21 Day Adelaide to Darwin Tour with Kangaroo Island

Today you will arrive any time into Adelaide and check into the YHA at your leisure. Overnight share accommodation included. Check in time is from 2pm, however if you arrive early, you can leave your luggage with reception, and get out and explore Adelaide. If you are arriving at lunch time, only an 8 minute walk from the hostel, are the Adelaide Central Market and Chinatown where you have many amazing different cuisines and cheap eats to choose from.

Overnight: Adelaide – YHA Adelaide Central or similar

Meals included: None

This morning you will head off on your first tour to the Barossa Valley with Taste the Barossa.

This is a great day out, firstly visiting the worlds’ largest rocking horse and wildlife park in Gumeracha.

Your first winery stop for the day will be an interactive tasting at Jacobs Creek, one of the best known wineries in the world. We then experience a second wine tasting and same great home-made pizza for lunch at Lambert Estate Vineyard.

After lunch you will take in majestic views of the region from the Menglers Hill Lookout before stopping at your third and final structured wine tasting at Wolf Blass Wines as you return back to Adelaide in the late afternoon with a new bunch of mates.

Overnight: YHA Adelaide Central or similar
Meals included: Lunch

Today, an early start is required to catch your 6.45am SeaLink bus transfer from Adelaide CBD to the ferry terminal at Cape Jervis. Board the ferry for a 45-minute cruise to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.
Your Untamed Escapes Guide will meet you here and give you an overview of the adventure ahead for the next few days.

Hop on board the bus and take a scenic coastal drive to Pennington Bay on the island’s south coast. With powerful swells rolling in, this beach is famed for its epic surf breaks. Climb the 500 steps to the top of Prospect Hill, the highest point on Kangaroo Island, for rewarding views and to get your bearings.

Next, travel to one of the island’s most breathtaking beaches, Emu Bay.
Here we will have lunch and time to cool down with a swim in the turquoise waters before weaving our way through a labyrinth of caves and emerging at Stokes Bay.
Voted the best beach in Australia in 2023, enjoy some free time to snorkel among the rock pools or soak up the magical landscape surrounding you.

Visit Kangaroo Island’s first cellar-door microbrewery – the perfect place to relax.

Come late afternoon, arrive at our eco-campsite at the eastern end of the island, where the isolation, ruggedness and beauty are striking.

After dinner, head out on a nocturnal wildlife-spotting adventure.
Nighttime is when many of the native animals found on the island are at their most active.

Tonight, roll out your swag underneath the billions of stars of the Milky Way and feel an incredible connection with nature.

Today we drive approximately 240 km

Overnight: Swag Camping at Pelican Lagoon Lodge
Meals included: Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll set our coordinates for Flinders Chase National Park, located at the northwestern point of the island.
This park is renowned for its rock formations, impressive beaches, and abundant wildlife.

At Admirals Arch, wander along a boardwalk as you soak up the serenity and keep your eyes peeled for the resident New Zealand fur seals.
Marvel at the iconic Remarkable Rocks, shaped by nature for over 500 million years.
Take a bush walk at Weirs Cove before a picnic lunch to refuel.

This afternoon you will have the chance to make your journey meaningful by taking part in a volunteer conservation effort at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
This 2,000-hectare wilderness sanctuary is a haven for native wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, possums, echidnas, reptiles and birdlife.
Like most of Kangaroo Island, it was devastated by the 2020 bushfires and has since become a story of resilience, recovery and regeneration.
Our conservation work depends on the time of year but may involve seed collecting, tree planting or counting wildlife.

Next, it’s time for an incredible wildlife encounter. Seal Bay is home to the third-largest colony of endangered Australian sea lions, with around 800 calling the bay home.
Join a 45-minute tour with the National Parks & Wildlife guides, who know pretty much everything there is to know about these beautiful creatures.
Follow a boardwalk through the dunes down to the beach, and on the way, pass sea lions snoozing or even lying in the middle of the beach path and learn about conservation efforts to save this endangered species.

After a full day, head back towards camp to reflect and relax over dinner before rolling out your swag and counting shooting stars.
Today we drive approximately 295 km.

Overnight: Swag Camping at Pelican Lagoon Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It’s up early today to take the short drive to Penneshaw for your 8.30 am ferry back to the mainland. But we have time for one last bush walk before farewelling your Guide.

Once you arrive in Cape Jervis, your SeaLink bus connection will have you back in Adelaide at 11 am.

After arriving at the terminal, make your way to your accommodation and store your luggage with reception until check-in time so that you can spend the afternoon exploring Adelaide

Overnight: YHA Adelaide Central or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Your eight-day outback adventure begins early morning in Adelaide, where your Storyteller Guide will greet you.
After a caffeine stop at the coastal town of Port Wakefield, arrive in the Southern Flinders Ranges for a morning hike at Alligator Gorge. Located in Mount Remarkable National Park, this is the perfect way to start the tour.

After lunch, have a quick stroll around Quorn, famous for the Pichi Richi Railway.

Arrive at Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and embark on a hike at Arkaroo Rock, a significant cultural site for the local Adnyamathanha people.

This afternoon, experience a Welcome to Country in the Adnyamathanha people’s language at Wilpena Pound Resort.

Feeling connected to Country and nature, arrive at Skytrek Willow Springs Station. This 70,000-acre working sheep station features secluded bush camping and is our base while we unearth the Flinders Ranges.

After a tasty dinner prepared by your Guide, kick back and enjoy front-row seats to one of the most spectacular light shows on Earth.
The Flinders Ranges is famed as having some of the Southern Hemisphere’s clearest skies. Roll out your swag under a blanket of stars twinkling over the ancient landscape.

The driving distance today is approximately 510km.

Overnight: Swag camping at Skytrek Willow Springs Station
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

The fossils discovered in the Flinders Ranges are so old that geologists had to revise the geologic timeline of Earth’s history, identifying a new era called the Ediacaran period.

After breakfast, we will unearth more of this amazing park as we pull on our hiking boots for a morning hike through tall river red gums and past waterholes, culminating with breathtaking views over the surrounding wilderness.

Regeneration is in our DNA, so today, we will meet with a Park Ranger to learn about conservation efforts within Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. We can also give back by participating in some meaningful conservation work.

After lunch, we’ll take a magical scenic drive at Brachina Gorge.

Quench your thirst with a well-deserved drink at an iconic country pub before returning to camp to relax and have dinner.

Driving time today is approximately 3 hours.

Overnight: Swag camping at Skytrek Willow Springs Station
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

*Note: The Oodnadatta Track is an unsealed dirt road, and the conditions of the track depend heavily on the weather. If the road is deemed unsafe to drive on, or there is a possibility that sections of the road will close after we have commenced driving on the track, your Guide reserves the right to alter the itinerary and take a different route.

Today we are getting off the beaten path and travelling along a section of one of Australia’s most iconic unsealed roads, the iconic Oodnadatta Track.

Drive through eerie and moonlike desert scenery as the landscape uncovers highlights like Lake Eyre (Australia’s largest salt lake) and the Mutonia Sculpture Park.

Travel through Anna Creek Station, the world’s largest working cattle station. Covering an area of six million acres, it is equivalent to the size of Belgium!

Come late afternoon, arrive in the tiny outback settlement of William Creek. In the middle of nowhere, on the way to somewhere, this quirky town with a population of ten is an icon of the South Australian Outback.

After dinner, you might like to enjoy a cold drink in the heritage-listed William Creek Hotel, which opened in 1887. Then curl up in your swag under the stars in the campground.

The total driving today is approximately 500km.

Overnight: Swag camping at William Creek
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, journey to the famous underground town of Coober Pedy.

The opal capital of Australia features a sun-baked lunar landscape, fascinating history and a unique way of life. Visit the town’s main attraction, Umoona Opal Mine & Museum. Go ‘noodling’ or fossicking and learn about these precious stones during an opal-cutting demonstration.

Afterwards, visit Josephine’s Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage. Established in 2008 to take in orphaned kangaroos from the far north of South Australia, it is about the size of Germany!

The gallery here is a world-class Aboriginal Art Gallery with an extensive range of Aboriginal artefacts and significant works by many of Australia’s best-known Indigenous artists.

The rest of the day is yours to do whatever you please, and there is plenty to explore.

Stay in a unique underground bunkhouse tonight and grab dinner at one of the many underground eateries.

Today, the driving distance is approximately 170km.

Accommodation

Umoona Opal Mine – underground bunk, multi-share

Meals

Breakfast

Today we have some distance to cover.

Travel north, past the Dingo Fence and the Aboriginal Heritage site, The Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, where you will be mesmerised by the scenery of the Moon Plains.

Then, crossing into the Northern Territory, travel onwards to Watarrka National Park, the site of Kings Canyon.

Come late afternoon, arrive at our campsite at the Kings Creek Station.
Relax, soak up the serenity, and, on warmer days, enjoy a swim in the pool.

Have your camera ready for a stunning desert sunset from the sunset viewing platform before dinner at the Station restaurant eatery and settling in for the night.

Today, we drive approximately 770km.

Accommodation

Swag camping at Kings Creek Station

Meals

Breakfast

It’s an early start this morning for the spellbinding Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which is guaranteed to be one of the most magical experiences of your life.

With its 300-metre-high sandstone walls, hidden waterholes, fern forests, chasms, canyons and caverns, Watarrka National Park is central Australia’s answer to an oasis.

Take in the 360-degree views and journey through Priscilla’s Crack, made famous by the classic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

From there, see the sandstone domes known as the Lost City and the lush greenery and watering hole of the aptly named Garden of Eden.

After lunch, rest your legs on the drive to our final destination, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Late this afternoon, watch an unforgettable sunset over Uluru before retreating to camp for dinner.

Then, roll out your swag upon the red Earth and under billions of stars after dinner at camp.

Driving today is approximately 350km.

Accommodation

Swag camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rising early, breathe deep and soak up the serenity of a sunrise over Uluru.

As the sunlight plays with the landscape, the rock formations change colour before your eyes.

Next, it’s time to get close to this natural wonder. At 348 metres high and some 550 million years old, feel a powerful presence the moment you set eyes on it.

A guided 10km Uluru base walk is your best opportunity to connect with Uluru and learn its stories. Relax beside tranquil waterholes, take a break under a magnificent Sheoak tree and peer into hidden caves.

Afterwards, stop for lunch and visit the Cultural Centre to deepen your understanding of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You can learn about Anangu culture and the park’s natural environment through exhibits and free presentations with Anangu and park rangers.

This afternoon, experience a fun and inspiring dot painting workshop with a talented local Anangu artist and interpreter.

During this wonderful 1.5-hour authentic experience, you will learn about ancient symbols used in Anangu art and teachings and will be taught some introductory Pitjantjatjara words (the local language spoken by Anangu). Use this knowledge to create your own artwork to take home and treasure forever.

This afternoon, return to camp for some free time. Relax by the pool or enjoy some of the activities at Ayers Rock Resort, such as a didgeridoo performance, a guided garden walk or discovering artifacts at the museum.

Enjoy a tasty dinner at camp tonight.

Today we only drive around 60km.

You may walk up to 10km today if you do the full Uluru base-walk. However, shorter Uluru walks are available.

Accommodation

Swag camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early start this morning is rewarded with a spellbinding Kata Tjuta sunrise.

Translating to the Pitjantjatjara word for ‘Many Heads’, the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta are a defining feature of the Red Centre landscape both topographically and spiritually.

Rising 546 metres above the surrounding plain, its tip is the highest point for miles, while the site’s ridges and ravines are closely connected with numerous Indigenous creation-time stories. Many of these stories are kept secret from outsiders, but you’ll learn a little about the local Anangu culture and appreciate the beauty of their land on a rewarding hike.

After returning to Yulara, you will be catching an included bus transfer to Alice Springs, arriving around 7pm.

Accommodation

YHA Alice Springs or similar

Meals

Breakfast

Alice Springs has a range of attractions within a short distance from town. Why not visit the Araluen Cultural Precinct, School of the Air, Old Telegraph Station, Desert Wildlife Park, Anzac Hill, the Western Macdonnell Ranges or soar above the desert in a hot air balloon.

Alice also has a range of quirky bars or cafes, so there are plenty of options for food and drink.

Accommodation

YHA Alice Springs or similar

Meals

None

Free morning to explore more of the local activities available.

This afternoon you will be jumping on the Greyhound for a journey up the middle of the Northern Territory, to get to Darwin.

The Greyhound will depart at approximately 5:30pm (subject to change), and arrive the following afternoon in Darwin at approximately 3:05pm

Accommodation

Overland Greyhound Bus

Meals

None

Arriving into Darwin in the afternoon, you will get your first taste of the tropics.

During certain months of the dry season, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are on Sunday evenings.
There are many stalls with a variety of food choices, local art, souvenirs and entertainment. A wonderful way to spend your first night in the Top End!

Accommodation

Melaleuca on Mitchell or similar

Meals

None

A free day in Darwin to explore the city at your own pace. There are many activities to be had if you wish, including the main attractions of Crocosaurus Cove and the Cyclone Tracy exhibit at the Darwin Museum.

Those in search of greater adventure can look to book optional activities (at own expense) that include Jet Skiing, Go Karts and a whole lot more.

Accommodation

Melaleuca on Mitchell or similar

Meals

None

Start your adventure by departing from Darwin and head out to the Mary River Wetlands region onboard Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise, a great opportunity to spot a huge range of Top End birdlife, not to mention some apex predators… crocodiles!

We journey on to Kakadu National Park visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre which offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife. After some relaxation at camp, we journey north to Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

We will visit one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world at Ubirr rock upon sunset.

This incredibly significant site showcases many styles of Rock Art and allows us to climb up high for a sunset that will blow you away looking out over the Nadab Floodplain.

After a big day, we head back to our cozy private camp and prepare dinner together, enjoying an evening with our fellow travellers.

Driving Distance: 420km

Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 3, flat pathways and a gradual climb up a rock face to the vantage point on top. Requires a minimum moderate fitness and mobility.

Accommodation

Jabiru Campground – Permanent Tents (communal bathroom facilities)

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

We rise and shine early and make our way south in Kakadu National Park.

Today we’ll spend the day soaking up the spectacular natural beauty of the area, hiking through lush monsoon rainforests, swimming in pristine plunge pools and waterfalls surrounded by steep escarpments and rocky cliffs.

We aim to visit one or more of the available waterfalls depending on group physical ability to complete the hike(s). This can include any of the following: Motor Car Falls, Moline Rockhole, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), or Jim Jim Falls. There are many factors affecting accessibility although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible.

Time permitting, we stop at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), another indigenous rock art site where archaeologists have uncovered works dating back over 20,000 years old.

We explore the evolving social, cultural and environmental changes to the area over time before making our way back to camp for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest.

Driving Distance: 150km

Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km – 4km Grade 6

Accommodation

Jabiru Campground – Permanent Tents (communal bathroom facilities)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An exciting day awaits as we head out of Kakadu National Park and travel towards Litchfield National Park.
We spend the afternoon immersed in Litchfield’s natural oasis of waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments.

We’ll spend time in any combination of Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls or Florence Falls for a refreshing soak in picturesque rock holes and waterfalls.

Discover the uniquely impressive Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds before making our way back to Darwin, arriving back to your accommodation at approximately 7:00pm.

Driving Distance: 500km

Hike Distance and Grading: 1 – 2 km Grade 2-3

Accommodation

Melaleuca on Mitchell or similar

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Your itinerary finishes in Darwin today.

Meals

None