18 Day Melbourne to Darwin Unleashed

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Melbourne to Port Campbell

DEFAULT PICK UP: Nomads Industry (196 A’Beckett St), 06:15am

We depart Melbourne and journey to Torquay and the start of the Great Ocean Road. Passing through picturesque Lorne, we continue on to Kennett River where we take a short walk to spot wild koalas — keep your camera at the ready! After a quick lunch stop at Apollo Bay we head inland to experience Otway Tree Top Walk — the best way to explore this temperate rainforest and wildlife sanctuary. Next we head back to the coast to see the magnificent rock formations that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean and are affectionately known as the Twelve Apostles. Learn about the shipwreck history that gave Loch Ard Gorge its name before we settle in for the night in the friendly town of Port Campbell, nestled between the rocky cliffs and pristine beaches. (D)

Day 2 – Great Ocean Road to Grampians National Park

Before leaving scenic Great Ocean Road we take some time to explore the beautiful local landscape including The Arch, London Bridge and the Bay of Martyrs. We travel away from the coast through the farming regions of Western Victoria and into Grampians National Park — a place of great significance for the Indigenous population. Next stop is Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre where you’ll learn about the ancient Creation time stories of local Indigenous people. Your creative skills will be put to good use as we create personalised Boomerang souvenirs to take home. Tonight we cook up a storm with an authentic Aussie BBQ, cooked for you by your guide! (BD)

Day 3 – Grampians National Park to Adelaide

Pull on your hiking boots for a visit to the base of McKenzie Falls, the highest waterfall in the Grampians Range. Take in an incredible Aboriginal art site before a short hike to a lookout spot that delivers spectacular 360 degree views of the Northern Grampians. Leaving the mountains behind, we pass through the Gap and head towards the South Australian border. We cross the mighty Murray River, the longest river in Australia, before arriving in idyllic  Adelaide, the ‘city of churches’. (BL)

Day 4 – Adelaide

A free day to relax and enjoy Adelaide (overnight dorm accommodation included, meals and activities at own expense).

Day 5 – Adelaide to Flinders Ranges

PICK UP DAY 5: 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 Central Flinders Ranges. (LD)

Day 6 – 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 grab some dinner at an outback pub. (BLD)

Day 7 – Flinders Ranges to Coober Pedy

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’. Take some time to explore this remarkable and unique underground town before grabbing a bite to eat and settling in for the night in a purpose built underground bunkhouse. (BLD)

Day 8 – Coober Pedy to Erldunda

This morning we check out an underground home to see how the locals survive in the harsh desert environment of Coober Pedy, followed by taking 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 9 – Erldunda to Kings Canyon

We kick 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 10 – 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 11 – 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. We then enjoy lunch before making our way to Alice Springs. (BL)

Day 12 – Alice Springs

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

Day 13 – Alice Springs to Banka Banka

PICK UP DAY 13: Haven Backpacker Resort, 06:10am

We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub, home to a historical telegraph station. Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are Karlu Karlu (the Devils Marbles), a site sacred to its traditional owners and a great photo oppurtunity. Last stop for today is our private campsite at Banka Banka station where stay for the night. (LD)

Day 14 – 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 far and wide. 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 15 – Katherine Gorge to Darwin

The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend cruising (at own expense and seasonal) the spectacular waters. Feeling a little more adventurous? If you’re looking for something even more adventurous you can rent a canoe and paddle yourself through the gorge. Later, we head back to Darwin after a stop at idyllic Edith Falls. Dorm accommodation in Darwin included, meals at own expense. (BL)

Day 16 – Darwin to Litchfield National Park

PICK UP DAY 16: Adventure Tours Australia Shop, 52 Mitchell St Darwin, 06:50am

We start the day 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. Keep your eyes peeled for lurking crocodiles on an afternoon river cruise! We overnight at our bush campsite in the Mary River region. (LD)

Day 17 – Mary River to Kakadu

Deep in the heart of the Kakadu National Park, admire ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr before we climb to the top of a rocky lookout for some fabulous views of the Nardab floodplain. Next we head to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. You’ll be asleep in no time once we reach our overnight bush camp in Kakadu. (BLD)

Day 18 – Kakadu to Darwin

Get ready for some 4WD action today as we make our way to Jim Jim Falls! Hike to the base of this 200m high natural wonder and grab some photos before we continue onto Twin Falls. Experience the beauty of the stunning gorge and falls from a national park operated boat tour and boardwalk experience. In the afternoon we stop in at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about local Indigenous culture. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we make our journey back to Darwin, where your incredible 22 day adventure finishes. (BL)