Tjuta to Alice Springs
On our ninth day of our Melbourne to Darwin journey, enjoy a delicious breakfast, before soaking in the stunning Kata Tjuta sunrise for one last time. We spend the day hiking various lookouts around Kata Tjuta, prior to exploring the Valley of the Winds. At the Valley of the Winds, appreciate the unique rock formations and unbelievable views on offer before we hit the road and arrive in Alice Springs in the evening.
Accommodation: Not included. Please arrange own accommodation in Alice Springs
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Alice Springs
Depending on your travel date, you may have some free days in Alice Springs between the two tour legs. Explore the town or check out our Alice Springs tours.
Accommodation: Not included. Please arrange your own accommodation in Alice Springs
Meals: Not included
Day 9: Alice Springs to Banka Banka Cattle Station
In the morning, we will depart Alice Springs and head north up the Stuart Highway to Karlu Karlu (formally known as The Devil’s Marbles). The Devil’s Marbles are a series of naturally formed boulders which are of spiritual significance to the Indigenous community who reside in the area. From Karlu Karlu, we continue to Banka Banka where we will be spending the night.
Accommodation: Swag camping
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Banka Banka Station to Katherine
After a hearty breakfast, we make our way to our first stop for the day – the historic Daly Waters Pub. This pub is famous among travellers to the outback in the Northern Territory for its rich history among explorers and drovers. Enjoy a drink or a look around before we continue on to the Mataranka Hot Springs. Here you will have the chance to kick back and relax in these thermal pools. After an extensive soak, we continue on to Katherine where we will spend our last night.
Accommodation: Swag camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Katherine to Darwin
Our final day involves an early wake up, as we head up north and enjoy a well-deserved relaxing swim at the peaceful Katherine Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park. Check out all of the waterfalls and waterholes as we spend most of our day here. After the swim and explore, our Melbourne to Darwin tour concludes as we drop you back in Darwin at approximately 6:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
As your Melbourne to Darwin journey ends, you can check out some of the wonderful day tours we offer from Darwin to Kakadu.
What's Included?
- Accommodation (3 nights dorm accommodation & 5 nights swag camping under the stars)
- Meals as indicated and water*
- Camping equipment
- All national park and camping fees
- All activities (unless stated as optional)
- Travel in airconditioned vehicle
- Friendly and experienced tour guide
*Please include any dietary requirements in the notes when you book.
Pickup Locations
2 Day Melbourne to Adelaide Tour
Location |
Address |
Time |
Immigration Museum |
Corner Flinders Street and Market Street, Melbourne |
07:35 AM |
Pegasus Apartment |
206 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne |
07:05 AM |
Savoy Hotel |
630 Little Collins Street, Melbourne |
07:25 AM |
Space Hotel |
380 Russell Street, Melbourne |
06:55 AM |
Windsor Hotel |
111 Spring Street, Melbourne |
07:15 AM |
6 Day Adelaide to Alice Springs Tour with Uluru
Location |
Address |
Time |
Adelaide Central Bus Station |
91 Franklin Street, Adelaide |
06:30 AM |
Adelaide Riviera Hotel |
31 – 34 North Terrace, Adelaide |
06:55 AM |
Adelaide Travellers Inn |
220 Hutt Street, Adelaide |
06:45 AM |
Back Pack Oz |
144 Wakefield Street, Adelaide |
06:45 AM |
BreakFree Adelaide |
255 Hindley Street, Adelaide |
06:55 AM |
BreakFree Directors Studios |
259 Gouger Street, Adelaide |
06:30 AM |
Bus Stop 5 |
O’Connell Street (West Side – Opp Quality Hotel), Adelaide |
06:55 AM |
Bus Stop W2 |
Pulteney Street (West side), Adelaide |
06:45 AM |
Bus Stop Z1 |
King William Street (West side), Adelaide |
06:55 AM |
Cnr Brougham Place and O’Connell St |
Cnr Brougham Place and O’Connell St (West side), Adelaide |
06:55 AM |
Coopers Alehouse |
316 Pulteney St, Adelaide |
07:30 AM |
Grand Chancellor (Hindley) |
65 Hindley Street, Adelaide |
06:55 AM |
Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide |
125 North Terrace, Adelaide |
06:55 AM |
Hostel 109 |
109 Carrington Street, Adelaide |
06:45 AM |
Majestic Minima Hotel |
146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide |
07:00 AM |
Majestic Roof Garden |
55 Frome Street, Adelaide |
06:45 AM |
My Place Adelaide Hostel |
257 Waymouth St, Adelaide |
06:30 AM |
Rydges South Park |
1 South Terrace, Adelaide |
06:45 AM |
Sunny’s Backpackers |
139 Franklin St, Adelaide |
06:30 AM |
Tequila Sunrise |
123 Waymouth St, Adelaide |
06:30 AM |
The Terrace Hotel |
208 South Terrace, Adelaide |
06:45 AM |
Umoona Opal Mine Bunkhouse |
14 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy |
13:00 PM |
YHA Adelaide Central |
135 Waymouth Street, Adelaide |
06:30 AM |
3 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Tour
Location |
Address |
Time |
A Good Rest B and B |
51 Dixon Rd, Alice Springs |
05:45 AM |
Alice Lodge |
4 Mueller Street, Alice Springs |
06:00 AM |
Alice Motor Inn |
27 Undoolya Road, East Side |
06:00 AM |
Alice on Todd |
Cnr South Terrace and Strehlow St, The Gap |
06:10 AM |
Alice’s Secret |
6 Khalick Street, Alice Springs |
06:00 AM |
Desert Palms Resort |
74 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs |
05:45 AM |
Desert Rose Inn |
15 Railway Terrace, Alice Springs |
06:00 AM |
Diplomat |
20 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs |
06:00 AM |
Discovery Parks – NT |
25 Palm Pl Ross, Ross |
06:15 AM |
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs |
82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs |
05:45 AM |
Elkira Court Motel |
65 Bath Street, Alice Springs |
06:00 AM |
G’Day Mate Caravan Park |
23 Palm Circuit, Alice Springs |
06:15 AM |
Heavitree Gap Resort |
1 Palm Circuit, Alice Springs |
06:15 AM |
Hillsview Tourist Apartment |
16 Bradshaw Dr, Gillen |
06:00 AM |
Jump Inn |
4 Traeger Ave, The Gap |
06:10 AM |
Kathys Place |
4 Cassia Ct, Alice Springs |
05:45 AM |
Mercure Resort |
34 Stott Terrace, Alice Springs |
06:00 AM |
Quest |
10 South Terrace, Alice Springs |
06:10 AM |
Stay at Alice Springs |
11 Leichardt Terrace, Alice Springs |
06:00 AM |
Stuart Caravan Park |
70 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs |
05:45 AM |
Swagman’s Rest |
67 – 69 Gap Road, The Gap |
06:10 AM |
Todd Tavern |
1/1 Todd Street, Alice Springs |
06:00 AM |
Vatu Sanctuary |
18 Knuckey Ave, Braitling |
06:10 AM |
White Gum Apartments |
17 Gap Road, The Gap |
05:45 AM |
Wintersun Caravan Park |
Nth Stuart Hwy and Head St Alice S, Alice Springs |
05:45 AM |
YHA Alice Springs |
26 Parsons St, Alice Springs |
06:00 AM |
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