22 Days Darwin to Sydney Explorer

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 - Darwin to Mary River

A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Enjoy lunch before heading to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren't the only wildlife abundant; keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite in the Mary River Region is where we'll stay tonight. (LD)

Day 2 - Mary River to Kakadu

Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and 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. Stop in at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre this afternoon to learn about local Indigenous culture. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (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 & seasonal) through the gorge itself.Tonight we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD)

Day 5 – Katherine Gorge to Banka Banka

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 Banka Banka station where we camp overnight at our private campsite. (BLD)

Day 6 – Banka Banka 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! We cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, before arriving early evening into Alice Springs (BL). Overnight dorm accommodation included.

Days 7 – Alice Springs

Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense).

Day 8 – 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), and a bite to eat. Kata Tjuta will fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform on 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 9 – 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 10 – 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 11 - 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 12 - Coober Pedy to Quorn

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 13 – 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 14 - 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 15 - Adelaide

A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (B)

Day 16 - 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. (BD)

Day 17 - 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 18 – 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. (B)

Day 19 - Melbourne

Enjoy a FREE day in Melbourne to relax or explore the city. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 20 - Melbourne to Gippsland Lakes (via Wilsons Promontory National Park)

Leaving from this great city, we'll navigate the roads with the famous Melbourne trams and head for the most southerly point of the Australian mainland; Wilson's Promontory. Here we take in a National Park of great natural beauty where kangaroos and emus live amongst the verdant green bushland, with the crashing waves not far away. We'll take a hike up along the granite walkway to a nearby lookout, and take in the numerous scenic points. Our afternoon journey tracks us out to the edge of the Tasman Sea and to our overnight break on the Edge of the coastal Lakes. (D)

Day 21 – Gippsland Lakes to Snowy Mountains

Our morning drive northbound heads up through the magnificent Snowy River region; get a taste for a mountain lifestyle before we cross borders into New South Wales. Our evening destination is placed right in the heart of the Australia's Snowy Mountains. We may be high up already, but later today we're going even higher – Mt Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak at 2,228 metres above sea level. Don't be put off: it's a relatively moderate hike from the top of the Crackenback Express chairlift, or you can take the shorter walk to the lookout point. If our visit falls in winter (June – September) we'll stop at the ski resort of Perisher for a little snow-related fun, snowball fight!! (BD)

Day 22 – Thredbo to Sydney via Canberra

After a hearty breakfast, we'll travel across the Monaro plains and learn a little about Australia's biggest ever engineering project, the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Then we are bound straight for the Nation's Capital, Canberra. Architecturally designed from the ground up by Walter Burley Griffin, it's awash with cool green spaces and grand boulevards. We'll tour the iconic Parliament House set atop a slight incline, as well as the Australian War Memorial, even pass by a number of Foreign Embassies. Destined for the largest city in Australia we are welcomed by the busy city streets of Sydney where our city to city trip comes to an end. (B)