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 to Kangaroo Island
  Sit back and enjoy the fabulous coastal drive towards Kangaroo Island via the Fleurieu Peninsula. At Cape Jervis you will take the ferry across Backstairs Passage to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.
  
  Once on Kangaroo Island your island experience begins with the panoramic views from the top of Prospect Hill.
  
  Over the next two days you will experience wildlife and wilderness including up close encounters with sea lions on a beach walk at Seal Bay, sand-boarding at Little Sahara, kayaking down the Harriet River, snorkelling and swimming at beautiful North Coast beaches and bush quad biking at sunset (optional extra).
  
  Your overnight accommodation is at a farmhouse at Flinders Chase surrounded by koalas, kangaroos, possums and the occasional echidna. After dinner, which might be an Aussie BBQ or alternative, spend your night storytelling, wildlife spotting and playing the didgeridoo (L,D).
• Day 15 Kangaroo Island to Adelaide
  In the morning we explore Flinders Chase National Park, the largest on the island, with a short hike. Flinders Chase is home to vast tracts of untamed wilderness, the elusive platypus and other wildlife which you might see.
  
  Today we visit Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, where you can view a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals.
  
  Late in the afternoon you will return to the ferry at Penneshaw for the return crossing to Cape Jervis and the drive back to Adelaide, usually arriving at about 8.30pm. Accommodation is included (B,L)
• Day 16 Barossa Valley
  In Williamstown, the gateway to the Barossa, we visit the astonishing Whispering Wall*. As tall as a 9-storey 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.
  
  As the vine leaves replace the gum trees, we enter the largest and most celebrated wine region in Australia. Our first 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 Wolf Blass. This world-renowned winery created in 1966 is one of the world’s most awarded wine brands. We will get the chance to taste their wide range of wines before we pop into our final winery: Lambert Estate 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 before heading back to Adelaide, arriving at approximately 5 pm. Accommodation in Adelaide is included (L)
• Day 17 Explore Adelaide
  Today you have a free day in Adelaide to explore or relax. Have a look around the city or take this day to do your washing and catch up on your travel blog. Short train ride in Adelaide takes you to Glenelg for some beach time. Or you can walk around the city and spot the famous churches. Accommodation in Adelaide is included but no meals or activities today.
• Day 18 Adelaide to Grampians National Park
  Leaving Adelaide sit back and enjoy the landscapes through the Adelaide Hills on the way to lunch at Mt. Arapiles. At the Grampians National Park you will spend the afternoon hiking to the bottom of MacKenzie Falls and enjoy the views from The Balconies lookout point. Later in the day, you might see kangaroos and other wildlife come out to play. Tonight you will stay in the heart of the Grampians National Park in hostel accommodation. (LD)
• Day 19 Grampians National Park to Twelve Apostles
  This morning you will visit the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre before doing some more hiking in the beautiful Grampians. Enjoy lunch at Tower Hill Reserve, the site of a dormant volcano, wetland, lake and home to lots of wildlife. Travelling along the Great Ocean Road highlights include the iconic Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Bay of Martyrs not to mention the spectacular coastal scenery in the area, finishing the day with a sunset at the Twelve Apostles rock formation. Overnight you will stay in hostel accommodation on the Great Ocean Road. (BLD)
  
• Day 20 Great Ocean Road to Melbourne
  At the Otway National Park, take a walk through some ancient temperate (cool) rainforest. Parts of the Great Ocean Road were carved by returned WWI servicemen; their legacy has created one of the most spectacular coastal roads you will ever see. Further along the Great Ocean Road are the beachside towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne. The famous surf coast includes visits to Anglesea, Bells Beach and Torquay (home of surf wear brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver). Your final stop is at the Split Point Lighthouse featured in the Round the Twist television series, before heading through Geelong to arrive in Melbourne at approximately 7pm. (BL)

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