20 Day Darwin to Melbourne Tour Package including 2 Day Kangaroo Island Tour & Barossa Valley Day Tour

All about the 20 Day Darwin to Melbourne Tour Package including 2 Day Kangaroo Island Tour & Barossa Valley Day Tour

20 Day Darwin to Melbourne Tour Package including 2 Day Kangaroo Island Tour & Barossa Valley Day Tour
Tour itinerary - 20 Days

• Day 1 Darwin to Kakadu National Park
  The first stop on your adventure is the Mary River Wetlands, renowned for the 250 bird species that can be found here and the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the Southern Hemisphere. To get the best understanding of the area you will take an informative private two-hour cruise (included) along the Mary River where you can spot ‘crocs’ and other wildlife.
  
  Your introduction to Kakadu National Park is at the South Alligator River where you will also have lunch. The Bowali Visitor Centre is a good place to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts before your late afternoon arrival at Ubirr. At Ubirr you can view a wide range of Aboriginal rock art which will be interpreted by your guide. Here you will learn about the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for excellent views over the surrounding floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land. Tonight enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at our private campsite at Cooinda. (L,D)
• Day 2 Kakadu National Park to Litchfield National Park
  You will spend the whole morning at Gunlom Falls* where you can swim at the bottom of the waterfall and climb to the top of the falls. Relax in a natural infinity pool with a grand view of the Arnhem Land escarpment, take a dip in the sandy middle pool and swim under a waterfall in the rear pool. You will see why this picture postcard spot is such a favourite for all who visit. There’s a chance for a final swim after lunch in the lower plunge pool before leaving the national park to travel via Batchelor to an overnight campsite near Litchfield National Park. (BLD)
• Day 3 Litchfield National Park to Darwin
  Today is spent exploring the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield National Park. Highlights include the large magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and swimming in and hiking at Wangi Falls (seasonal). Go for a final swim in the waterfalls at Buley Rockhole before your early evening arrival back in Darwin. Overnight dorm or Budget ensuite (Twin/Single) accommodation in Darwin is included. (BL)
• Day 4 Darwin to Katherine (via Nitmiluk National Park)
  You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation at approximately 6.00am and then our adventure through the ‘Territory’ to Alice Springs begins. The afternoon is spent at Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park which is owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Ancient sandstone has been carved away by the Katherine River to create a deep and picturesque gorge. You may like to take a boat cruise or paddle a canoe (seasonal) through the peaceful water (both optional and additional cost) before retiring to our campsite nearby. (L,D)
• Day 5 Katherine to Banka Banka (via Mataranka)
  A great start to the day, is a soak in the Mataranka Thermal Pools, a lush oasis fringed by paperbark trees. No trip to the ‘Territory’ is complete without a visit to the Daly Waters Pub, an important watering hole for explorers and drovers in days gone by and now a great spot for a cold beer, a bit of history and a ‘fair dinkum outback experience’! Our day winds to a close at historic Banka Banka Cattle Station where we camp for the night. (B,L,D)
• Day 6 Banka Banka to Alice Springs
  We pass through Tennant Creek and then further along the track are the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) which are a collection of gigantic granite boulders magically balanced on top of one another. Later in the day we cross the Tropic of Capricorn (only 20% of the Northern Territory lays south of this point) then a short time later we arrive into Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included, dinner at own expense. (B,L)
• Day 7 Alice Springs
  A day of leisure to either relax or explore the Red Centre township of Alice Springs. All activities and meals are at your own expense. Accommodation is included.
• Day 8 Alice Springs to Uluru
  From Alice Springs, we journey across the rugged Outback to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Nothing will prepare you for the sight of Uluru – it’s awesome! We learn about the region’s indigenous history at the Uluru Kata Tjuta Aboriginal Cultural Centre before taking an easy walk around the base of Uluru and learn more about Aboriginal interpretations from your Culturally Accredited Groovy Guide. There’s no better way to finish the day than watching the amazing sunset over Uluru, before snuggling inside your swag under the star-studded desert sky.
• Day 9 Kata Tjuta
  After an early breakfast, we’ll head to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) for a sunrise and visit the majestic Valley of the Winds, with its ancient rock formations and extraordinary views. The hikes here can be challenging at times with steep sections and duration of about 3 ½ hours. We relax back at our campground, take a dip in the swimming pool or join one of our adrenalin options such as Skydiving over Uluru! (BLD)
• Day 10 Kings Canyon
  Today we set out for Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), you’ll need to stop to admire and photograph the massive sandstone walls, vast canyon floor and breath-taking gorges. On the Canyon Rim Walk (3-4 hours) experience the beautiful Garden of Eden and learn more about local Aboriginal culture. (BLD)
• Day 11 Coober Pedy
  Along the way to Coober Pedy – the Opal Capital of the World – you’ll notice the incredible change of scenery. We’ll get the chance to visit the Opal Mine and Museum where we’ll learn the history of the town. The highlight for some is visiting Josephine’s Kangaroo Orphanage, where you can meet the rescued kangaroos and baby joeys and admire (or buy) Aboriginal art and didgeridoos. Soon after you’ll get the chance to taste one of the most amazing pizzas in the outback before spending the night in a bunkhouse sleeping the way the locals do – underground! (BLD)
• Day 12 Coober Pedy to Flinders Ranges
  After breakfast, we journey south into the foothills of the magnificent Flinders Ranges. On the way, we stop at Pimba and get a chance to view the salt lakes. We’ll stop en route for lunch before driving to Wilmington where we’ll sleep among the red gum trees.. (BLD)
• Day 13 Alligator Gorge to Adelaide
  We enjoy a morning walk through the stunning Alligator Gorge, which is sometimes bursting with wildflowers and amazing wildlife: you might get the chance to spot kangaroos or wallabies. We enjoy our last lunch together, before heading to Adelaide. (BL)
• Day 14 Adelaide
  A day of leisure to either relax or explore Adelaide. All activities and meals are at your own expense. Hostel accommodation is included. (No meals)
  
• Day 15 Adelaide to Flinders Chase Farm
  From our comfortable bus, you will appreciate the fantastic coastal views as we head towards Kangaroo Island along the Fleurieu Peninsula. After driving for 90 minutes, we hop aboard the ferry for the 45-minute cruise to the picturesque beachside village of Penneshaw.
  Our first stop will be at Pennington bay for a fantastic photo opportunity on one of the most scenic Kangaroo Island beaches, and who knows, if we are lucky we might spot a few dolphins!
  The highlight for many is the guided tour along the pure-white beach of Seal Bay, where you can walk within meters of countless Australian Sea Lions snoozing on the sand or frolicking in the surf. Or maybe your favorite part will be the Flinders Chase National Park in the far west of the island, which hosts two extraordinary geological features: The Remarkable Rocks and The Admirals Arch, which is also home to a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals. (L,D)
• Day 16 Flinders Chase Farm to Adelaide
  After breakfast, our wildlife adventure continues! In the cooler morning weather, we can hike one of the many walking trails on the island where you can watch kangaroos hopping about the bush, koalas nesting in their favourite gum trees and possibly spot a shy echidna shuffling past. In the summer months, we spend some time swimming and snorkelling in search of the elusive leafy sea dragon which resides off the coast. You can laze about Vivonne Bay, Hanson Bay, Stokes Bay or one of the other superb beach spots with their pristine sand and clear water, or alternatively you can follow the nearby trail along the beach and river to search for more wildlife.
  The action-packed afternoon starts with sand-boarding down the Little Sahara dunes. We leisurely paddle with kayaks along the Harriet River, but if you do crave something more adventurous, quad-biking along rocky paths through dense scrub is an optional extra.
  From Penneshaw, we take the ferry to Cape Jervis for the drive back to Adelaide, arriving at around 8:30pm. (B,L) Accommodation included.
• Day 17 Adelaide to the Barossa Valley and return
  First stop for the day is at Gumeracha, home to the World’s Largest Wooden Rocking Horse. It also boasts a café and Australia’s only remaining wooden toy factory. There, we can hand-feed the remarkably tame kangaroos and wallabies.
  In Williamstown, the gateway to the Barossa, we visit the astonishing Whispering Wall. As tall as a 9-story building and constructed in a perfect semi-circle over 110 years ago, it’s possible to hear someone whisper from one end of the dam wall to the other end, 140 metres away.
  Our first wine stop is the world-famous Jacob’s Creek, the largest wine exporter in the valley. A local guide will provide an informative explanation of their wines and offer a selection of their famed shiraz, merlot and rosé for tasting. Our next stop, Kies, is a family-owned boutique winery, where the setting is quaint and the service is personal. Their exquisite wines are not available for sale anywhere else in the world.
  For lunch, we’ll head to Saltram’s for gourmet pizzas. You’ll also get the chance to do a cellar door tour and taste a selection of their wines.
  After lunch, we’ll slowly make our way to our final winery Lambert Estate Wines, a family-owned business that made their name thanks to their Chocolate port! Finally, we’ll stop by Menglers Hill lookout for a superb view of the Barossa Valley and the sculpture park before heading back to Adelaide, arriving at approximately 5 pm. (L) Accommodation included..
• Day 18 Adelaide to Grampians National Park
  We escape the city and cruise through the scenic Adelaide Hills with a morning stop to grab a bite to eat and a tea or coffee. We stop for lunch before entering Halls Gap, the gateway to the famed Grampians National Park. Once in the national park, we take a walk to MacKenzie Falls. At around dusk, when wildlife, such as wallabies, kangaroos, cockatoos, and kookaburras, come out to play, we walk (an easy 1 hour) through rocky outcrops and forests to The Balconies, another stunning geological formation. Tonight, we sleep in dormitory-style accommodation in the heart of the Grampians. (L,D)
• Day 19 Grampians National Park to Twelve Apostles
  We wake up and hike 2 hours to The Pinnacle, probably the finest viewpoint in the Grampians. We visit the Brambuk Cultural Centre to learn about the local Aboriginal history, before departing this wondrous place. For lunch, we stop somewhere truly spectacular: The Tower Hill Reserve, home to wetlands, a lake, abundant wildlife and a dormant volcano. The magnificent Great Ocean Road beckons! We stop at several extraordinary rock formations along the Shipwreck Coast, such as the Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge. For many, the most amazing sight is the famed Twelve Apostles. You can even view these sights aboard a helicopter flight (extra cost). This spectacular collection of limestone stacks is best appreciated at sunset from the boardwalk. Tonight, we stay in dormitory style accommodation on the Great Ocean Road. (B,L,D)
• Day 20 Great Ocean Road to Melbourne
  We start our final day with an easy walk through the Great Otway National Park, which boasts some of the world’s oldest temperate rainforest. Sections of the Great Ocean Road were carved through cliffs by servicemen returning after World War 1 and offer some of the most impressive coastal roads you’ll ever see. You can take a quick dip in the ocean or explore the artistic beachside villages of Apollo Bay and Lorne. You can watch surfers in action at famed beaches such as Bells Beach and Torquay (home of the surf brand outlets Rip Curl and Quicksilver) before making our way to The Big City. (B,L)

Real Aussie Says:

Real Aussie Adventures is about adventure and getting involved. We don’t define by age but our trips are quite active. We get travelers from all over the world, people traveling by themselves, couples and groups. this tour takes in all the highlights Melbourne to Darwin including an island stay on Kangaroo Island. So many awesome hikes, sunsets, and fun to be had on this tour.

Please contact us with any questions

Departure information

Starts

Wednesday's year-round. Pick up 6.30am from central Darwin accommodation

(except 3 Apr; 11, 18 and 25 Dec 2019 and 1 Jan, 9 and 16 Dec 2020.)

Ends

Melbourne

This trip can also be run in reverse

20 Day Melbourne to Darwin Tour Package including 2 Day Kangaroo Island Tour & Barossa Valley Day Tour