The Adventure travel | Group travel | Overland tours | Road trips programmes in Australasia and Australia
From Price: 1,297.00EUR / GBP1,157.00
Cross the outback right through the middle of Australia! In 18 days you can get from Darwin to Melbourne, seeing incredible Australian sights on the way: Litchfield NP, Mary river wetlands, Kakadu NP, Katherine Gorge, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Coober Pedy, Adelaide and ending in Melbourne.
Darwin to Melbourne Outback Adventure, Australia Essential Info
Travelling through the outback is a highlight of any Australia gap year trip and an ideal way to get from the North the South of Australia. This epic 18 day trip will take you from Darwin in the North, through the centre to Uluru and then down to Adelaide finishing in Melbourne.
Accommodation
Package includes 11 nights dorm accommodation and 6 nights camping, upgrade possible. Upgrade accommodation is budget style and may be located on different premises to hostel accommodation.
Getting There
The programme begins in Darwin
If you would like assistance with your flights, we can assist with sourcing the best value flight options, just indicate on your booking form.
When To Go
It is always a great time to travel Australia on your gap year. The most popular time is in January.
Why Xtreme Gap?
Booking with Xtreme Gap ensures you will do it! Sounds obvious, but many people who put off booking prior to departure, find out that their chosen programme is full. By booking your programme up front, you are assured your place is reserved and you can have peace of mind that you will achieve what you set out to. Booking with Xtreme Gap stretches your travel budget further, remember we are the best value gap year company. With your programme already booked and paid for the change of you chickening out or worse, not be able to do it because you spend all your money on drinks. And we can give you detailed information before you leave. So if you are thinking of waiting to book until you get out to the country you planning on travelling to, think again!
Price and Dates
The tour costs 1297 Contact us for dates.
Included
Experienced guides
Meals as indicated
Accommodation transfers (Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin)
Camping fees & equipment
Opal Mine tour
Hostel dorm accommodation where stated (or upgrade to twin/double ensuite)
Entry to Otway Fly Tree Top Walk
Excluded
Uluru National Park fees of $25.00
Kakadu NP boat transfer into Twin Falls of $12.50
Flights
Visa
Travel insurance
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Day 1 - Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing start to your day: the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, followed by the spectacular Mary River Wetlands. Birds arent the only wildlife abundant around here; keep your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where well stay tonight. (LD)
Day 2 - Mary River to Kakadu
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next its on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (BLD)
Day 3 - Kakadu to Darwin
Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, well hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. Overnight accommodation included. (BL)
Day 4 Darwin to Katherine Gorge
Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to Katherine. We spend the whole afternoon at the majestic Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk National Park. Experience the striking beauty while canoeing or cruising (at own expense & seasonal) through the gorge itself.Tonight we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD)
Day 5 Katherine Gorge to Tennant Creek
Not far to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in a sparkling thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Next stop is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territorys oldest pub. Nearby lies Australias first international airport, but you wont get a flight back home from here these days! After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we camp overnight at Juno Horse Farm. (BLD)
Day 6 Tennant Creek to Alice Springs
This morning we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles, which balance precariously on their rocky perch. From here we stop in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph Station catch a glimpse of what Outback telecommunication used to be like! We cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, before arriving early evening into Alice Springs (BL).
Overnight dorm accommodation included.
Days 7 :: Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense).
Days 8 :: Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense).
Day 9 - Alice Springs to Kings Canyon & Uluru
Journey deep into the remote Red Centre as we travel towards Kings Canyon. Theres a lot to explore here and we check out the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After lunch, well pass Mt Connor and Curtin Springs cattle station on the way to Uluru. Tonight, youll be glad to curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) after dinner as millions of stars fill the sky. (LD)
Day 10 Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Sunrise over Uluru is magical and its an early start to catch it! While the mornings fresh (and your legs are too!) take a walk around Ulurus base (unguided), or climb to the top if you choose however, the Anangu traditional owners prefer it if you dont. Gain a further insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the Cultural Centre, where youll also have the opportunity to invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists. After refuelling with some lunch, we head to fascinating Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) to discover the secrets of this ancient landform and their spiritual significance to the Anangu. A glass of Australia sparkling wine is perfect while the desert sun sets over Uluru before returning to camp for dinner. (BLD)
Day 11 - Uluru to Coober Pedy
We go underground today! After breakfast, we head south through the rugged desert country into South Australia arriving into Coober Pedy in the late afternoon. Our bunkhouse for tonight is you guessed it underground. (BLD)
Day 12 - Coober Pedy to Quorn
This morning we check out the sites of Cooper Pedy on a town tour which includes an opal cutting demonstration and mine tour with the opportunity to try your luck noodling for opals! We continue our journey south and stop at ancient salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea. We stop at the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and Pt Augusta before arriving in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. We stay two nights in private accommodation at the historical Mill. Get ready for tonights BBQ dinner it doesnt get any more Aussie than this! (LD)
Day 13 Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
The Flinders Ranges has been recognised as one of Australias National Landscapes and today youll get to experience and explore this magical region! Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheatre located in a huge stone crater and you will spend the morning hiking and exploring its wonder! After lunch, its a short walk to Yourambulla Caves to view Aboriginal rock paintings. Learn about the hardships of sheep farming in the mid 1800s as you view the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. As we travel back to Quorn, theres an opportunity to spot for the shy and elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby on a quiet stroll through peaceful Warren Gorge. Overnight at the Quorn Mill. (BLD)
Day 14 - Quorn to Adelaide
Eat a hearty breakfast, because this afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! We then say farewell to the Flinders. Near the frontier township of Melrose we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Our last stop is in the infamous Clare Valley before arriving late afternoon into Adelaide. (BL)
Day 15 - Adelaide
A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 16 - Adelaide to Grampians NP
Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross Australias king of rivers, the mighty Murray, and pass through some little South Australian country towns on our way to the Grampians National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls. Well be rewarded with breathtaking sunset views from The Balconies and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our overnight Grampians accommodation. (D)
Day 17 - Grampians NP via the Great Ocean Rd to Princetown
Hiking to the Pinnacle is a challenge, but on the way youll experience breathtaking views of the national park. Next we head south to the coast and Warrnambool, where youll have the chance to spot whales (seasonal). Theres a lot to explore along the famous Great Ocean Road, renowned for its beauty. Discover the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Lock Ard Gorge before sunset over the Twelve Apostles gorgeous! Stay overnight in the coastal township of Princetown. (BD)
Day 18 - Princetown to Melbourne
Climb down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle of the Twelve Apostles, and then well spend some time at the Otway Fly, a 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. Continuing on, we pass through the magnificent cool temperate rainforests of the Otway National Park. Well stop for lunch (own expense) at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, we pass through Lorne, before our next stop where well search for koalas. Well check out the world famous Bells Beach before taking a shopping break at the surfing town Torquay, home of surf labels Quiksilver and Rip Curl. With some bargains in your bags, we make our way into Melbourne and arrive in the early evening. (B)
BRING: Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera & film, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for $15) and money for some meals.
NOTE:
Package includes 11 nights dorm accommodation and 6 nights camping.
This is a combination safari and you will therefore travel with a different guide and passengers during each section.
Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions, weather extremes, Traditional Owner and national park requirements.
