Sydney to Darwin 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 heap of amazing photo opportunities.
Tour Details
Operates: Saturday
Departs: 7:30am
Returns: 5:00pm
Available Fares
Important Information
Our Sydney to Darwin tour combines our Sydney to Melbourne, 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 Melbourne, Adelaide and Alice Springs or keep travelling straight on. Accommodation is included while on tour, but we leave the accommodation in Melbourne, 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.
Sydney to Darwin Tour 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 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 3 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Tour, giving you the best package deal to explore every inch of Australia.
Tour Highlights
- Visit Australia’s capital city with a guided tour of Parliament House in Canberra
- Travel along the Great Ocean Road to admire the spectacular Twelve Apostles
- Experience the incredible natural scenery of the Grampians
- Australian wildlife encounters
- Visit Coober Pedy – the opal capital of the world
- Guided hike of the Kings Canyon
- Enjoy the magic and changing colours of Uluru and Kata Tjuta
- Experience the warm waters of Mataranka Thermal Springs
- Admire 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 room shared facilities $65 per room
- Twin or double room private bathroom $85 per room
- Sole traveller shared facilities $115 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 wildflowers. 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: Coober 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 keen photographers, 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 no 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 campground, or you can join 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
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 11: Alice Springs to Banka Banka
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 close to Alice Springs. You will have time to explore the area and listen to Dreamtime stories about the local area. The tour continues onwards to Banka Banka Cattle Station, where we enjoy a delicious meal and stay overnight in our comfortable swags.
Accommodation: Swag camping
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Banka Banka to Katherine
Rise early and get ready for another exciting day in the outback. After a tasty breakfast, we hit the road and make our way to the first destination for the day – the renowned Daly Waters Pub. This iconic pub was once famed for being a popular watering hole among explorers and drovers in earlier days. After a good look around and maybe even a cheeky beer we mosey on to the Mataranka Hot Springs. Let the hair down and soak in these thermals pools for an extended amount of time. After you have sufficiently relaxed we make our way to Katherine where we spend our final night.
Accommodation: Swag camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Katherine to Darwin
Sadly, our Sydney to Darwin adventure is coming to an end. We begin the day in the early hours of the morning and head north to the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park. Here you can explore and swim in the mighty Katherine River. Admire the stunning Katherine Gorge that has been gradually carved out of the sandstone cliffs over centuries by this powerful river. Our tour concludes as we drop you off at your accommodation in Darwin at approximately 6:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
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 5 nights camping under the stars with swags)
- Meals as indicated and water*
- Camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
- All national park and camping fees
- Friendly and experienced driver/guide
- All activities (unless stated as optional)
- Airconditioned vehicle transport from Sydney to Darwin
*Please include any dietary requirements in the notes when you book.
Pickup Locations
2 Day Sydney to Melbourne Tour
Location |
Address |
Time |
Macquarie Place Park |
Cnr Loftus and Bridge Street, Sydney |
07:45 AM |
St Laurence Church |
812 George St, Sydney |
07:25 AM |
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 |
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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