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Take an epic road trip from coastline to Kata Tjuta, Uluru to Kakadu.
Thought you knew what an epic Aussie road trip was? Well, think again. Crank the tunes and leave the big cities in your dust on the ultimate 17-day Outback adventure between Melbourne and Darwin. Discover the beauty of the Great Ocean Road coastline, check out the quirky opal mining town of Coober Pedy, witness the majestic Uluru at sunrise, gain an insight into the significance of First Nations cave paintings, rock art and connection to the land in Kata Tjuta and Katherine, and see some seriously spectacular vistas at the Grampians, the Flinders Ranges and Kakadu. With plenty of time to appreciate the natural beauty and learn a little bit more about the Traditional Owners of the land, let Australia’s southern interior, Red Centre and Top End lead the way.
- Start
- Melbourne, Australia
- Finish
- Darwin, Australia
- Destinations
- Victoria, Great Ocean Road, South Australia, Outback, Northern Territory, Uluru, Kakadu
- Style
- Original
- Theme
- Explorer, Overland
- Code
- POMAD
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 18
- Group size
- Min 6, Max 24
Why you'll love this trip
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Travel along Australia’s most acclaimed stretch of coastline with a scenic drive on the Great Ocean Road. This is one trip where you definitely want to call shotgun on a window seat.
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Take a one-night pitstop in Halls Gap to discover the rugged beauty of the Grampians National Park. Go hiking up to the Pinnacles lookout, and marvel at the stunning MacKenzie Falls.
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Immerse yourself in First Nations cultures with experiences including witnessing cave paintings near Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of Uluru and viewing Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves.
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See the best of Australia’s iconic Red Centre on guided walks around Uluru, Kings Canyon and the ancient red domes of Kata Tjuta.
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Learn about the ancient culture and traditions of The First Peoples of Australia during an interactive experience in Katherine, and discover the historic and natural wonders of Kakadu National Park.
Is this trip right for you?
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This trip covers the highlights of Australia's Great Ocean Road and Grampians, Flinders Ranges, and the Red Centre.
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You'll spend some nights of the trip sleeping in outback camping grounds. You'll also need to pitch in with preparing meals and cleaning. This is part of the experience of travelling in a group.
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This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to truly enjoy the surrounding nature. Some hikes are longer and more challenging than others. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.
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Temperatures in the Red Centre and Top End can be extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.
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On most days of the trip, you'll spend several hours driving through very sparse areas of desert. Crank up the tunes and sit back to enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel.
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Group participation makes up a lot of this trip, so you'll be required to help with preparation of meals and cleaning up. These are the kind of tasks that bring a group closer together.
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The Top End portion of your adventure has a strict luggage limit of 10 kg. Excess luggage cannot be carried; however, it can be stored at the Darwin accommodation.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
- 12 Apostles & London Bridge
- Koala spotting - Great Ocean Road
- Melba Gully Walk - Otway Ranges
- Swim at Lorne (Summer months)
- Loch Ard Gorge
Meals Included
- Lunch
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 6.5 hours (approximately 450 km). The total walking time will be about 2 hours (approximately 2 km).Accommodation
- Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Brambuk Culture Centre
- Mackenzie Falls - Grampians
- Pinnacles Walk - Grampians
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 6 hours (approximately 400 km). The total walking time will be about 4 hours (approximately 5 km).Included Activities
- Reeds Lookout (The Balconies) & Boroka Lookout
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The total driving time today is about 7.5 hours (approximately 550 km). The total walking time will be about 2.5 hours (approximately 3.5 km).The estimated time of arrival into Adelaide is around 7.30 pm, so please take this into account when considering onward travel.
Included Activities
- Wilpena Pound
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is approximately 6 hours. You’ll be picked up from the YHA Adelaide at 8.30 am, so please arrive at least ten minutes before.Warren Gorge provides stunning ochre rock faces that complement the blue skies. Keep your eyes peeled for the very well camouflaged local rock wallabies. Tonight, you’ll stay in the quintessential South Australian town of Quorn.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is approximately 3.5 hours.Accommodation
- Underground Multishare (1 night)
Included Activities
- Anna Creek Station
- Coober Pedy Mine tour
- Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is approximately 6 hours.Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Dingo Fence
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Today driving time will be about 8 hours.Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
- Uluru Base Walk
- Uluru Cultural Centre
- Kata Tjuta
- Maruku Arts cultural experience
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
There isn't much driving today, about an hour in total between destinations. You will walk approximately 5 km.Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Watarrka National Park Entry Fees
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Driving time is about 6 hours today, and you will walk approximately 2 km.Included Activities
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Driving time today is approximately 5 hours back to Alice Springs, and the Rim Walk is approximately 6km.For the Kings Canyon Rim Walk it is a requirement that you have a minimum of 3 litres of water with you. Please consider bringing your own refillable water bottles.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.We'll arrange your air tickets and issue them a couple of weeks prior to your departure.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Your Alice Springs transfer (operated by Emu Run) will depart approx 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled flight time. In case of issues or to check departure time please call 1800 1800 722 111 (free call) or +61 8 89522111Your Darwin transfer (operated by Darwin City Airport Shuttle Service) will transfer you to the Cavenagh Hotel, Darwin. In case of issues on arrival in Darwin please contact Darwin City airport shuttle - 08 8947 3979
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Litchfield National Park
- Pudakul Cultural Experience
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time: approximately 5.5 hours (approximately 400 km)Total walking time: approximately 45 minutes
Please note that all tents are twin-share and come with a proper bed.
Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ubirr Rock
- Kakadu National Park Fee
- Mary River cruise
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time: approximately 6.5 hours (approximately 550 km)Total walking time: approximately 2 hours
Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Bowali Visitor Centre
- Pine Creek Gold-Mining Centre
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Optional Activities
- Flight (Fixed Wing Aircraft) over - Kakadu - from - AUD150
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time: approximately 5.5 hours (approximately 400 km)Total walking time: approximately 1 hour
Included Activities
- Edith Falls
Optional Activities
- Katherine Gorge Scenic Cruise - AUD95
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Total driving time: approximately 5 hours (approximately 400 km)Total walking time: approximately 1 hour
Meals
12 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 12 dinnersTransport
private bus, Plane, All Terrain vehicleAccommodation
Camping (with shared facilities) (9 nights), Dormitory (5 nights), Underground bunkhouse (1 night).Included activities
- 12 Apostles & London Bridge
- Koala spotting - Great Ocean Road
- Melba Gully Walk - Otway Ranges
- Swim at Lorne (Summer months)
- Loch Ard Gorge
- Brambuk Culture Centre
- Mackenzie Falls - Grampians
- Pinnacles Walk - Grampians
- Reeds Lookout (The Balconies) & Boroka Lookout
- Wilpena Pound
- Anna Creek Station
- Coober Pedy Mine tour
- Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage
- Dingo Fence
- Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
- Uluru Base Walk
- Uluru Cultural Centre
- Kata Tjuta
- Maruku Arts cultural experience
- Watarrka National Park Entry Fees
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
- Litchfield National Park
- Pudakul Cultural Experience
- Ubirr Rock
- Kakadu National Park Fee
- Mary River cruise
- Bowali Visitor Centre
- Pine Creek Gold-Mining Centre
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
- Edith Falls
Dates & availability
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Melbourne to Darwin Overland trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
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Important notes
1. This trip requires a sleeping bag
2. For the Kings Canyon Rim Walk it is a requirement that you have a minimum of 3 litres of water with you. Please consider bringing your own refillable water bottles.
3.The Top End & Kakadu portion of this trip has a strict luggage limit of 10 kg. Excess luggage can not be carried however, it can be stored at Darwin accommodation.
4. Tour commences in Melbourne on Day 1 at 7 am and finishes in Darwin on the last day at approximately 6 pm. Onward travel should be booked the following day (or late that night)

Essential trip information
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