About The 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

This Melbourne to Darwin tour is the perfect choice when booking your next adventure! The Melbourne to Darwin tour is separated into small sized journeys, giving you the chance to spend more time in the main destination at the end of each tour. This means you have more time to see new places or simply join the next leg of your tour to Darwin. When making the booking online, just select the dates that best suit you. Your accommodation is included within your journey, but we have left the accommodation between the tours, completely up to you. You can book yourself in a fancy hotel or simply go camping – the choice is yours!

Adult: $1595

Child: $1595 (minimum age 8 years)

Melbourne to Adelaide Tour

Operating days: Monday, Thursday and Saturday

Departs Melbourne: 7:00am Arrives Adelaide: 8:00pm

Adelaide to Alice Springs

Operating days: Tuesday and Saturday (April to November) & Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (November to April)

Departs Adelaide: 6:30am Arrives Alice Springs: Approximately 6:30pm

Alice Springs to Darwin

Operates: Tuesday (November – April) or Tuesday & Saturday (May – October)

Departs Alice Springs: 6:00am Arrives Darwin: Approximately 6:00pm

Additional Information

These tours are recommended for travellers aged 18 – 60 years. We do not recommend this tour for travellers over 60 years, however contact us if you consider yourself young at heart and still wish to join the tour. While the minimum age for travel is 8 years, please consider whether this style of travel is suitable for your child.

Some hikes involve steep climbs in extreme heat during summer and therefore a reasonable level of fitness is therefore required for this tour.

Luggage restriction of 20kg backpack/soft travel bag and one hand luggage size

Sleeping bags are required for the Adelaide to Darwin tour legs. They can be hired for $50 for the Adelaide – Alice Springs tour and $30 for Alice Springs to Darwin (paid in cash on the morning of the tour before each departure).

What to Bring

Sleeping bag, comfortable walking shoes, 1 litre water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing (including a rain jacket and a long sleeved cotton shirt), swimmers, camera, towel and hat.

Accommodation Upgrades

Accommodation upgrades may be available for selected tour legs.

Melbourne to Adelaide:

Hostel Upgrade:

Upgrade to a twin/double/single (shared facilities) – $100 per room

Motel Upgrade:

Upgrade to a twin/double/single (private ensuite) – $175 per room

Adelaide to Alice Springs:

Double/Twin – $900 per room (minimum of 2 passengers)
Single – $695

Night 1 and 2: private room with en-suite bathroom

Night 3: safari tent and linen

Night 4 and 5: dome tent, single swag and sleeping bag

Please note: accommodation upgrades must be booked and paid for at the time of booking. Please contact us to check availability.

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 fees
Guided tour of the Underground Opal Mine Museum
Guided walk to Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Travel in air-conditioned vehicle transfer
Friendly and experienced tour guide

Pickup Locations

Melbourne to Adelaide Tour Pickup

Location	Address	Time
Athenaeum Theatre	188 Collins Street	7:15am
Base Backpackers	17 Carlisle St, St Kilda	7:10am
Crown Promenade Hotel	8 Whiteman Street, Southbank	7:40am
Holiday Inn Melbourne	575 Flinders Lane, Melbourne	7:35am
Ibis on Therry Street	15/21 Therry Street, Melbourne	7:00am
Immigration Museum	400 Flinders St, Melbourne	7:10am
Pegasus Apartment	206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne	7:05am
Pullman Albert Park	65 Queens Road, Albert Park	7:00am
Savoy Hotel	630 Little Collins Street	7:30am
Space Hotel	380 Russel St, Melbourne	6:55am

Adelaide to Alice Springs Pickup List

Location	Address	Time
Adelaide Backpackers & Travellers Inn	268 Hindley St, Adelaide	6:55am
Adelaide Backpackers Inn	112 Carrington St, Adelaide	6:45am
Adelaide Central Bus Station	85 Franklin St, Adelaide	6:30am
Adelaide Paringa	15 Hindley Street, Adelaide	6:55am
Adelaide Rivera Hotel	31-34 North Terrace, Adelaide	6:55am
Adelaide Rockford	164 Hindley St, Adelaide	6:55am
Adelaide Travelers Inn	220 Hutt Street, Adelaide	6:45am
Adina Apartment Hotel	2 Flinders St, Adelaide	6:30am
Ambassador Hotel Adelaide	107 King William St, Adelaide	6:55am
Backpack Oz and the Guest House	144 Wakefield St, Adelaide	6:45am
Breakfree Directors Studios	259 Gouger St, Adelaide	6:30am
Breakfree on Hindley	255 Hindley Street, Adelaide	6:55am
Bus Stop 5	O’Connell Street, West Side (Opposite Quality Hotel Old Adelaide)	6:55am
Bus Stop W2	Pulteney Street (Hindmarsh Square)	6:45am
Bus Stop Z1	King William Street Western Side	6:55am
Chifley on Sout Terrace	226 South Terrace, Adelaide	6:45am
Cnr Brougham Place and O’Connell Street	Cnr Brougham Place and O’Connell Street (Western Side)	6:55am
Coopers Alehouse	316 Pulteney Street, Adelaide	7:30am
Gilbert St Hotel	88 Gilbert Street, Adelaide	6:45am
Grand Chancellor on Hindley	65 Hindley Street, Adelaide	6:55am
Hostel 109	109 Carrington Street, Adelaide	6:45am
Hotel Metropolitan	46 Grote Street, Adelaide	6:30am
iStay Precinct	185 Morphett Street, Adelaide	6:30am
Majestic Minima Hotel	146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide	7:00am
Mantra on Frome	88 Frome Street, Adelaide	6:45am
Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Nth Tce	125 North Terrace, Adelaide	6:55am
My Place & Adelaide Backpackers	257 Waymount Street, Adelaide	6:30am
Princess Lodge Motel	73 Lefevre Terrace, North Adelaide	7:00am
Rydges Southpark Hotel	1 South Terrace, Adelaide	6:45am
Sage Hotel	208 South Terrace, Adelaide	6:45am
Shingos	118 Carrington Street, Adelaide	6:45am
Stamford Plaza	150 North Terrace, Adelaide	6:55am
Sunny Backpackers	139 Franklin Street, Adelaide	6:30am
Tequila Sunrise	123 Waymouth Street, Adelaide	6:30am
Tattersals Hotel	17 Hindley Street, Adelaide	6:55am
The Chifley on South Tce	226 South Terrace, Adelaide	6:45am
The Old Exchange & Producers Bar	235 Grenfell Street, Adelaide	6:45am
Umoona Opal Mine and Bunkhouse	14 Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy	1:00pm
YHA Hostel	135 Waymount Street, Adelaide	6:30am

Alice Springs to Darwin Pickup List

Location	Address	Time
A Good Rest B&B	51 Dixon St, Alice Springs	5:45am
Alice Lodge Backpackers	4 Mueller Street, Alice Springs	6:00am
Alice Motor Inn	27 Undoolya Road, East Side	6:00am
Alice on Todd	Cnr South Terrace and Strehlow Street, The Gap	6:10am
Alices Secret	6 Khalick Street, Alice Springs	6:00am
Aurora	11 Leichardt Terrace, Alice Springs	5:00am
Crown Plaza	93 Barrett Dr, Alice Springs	5:45am
Desert Palms Resort	74 Barrett Dr, Alice Springs	5:45am
Desert Rose Inn	15 Railway Terrace, Alice Springs	6:00am
Diplomat	20 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs	6:00am
DoubleTree Hilton	82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs	5:45am
Elkira Court Motel	65 Bath Street, Alice Springs	6:00am
Gday Mate Tourist Park	23 Palm Circuit, Alice Springs	6:15am
Heavitree Gap Resort	Palm Circuit, Alice Sprints	5:00am
Hillsview Tourist Apartment	16 Bradshaw Dr, Alice Springs	6:00am
Jump Inn	4 Traeger Ave, The Gap	6:10am
Kathy’s Place	4 Cassia Ct, Alice Springs	5:45am
MacDonnell Range Holiday Park	3 Palm Place, Alice Springs	6:15am
Mercure Hotel	34 Stott Tce, Alice Springs	6:00am
Nthaba Cottage	83 Cromwell Drive, Alice Springs	5:45am
Quest	10 South Terrace, Alice Springs	6:10am
St Phillip Roundabout	Schwarz Crescent, Alice Springs	6:10am
Stuart Caravan Park	70 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs	5:45am
Swagman’s Rest	67-69 Gap Road, The Gap	6:10am
Todd Tavern	1/1 Todd Street, Alice Springs	6:00am
White Gum Motel	17 Gap Road, The Gap	5:45am
Wintersun Caravan Park	North Stuart Highway & Head Street, Alice Springs	5:45am
YHA Alice Springs	26 Parson St, Alice Springs	6:00am

Melbourne to Darwin Tour

About The Tour

Tour Details

Itinerary

What's Included?

Pickup Locations

Check Availability

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Melbourne to Darwin Tour

About The Tour

Tour Details

Itinerary

What's Included?

Pickup Locations

Check Availability

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