Darwin to Sydney Outback & Great Ocean Rd, Australia
The Adventure travel | Group travel | Road trips programmes in Australasia and Australia
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Heading down through the centre of Australia through the Outback, stopping at national parks and a huge rock, in this 21 day tour we will take you further south to the bright lights of Adelaide and Melbourne and Canberra before driving one of the worlds best coastal routes: The Great Ocean Road. Finish up in Sydney.
21 Day Darwin to Sydney Outback & Great Ocean Rd, Australia Essential Info
This gap year tour is the perfect compliment to your Australia gap year travel plans. Not only will it get through the outback to Uluru, but it will also take in Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Drive along one of the worlds best coastal drivesThe Great Ocean Road, experience impressive national parks, aboriginal culture and make lots of new friends on the way.
Accommodation
Package dorm accommodation in Hostals and Camp sites, accommodation Upgrades Available
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 ia alway a great time to Travel Australia
*Tour will not operate 6 and 13th December.
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 1327 Departs from Darwin accommodation 7:00am Contact us for departure dates.
Included
All touring Camping 6 x nights (permanent campsites)
14 x nights multi share accommodation (or upgrade at own expense)
Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Excluded
Uluru National Park fees of $25.00
Kakadu NP boat transfer into Twin Falls of $12.50 (seasonal)
Flights
Visa
Travel insurance
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Also available in the opposite direction (Sydney to Darwin)
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 aren't 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 we'll 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 it's 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 National Park. (BLD)
Day 3: Kakadu to Darwin
Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we'll 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 dorm 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) 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 Territory's oldest pub. Nearby lies Australia's first international airport, but you won't 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! A visit to Ti Tree gives you the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists, before crossing over the Tropic of Capricorn to arrive in Alice Springs late in the afternoon. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)
Day 7: Alice Springs
A FREE day to explore the sights of Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 8: Alice Springs
FREE day to explore the sights of Alice Springs (all activities at own expense). Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 9: Alice Spring to Kings Canyon and 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 and 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 National Park
Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross Australia's 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. We'll 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 National Park via the Great Ocean Rd to Princetown
Hiking to the Pinnacle is a challenge, but on the way you'll experience breathtaking views of the national park. Next we head south to the coast and Warrnambool, where you'll have the chance to spot whales (seasonal). There's 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 we'll 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. We'll stop for lunch (own expense) at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, we pass through Lorne, before our next stop where we'll search for koalas. We'll 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. Overnight accommodation included. (B)
Day 19: Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park
Our adventure starts early, travelling southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland to Wilsons Promontory National Park. Walk along gleaming beaches, watch the ocean pound onto the southernmost point of the mainland, hike along amazing granite rock formations and learn about coastal flora and native wildlife. You might even see emus and wombats! In the afternoon we travel to the coastal town of Lakes Entrance. Here, we're at the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia's longest beach Ninety Mile Beach. (D)
Day 20: Lakes Entrance to Snowy River Country
This morning we begin our journey into Snowy River Country, taking a break to fly down the zip wire (optional activity at own expense). It's a spectacular drive along Barry Way, with the Snowy River winding below us before crossing the state border into NSW. In the afternoon, let the bus do all the work as we climb high into the Australian Alps (seasonal Nov-May). Hiking along an alpine track (2.5 hour round trip) rewards you with stunning views of the glacial Blue Lake and the top of Mt Kosciuszko (Australia's highest point). During winter, we've got time to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). Tonight you'll enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at Lake Jindabyne. Kick back and relax with a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar. (BD)
Day 21: Jindabyne to Sydney via Canberra
If you're up early there's time for trout fishing in the lake or you could even go water skiing or wake boarding (all at own expense and seasonal). Leaving Jindabyne, we pass through Cooma, learning about the Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme (one of the most complex integrated water and hydro-electric power schemes in the world!). Next stop is Canberra, Australia's capital city, where the Prime Minister hangs out. We'll check out Parliament House and other city highlights before travelling back to Sydney. (B)
