10 day Melbourne to Alice Springs Tour

Melbourne to Alice Springs

10 day Melbourne to Alice Springs Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Melbourne to Twelve Apostles

The first stops out of Melbourne are the famous surf coast icons, Torquay (home of surf wear brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver), Bells Beach and Anglesea. Further along the Great Ocean Road are the towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne where you can swim, explore or just relax with a cup of coffee. 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.

At the Otway National Park, it’s time for lunch and a walk through some ancient temperate (cool) rainforest. What better way to finish the day than with a sunset at the Twelve Apostles rock formation. Tonight you will stay in hostel accommodation on the Great Ocean Road. (LD)

Day 2 – Great Ocean Road to Grampians National Park

The highlights today on the Great Ocean Road include Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Bay of Martyrs not to mention the spectacular coastal scenery in the area. After lunch you will leave the coast and head inland to the Grampians National Park.

Here 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. (BLD)

Day 3 – Grampians National Park to Adelaide

This morning you will visit the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre before doing some more hiking in the beautiful Grampians. On the way to Adelaide you will stop at Mt. Arapiles for lunch. In the afternoon sit back and enjoy the landscapes and drive to Adelaide where you will arrive at approximately 7.00pm. (BL)

Day 4 – Adelaide

A free day to relax or explore the city of Adelaide. Activities and meals are at additional cost. Overnight accommodation is included.

Day 5 – Adelaide to Southern Flinders Ranges

We start our adventure traveling through the vineyards of the Clare Valley wine region, but soon enough we’re heading into the rugged Outback through the historic town of Melrose, gateway to the Flinders Ranges. We enjoy an easy stroll through the awesome Alligator Gorge, which is sometimes bursting with wildflowers. We’ll then settle in the heart of the Southern Flinders Ranges for the night. (LD)

Day 6 – Flinders Ranges to Coober Pedy

Along the way to Coober Pedy – the Opal Capital of the World – you’ll notice the incredible changing landscapes. Wildlife, such as kangaroos, emus and eagles will scatter as road trains thunder across a landscape that resembles Mars or the Moon. On a tour of an underground Opal Mine and Museum, you’ll learn about the history of Coober Pedy. A 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. Tonight, we sleep like the locals do – underground, in bunkhouse accommodation (dorm option). (BLD)

Day 7 – Coober Pedy to Kings Canyon

It’s a big day driving up the Stuart Highway, with several pit stops en route. Our mission today is to reach the majestic Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we’ll camp for the night on an authentic station. (BLD)

Day 8 – Kings Canyon to Uluru

We get up early to explore Watarrka (Kings Canyon), where you’ll need to stop to admire and photograph the massive sandstone walls, vast canyon floor and stunning gorges. On the Canyon Rim Walk (3-4 hours), you’ll experience the beautiful Garden of Eden and learn more about the local Aboriginal culture. After lunch, we begin our journey into Uluru. Nothing will prepare you for the sight of The Rock. We quickly set up camp before learning about the local Aboriginal History at the Uluru Kata Tjuta Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Soon after we’ll be experiencing our first awe-inspiring Uluru sunset, taking time to absorb the beauty and majesty of this place. (BLD)

Day 9 – Uluru

We start the day at dawn taking a (3 ½ hour) walk around the base of Uluru. Hiking through acacia woodlands and grassy clay pans, you’ll spot wildlife at waterholes, marvel at Uluru’s geological wonders and learn more about Aboriginal interpretations from your culturally accredited guide. Later, you will relax back at our campground or join one of our Adrenalin Plus options. (BLD)

Day 10 – Uluru to Alice Springs

After devouring yet another scrumptious breakfast we’ll experience a glorious sunrise over Kata Tjuta, before we hike to lookouts around Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and visit the majestic Valley of the Winds with its ancient rock formations and extraordinary views. After lunch, we’ll hit the road to Alice Springs, arriving approximately at 6:30 pm. (BL)

What’s included in your 10 Day Melbourne to Alice Springs Tour?

• 3 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians adventure
• 1 Day to explore Adelaide
• 6 day Adelaide to Alice Springs outback tour
• Experienced guides
• Meals as indicated
• Camping fees and equipment.
• National Park Fees

This package is a combination of safari products and therefore the guide and passengers will differ during each section. Passengers will be staying independently at the accommodation (included) between each of the safaris.

Camping/dorm customers will spend 6 nights in dorm share and 3 nights camping in swags only. Camping/twin/double/single customers will spend 6 nights in a private room (4 nights private facilities, 2 nights shared facilities), 2 nights camping in swags or dome tents and 1 night in a permanent safari tent (shared facilities)

Twin/double fare can only be booked by two people travelling together. We also occasionally take children (5 years and above, in twin share only) and those over 60 with medical clearance and excellent fitness levels. Please contact us.

Sleeping bags are included for twin/double/single customers. Dorm customers will be required to pay a $30 fee to their guide in Adelaide. Passengers are permitted to bring their own sleeping bags. Please specify this when booking.

We endorse the recommendation of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance.

Meals included as indicated

Uluru: Moderate level of fitness required. The base walk is on flat ground.
Kata Tjuta: Good level of fitness required. Walking on uneven surface required to complete the Valley of the Winds walk
Kings Canyon: Good level of fitness required for the four-hour walk around the canyon’s rim.