The Red Centre to Melbourne: Camping & Canyons

Now's the time to explore Australia on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Take 10 days, a lifelong dream to explore the Land Down Under, and a handful of new travel friends and you've got yourself an epic adventure through Australia. Tour national parks like Grampians and Great Otway, cruise up the iconic Great Ocean Road, and marvel at a spectacular sunset over the sacred Uluru. With our expert Chief Experience Officer (CEO) taking care of the little details, you'll get more time to focus on having the trip of a lifetime.

Day 1 Alice Springs
Arrive at any time.

Tonight, get to know your group over a couple of "bevvies" at a popular local spot in Alice Springs. Channel all of the excitement of arriving in a new place by enjoying live entertainment in an authentic tavern with your new adventure pals.

Day 2 Alice Springs/Kings Creek
Charge those cameras and hit the road to Kings Canyon. Journey to Australia’s famous Red Centre passing through desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges, and some of the most sacred Indigenous sites in the country. Spend your first night together under the stars in a true Aussie desert swag (padded bed roll) and let the good times roll... no pun intended!

Day 3 Kings Creek/Uluru
Rise early, beat the heat, and embark on a morning walk through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon. Take in the spectacular views surrounding you and simply enjoy being in the moment. Then it’s time to hop on the bus and drive to Uluru, where Australia’s most iconic view awaits. Grab a glass of bubbly and enjoy one of the most colourful sunsets of your life as Uluru puts on an unforgettable show in the fading light.

Day 4 Uluru
Get in touch with your inner zen as you wake near one of the most spiritual places in Australia. Listen to your peaceful surroundings and reflect before you begin the day. Visit an Indigenous culture centre with the group and partake in the informative Mala Walk at Uluru.

This walk is perfect if you are looking to see lots of Indigenous rock art and get away from the crowds. Wander between the sheer walls and tranquility of Kantju Gorge as you explore one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks. See the colours change before your eyes, learn the significance behind this destination for the local people, and let Uluru capture your heart.

Day 5 Uluru/Alice Springs
The unexplainable energy of the Red Centre will have you itching to head out on another hike. You’re in luck because the group will travel to the Mars-like rock formations of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to explore the surrounding area. If the temperature isn’t too unbearable you’ll also get to walk through the Valley of the Winds, which is full of dusty orange rock domes just waiting to be enjoyed. Snap some pics, wander away from everyone and revel in the peaceful atmosphere of the Australian Outback before making the drive back to Alice Springs.

Day 6 Alice Springs/Adelaide
Rise early to enjoy some more time in the outdoors of Alice Springs on your own. Then hop on your flight to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Use your free time this afternoon to indulge in the multicultural flavours infused in the city’s restaurants, partake in the pulsing arts and live-music scene, and count church spires as you search for pubs and hip bars tucked away in city lanes. Then it’s time to embrace the energy of Adelaide on a night out with the group!

Day 7 Adelaide
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!

Day 8 Adelaide/Halls Gap
Skip sleeping in this morning and travel inland to Grampians National Park. Trek 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.

Day 9 Halls Gap/Port Campbell
Open your eyes to the smells and sounds of the lush forest of Grampians NP and lace up those hiking boots for an early morning walk within the park. Are you feeling historical? Visit an Indigenous Cultural Centre where you can choose to throw a boomerang, sample local delicacies like emu or kangaroo, and walk through gardens planted with native herbs and plants to help you learn about the history of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Then drive along the iconic Great Ocean Road, viewing sites like the collapsed London Arch on the way to Port Campbell.

Day 10 Port Campbell/Melbourne
No need to say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road just yet! Continue travelling along the road with the group making visits to Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles along the way. It’s no wonder that the 12 Apostles are the star of the show on the Great Ocean Road. They are the kind of landmark that somehow finds a way to be more stunning in person than in photos.

Gaze in wonder at smooth pearlescent bays surrounded by clear, blue water, flanked by yellow-washed cliff faces, and feel the wind whipping through your hair. Then travel past world-famous surf beaches before walking through the rainforest one last time in Great Otway National Park. After soaking up all the nature you can, continue to the hip city of Melbourne in the evening.

Tour ends on arrival to Melbourne.