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This itinerary is valid for all 2019 departures. To view the itinerary for departures beginning in April 2020, click here.
Australia South to North–Melbourne to Darwin
19 days, Melbourne to Darwin
Itinerary
Day 1Melbourne
Arrive at any time.
Tonight, get to know Melbourne as a group. Spend some time socializing in the rooftop seating area at the Space Hostel where you are staying. Then maybe head to the bar attached to the hostel called Blue Moon Karaoke for some great beer and cheap eats. Make sure you get those vocals ready because someone is getting up and singing before the night is over.
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.
Please ensure to arrive before 7pm for an important group welcome meeting where you can meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Myki Explorer Public Transportation Pass
15AUD per personFrom St. Kilda to Fitzroy, make the most of your time in Melbourne with a Myki Transportation Pass, giving you access to all tram travel throughout the city.
Yarra Valley Wine Tour
175-200AUD per personThe Yarra Valley is home to dozens of vineyards and wineries set along the banks of the Yarra River itself. It is considered on of Victoria's premier wine regions making it an idyllic escape from Melbourne. Stroll the grounds of these establishments, sip a glass of chardonnay, and relax in this beautiful setting.
Day 2Melbourne/Port Campbell
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Twelve Apostles Visit
Stop at a scenic lookout point along the Great Ocean Road and capture the beautiful views over the ocean and the Twelve Apostles. Now with only seven formations still standing, these iconic attractions were once limestone caves which eroded to become arches and eventually stacks up to 45m (147 ft) in height.
Loch Ard Gorge Visit
Located along the Great Ocean Road, beautiful Loch Ard Gorge shows the process of erosion in action. See offshore stacks and blowholes, and watch short tailed shearwaters soar over the nearby island. This location is a perfect backdrop for a group photo. Get snapping!
Rainforest Walk
Take in the beautiful greenery of the Great Otway National Park on a leisurely walk with your CEO.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Helicopter Ride
145AUD per personA series of limestone cliffs stretching into the ocean, the 12 Apostles is one of the most iconic sites in Victoria. Get a birds eye view of these massive rock columns and watch the swells of the ocean crash into them from above. Prepare to be awed by the sheer size of these cliffs and one of Australia's most famous coastlines.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Port Campbell/Halls Gap
Open your eyes in the laid-back coastal town of Port Campbell and lace up those hiking boots for a visit to the Tower Hill Wildlife Reservation. Walk through the verdant landscape and be on the lookout for the wildlife that has multiplied on the inside of this volcanic crater. Trek through the forest with those cameras at the ready before continuing on to Grampians National Park for your next adventure!
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
London Arch Visit
Stop by the rock formation named the London Arch, formerly the London Bridge, until part of the arch collapsed in 1990. This brief stop on the Great Ocean Road showcases the art of nature -- the erosion of limestone and the beautiful rock formations it creates.
Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve Visit
Visit Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve west of Warrnambool for a chance to see animals endemic to Australia such as koalas, emus and kangaroos. Learn more about this large volcanic crater and wetland and the role it plays in Indigenous history. Set off on one of the self-guided walking paths, then visit the Worn Gundidj Centre to see cultural displays and crafts.
Brambuk Cultural Centre
Dive into ‘Dreamtime’ and experience the stories, food, and art of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Go on a guided walk through gardens planted with native herbs and plants, get up close to some rock art, and opt to pay to throw a boomerang’ before heading to Bushfoods cafe to sample some local delicacies like kangaroo pie -- anyone still hungry?
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Halls Gap/Adelaide
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.
Early start to explore more of Grampians NP. Walk to the stunning Jaws of Death Balconies, visit MacKenzie's Falls, and travel onto Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.
Grampians National Park Visit
Walk past lookouts, sandstone ridges and other various rock formations. Be rewarded with sweeping views of the natural landscape.
The Balconies (Jaws of Death) Visit
Set off from the Reed Lookout overlooking Victoria Valley, and enjoy a short walk with beautiful scenery to the Balconies, formerly called the Jaws of Death. Check out the gorgeous view, but be careful not to lean too far over the edge!
MacKenzie Falls Visit
MacKenzie Falls is the only waterway in the region that flows year-round and it is also the most visited waterfall in the Grampians; take a short walk and check out the falls out from a viewing platform. In Spring, see wonderful wildflowers in bloom along the path.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Adelaide
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!
New travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Adelaide, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hitting the beach, going on a haunted tour of the Old Adelaide Gaol, and visiting local wineries. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Adelaide Central Market
Looking for a bite to eat? Head over to Adelaide Central Market, the city's premiere fresh food and produce market since 1869. Wander the stalls and meet some of the locals – just don't forget to grab some snacks from one of the 80 vendors at the market.
Dolphin Swim and Cruise
120-130AUD per personThere are very few places in the world that you can swim with dolphins in the wild, so don’t miss the opportunity to get close to these majestic creatures. Watch them interact and play around you while you swim in their natural habitat. Available mid-Sept to late-April.
The Barossa Valley Food and Wine Experience
Dreamy days and new locations call for one-of-a-kind experiences. Book the Barossa Valley Food & Wine tour for an intimate experience in the valley. The tour includes a full-day of sampling some of the Barossa’s finest wines and gourmet food. You will also have the chance to visit the new Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, the famous Maggie Beer’s Farm shop, and two award winning cellar doors.
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Kangaroo Island Day Trip
283AUD per personRemote, wild, and stunning, Kangaroo Island is the perfect mixture of all things Aussie. Hop over to the island for a day exploring the coastline and creatures that call it home. Prepare for a full day (up to 16 hours) that will leave you enchanted and in love with this slice of paradise just off the mainland.
Day 6Adelaide/Ikara-Flinders Ranges
Enjoy a local food experience in the Clare Valley, then it's on 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Local Food Experience
South Australia is a region renowned for its local produce, which makes it the perfect place to sample local delicacies such as cheeses, olives, pickles, chutneys, jams and other baked goods. Try a few of these tasty treats and learn more about the food culture in this unique part of the world!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Ikara-Flinders Ranges
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.
Take the day to explore the amazing scenery of Flinders Ranges.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Wilpena Pound Hike
Enjoy nature's 800 million-year-old natural amphitheater carved out of the mountains in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges NP. Visit Indigenous art sites and learn more about the history and customs of the Adnyamathanha people who have lived here for tens of thousands of years. Keep an eye out for emus, kangaroos, and if you are lucky, the threatened yellow footed rock wallaby.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Ikara-Flinders Ranges/Glendambo
Travel from Flinders Ranges to Glendambo with a stop along the way at the salt lake of Lake Hart.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lake Hart Visit
A salt lake in the Australian outback? Why yes, it exists! Pull over from the Stuart Highway for a short visit to Lake Hart, where the salt flats stretch for miles and provide an otherworldly backdrop to sandy desert roads.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 9Glendambo/Coober Pedy
Travel to the town of Coober Pedy, the world's opal mining capital. After a guided tour of a mine, escape the heat like the locals by spending the night underground.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Mine Tour
Learn about opals and Coober Pedy's mining history on a tour of an old opal mine. See examples of both hand-dug and machine-dug underground homes, which are a popular way to escape the heat.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Coober Pedy/Kings Creek
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Kings Canyon Helicopter Ride
95-285AUD per personGet a birds-eye view of Kings Canyon from the large bubble windows of a 4-passenger helicopter.
Quad Biking Around Cattle Station
105AUD per personMeals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 11Kings Creek/Uluru
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.
Enjoy the morning taking in the scenery or by going on an optional 4km walk through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon of Watarrka National Park.
Kings Canyon Hike
HIke through beautiful Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park on this walk that visits the natural amphitheatre, the North and South walls, and the Garden of Eden.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Uluru at Sunset
Enjoy a glass of bubbly, and watch the setting sun transform Uluru into a glowing monolith bathed in deep reds and oranges. Capture the moment with your camera but also take a moment to soak in the serenity of the scene just with your own eyes. Magic!
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 12Uluru
Enjoy the Mala Walk at Uluru to learn the importance of the rock to Indigenous Australians.
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.
Uluru Mala Walk
Take a guided walk along the northwest side of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations.
Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit
Learn about Indigenous Australian culture in the area to get a better perspective of the history, beliefs and present-day life of the Anangu people. Discover the wild world of bush tucker (indigenous food), find out which plants are used in bush medicine, and hear creation stories.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Outback Astronomy Tour
60-70AUD per personEnjoy a tour of the night sky, learning how Indigenous people of Australia used the stars for mythology and seasonal predictions while getting a chance to stargaze through telescopes and binoculars. The Outback is one of the best places to stargaze, with low humidity and surrounding light - take a peek and see whats out there!
Uluru & Kata Tjuta Helicopter Ride
To fully appreciate the sheer size and splendor of Uluru, you need to experience it from above. Get a bird's eye view of the iconic red rock, and take in the vast expanses of desert surrounding the 'Heart of the Red Centre'. This is one ride you don't want to miss!
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 13Uluru/Alice Springs
Discover more of the Red Centre with a hike through the beautiful Valley of the Winds in Kata Tjuta, then transfer to 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.
Valley of the Winds Walk
Walk through the Valley of the Winds to explore the beautiful, red, domed rocks that comprise the site. Visit two separate lookouts for great views over the area.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Alice Springs
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.
Free Time
What are you waiting for? Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Alice Springs Desert Park
25-40AUD per personGet a glimpse of authentic Aussie flora and fauna at the Alice Springs Desert Park. This open-air park highlights the creatures of the Outback in re-created natural habitats. If you've been itching to spot some rare and elusive wildlife, like the bilby, now's your chance!
Alice Springs Hot Air Ballooning
305AUD per personBook an early morning hot air balloon flight and see the Outback from a perspective like no other.
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Royal Flying Doctors Service Museum Visit
16AUD per personLearn all about the Royal Flying Doctor Service and its role in the lives of Australians. Find a replica of the 1920s bush planes first used by the service, and uncover the stories of pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses who brought much-needed medical care to people who live in remote inland communities.
Day 15Alice Springs/Daly Waters
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.
We spend approx 12 hours on the road today, stopping off in Daly Waters for the night. Make sure to grab a drink or two at the famous local pub in this small Outback town.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
LunchDay 16Daly Waters/Katherine
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.
Availability of optional activities may change depending on the season.
Free Time
Enjoy beautiful Katherine Gorge. Get out there and explore.
Your Wellness Moment: Mataranka Hot Springs Visit
Stop for a dip in the thermal pools in Mataranka. Fed by a natural spring, the crystal clear waters are constantly around 34 degrees Celcius and are perfect for relaxing after a day on the road.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow
Katherine Gorge Walk
FreeTake a short self-guided walk along Katherine Gorge to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area. Stop at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre learn more about the cultural and spiritual significance of the area for the Jawoyn.
Katherine Gorge Flat-Bottomed Boat Ride
89AUD per personHop aboard a flat-bottomed boat and enjoy the view from Katherine River. With cliffs on either side of the river (try and spot the Indigenous rock art paintings) and freshwater and and saltwater crocodiles along the banks and in the water (depends on the season which one!), there's something to see wherever you look.
Helicopter Flight
104-226AUD per personEnjoy a bird's eye view of Katherine Gorge with an optional helicopter flight.
Katherine Gorge Kayaking Tour (Self-Guided)
72-82AUD per personGet up close to Australia's sandstone and riverside landscapes as you paddle towards Katherine Gorge.
Canoeing
67.50-79.00AUD per personGrab a paddle and explore the rivers of Katherine Gorge. This self guided trip will let you see the gorge at your own pace.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 17Katherine/Kakadu National Park
Continue north, stopping at Edith Falls. Explore the waterfalls, swimming holes and trails of Kakadu National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The itinerary for this day varies depending on seasonal/weekly weather. We will visit slightly different attractions depending on the weather conditions.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Gunlom Falls Visit
Visit Gunlom Falls and the large natural swimming pool at their base. Follow a short but steep path to the top of the falls to find more pools to swim in. From up top, take in the amazing, sweeping views over southern Kakadu. Due to weather conditions, Gunlom Falls is only accessible during the dry season (April to Oct).
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 18Kakadu National Park/Litchfield National Park
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.
We overnight just outside of Kakadu NP. Depending on weather, sleep in a swag under the stars or a hut if raining.
Warradjan Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit
See different artifacts and learn about the history of the Indigenous people in the region at the cultural centre within Kakadu NP. Take time to shop for local, authentic Indigenous products before leaving.
Bowali Visitor Centre Visit
Named after the Bowali Creek that runs through Kakadu NP, the visitor centre highlights some of the different sights and animals we may come across while exploring the park.
Ubirr Rock Art
Ubirr is home to one of Kakadu's most famous rock art galleries. See rock paintings depicting fish, turtles and other local wildlife created by Aborigine ancestors thousands of years ago. The view from Ubirr is incredible and you might recognize this spot from the film "Crocodile Dundee."
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 19Litchfield National Park/Darwin
Tour Litchfield NP to encounter streams, rock formations and the impressive termite mounds. Tour ends in Darwin upon arrival in the evening.
Crocodile-Spotting Boat Cruise
Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Corroboree Billabong. Learn about the wetlands and their inhabitants from 30 species of birds to the infamous crocodiles. This area is home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world. Bring your camera, insect repellent and get ready for a thrill.
Litchfield National Park Visit
Hike trails to see the Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls. Bring a bathing suit to take a quick dip to cool off. Head to the Buley Rockhole, past forests of Eucalyptus trees, and marvel at the magnetic termite mounds, aligned in a north-south direction.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.