About The Tour

A spectacular adventure awaits you on our Sydney to Darwin Tour as you visit iconic sights in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin along the way. Spend a night in Canberra on the way from Sydney to Melbourne, then enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of the Great Ocean Road as you continue your journey east. Once you arrive in Adelaide, you will say goodbye to the ocean for a while and head north, making your way into the heart of Australia. Get ready for a real outback experience as you explore the Red Centre, visiting iconic sites including Coober Pedy and Uluru, and spending the nights camping under the stars. The adventure continues up the Stuart Highway, finally arriving in Darwin, your gateway to Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks. Along the way you will have plenty of chances to spot Australia’s unique wildlife in their natural habitat, and a heaps of amazing photo opportunities.

Tour Details

This tour provides great flexibility for your journey from Sydney to Darwin. Our Sydney to Darwin tour is divided into bite-sized journeys, so you can spend more or little time in the main destinations at the end of each leg of your tour. This means you have more time to relax for an extra couple of days, a chance to explore a new destination or just get straight onto the next part of your journey to Darwin. Just select the dates of each leg of your tour when making the booking. All accommodation is included on all parts of the journey, but we leave the accommodation in between tours up to you, so you can decide to stay the night at a fancy hotel or spend it outside, sleeping under the stars – the choice is completely up to you!

Sydney to Melbourne Tour

Operating days: Saturdays

Departs Sydney: 7:30am

Arrives Melbourne: approximately 5:00pm

Melbourne to Adelaide Tour

Operating days: Monday, Thursday and Saturday

Departs Melbourne: 7:00am

Arrives Adelaide: approximately 8:00pm

Adelaide to Alice Springs

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

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 – 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.

This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness.

Luggage restriction is 7kgs, if you are traveling with more than 7kgs, please notify us when you book.

Accommodation Upgrades

Accommodation upgrades may be available for selected tour legs.

Sydney to Melbourne:

Hostel upgrade:

Upgrade to a twin or double (shared facilities) – $90 per room. Sole traveller – $130 per room.

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 the booking. Please contact us to check for availability.

What to Bring

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

Itinerary

There’s no better way to explore Australia than by traveling through the guts of it on our Sydney to Darwin Tour. Visit iconic places like Great Ocean Road, Flinders Ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru-Kata Tjuta. By joining this transcontinental journey, you will travel from Sydney with scenic route to Adelaide, head north through the Red Centre, before disembarking in Darwin. Experience the true Australian outback, visit the opal capital of the world in Cooper Pedy and learn about the local Aboriginal history of Uluru.

Our Sydney to Perth tour combines our 2 Day Sydney to Melbourne Tour, 2 Day Melbourne to Adelaide Tour, 6 Day Adelaide to Alice Springs Tour with Uluru and 2 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Tour, giving you the best package deal to explore every inch of Australia.

Tour Highlights

Guided tour of Parliament House in Canberra
See the spectacular Twelve Apostles
Guided bush walk through the ancient Otway Rainforest
Experience the local vibe of Halls Gap
Australian wildlife encounters
Visit to the Coober Pedy – opal capital of the world
Guided hike of the Kings Canyon
Changing colours of Uluru
Experience the warm waters of Mataranka Thermal Springs
See the Devil’s Marbles

Day 1: Sydney to Canberra

Escape the busy city early in the morning as we depart the Sydney CBD and head towards Canberra, passing through the stunning Southern Highlands. We arrive in Canberra and enjoy a guided tour of Australia’s Parliament House before lunch. In the afternoon you have plenty of time to discover the treasures of the National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial before a drive through the pretty suburb of Yarralumla. In the evening we will drop you at your accommodation at the Canberra City YHA, close to the hub of the city for you to head out into the night.

Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation

Accommodation upgrade: Hostel upgrade – twin or double (shared facilities) – $90 per room. Sole traveller – $130 per room.

Day 2: Canberra to Melbourne

Enjoy your continental breakfast before making your own way to the Jolimont Centre to meet the bus for Melbourne. You will arrive at Southern Cross Station at 5:00pm, right in the heart of Melbourne ready to explore a new city!

Accommodation: Not included. Please arrange your own accommodation in Melbourne

Meals included: Breakfast

While visiting Melbourne, explore some of its prominent landmarks like the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Yarra Valley and the Grampians.

Day 3: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

Begin the next leg of your Sydney to Darwin tour with a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road. There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day including the historic Memorial Arch, spectacular lookouts and of course the iconic 12 Apostles. There are many local seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road where we will have the opportunity to spot native Australian animals such as koalas, kookaburras, parrots and lorikeets.

We will stop for lunch in Apollo Bay prior to taking a stroll for a view of the 12 Apostles. To conclude our action-packed day, you will get to experience night time kangaroo spotting before we eventually bed down in the picturesque Grampians National Park.

Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation

Meals included: Lunch

Day 4: Grampians National Park to Adelaide

Begin the morning by touring the Grampians National Park! Take in the stunning variety of flora and fauna found throughout the area, including various native species such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, echidnas and koalas.

While at the Grampians, you will have the opportunity to take a hike through the mountains offering a stunning backdrop to learn about the significant Indigenous history of the area. We make stops at Reed’s Lookout or Lake Bellfield, and visit either McKenzie Falls or Silverband Falls, where a collection of ancient cave paintings is on display. Then we jump back on the bus to continue our journey, arriving in Adelaide in the evening.

Accommodation: Not included. Please arrange your own accommodation in Adelaide.

Meals included: Breakfast

Check out some of the amazing Adelaide day tours that will take you to see the spectacular Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley and Adelaide itself!

Day 5: Adelaide to Flinders Ranges

It’s now time to begin our third leg of our Sydney to Darwin Tour, as we depart Adelaide and head to Alice Springs. We begin the morning by travelling through the vineyards of the Clare Valley wine region, prior to heading to the historic town of Melrose, the gateway to the Flinders Ranges. Here, we can take a walk through the vibrant Alligator Gorge, which may be bursting with wild flowers. We spend the night bedding down in the Southern Flinders Ranges.

Accommodation: Swag camping (winter) / Dormitory accommodation (summer)

Meals included: Lunch and dinner

Day 6: Cooper Pedy

We continue our journey into the heart of Australia with a visit to Coober Pedy – the opal capital of the world. Admire changing landscapes throughout the day and spot wildlife such as kangaroos, emus and eagles. We take a guided tour of an underground mine and Opal Mine Museum where you will learn about the significant history of Coober Pedy. For all animal lovers, we pay a visit to Josephine’s Kangaroo Orphanage, where you can get up close and personal with rescued kangaroos and joeys. We spend the night sleeping like the locals, underground, in bunkhouse accommodation.

Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Kings Canyon

We attempt to cover a lot of ground on day seven, as we venture up the Stuart Highway, making multiple stops along the way. The goal of today is to arrive at the iconic Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon). We spend the night here camping in an authentic station.

Accommodation: Swag camping

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Kings Canyon to Uluru

Now that we have our big day of driving out of the way, we will wake up early to explore King’s Canyon. For the keen photographer, Watarrka is the ideal location to capture some treasured memories. Take in the huge sandstone walls, vast canyon floor and impressive deep gorges. We explore the area with a hike along the Canyon Rim Walk, where you will visit the Garden of Eden and gain valuable knowledge regarding the local Aboriginal culture. Once we are re-energised after lunch, we begin our journey to Uluru. The site of Ayres Rock is one of the most stunning sites Australia has on offer. Tonight, we will set up camp prior to learning about the local Aboriginal History of the Uluru Kata Tjuta Aboriginal Cultural Centre. There is not greater way to reflect on your journey to date, then by witnessing the beauty of the Uluru sunset prior to bedding down for the night.

Accommodation: Swag camping

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9: Uluru and Kata Tjuta

We start day nine with a 3.5 hour walk around the base of Uluru. Throughout the hike you will discover native wildlife sourcing waterholes, as well as spotting different geological rock formations within the area. Your professional guide will be able to interpret the different formations for you and teach you about the Aboriginal significance of these formations. In the afternoon, we spend the rest of the day relaxing at the camp ground, or you can join in one of our Adrenalin Plus options on offer.

Accommodation: Swag camping

Optional activity: Camel Safaris, Helicopter Flights, Segway Tours and Skydiving at Uluru.
These upgrades are available for purchase from the driver on the morning on your tour, and cannot be pre-booked.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10: Kata Tjuta to Alice Springs

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll witness the majestic sunrise over Kata Tjuta, prior to hiking to various lookouts around Kata Tjuta. We pay a visit to The Valley of the Winds and experience the ancient rock formations and stunning views on offer. Post lunch, we will begin the journey to Alice Springs, arriving at approximately 6:30pm.

Accommodation: Not included. Please arrange your own accommodation in Alice Springs.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 11: Alice Springs to Daly Waters

The final leg of your Sydney to Darwin Tour begins as we depart in the early hours of the morning and head north towards Karlu Karlu (formally known as the Devils Marbles). The Devils Marbles are a series of unique boulders, and are one of the many iconic sights throughout Alice Springs. You will have time to explore the area, and listen to Dreamtime stories about the local area. The tour continues onwards to Daly Waters Pub, where we enjoy a complimentary meal and stay overnight in dormitory accommodation.

Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation

Meals included: Dinner

Day 12: Mataranka to Darwin

Sadly, our Sydney to Darwin adventure has to come to an end. We begin the day in the early hours of the morning and head north to the spectacular Mataranka Thermal Springs. At Mataranka, take the opportunity to take a relaxing swim prior to heading out to Katherine for lunch. Once we finish up with lunch, we head to Edith Falls, where you can enjoy a short hike to the peak of the pools and have your second charming swim for the day. Our tour concludes as we drop you off at your accommodation in Darwin at approximately 5:00pm.

Our Sydney to Darwin adventure is the perfect way to make the journey cross country and a collection of iconic sights throughout Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin. Who knows, you may even make some lifelong friendships along the journey.

Your journey along to Darwin doesn’t end here, check out some of our day tours from Darwin to Kakadu.

What's Included?

Accommodation (4 nights dormitory accommodation and 4 nights camping under the stars with swags)
Meals as indicated
All National Park fees
Friendly and experienced driver
Informative commentary
Tour of Parliament House
Tour of Australian War Memorial
Tour of the Embassy District
Guided tour of the Opal Mine and Museum
Visit to Josephine’s Kangaroo Orphanage
Air conditioned vehicle transfer from Sydney to Darwin

Pickup Locations

Sydney to Melbourne Pickup List

Location	Address	Time
Holiday Inn Kings Cross	203 Victoria Street, Kings Street	7:10am
Meriton Apartments Bondi Junction	97 Grafton Street, Bondin Junction	7:00am
St Laurence Church	812 George St, Sydney	7:25am
Sydney Harbour Marriott	30 Pitt Street, Circular Quay	7:45am

Melbourne to Adelaide Tour

Location	Address	Time
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	7:45am
Pegasus Apartment	206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne	7:05am
Pullman Albert Park	65 Queens Road, Albert Park	7:00am
Regent Theatre	191 Collins St, Melbourne	7:25am
Space Hotel	380 Russel St, Melbourne	6:55am
St Paul’s Cathedral	Cnr Swanston Street and Flinders Street, Melbourne	7:15am
Vibe Savoy	630 Little Collins Street, Melbourne	7:30am
Windsor Hotel	111 Spring Street, Melbourne	7:20am
YHA Melbourne Metro	78 Howard St, Melbourne	6:50am

Adelaide to Alice Springs Pickup List

Location	Address	Time
Adabco Boutique Hotel	219-233 Wakefield Street, Adelaide	6:45am
Adelaide Paringa	15 Hindley St, Adelaide	6:55am
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 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
Blue Galah	1/62 King William Rd, Adelaide SA 5000 – The passenger will wait across the road form this location, hence ‘opposite’	6:55am
Breakfree Directors Studios	259 Gouger St, Adelaide	6:30am
Breakfree on Hindley	255 Hindley Street, Adelaide	6:55am
Country Comfort Hotel	574 Main N Road, Gepps Cross	6:45am
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
Mansions on Pulteny	21 Pulteney Street, Adelaide	6:55am
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 Streeet, 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
Shakespeare Backpackers	123 Waymounth Street, Adelaide	6:30am
Shingos	118 Carrington Street, Adelaide	6:45am
Stamford Plaza	150 North Terrace, Adelaide	6:55am
Sunny Backpackers	139 Franklin 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
Wright Lodge	130 Wright Street, Adelaide	6:45am
YHA Hostel	135 Waymount Street, Adeaide	6:30am

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

Sydney to Darwin Tour

About The Tour

Tour Details

Itinerary

What's Included?

Pickup Locations

Check Availability

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About The Tour

Tour Details

Itinerary

What's Included?

Pickup Locations

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