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 10 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!
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
Operating days: Monday (March to October)
Departs Alice Springs: 5:00am Arrives Darwin: Approximately 5:00pm
Additional Information
These tours are only suitable for those age 18 – 60 year. We do not recommend this tour for travelers over 60 years, however contact us if you consider yourself young at heart and still wish to join the tour.
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
What to Bring
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 – $800 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 2 Day Melbourne to Adelaide, 6 Day Adelaide to Alice Springs Tour with Uluru and 2 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Tour. You’d be sure to leave with unforgettable memories after this journey!
Tour Highlights
- See the magnificent 12 Apostles
- Guided bush walk through the Otway Rainforest
- Visit the quaint township of the Grampians
- Get close and personal with abundant array of Australian wildlife and plants
- Visiting the Opal Capital of the World
- Explore Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
- See the Devil’s Marbles
- Experience the 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 at Kennett River and tuck 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 wild flowers, 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 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
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 camp ground.
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
Day 9: Alice Springs
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 Daly Waters Pub where you can enjoy a complimentary meal and bed down in dormitory accommodation.
Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation
Meals included: Dinner
Day 10: Alice Springs 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 Mataranka Thermal Springs. After the swim, we travel to Katherine for lunch, prior to continuing to Edith Falls where you have the opportunity to hike to the top pools and enjoy your second rejuvenating swim for the day! From Edith Falls, our Melbourne to Darwin tour concludes as we drop you back in Darwin at approximately 5:00pm
As your Melbourne to Darwin journey ends, you can check out some of the wonderful day tours we offer from Darwin to Kakadu.
Pickup Locations
Melbourne to Adelaide Pickup List
| Location |
Address |
Time |
| Base Backpackers |
17 Carlisle Street, St Kilda |
7:10am |
| Bayview on Eden |
6 Queens Road, Melbourne |
6:45am |
| Claremont Hotel |
189 Toorak Road, South Yarra |
6:50am |
| Crown Promenade |
8 Whiteman Street, Melbourne |
7:35am |
| Exford Hotel |
Cnr Russell & Little Bourke Street, Melbourne |
7:25am |
| Habitat HQ |
333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda |
7:15am |
| Hotel Discovery |
167 Franklin Street, Melbourne |
7:05am |
| Ibis Hotel Therry Street |
15-21 Therry Street, Melbourne |
7:00am |
| Immigration Museum |
Cnr Flinders & Market Street, Melbourne |
7:40am |
| Melbourne City Backpackers (was King Street Backpackers) |
Cnr King & Little Bourke Streets, Melbourne |
7:30am |
| Miami hotel |
13 Hawke Street, Melbourne |
6:50am |
| Nomads Industry |
196 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne |
7:05am |
| Nomads St Kilda |
Cnr Grey Street and Jackson Street, St Kilda |
7:05am |
| Space Hotel |
Cnr Russell & McKenzie Street, Melbourne |
6:55am |
| St Paul’s Cathedral |
Crn Flinders Street & Swanston Street, Melbourne |
7:15am |
| The Nunnery |
116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy |
6:55am |
| Travelodge Docklands |
66 Aurora Lane, Docklands |
6:45am |
| Travelodge Docklands |
9 Riverside Quay, Southbank |
7:40am |
| Urban Central |
334 City Road, Southbank |
7:30am |
| Windsor Hotel |
111 Spring Street, Melbourne |
7:20am |
| YHA Metro |
78 Howard Street, North Melbourne |
6:50am |
Adelaide to Alice Springs Pickup List
| Location |
Address |
Time |
| Alice in Territory |
46 Stephens Rd, Alice Springs |
7:00am |
| Alice Lodge Backpackers |
4 Mueller Street, Alice Springs |
6:45am |
| Alice Motor Inn |
25-27 Undoolya Road, East Side |
6:45am |
| Alice on Todd Apartment |
Cnr South Terrace and Strehlow Street, The Gap |
7:00am |
| Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn |
6 Khalick Street, East Side |
6:45am |
| Aurora Hotel |
11 Leichhardt Terrace, Alice Springs |
6:45am |
| Ayers Rock Camping Ground |
173 Yulara Drive, Yulra |
12:30pm |
| Big 4 Caravan Park Alice Springs |
Palm Pl, Ross NT |
7:00am |
| Chifley Resort |
34 Stott Terrace, Alice Springs |
6:45am |
| Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters |
93 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs |
7:00am |
| Desert Palms |
74 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs |
7:00am |
| Desert Rose Inn |
15 Railway Terrace, Alice Springs |
6:30am |
| Diplomat Motel |
20 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs |
6:30am |
| DoubleTree by the Hilton |
82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs |
7:00am |
| Elkira Court Motel |
65 Bath Street, Alice Springs |
6:30am |
| Gapview Hotel |
123 Gap Road, Alice Springs |
7:00am |
| Haven Backpackers Resort |
3 Larapinta Driver, Alice Springs |
6:30am |
| Ibis style |
10 Gap Road, Alice Springs |
7:00am |
| Jump Inn Hostel |
4 Traeger Avenue, The Gap |
7:00am |
| Kathys Place |
4 Cassia Ct, Alice Springs |
6:45am |
| White Gum Motel |
17 Gap Road, Alice Springs |
7:00am |
| Wilmots on Dixon |
111 Dixon Road, Alice Springs |
6:15am |
| YHA Alice Springs |
26 Parsons Street, Alice Springs |
6:45am |
Alice Springs to Darwin Pickup List
| Location |
Address |
Time |
| Alice Lodge |
4 Mueller Street, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Alice Motor Inn |
27 Undoolya Road, East Side |
5:00am |
| Alice on Todd |
Cnr South Terrace and Strehlow Street, The Gap |
5:00am |
| Aurora |
11 Leichardt Terrace, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Chifley |
34 Stott Terrace, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Desert Palms Resort |
74 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Desert Rose Inn |
15 Railway Terrace, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Diplomat |
20 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| DoubleTree Hilton |
82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Elkira Court Motel |
65 Bath Street, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Gap View |
123 Gap Road, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| G’day Mate Caravan Park |
23 Palm Circuit, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Haven |
3 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Heavitree Gap Resort |
Palm Circuit, Alice Sprints |
5:00am |
| Heritage Caravan Park |
Ragonesi Road, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Ibis Styles |
10 Gap Road, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Lasseters Hotel Casino |
93 Battett Drive, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Quest |
10 South Terrace, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Stuart Caravan Park |
70 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Swagman’s Rest |
67-69 Gap Road, The Gap |
5:00am |
| Todd Tavern |
1/1 Todd Street, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| Toddy’s |
41 Gap Road, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| White Gum Apartments |
17 Gap Road, The Gap |
5:00am |
| Wintersun Caravan Park |
North Stuart Highway & Head Street, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
| YHA |
Leichhardt Terrace, Alice Springs |
5:00am |
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