Australia South to North–Melbourne to Darwin image
Operated by G Adventures

Australia South to North–Melbourne to Darwin

From
Price on request
Duration
19 days
Countries
Australia
Activity
moderate

The adventure

On the water and on the road? Is there a better way to explore somewhere new than from a few different vantage points? We didn’t think so either. This 19-day tour allows you to experience Australia from land, water and even underground. (Seriously! Just wait until you get to Coober Pedy.) From Melbourne to Darwin, your itinerary will include amazing stuff like rainforest walks in Great Otway National Park, awe-inspiring sunsets at Uluru, and even a wetland nature cruise in croc country.

At a glance

Duration
19 days
Route
Melbourne → Darwin
Countries
Australia
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Australia South to North–Melbourne to Darwin image

Day by day

A picturesque rural road winds through the rolling hills of the Australian countryside under a cloudy sky.
Your journey through

Australia

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, head into the city to take in the 'cultural capital of Australia'. Get lost in the city's famous laneways, go on the hunt for the perfect flat white (hint: Melbourne loves its coffee shops), catch the tram to St. Kilda, or wander around the über-cool Fitzroy neighbourhood.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, head into the city to take in the 'cultural capital of Australia'. Get lost in the city's famous laneways, go on the hunt for the perfect flat white (hint: Melbourne loves its coffee shops), catch the tram to St. Kilda, or wander around the über-cool Fitzroy neighbourhood.
Day 2Say hello to the Great Ocean Road
Say hello to the Great Ocean Road — arguably the most iconic road in all of Australia! You won’t even mind waking up early for views like the ones you’ll see as you drive to Port Campbell. Travel up the famous surf coast visiting quaint towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay en route. Get in touch with nature on an included rainforest walk in Great Otway NP. Then gaze in wonder and feel the wind whip through your hair as you admire the 12 Apostles, the kind of landmark that somehow finds a way to be more stunning in person than in photos.
Day 3Open your eyes in the laid-back coastal town…Start the day visiting more attractions of the Great Ocean Road including The Arch and the now broken London Bridge. Visit Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve for a chance to see animals endemic to Australia such as koalas, emus and kangaroos. Opt to visit an Indigenous Cultural Centre to learn about the significance of the area to the indigenous people. End the day with an evening walk in the Grampians NP.
Start the day visiting more attractions of the Great Ocean Road including The Arch and the now broken London Bridge. Visit Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve for a chance to see animals endemic to Australia such as koalas, emus and kangaroos. Opt to visit an Indigenous Cultural Centre to learn about the significance of the area to the indigenous people. End the day with an evening walk in the Grampians NP.
Day 4Skip sleeping in this morning to get out…
Skip sleeping in this morning to get out and about in Grampians National Park. Wander through lush forest, view the craggy sandstone Wonderland range in the distance, and examine impressive Indigenous rock art. Home to some pretty amazing scenic lookouts this national park will grant you with many photo opportunities so make sure those cameras are charged before heading into the thick of it all. Walk to the stunning Balconies for expansive views of the Victoria Valley below, then stop at one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria; Mackenzie Falls and watch the water cascading down cliff faces as it creates rainbows in the air. Close your eyes, breathe in the fresh air, and find peace in the moment. As the day winds down head to Adelaide with the group and find some nightlife to enjoy as the stars fill the sky.
Day 5Get ready to stuff your face…
Get ready to stuff your face in the food and wine capital of Australia; Adelaide. Wander the clean laneways and sample your way from place to place as the sun warms your skin. With an emerging art scene, natural beauty, interesting attractions, and incredible restaurants, Adelaide has tons to see and do. Get out and discover the hub of South Australia!
Day 6Enjoy a local food experience in the Clare ValleyHit the road in the morning. Admire scenic views across the Clare Valley and enjoy a local food experience featuring South Australia's best regional produce. Continue to Flinders Ranges.
Hit the road in the morning. Admire scenic views across the Clare Valley and enjoy a local food experience featuring South Australia's best regional produce. Continue to Flinders Ranges.
Day 7Explore Wilpena Pound
Explore Wilpena Pound, the heart of Flinders Ranges National Park, for a walk to a natural amphitheatre sacred to the Indigenous Adnyamathana people. Learn about Indigenous art and early settler history.
Day 8Travel from Flinders Ranges to Glendambo…
Travel from Flinders Ranges to Glendambo with a stop along the way at the salt lake of Lake Hart.
Day 9Travel to the town of Coober PedyTravel to the unique opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where people live underground to avoid the heat. A guided mine tour gives insight to the mining process and the importance of opal to the area. Overnight like the locals by sleeping in an underground hostel, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Travel to the unique opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where people live underground to avoid the heat. A guided mine tour gives insight to the mining process and the importance of opal to the area. Overnight like the locals by sleeping in an underground hostel, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 10Take in the vastness of the Outback…
Take in the vastness of the Outback on a driving day, then bed down in a swag (padded canvas bedroll) around a campfire and sleep under the Outback sky.
Day 11Enjoy a morning walk through the gorges…
Enjoy a morning walk through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon. Drive to Uluru, where Australia's most iconic view awaits. Experience the colourful sunset at Uluru while enjoying a glass of bubbly.
Day 12Enjoy the Mala Walk at Uluru to learn…The next morning, awake before sunrise to do the Mala Walk around part of the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) while learning its significance to the local Indigenous people. Visit the cultural centre to get a better understanding of the area. Opt to pre-book the "Uluru & Kata Tjuta Helicopter Ride" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
The next morning, awake before sunrise to do the Mala Walk around part of the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) while learning its significance to the local Indigenous people. Visit the cultural centre to get a better understanding of the area. Opt to pre-book the "Uluru & Kata Tjuta Helicopter Ride" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 13Discover more of the Red Centre…Take in the scenery around Uluru. Travel to the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and, temperature permitting, walk through the Valley of the Winds to explore the surrounding area. Travel to Alice Springs via the homestead of Erldunda and spend the night in a centrally located hostel in Alice Springs.
Take in the scenery around Uluru. Travel to the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and, temperature permitting, walk through the Valley of the Winds to explore the surrounding area. Travel to Alice Springs via the homestead of Erldunda and spend the night in a centrally located hostel in Alice Springs.
Day 14Spend your free day journeying through the heart…
Spend your free day journeying through the heart of Australia. Simply enjoy the delights of this Outback town from quirky bars to lively cafes, and restaurants with stunning views; there’s plenty to choose from.
Day 15Take in the vastness of the Northern Territory…
Take in the vastness of the Northern Territory and travel north via the Devils Marbles - giant red granite boulders that are a sacred site to the Indigenous people in the area. Finish the day at Daly Waters and grab a drink at the local Outback pub teeming with character.
Day 16Continue north
Continue north, stopping for a visit at the Mataranka Hot Springs before setting up camp in Katherine. Opt to walk the stunning Katherine Gorge or get adventurous with a helicopter flight over the gorge taking in the stunning scenery.
Day 17Continue north
Continue north, stopping at Edith Falls. Explore the waterfalls, swimming holes and trails of Kakadu National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 18Continue exploring Kakadu NP
Continue exploring Kakadu NP, stopping off at sacred rock art galleries. Head towards Litchfield National Park, stopping for a nature cruise to try and spot crocs.
Day 19Tour Litchfield NP to encounter streamsDarwin
A vintage English bedroom featuring a four-poster bed and ornate fireplace.Darwin
Tour Litchfield NP to encounter streams, rock formations and the impressive termite mounds. Tour ends in Darwin upon arrival in the evening.
Map showing Darwin

Discover Australia

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Exotic Eucalyptus wandoo trees growing on sandy terrain against cloudless sunset sky in Yathong Nature Reserve
Discover the serene beauty of a winding country road under a clear blue sky with distant mountain views.
A picturesque meadow under a bright sky with Tasmania's lush landscape and distant mountains.
Serene sunrise over Cape Le Grand, capturing tranquil waters and golden hues.
Explore the breathtaking limestone rock formations along the rugged coast of Western Australia.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

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