Itinerary

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 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 accommodation included. (BL)

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 and Uluru

Journey deep into the remote Red Centre as we head towards Kings Canyon. There's a lot to explore here and we check out the Ampitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After a bite to eat, we'll pass Mt Connor and Curtin Springs cattle station on the way to Uluru. Tonight, you'll 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! It's an early start to catch it. While the mornings fresh (and your legs are too!) take a walk around Uluru's base or climb to the top if you choose  however, the Anangu traditional owners prefer it if you don't. Gain a further insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the Cultural Centre, where you'll 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. Dinner is a traditional camp oven cook-up back at our permanent camp. (BLD)

Day 11: Uluru to Coober Pedy

We get away early this morning as we cross the Northern Territory/South Australian border on the way to Coober Pedy. Time to go underground! Learn about this unique place with a mine tour, including an opal cutting demonstration. If we've got time, try your luck at noodling for opals yourself! Tonight we sleep in an underground bunkhouse. (BLD)

Day 12: Coober Pedy to Rawnsley Park

Today we keep heading south along the Stuart Highway, travelling past the rocket-launching town Woomera on the way to lunch at Port Augusta. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound in the late afternoon and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)

Day 13: Wilpena Pound to Parachilna

Challenge yourself this morning as we get an early start to tackle Mount Ohlssen-Bagge, where sweeping views of Wilpena Pound, the Flinders Ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens will be spread out before you. You'll be ready for some lunch before we drive through the stunning Parachilna Gorge (weather permitting) on our way to Parachilna. Get ready for tonight's BBQ dinner  it doesn't get more Aussie than this! We stay in dorm accommodation in Parachilna. (BLD)

Day 14: Parachilna to Adelaide

Check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art this morning with a short walk to Yourambulla Caves, before lunch in the quaint historic railway town, Quorn. Ruggedly beautiful Alligator Gorge, renowned for its distinct flora and fauna, is a great place to stretch your legs on an interpretive walk (seasonal). From here, our journey continues through the picturesque Clare Valley before arriving in Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (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. (B)