Australia North to South: Darwin to Melbourne

Now's the time to explore Australia on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. You’ve got just over two weeks in Australia, so what are you going to see? Everything! Travelling south from Darwin, tour Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks — the old stomping grounds of Crocodile Dundee (that reference kinda dates us a bit...) — and check out some of the most diverse wildlife around. From there, head to Katherine Gorge and decide if all the pictures you’ve seen have done it any justice (spoiler alert: they haven’t). Hop on a flight to the Red Centre and experience the magic of Uluru before rounding it all off with the scenery along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne. Getting lost in this hip city's laneways and cool cafés is a pretty great way to end an Australian adventure.

Day 1 Darwin
Arrive at any time.

It’s time to experience Darwin nightlife! Get ready to hang out, have fun, meet some cool locals, and get to know who you’ll be travelling with. Hangout and mingle at the rooftop hostel bar where you’ll be staying before making your way to a backpackers nightclub/bar with a lively atmosphere to enjoy as the night gets into full swing.

Day 2 Darwin/Litchfield National Park
It’s off to Litchfield National Park today. Rise early and head to one of the best spots in the Top End for bushwalking, camping, and swimming! Check out waterfalls like, that pour off the edge of Tabletop Range into croc-free plunge pools and feel yourself unwind as you float aimlessly in one of Australia’s most stunning landscapes.

Litchfield can sometimes feel like the Northern Territory's best kept secret. Side note: as you drive make sure to check out some of the most enormous termite mounds in the Top End. (Who knew?) Later, after getting acquainted the group will go on a wetland nature cruise to try and spot crocs, then it’s finally time to stretch out in a swag and sleep under the stars.

Day 3 Litchfield National Park/Kakadu National Park
Embark early on a full day of exploring. Travel with the group to our overnight camp near Kakadu NP, where swags or tents await. Hike through ancient sandstone escarpment country, discover more waterfalls and swimming holes, check out the Ubirr rock art, and take the plunge on this day of adventure! End the day with a group barbecue under the stars.

Day 4 Kakadu National Park/Katherine Gorge
Wake to the sounds and smells of the Australian bush and spend a leisurely morning exploring more of Kakadu NP with the group. Then zoom off to the beautiful Katherine Gorge, stopping to enjoy Edith Falls along the way. Take this day to reminisce, reflect, and ready yourself for the journey ahead.

Day 5 Katherine Gorge/Darwin
Take advantage of a relaxed start to the day in spectacular Katherine Gorge. What you do next is up to you; from kayaking through one of the 13 deep sandstone gorges to enjoying a leisurely boat cruise on the Katherine River there’s loads to soak up. Take some time to stop and stare at the haunting beauty of this wild place before returning to Darwin.

Day 6 Darwin/Alice Springs
Hop on a place to fly to Australia's interior where you'll transfer to your hostel in Alice Springs; the spiritual epicentre of Australia. Spend your free day journeying through the heart of the landscape. Active lovers rejoice as you walk a portion of the Larapinta Trail. History buffs visit the different cultural galleries, museums, sculptures and sacred sites in town offering a unique experience of Aboriginal art and heritage. At the end of the day 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.

Day 7 Alice 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.

Day 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 final night out together!

Day 13 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!

If you're travelling between mid-September to late-April, opt to pre-book the "Dolphin Swim and Cruise" activity on the checkout page, for an epic time!

Day 14 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 15 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 16 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 it’s back to the hip city of Melbourne in the evening.

Tour ends on arrival to Melbourne.