11 Days Alice Springs to Melbourne Explorer

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru

Kick off your adventure on top of a camel! Our first stop is the Outback Camel Farm where you can choose to ride atop one of these desert giants (at own expense). From here it's off to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch. Kata Tjuta will fascinate you, and you will get up close to the majestic features of this ancient geological formation during the Valley of the Winds hike. You'll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars. (LD)

Day 2 – Uluru to Kings Canyon

It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)

Day 3 – Kings Canyon to Marla

Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations which make up Kings Canyon. You'll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. After lunch, we head south through the rugged desert country into South Australia to our overnight destination of Marla, a small outback town. (BLD)

Day 4 - Marla to Coober Pedy

We leave the Red Centre behind and travel across the vast outback plains – destination Coober Pedy. On the way we'll stop at the Breakaways, with views of the natural beauty for miles around. This region is rightly known as the Opal Capital of the World, as you will soon discover. Upon arrival we'll get a tour of the town with a local, before visiting the Underground Mine & Museum. Our bunkhouse for tonight is – you guessed it – underground. (BLD)

Day 5 - Coober Pedy to Quorn (Flinders Rangers)

Before leaving this unique town, we have the opportunity to visit an outdoor public opal fossicking site – you never know your luck! Heading Southbound on the Stuart Highway we come across the Salt lakes of Central Australia that will make some awesome Facebook photos (and turn your friends green with envy). A quick stop in Port Augusta then inland towards the Southern Flinders Ranges widely considered one of the most attractive natural landscapes in Australia; the Ranges combine adventure, spirituality and tranquillity. Later there's time to check in at our accommodation before we relax over a friendly Aussie BBQ dinner. (BLD)

Day 6 – Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound

We enter the National Park proper, a place where majestic scenery meets tranquil vibes. The group will take a hike through the Flinders Ranges, one of Australia's most stately and imposing landscapes. Take in the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, set amongst an ancient crater formed millions of years ago, or just soak up the stillness. Heading back to Quorn we'll pay a visit to the Yourambulla Caves, home to some early Indigenous rock paintings – our guide will show us around. Enjoy a pub meal and drinks with the locals. (BLD)

Day 7 - Quorn to Adelaide

It's not far from our starting point this morning, where we'll we take in a spectacular view from the top of Mt Remarkable. As we travel into the more fertile farming areas the landscape changes from what we have seen over the past few days. We venture through the Clare Valley, the hidden wine region of the state. We'll stop for lunch at a local winery in the Clare Valley, with a few tastings thrown in if the mood strikes you. Once through the valley we are bound for the City of Churches – Adelaide. Tonight enjoy live music at one of the many local venues. (BL)

Day 8 - Adelaide

Take this free day to explore beautiful Adelaide and its nearby attractions. Perhaps visit the nearby Barossa Valley, famed for its world class wines. Or maybe you'd rather catch a tram down to Glenelg and hit the beach (both own expense). Grab one of the free bikes and take in the scenery at your own pace. Or take a day trip to the nearby beauty of Kangaroo Island. The choice is yours! (B)

Day 9 - Adelaide to Grampians National Park

The morning will see us traverse the nearby hills then cross the famed mighty Murray River, before travelling through to the Victorian Border. Then we'll travel to the Grampians National Park and a place of great significance for the Indigenous population. Pass through the rugged beauty and discover truly spectacular views from the top after a good hike to one of the peaks. (BLD)

Day 10 - Grampians NP via the Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell

This morning we have a visit to the Brambuk Aboriginal Culture Centre and learn more of the ancient Dreamtime stories. Your creative skills will be assessed as we create personalised souvenirs to take home. Passing through Halls Gap, we head south to the Great Ocean Road where we'll take time to explore several natural landscapes including The Arch, London Bridge and the Bay of Martyrs, these are sure to be a great addition to the photo albums. We'll finish up at the friendly town of Port Campbell, nestled amongst the cliffs and pines. (BD)

Day 11 – Port Campbell to Melbourne

This morning brings us to the magnificent Twelve Apostles rock formation, as well as the beautiful Loch Ard Gorge. A short break from the coast, we venture to the top of the forest at the Otway Tree Top Walk – a wonderful way to get a feel for Victoria's natural beauty whilst perched amongst the birds. Back down to the seaside for lunch as we pass through the coastal towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne. The tail end of the majestic Great Ocean Road will bring us towards famed surf location Bells Beach, then direct into Melbourne navigating the city streets with the famous trams and to our drop off locations. (BL)