18 Day Adelaide To Darwin Tour Package

    Travel the Explorer Highway through the heart of Australia and watch the vast landscapes change from the ocean to arid red desert and finally to a green tropical paradise.

    Get ready to embark on the ultimate Aussie adventure with our Adelaide to Darwin Tour Package! You’ll get to witness the stunning natural beauty of Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Coober Pedy, explore the wild wonders of Kakadu and Litchfield, all while enjoying top-notch accommodation, expert tour guides, and the excitement of camping under the stars! Let’s go!

    Our Adelaide To Darwin Tour Package is an unforgettable overland journey through some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes. You’ll travel through rugged outback terrain, explore ancient Indigenous sites, swim in pristine waterholes, and encounter unique wildlife along the way. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this is the ultimate way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Australian Outback.

    On this Adelaide to Darwin tour, you will start in Adelaide. Arrive and check into the YHA, then explore Adelaide. Your first day of touring is a fun wine tour to the Barossa wine region. The next day you will start your adventure north as you take the tour from Adelaide to Uuru. Venture to the underground town of Coober Pedy. Here you can pan for Opals and stay in our famous underground hostel.

    Once you get to the Red Centre it’s time to explore Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon afterward spend some time in Alice Springs.

    You will then head even further North through Australia’s Northern Territory from Alice Springs to Darwin on the overnight Greyhound bus. Then it’s time to get tropical in Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, by spending a few days exploring the parks and swimming in the waterfalls and streams. Finishing in Darwin with a bunch of new friends.

    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, friends and groups. Our tour walking and hiking in Kakadu National Park, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon requires a good level of fitness. This budget Adelaide to Darwin tour is staying in multi-share hostel dorm accommodation, swags on the ground, and safari tents.

    If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, our Adelaide to Darwin Tour Package is the way to go! As the most popular overland bus tour offered by Real Aussie Adventures, we highly recommend booking well in advance to secure your spot.

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    Title Description Regular Special Quantity

    $4,095

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      AD15

      Itinerary

      Day 1: Arrive into Adelaide and overnight at Adelaide YHA

      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

      Day 2: Barossa Valley Day Tour

      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

      Day 3: Free day Adelaide + Greyhound Coach to Coober Pedy

      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

      Day 4: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

      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

      Day 5: Flinders Ranges to William Creek via the Oodnadatta Track

      *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

      Day 6: William Creek to Coober Pedy

      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.

      Overnight: Umoona Opal Mine – underground bunk, multi-share
      Meals included: Breakfast

      Day 7: Coober Pedy to Watarrka/Kings Canyon

      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.

      Overnight: Swag camping at Kings Creek Station
      Meals included: Breakfast

      Day 8: Watarrka/Kings Canyon to Uluru

      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.

      Overnight: Swag camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground
      Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      Day 9: Uluru

      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.

      Overnight: Swag camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground
      Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      Day 10: Kata Tjuta to Yulara

      On the final day of the tour, an early start 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.

      Your outback adventure ends in the late morning on our return to Yulara.
      From here you will be catching an included bus transfer from Yulara to Alice Springs, arriving around 7pm.

      Overnight: YHA Alice Springs or similar
      Meals included: Breakfast

      Day 11: Free day Alice Springs

      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.

      Overnight: YHA Alice Springs or similar
      Meals included: None

      Day 12: Overnight Greyhound

      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 05:30pm (subject to change), and arrive the following afternoon in Darwin at approximately 03:05pm

      Overnight: Overland Greyhound
      Meals included: None

      Day 13: Arrive Darwin

      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 to purchase dinner here, and the sit on the beach as the sun sets, a wonderful way to spend your first night in the Top End!

      Overnight: Melaleuca on Mitchell or similar
      Meals included: None

      Day 14: Day at leisure in Darwin

      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.

      Overnight: Melaleuca on Mitchell or similar
      Meals included: None

      Day 15: Darwin to Kakadu National Park

      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

      Overnight: Jabiru Campground – Permanent Safari Tents (communal bathroom facilities)
      Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

      Day 16: Kakadu Waterfalls & Plunge Pools

      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

      Overnight: Jabiru Campground – Permanent Tents (communal bathroom facilities)
      Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      Highlights
      What To Bring
      Booking Info

      • Adelaide City at your leisure
      • Wine tasting at three of Barossa Valley’s most famous wineries and Australia’s largest rocking horse.
      • Coober Pedy underground tour including an Opal Mine and Museum, some opal noodling and the spectacular Breakaways.
      • Free time in Alice Springs, the spiritual heart of Australi.a
      • Hike the World Heritage sites of Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park.
      • Hike the rim and amphitheatre of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.
      • Visit the township of Katherine and canoe Nitmiluk Gorge (optional extra)
      • Learn about Australia’s oldest culture with rock art, amazing scenery and waterfalls in World Heritage Kakadu National Park.
      • Cruise the Mary River Wetlands with a guarantee of crocodiles and other wildlife.
      • Swim in magnificent waterfalls in Litchfield National Park

      • Walking shoes/boots
      • Hat & sunscreen,
      • Water bottle (refillable while on tour)
      • Insect repellent
      • Bathers/swimmers
      • Towel
      • Sleeping bag (or can be hired on each camping tour in the outback for $30 each)

      • This package is a combination of independent travel and joining scheduled tour departures
      • Some of the touring operators, as part of their COVID-Safe protocols, require all passengers to complete an online check-in, including a ‘Fit for Travel’ self-declaration to confirm they are free from illness. This is mandatory and must be completed at the latest 24 hours before departure.
      • Prior to arrival you will be provided with vouchers and information for each component of
        the package, providing pick up times and other details for the accommodation and tour/activity providers.
      • Different specialist guides will be used in each region of guided travel to ensure the greatest knowledge in each area.
      • During the shoulder season in Kakadu some waterfall areas may not be accessible and during this time we may need to substitute some locations with others.
      • Itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal, cultural and weather conditions. If an attraction cannot be visited due to closure your guide will arrange for another attraction to take its place.
      • Luggage should be kept to 15kg in a soft bag or backpack with an additional day pack.
      • This package is not suitable for children.
      • The safari tours in this package are participatory, and guests will help with the preparation and cooking of meals, dish-washing and other tasks which may include collecting firewood.
      • A minimum number of 6 passengers is required to operate the tour. It may therefore be necessary to cancel a scheduled departure and to offer an alternative or full refund for that tour if minimum numbers are not met. Real Aussie Adventures will always strive to find the best suitable alternative for your client on the rare occasion a cancellation occurs.
      • Please advise of any medical/dietary/allergy requirements at time of booking. Further information and documentation may be required.
        Moderate fitness level is required, and you need to be prepared for walks between 3-12 kilometres on some days. This may involve rough ground and perhaps getting wet.
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