8 Day Melbourne to Alice Springs
Marvel at our coast lines, bed down at outback station, explore Aboriginal culture, catch the magnificent colours of Uluru at sunset and explore the Red Centre.
With this tour combining our most popular 4 day Uluru tour, Greyhound bus, accommodation with the an amazing Great Ocean road tour will save you money.
Suitable for ages 18-49. Please enquire for availability before making a booking.
- Small Group Adventure
- Knowledgable & Experienced Guide
- Camping in Swags/Tents
- Air-conditioned Vehicle
- All Taxes & Fees
- Hot showers & flushing toilets
- Electric plugs for charging
- Meals ( as indicated )
- Accommodation Upgrades Available
- Camping Equipment
- Vegetarians OK
- Trip length:
- 8 Days
- Group size:
- Max 21
- Start:
- Melbourne
- End:
- Alice Springs
- Vehicle:
- Airconditoned 4WD Mini Bus
- Sleep:
- Camping and Hostels
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Day 1 - Great Ocean Road
Enjoy some complimentary morning tea/coffee as we watch the surfers at an iconic surf beach. Go for a stroll along some of the beautiful beaches on Great Ocean Road. Take some pictures at the historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. View some spectacular beaches and lookouts. See how many Koalas you can find at Kennett River. Get amongst beautiful birds such as King parrots, Crimson rosellas and look out for the famous Kookaburra. Enjoy a complimentary lunch in Apollo Bay. Take a guided bushwalk through this very rare, ancient and cool temperate rainforest. You’ll feel dwarfed as you stroll past some of the tallest trees in the world. The path is an easy 800 meters long circular walk and can be slippery at places. Shoes with a grip are recommended.
View the beautiful limestone stacks that form the mighty Twelve Apostles. Treat yourself to an optional helicopter flight for an extra $100 (Weather & Time permitting). A beautiful vista of towering cliffs, sparkling blue-green sea, and a small, sandy beach. This Gorge derives its name from one of Victoria’s most tragic shipwrecks more than 120 years ago. Take a short walk to view famous Razorback, Salt and Pepper or just laze on the beach of the gorge itself. London Bridge has fallen down….BUT it still makes a stunning photo opportunity and has a great story behind it. Spend the night in the heart of the Grampians National Park. All accommodation is pre-arranged for our customers in Halls Gap. Includes Accommodation in Halls Gap at Neds Other Beds (L)
Day 2 - The Grampians National Park
Home to the Kangaroos, Wallabies, Koalas, Emus, Birds, Echidnas and many other Australian creatures as well as an abundant array of plant life. ‘A Wildlife, Waterfall, Walking Wonderland’! Get up early and have a look around your hostel. There will be kangaroos grazing everywhere, noisy corellas flying above your head, you might even get lucky and spot mysterious wallaby. Walk an Aussie bush track to experience spectacular views. Visit the heart of the Grampians Halls! Learn about the history and culture of Jardwadjali and Djab Wurring Aboriginal tribes. Take a stroll along the lake’s shore and breathe in the fresh mountain air. This ever-popular walking and the picnicking spot is just a short drive from Hall’s Gap. A pleasant walk to see the beautiful McKenzie Falls or the Silverband Falls.
Connect and transfer to a luxury coach in Stawell or Horsham for continuation onto Adelaide (Drop off point: Franklin St, Main Bus Station just a next to your YHA accommodation)
Day 3-4: Greyhound to Alice Springs
Today is an easy day as we depart for Adelaide on our greyhound bus at 6 pm. We arrive into Alice Springs at 1:30 pm the following day where we check into our hostel accommodation and prepare for our adventure to Uluru.
Day 5 - Ayers Rock
Your Outback Journey of a Lifetime starts at 6am from Alice Springs or around 1pm pickup at Ayers Rock Airport. We enjoy a fascinating road-trip to Uluru! Once the whole group is together, we explore the Cultural Centre, do a guided walk at Uluru, and enjoy a spectacular Uluru sunset with bubbly wine. Rest with a hot shower and a wholesome meal back at camp, then it’s an unforgettable sleep under the desert stars. Includes Lunch and Dinner. ( L, D )
Day 6 - Ayers Rock to Kata Tjuta National Park
Early breakfast before going to Kata Tjuta for a stunning Uluru sunrise. Hike through the Valley of the Winds, and feast on a refreshing lunch. Travel through the Outback, viewing the George Gill Range and more, before camping at Kings Creek Station. Here enjoy a real Aussie BBQ by a campfire, under those beautiful stars! Includes Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and refreshments. ( B, L, D )
Day 7 - Kata Tjuta National Park to Curtin Springs
After breakfast go to incredible Kings Canyon, and hike around the famous Rim Walk. Relax in the peaceful desert oasis, the Garden of Eden. Then back to Kings Creek Station for a relax, swim, or helicopter ride (charges apply). That night escape to our private bush camp at Curtin Springs Station. Capture sunset views of Mt Conner and enjoy your final night on tour, under the outback stars. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and refreshments.
Tonight we escape to our private bush camp at Curtin Springs Station. Capture sunset views of Mt Conner and enjoy your final night on tour, under the outback stars. ( B, L, D )
Day 8 - Curtin Springs to Ayers Rock Airport
It’s a relaxed start to the day with a well-deserved later sleep, before a tasty cooked breakfast. Make one last farewell Uluru photo stop, before leaving to head back to Alice Springs. For those wanting to jump off at Yulara, drop off is is 10:30am. ( B )
Start & Finish
Ayers Rock AirportTour Starts:
Melbourne CBD Area
- 07:20 - Adina Apartment Hotel
- 08:30 - Bunnings Waurn Ponds
- 07:40 - Crown Towers
- 07:10 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne
- 07:35 - Immigration Museum
- 07:00 - Melbourne Marriott Hotel
- 06:55 - Pegasus Apart Hotel
- 07:05 - Space Hotel
- 07:25 - The Savoy Hotel
Tour Finishes
- 10:00 - Ayers Rock / Yulara
- 18:00 - Alice Springs
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
- Bincolars
What is included
TRANSPORT
- 4WD - Custom-prepared airconditioned mini bus
- Greyhound bus to Alice Springs
ACCOMMODATION
- Hostel acommodation
- Outback campfire and swags
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- Meals as indicated in itinerary
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.
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.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
How much luggage can I take?
You may bring a backpack and suitcases and it will be stored securely in our trailer or under the bus during the trip. We recommend bring a smaller day pack to store your daily essentials such as drinks, jackets and sunscreen while on tour.
Where can I store my luggage whilst on tour?
During the tour your main luggage will be stored in our trailer. This trailer is always locked however we cannot guarantee the complete safety of your gear from theft or damage. This is why it is so important to purchase a good travel insurance.
If you need to store your luggage whilst away on tour, this can be done through your accommodation. Most hostel and hotels will store your luggage safely free of charge.
Will I be able to do any laundry whilst on tour?
Generally you will not have enough time to do laundry whilst on tour. You will be having far too much fun! However, for longer tours heading towards Adelaide involving hostel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to wash your clothes if really need. Please enquire by contact us directly via email or phone.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours in the Northern Territory you will need a sleeping bag. The Northern Territory can get very cold at night, especially during the months of June and July. If you don't have one then they are available for hire. Please refer to the "What to bring" section of the tour page for pricing.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are made to be fun, informative and active and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking/walking up to 5km each day.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended.
Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Can I get online whilst travelling?
For tours incorporating hostel/hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to use wireless internet or use of nearby internet cafe.
This will vary from tour to tour so please contact us directly for more accurate information.
For camping tours internet will not be available.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
If you are using Telstra as your mobile service provider than most likely yes! Their coverage of Australia is quite extensive so you shouldn't have too much trouble.
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 multiple tours then we may be able to offer you 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.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
Can I just do a section of this tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to only do a part of the tour. Passengers generally need to stay with the tour from start to finish.
However, drop off locations at the end of the tour made me negotiated.
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself.
If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb we generally say AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible.
Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?
Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different 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 share the experience with likeminded travellers. 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 group experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, 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!
Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?
We have many travellers jumping onboard our tours by themselves. Those travelling by themselves are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that will last a life time.
Those who do travel by themselves will probably be sharing a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room, you won't be charged extra. For camping tours, generally there are enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.
For more information please contact us directly.
How many people will be on tour?
Group sizes vary from tour to tour. You can find the size of your group by checking out information at the top right hand corner of the tour page. Group sizes range of 5 - 24 people.
Is there an age limit?
We get a large range of travellers from all over the world and from a very large age range. We get people of all ages joining these trips; generally our travellers vary between 21 - 45 though we also get many happy travellers in their 60s and 70s. Some tours however have a restriction on children under the age of 16 - 18. This will depend on the destination so please email us for more info.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Not really. The centre of Australia is quite dry and there is very few places where we are allowed to swim. However, for tours heading upwards towards Darwin there may be areas for swimming. If you aren't able to swim then you don't need to go into the water. In many cases there may be shallow areas when you can still get wet without having to actually swim. Please contact us for more information.
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. Its 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 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 picnic sandwich and salads; in the evening we have a cooked dinner - This can vary between pastas, bbqs, rices and other hearty food to keep you energized! 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.
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.
Are there days where we travel for a long time?
During the first day we usually do a couple of hours driving to get out of the city and into the country side. However, once in the national parks, trips between attractions usually take between 30minutes to an hour.
For tours heading up to Darwin or down to Adelaide, expect periods where we drive for a few hours at a time. Australia is enormous and the distance between towns and attractions can be quite large. But don't worry, we take plenty of breaks so your able to stretch and move about.
For more accurate information please see tour itineraries.
What will the weather be like?
Between the months of April and August Central Australia is quite cold so be sure to bring warm clothing. Temperatures range from about 20c during the day right down to 2c at night.
Between October and March temperature are warm, so light clothing during the day is ok. However, night times can still be quite cool so its wise to bring light winter clothing for extra warm.
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.