Not Available - 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.
- Small Group Adventure
- Camping in Swags/Tents
- Hostel Accommodation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hot showers & flushing toilets
- Electric plugs for charging
- Knowledgable & experienced tour guide
- Taxes & Fees
- Camping Equipment
- Vegetarians OK
- Meals ( as indicated )
- 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:
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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.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand 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?
We don't have an exact policy when it comes to luggage though we just ask our customers to be mindful that we have limited space. Generally we recommend people to bring a large backpack/suitcase with all their gear and another smaller backpack to keep on the bus and hold their daily items ( phone, water bottle, towel, sunscreen etc ) and which they used to take on walks etc.
If you have a lot of luggage is best to leave the things you don't need at your hotel/hostel where they will store it for free.
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?
For camping tours there will be no time to do laundry.
However, for longer cross country tours involving hostel or hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to wash your clothes.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours require you to have a sleeping bag.
If you don't have one they may be available for hire via the "join tour" button.
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. If you have a mobile plan with internet then that should be ok except for more remote regions.
This will vary from tour to tour so please contact us directly for more accurate information.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If your looking for a private tour based of one of our trips please contact us directly and we may be able to help.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.
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 49, 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 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?
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 as this may vary for different itineraries.
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 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?
We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.
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?
For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.
There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.
Please review careful as these can vary from tour to tour.
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