9 Day Alice Springs to Melbourne Tour
It’s a wide-open space between Alice and Adelaide; we intend to make the most of it on this 9-day trek full of good company & good times.
Rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park. Visit to the 12 Apostles. Evening walk in Grampians National Park. Clare Valley wine tasting. Visit to an Aboriginal centre. Sleep underground at Coober Pedy. Sunset viewing of Uluru. Hike at Kings Canyon. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Camping in swags/tents
- Hostel accommodation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Meals and indicated
- Vegetarians catered for
- Hot showers & flushing toilets
- Electric plugs for charging
- Experienced tour guide
- Camping equipment
- Trip length:
- 9 Days
- Group size:
- Max 21
- Start:
- Alice Springs
- End:
- Melbourne
- Vehicle:
- Airconditoned 4WD Mini Bus
- Sleep:
- Camping and Hostels
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Day one - Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon
Pick-up is from your Alice Springs accommodation in the morning. We drive to Kings Creek Station, Australia’s largest exporter of camels, where we have lunch and set up camp for the night. From here we take a short drive to Kings Canyon in Wattarka National Park, about 450 kilometres south west of Alice Springs.
We hike to the top and walk around the canyon admiring the spectacular views of the surrounding ranges.
The track takes us down to the Garden of Eden where we can swim in the waterhole depending on the season. After the hike we drive back to King Creek Station camp site to eat dinner and go to sleep around the camp fire.Lunch and dinner provided
Day two - Kings Creek Station to Kata Tjuta and Uluru
We wake at sunrise and hit the road driving to our camp site at Uluru. Today we visit the magnificentValley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).
Taking the walking track through the giant domes, look out for wildlife and the native flora along the way. It’s amazing to see what can survive in the harsh outback environment. The walk takes about two to three hours.
After the walk through the Valley of the Winds we drive back to Uluru and watch the beautiful red sunset over Ayers Rock. In one direction you can watch the colours of ‘the rock’ change and behind you the sun sinks into the outline of the domes at Kata Tjuta. The view is truly spectacular!
We go back to the camp site, have dinner and eventually go to sleep around the camp fire.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided
Day three - Uluru
Yesterday you got a taste of Ayers Rock’s beauty and today we visit the magnificent formation. We start the day eating breakfast and watching the sunrise over the rock then we go to the site where your guide will take you to view Aboriginal rock art and tell you some of the stories about Uluru. From here the track takes you on a wonderful base walk around the rock.
Next we visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where there you can read more information about Ayers Rock and the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of the Anangu people. Here you can read the ‘sorry book’ filled with letters from people who have returned (many for superstitious reasons) rocks from the region.
In the afternoon enjoy some leisure time or take up one of the optional activities such as a camel ride (ask your guide). We finish the day by watching the sunset over Uluru.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided
Day four - Uluru to Coober Pedy
Today we drive to a unique outback town, Coober Pedy, the world’s largest exporter of opals. Watch the landscape change as we cruise into town.
There are landmarks that may look familiar to you as Coober Pedy has been the site for filming blockbuster movies such as Mad Max, Pitch Black, Red Planet and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
After taking a tour of the town enjoy dinner, share stories and stay in an underground bunkhouse.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided
Day five - Coober Pedy to the Flinders Ranges
The tour of Coober Pedy continues this morning as we visit an opal mine to learn about the town’s history, view underground mining tunnels and a dugout (underground home). The opal shop may tempt you where you can see the finished opal products in array of colours, shapes and sizes.
We continue the scenic drive to the Flinders Ranges where the landscape changes dramatically as we pass gum trees and green hills. Tonight we stay at Stony Creek Bush Camp, about three kilometres from Wilmington.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided
Day six - Flinders Ranges to Adelaide
Prepare yourself for some spectacular views as we hike Dutchman’s Stern looking out over the Spencer Gulf and surrounding Flinders Ranges. On the way to our final destination we drive through wineries arriving in Adelaide at about 6pm to the YHA.
Breakfast and lunch provided
Day seven - Grampians
We soon 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, gateway to the famed Grampians National Park. We take an easy walk (40 minutes) alongside the beautiful rock pools that are the Venus Baths. 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.
Lunch and dinner provided
Day eight - Great ocean road
We get up before dawn to hike (2 hours) as the sun rises 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. This spectacular collection of limestone stacks is best appreciated at sunset from the boardwalk. The next morning you also have the opportunity to view them aboard a helicopter (extra cost). Tonight we stay in dormitory style accommodation on the Great Ocean Road.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided
Day 9 - Melbourne
We start our final day with an easy walk (1 hour) through the Great Otway National Park, which boasts some of the world’s oldest temperate rainforest and the spectacular multi-tiered Triplet Falls. Sections of the Great Ocean Road were carved through cliffs by servicemen returning after World War I, 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). We’ll find time to stop at Kennett River Koalas to watch the cuddly creatures in the wild, before heading through Geelong on the way to The big city.
Breakfast and lunch provided
Please Remember
Sometimes our itinerary must be flexible due to road and weather conditions
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes ( no flip flops! ). Sandles are OK.
- Warm jacket and long pants. Night times temperatures can drop down 5 degrees celcius
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
Passengers need to take caution during December/January period where temperaturs in Central Australia can get quite high. Its advised to prepare accordingly.
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Towel & toiletries
- Pillow
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Sleeping bag are needed and can be hired if you don't have one.
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
- Binoculars
What is included
TRANSPORT
- 4WD - Custom-prepared airconditioned mini bus
ACCOMMODATION
- Hostels (6 nts), camping in 'swag' or tent (2 nts), underground hostel (1 nt). All nights multi-share
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 dinners
EQUIPMENT
- Camping equipment and utensils
- Tents and/or Swags
- Sleeping Mattress
- Pillows
OTHER
- Plenty of drinking water and snacks
- Experienced and knowledgable tour guide
- Park entry fees
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have. To contact us please visit our contact page here.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
Definitely! Just choose an existing itinerary or destination and contact us we can help you arrange the trip as a private tour.
If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. Our team can help you decide on destinations best suits your needs and give you additional information on the best time to visit, cultural expectations, weather conditions and so fourth.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking a tour for more than 1 person, or if you are a single person booking multiple tours then we are happy to offer a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.
Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 45, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture.
Our tours are for those wanting to really explore Australia and its many facets. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast - although there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings.
As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
What type of groups go on these tours?
Onboard our tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people ( depending on the tour and destination ). Lost In Australia's travellers want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. We travel in small groups which allows us to get from destination to destination quickly and effortlessly whilst being flexible and free!
Cost and Fees
What does "Paid Locally" mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
What type of tent will I get?
Tents are generally designed to accommodate a minimum of 2 people. This means there is plenty of room to move about and store your luggage. However, most Uluru tours we try and encourage the use of swags and mattress rather than tents. This is the ideal way to camp in the centre of Australia; Around a campfire, under the stars!
What will the food be like?
Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied on these Uluru tours. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food, please discuss this at time of booking. For breakfast we supply cereals, fruits, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-serve sandwich and salads; in the evening we have a cooked dinner. We always carry water in the vehicle and you will often have the chance to buy your own drinks, ice-creams etc at stops. Please refer to each individual tour/package to establish which meals are included.
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
Definitely - We know Australia inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Additionally some tours have recommended accommodation and specials under the "Optional Extras" tab on the top right corner.
What form of vehicle do we use?
For our Uluru Tours we toss between a Troop Carrier 4WD Landcruise and a 4WD Mini bus. This depends on the size of the group and the amount of days we are out in the park. Each tour varies so please refer to your tour info panel on the top right hand side of the page.
Where do I meet the tour?
Our tour guide picks up from all major hotels and hostels. For pick locations in suburban or rural areas please contact us to arrange a meeting point and time.
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