14 Day Adelaide to Darwin Unleashed

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Adelaide to Flinders Ranges

DEFAULT PICK UP: Adelaide Central YHA (135 Waymouth St), 07:00am

Departing Adelaide nice and early, we travel to the Barossa Reservoir Whispering Wall, where you can have a go at communicating along the wall’s 140 metre length. We journey through the picturesque Clare Valley and stop for some morning tea at Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest winery in the valley - there’s even time to sample some of their award winning wines. We lunch in the historic town of Melrose before visiting Mount Remarkable National Park for an afternoon bush walk. Finish the day by watching a spectacular sunset across South Australia’s western plains and the breathtaking Flinders Ranges. (LD)

Day 2 – Flinders Ranges

Today we experience some of the magic that the Flinders Ranges has to offer. Keep an eye out for emus and kangaroos as we take a scenic drive through beautiful Parachilna Gorge. You’ll get an amazing view of the Flinders Ranges National Park from the top of Stokes Hill Lookout, before hiking into the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound. Take a break for lunch before learning about the fascinating history of the area with a visit to the Aboriginal artwork at Arkaroo Rock and the ruins of Kanyaka Station. Tonight we enjoy dinner at an outback pub. (BLD)

Day 3 – Flinders Ranges to Coober Pedy

We travel through Pichi Richi Pass and head towards Port Augusta, known as ‘the Crossroads of Australia’. Marvel at the enormous salt flats of the Woomera Prohibited Area and learn about the area’s incredible history as a military test site. We stop along the way to explore the surface of a salt lake and take advantage of an excellent photo opportunity. From here we make one more brief stop at the sheep-farming town of Glendambo before arriving at Coober Pedy, ‘Opal Capital of the World’. We take some time to explore this remarkable underground town before grabbing a bite to eat and settling in for the night in a purpose built underground bunkhouse. (BLD)

Day 4 – Coober Pedy to Erldunda

Explore an underground home to see how the locals survive in the harsh desert environment of Coober Pedy, followed by a tour of the Umoona Opal Mine to learn more about the discovery and mining of precious opal, Australia’s national gemstone. Next we visit an outdoor opal noodling spot where you can try your hand at fossicking for some gemstones of your own. Get up close to some local wildlife and learn about rescued Joey’s at Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage, before leaving Coober Pedy and heading out across the Moon Plain. We pass the Dingo Fence, the longest fence in the world, and take in the view of the awe-inspiring Breakaways Scenic Reserve before arriving at our overnight campsite at Erldunda. (BLD)

Day 5 – Erldunda to Kings Canyon

We start the day by making our way to Kings Canyon Resort. Make sure you’ve got your hiking shoes on as we journey into the remarkable Kings Canyon and explore the Amphitheatre, breathtaking North and South Walls, the Lost City and Garden of Eden. After an outdoor dinner, enjoy sitting around the fire (seasonal) before star-gazing from the comfort of your swag (Aussie bedroll). (BLD)

Day 6 – Kings Canyon to Uluru

It’s an early start as we hit the road and travel to iconic Uluru. After lunch at our campground, get up close and personal with the Rock as you walk around a spectacular section of the base. You will then gain some insight into the local Aboriginal culture from your guide before watching the desert sunset over Uluru. It’s time to fire up the BBQ for dinner. Stay overnight in a swag (Aussie bedroll). (BLD) 

Day 7 – Uluru to Alice Springs

Witness a magical Uluru sunrise then visit the Cultural Centre to expand your knowledge of the amazing Anangu way of life. The 36 domes of Kata Tjuta are an incredible sight and you will get to explore the majestic features of this ancient geological formation during a Valley of the Winds hike. (Passengers flying out from Ayers Rock finish the tour here and are taken to the airport). We then enjoy lunch before making our way to the Alice Springs and the end of your adventure. (BL)

Day 8 – Alice Springs

Enjoy a free day to relax and enjoy Alice Springs (overnight dorm accommodation included; meals and activities at own expense).

Day 9 – Alice Springs to Banka Banka

PICK UP DAY 9: Haven Backpacker Resort, 06:10am

Leaving Alice behind, pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub, home to a telegraph station, where you can catch a glimpse of what outback telecommunication used to be like! Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our private campsite at Banka Banka Station where we stay for the night. (LD)

Day 10 – Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge

No visit to the Top End would be complete without a stop at the famed Daly Waters Pub, a classic outback roadhouse loved by travellers from around the globe. Mataranka lies in the heart of the never-never and you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp near the stunning Katherine Gorge. (BLD)

Day 11 – Katherine Gorge to Darwin

The gorge is all yours this morning with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense and seasonal) the spectacular waters. We’ll head to Darwin after a stop at idyllic Edith Falls. Overnight dorm accommodation in Darwin. (BL)

Day 12 − Darwin to Litchfield National Park

PICK UP DAY 12: Adventure Tours Australia Shop, 52 Mitchell St Darwin, 06:50am

Begin the next leg of your adventure by checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, with the option of a refreshing swim. Enjoy lunch before heading to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren’t the only abundant wildlife – enjoy a spot of crocodile watching on a river cruise. We overnight at our bush campsite in the Mary River region. (LD)

Day 13 − Mary River to Kakadu

Arriving in Kakadu, take time to explore the surrounds of this remarkable World Heritage listed site. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr before you climb to the top of a rocky lookout for beautiful views over the Nardab floodplain. Next we head to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) where a hike is rewarded with a reviving dip in the plunge pools. You’ll be asleep in no time once we reach our overnight bush camp in Kakadu. (BLD) 

Day 14 − Kakadu to Darwin

Rise early and jump in the 4WD as we make our way to iconic Jim Jim Falls! Once there, we’ll hike to the base of the majestic falls, before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. In the afternoon we stop in at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about local Indigenous culture. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we make our journey back to Darwin. (BL)