DARWIN → MELBOURNE: TOP END & RED CENTRE EXPLORER

Arrive in Darwin, the tropical gateway to the Top End, where your Traipse Coach Tours hosts greet you and introduce you to your fellow travellers. A relaxed welcome briefing outlines the journey ahead and offers a gentle introduction to the days to come.

Check in to the Hilton Darwin (5★), your contemporary and elegant base in the heart of the city. Take a moment to settle in — perhaps enjoying a quiet drink or simply unwinding after your flight — before heading out for a guided introduction to Darwin.

This afternoon, visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, where thoughtfully curated exhibits reveal the region’s natural history, maritime stories and cultural heritage. The powerful Cyclone Tracy exhibition offers a moving insight into Darwin’s past, while the art collection highlights the creative traditions of Northern Australia.

As evening approaches, spend time at the lively Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Wander among colourful stalls, take in the scent of international street food, choose dinner from one of the many vendors and settle on the sand to watch the sun set in brilliant tropical hues across the Timor Sea — a quintessential Darwin experience.

If the markets are closed during your visit, you may explore Darwin’s relaxed dining scene at your own pace. A short stroll from the hotel, Mitchell Street offers cafés, restaurants and laid-back eateries, each capturing a little of the city’s tropical character —  a relaxed and enjoyable way to ease into your first evening in the Top End. 

After breakfast, journey south into Litchfield National Park, a landscape of towering termite mounds, lush monsoon forest and tumbling waterfalls — a true showcase of the Top End’s natural beauty.

Begin by pausing at the remarkable magnetic termite mounds, natural structures precisely aligned with the earth’s magnetic field, before continuing to Wangi Falls. Here, twin cascades spill into a broad, clear pool framed by rainforest. Take time to swim, follow the shaded boardwalk, or simply relax and listen to the sounds of the tropics.

Late morning, travel to Berry Springs Tavern for lunch before visiting nearby Berry Springs Nature Reserve, where warm, spring-fed pools shaded by pandanus and paperbark trees offer another chance for a tranquil swim or a quiet moment beneath the canopy.

Return to Darwin in the late afternoon and transfer to Stokes Hill Wharf, where the city meets the sea. Board your Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise and glide across the water as the light softens over the harbour. Enjoy freshly cooked fish and chips on deck while the sky settles into its evening colours — a quietly memorable Top End experience.

After the cruise, return to the Hilton Darwin, where the evening is yours to enjoy — perhaps unwind with a quiet drink at the bar, take a relaxed stroll along the nearby Esplanade, or simply retire to the comfort of your room as the tropical night settles over the city.

(B/D)

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Darwin with time to explore at your own pace. You might take a stroll along the Esplanade, browse Aboriginal art galleries and boutique shops, or enjoy an early lunch at one of the city’s inviting cafés before departure.

Afterwards, board your luxury coach and travel east into Kakadu National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage treasure recognised for its extraordinary biodiversity and more than 65,000 years of continuous Indigenous culture. As you cross wetlands rich with birdlife and enter the vast sandstone country, your hosts share insights into the park’s ancient landscapes and enduring cultural traditions.

Arrive in Jabiru by late afternoon and check in to the distinctive Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (4★), an iconic property uniquely designed in the shape of the park’s most famous resident. Take a little time to settle in — perhaps unwind by the pool, visit the local art centre, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this remarkable environment.

Return to the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel for the evening. Dinner is at your leisure, with the hotel’s Manjmukmuk Restaurant & Bar offering regional-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting. If you prefer to dine locally, Jabiru also has a small selection of casual venues within easy reach of the hotel. 

(B)

Begin the day exploring the remarkable landscapes and cultural sites that define Kakadu. Travel to Ubirr, one of the park’s most significant Aboriginal rock art locations, where ancient paintings depict creation stories, cultural traditions and generations of life on this land. A short climb leads to the summit lookout, offering sweeping views across the Nadab floodplain and deep into Arnhem Land — a panorama that reflects the timeless beauty of the Top End.

Continue to Cahills Crossing, a noted viewing point along the East Alligator River and one of the best places to observe saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat. From here, make your way to Cooinda Lodge for lunch, surrounded by the sounds and rhythms of the wetlands.

In the afternoon, visit the Nourlangie region, another important cultural landscape rich with rock art that reveals thousands of years of tradition and storytelling. Afterwards, explore the Warradjan Cultural Centre, where thoughtfully presented displays offer insight into the culture, customs and enduring connection to Country held by Kakadu’s Traditional Owners.

Later in the afternoon, board the renowned Yellow Water Billabong Sunset Cruise. Glide through the wetlands as the light begins to change, watching birdlife settle along the water’s edge and crocodiles move quietly among the reeds. The billabong takes on a distinct character at this time of day, its colours and reflections creating a calm and memorable experience.

Dinner this evening is at your leisure. You may choose to dine at the hotel’s Manjmukmuk Restaurant & Bar, which offers regional-inspired dishes and a relaxed setting, or explore other casual dining options within Jabiru township.

(B/L)

After breakfast, travel south toward the welcoming outback town of Katherine, gateway to the striking landscapes of Nitmiluk National Park.

Pause mid-morning to enjoy morning tea with your hosts before arriving in Katherine, where you will have time to explore the township and enjoy lunch at your leisure in one of the local cafés.

This afternoon, embark on a guided cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where towering sandstone cliffs rise above the tranquil waters of the Katherine River. As you glide between the gorges, your guide shares stories of Jawoyn culture, creation traditions and the deep spiritual significance of this ancient landscape.

Later, check in to Cicada Lodge (4½★), a boutique retreat set within the national park and designed to reflect the serenity and natural beauty of its surroundings.

This evening, dine in the lodge’s elegant restaurant, where thoughtfully crafted dishes showcase native ingredients and fine Australian cuisine in a relaxed, refined atmosphere.

(B/MT/D)

Begin the day by travelling south to the Mataranka Thermal Pools, where clear, spring-fed waters flow beneath tall palms — an idyllic place for a refreshing swim or a quiet soak.

Continue to the legendary Daly Waters Pub, a quirky outback landmark adorned with memorabilia from travellers across the world. Enjoy a relaxed lunch featuring simple, familiar favourites before continuing through the broad red landscapes toward Tennant Creek.

On arrival, check in to the Bluestone Motor Inn (3★) and take some time to unwind in comfortable surroundings.

Dinner this evening is at Anna’s, the relaxed restaurant within the Bluestone Motor Inn. Known for its warm service and easy outback atmosphere, it provides a comfortable and welcoming end to your day of travel.

(B/L/D)

Depart Tennant Creek after breakfast, travelling south along the Stuart Highway through a vast expanse of red earth, open skies and desert horizons that seem to stretch endlessly ahead.

Stop at the awe-inspiring Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) — giant granite boulders scattered across the landscape, glowing deep ochre in the sunlight. Enjoy morning tea served by your Traipse hosts with time to wander, photograph and appreciate one of the Territory’s most iconic natural formations.

Continue to Ti Tree, a friendly roadhouse settlement surrounded by remote pastoral country. Lunch may be enjoyed at the Ti Tree Roadhouse, which offers classic outback meals and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Pause at the Tropic of Capricorn marker for a photo opportunity and a moment to acknowledge your symbolic crossing into Central Australia before continuing toward the MacDonnell Ranges.

Arrive in Alice Springs by late afternoon and check in to the DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (4★), offering spacious comfort, a resort-style pool and views toward the surrounding ranges.

Dinner tonight is at your leisure, with a range of dining options available within Alice Springs — from casual cafés and relaxed bistros to venues offering modern Australian or Asian-inspired cuisine. You may choose to dine within the hotel or explore one of the restaurants located nearby.

(B/MT)

Begin your morning at John Flynn’s Grave Historic Reserve, a quiet and moving site dedicated to the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Set beneath the sheltering curves of the MacDonnell Ranges, it offers a thoughtful moment to reflect on Flynn’s vision and the pioneering spirit that helped connect remote Australia to lifesaving medical care.

Continue to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum, where engaging exhibits and short films reveal the challenges of delivering healthcare across some of the world’s most isolated landscapes.

Next, visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, home to an impressive collection of native reptiles — from perenties and thorny devils to gentle pythons — with informative presentations that highlight their role within the desert ecosystem.

Afterwards, step back in time at the Old Telegraph Station, the original site of Alice Springs’ first European settlement. Wander through the restored buildings and learn how the telegraph line linked Australia to the world, reshaping communication and daily life in the Red Centre.

Lunch today may be enjoyed at the Trail Station Café within the Telegraph Station precinct — a relaxed spot for coffee and a light meal amid peaceful bush surrounds.

Before returning to your hotel, ascend Anzac Hill, a tranquil lookout offering wide views across Alice Springs and the encircling MacDonnell Ranges. As the desert light shifts across the landscape, it’s an ideal place to pause and take in the beauty and spirit of Central Australia.

Return to your hotel with time to unwind before dinner.

This evening, your hosts recommend Saltbush Restaurant, located within the hotel — an elegant modern Australian venue where fresh local produce and native bush flavours shape the menu, offering a refined and enjoyable end to your day in the heart of the Red Centre.

(B)

After breakfast, venture west into the dramatic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges, a region shaped by time and rich with natural beauty and cultural significance. Your morning begins at Simpsons Gap, where towering red cliffs frame a tranquil waterhole. In the early light the rock walls deepen to shades of ochre and rust, and black-footed rock wallabies can sometimes be seen among the boulders.

Continue through the ranges to Standley Chasm, known to the Arrernte people as Angkerle Atwatye. A short, easy walk leads through cycads and ghost gums into the narrow chasm, where at midday the sunlight can illuminate the sheer rock walls in vivid tones. Take time to explore and appreciate the quiet atmosphere before enjoying a relaxed lunch at the Standley Chasm Café, surrounded by native gardens and birdlife.

In the afternoon, visit the National Road Transport Museum, where Australia’s pioneering spirit is brought into focus. Wander through displays of restored trucks, vintage vehicles and memorabilia that tell the story of how transport connected remote communities and helped shape life in the outback.

Return to Alice Springs in the late afternoon, arriving with time to unwind before dinner.

This evening is at your leisure, with a variety of dining options available in and around Alice Springs. Whether you choose a relaxed meal within the hotel or decide to explore nearby cafés and restaurants, there are plenty of inviting places to enjoy dinner and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

(B)

This morning, depart Alice Springs and travel south along the Stuart Highway, the historic route linking Australia’s north and south. As the desert plains widen around you, your hosts share stories of early explorers and pastoral pioneers whose journeys helped shape the spirit of central Australia.

Pause mid-morning for morning tea at Erldunda Roadhouse, known as the “Centre of the Centre” for its location at the geographical heart of the country. This friendly stop is a favourite among travellers — a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a cuppa, and perhaps see the resident emus wandering nearby.

Continue west along Luritja Road, where the landscape shifts into a broad canvas of red sand dunes and desert oaks. Arrive at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel property that offers an authentic glimpse of outback life. Enjoy a light lunch of fresh sandwiches, salad, a cake slice and tea or coffee, with time to relax beneath the gum trees and take in the quiet, open surroundings.

After lunch, visit the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, where Traditional Owners share their deep connection to Country through demonstrations of bush foods, tools and art. This intimate experience offers meaningful insight into the living culture of the desert.

From here, continue into Watarrka National Park, home to the majestic Kings Canyon. On arrival, check in to Kings Canyon Resort (4★), set between red cliffs and sweeping desert plains. Take time to unwind and settle into the serenity of the outback — perhaps with a cool drink as the late-afternoon light softens across the escarpment.

Dinner this evening is at the Kings Canyon Bar & Grill, a relaxed outback venue where generous dishes, local flavours and warm hospitality create an enjoyable dining experience beneath the desert sky.

(B/MT/L)

This morning, explore the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon, one of the great natural wonders of Central Australia. Choose between two outstanding walks: the gentle Kings Creek Walk, which follows the canyon floor through lush vegetation and towering cliffs, or, for those seeking a little more adventure, the celebrated Rim Walk — a 6-kilometre circuit revealing soaring sandstone walls, hidden valleys and sweeping desert panoramas.

Optional scenic flights are also available, offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye perspective of this vast and ancient landscape — an unforgettable way to appreciate its immense scale and beauty.

After a rewarding morning of exploration, travel south across wide desert plains toward Curtin Springs Station, a working cattle property and family-run roadhouse that has welcomed travellers for generations. Stop here for a relaxed BBQ lunch, enjoyed in the station’s rustic surrounds with views toward Mount Conner, rising strikingly above the surrounding desert.

Continue your journey to Yulara, the gateway township to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, and check in to Sails in the Desert (4½★), an elegant resort blending contemporary comfort with Indigenous-inspired design. Take time to unwind — perhaps by the pool or in the Red Ochre Spa — before preparing for an evening that will linger long in your memory.

As dusk falls, transfer to the remote dune-top dining site of the Field of Light. The evening begins with gourmet canapés and chilled sparkling wine as the sun sets over Uluru, followed by a three-course buffet inspired by bush-tucker flavours and accompanied by Australian wines and beers. 

After dinner, wander at your own pace among the 50,000 illuminated glass stems of Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed installation, allowing the desert night and starlit sky to complete the experience. This extraordinary evening is included in your tour price.

(B/L/D)

This morning, begin your discovery at the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where interpretive displays and art galleries illuminate the cultural and spiritual significance of this remarkable region. Here, the stories, traditions and deep connection to Country held by the Anangu people are shared in meaningful and engaging ways.

Continue your morning with an encounter at Uluru itself. There are two enriching ways to explore this sacred monolith:

• The Base Walk, an immersive journey tracing the full circumference of Uluru, revealing ancient rock art, shaded waterholes and the subtle features that shape the site’s spiritual significance.

• Or, for a gentler pace, a shorter guided coach tour that pauses at key locations, offering insight into Uluru’s living culture and enduring presence.

Following your exploration, return to Yulara for lunch. A variety of cafés and eateries are available in the Town Square, with options ranging from light meals to more substantial dishes in comfortable, air-conditioned settings.

Afterwards, enjoy time to browse the boutique stores and Indigenous art galleries, where authentic jewellery, artworks and gifts reflect the stories and landscapes of the Red Centre.

In the afternoon, travel west to the soaring domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a striking collection of 36 ancient rock formations. Here, choose between the Valley of the Winds Walk, offering sweeping views and a deeper experience among the domes, or the shorter Walpa Gorge Walk, where a gentle trail leads through a cool passage framed by towering rock walls.

As the day draws toward evening, return to Uluru for one of Australia’s most iconic natural spectacles — the Uluru Sunset Experience. Watch as the rock shifts through a spectrum of colours, from glowing reds to deep purples, while you enjoy a beautifully prepared gourmet feast served on-site, complemented by refreshments and the tranquil magic of the desert twilight.

After sunset, return to Sails in the Desert for a relaxed evening at leisure.

(B/D)

This morning, farewell the red sands of the Northern Territory and begin your southbound journey along the Stuart Highway, tracing one of Australia’s great inland routes. The vast open landscape unfolds around you — a sweeping panorama of desert plains, saltbush and ever-changing hues that capture the spirit of the outback.

Pause mid-morning for a relaxed break at Erldunda Roadhouse, now a familiar stopping point on your journey — an easy place to stretch your legs, enjoy a cuppa and prepare for the miles ahead.

Shortly afterwards, make a brief stop at the Northern Territory / South Australia border, where you’ll have an opportunity to capture a memorable photo at the iconic border sign — a symbolic moment marking your entry into South Australia and the next chapter of your journey.

Continue south to Marla Roadhouse, a remote oasis for travellers crossing the desert. Lunch may be enjoyed from the roadhouse café — a simple, relaxed opportunity to refuel and meet locals who call this rugged region home.

By mid-afternoon, arrive in the remarkable underground town of Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world.

Begin your visit at the Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, where a fascinating guided tour reveals the story behind Coober Pedy’s most prized gemstone — from its early discovery and hand-dug shafts to modern mining methods.

Afterwards, enjoy afternoon tea on-site and take time to browse the opal showroom, where jewellery and keepsakes are displayed across a wide range of styles.

Later, join a guided town tour showcasing Coober Pedy’s most distinctive attractions — its underground churches, homes carved into the hillsides and quirky landmarks that reflect the ingenuity and resilience of this unique outback community.

Check in to your Coober Pedy accommodation (to be confirmed prior to departure). Once finalised, your stay will provide a comfortable base from which to explore this remarkable outback township.

Dinner this evening is at your leisure, with several casual dining options available in Coober Pedy, offering a relaxed way to end your day and reflect on your time in the outback.

(B/AT)

After breakfast, continue your southbound journey through the wide-open spaces of the South Australian outback. The landscape gradually shifts from desert plains to low scrub and saltbush as you travel toward the Spencer Gulf — a reminder of the vast distances and quiet beauty of Australia’s interior.

Pause late morning in the small settlement of Glendambo for lunch at the Glendambo Hotel Motel & Roadhouse, a friendly outback stop offering classic roadhouse fare and welcoming service.

Take a little time to relax and enjoy the easy atmosphere before continuing south.

Later, stop in Woomera, once a secretive defence and aerospace testing base and now home to the Woomera Rocket Range Museum. Explore the open-air displays of historic rockets and aircraft, and browse exhibits that share the story of Australia’s pioneering role in mid-20th-century space research.

By late afternoon, arrive in Port Augusta, the gateway between the outback and the sea. Check in to the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn (3★), offering comfortable accommodation, landscaped grounds and views toward the Flinders Ranges.

This evening, enjoy a relaxed three-course dinner at the Standpipe’s on-site restaurant, where Indian-influenced dishes and modern Australian flavours are served in a welcoming and unhurried setting — a pleasant way to unwind after a day on the road.

(B/D)

This morning, continue your journey south from Port Augusta toward the sparkling coastline of South Australia. The landscape softens as rugged outback country gives way to gentle plains and distant glimpses of the sea.

Arrive around midday in Glenelg, Adelaide’s most beloved beachside suburb — a place where coastal relaxation meets refined charm. Lunch today is at your leisure, with a variety of beachfront cafés and modern eateries along Jetty Road offering relaxed coastal dining.

After lunch, check in to the Stamford Grand Adelaide (4½★), beautifully positioned on Moseley Square, just steps from the beach. With elegant rooms, ocean vistas and a touch of old-world glamour, this will be your home for the next two nights.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure — perhaps take a stroll along the Glenelg Jetty, browse the boutiques of Jetty Road, or simply relax with an ice cream and watch the sun dip into the Gulf St Vincent.

This evening is at your leisure, with numerous dining options nearby offering a welcoming and relaxed end to the day.

(B)

The final full day of your Northern Territory and South Australian journey celebrates the flavours, stories and traditions of one of Australia’s most beloved food and wine regions — the Barossa Valley.

Begin with a visit to the iconic Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, where you’ll have time to browse the gourmet range, sample seasonal condiments and perhaps enjoy a coffee overlooking the picturesque dam and surrounding gum trees. It’s a quintessential Barossa experience — relaxed, flavourful and full of charm.

Continue to Seppeltsfield Estate, one of Australia’s most historic and prestigious wineries. Here, you’ll enjoy an exclusive wine and cheese pairing, sampling a curated selection of estate wines matched with artisan cheeses. This guided experience highlights the estate’s craftsmanship and long winemaking heritage while offering a refined and memorable tasting.

Later, travel onward to the heritage village of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Lunch today is at your leisure, with a range of cafés and relaxed eateries lining the village’s leafy main street. After lunch, take time to stroll beneath the elm trees, browse artisan shops and galleries, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this charming historic township.

In the afternoon, visit Beerenberg Farm, a much-loved family-run producer celebrated for its jams, condiments and farm-fresh creations — a delightful final stop before returning to your hotel at Glenelg.

As evening falls, gather for a memorable Farewell Dinner at The Promenade Restaurant, located within the Stamford Grand Adelaide. Overlooking the Gulf St Vincent, this elegant yet relaxed venue showcases beautifully prepared South Australian cuisine and regional wines — the perfect setting to toast friendships formed and reflect on the journey you’ve shared.

(B/D)

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the water before beginning your comfortable return journey to Melbourne. As you depart the coast, take one last look at the glistening Gulf St Vincent — a tranquil contrast to the red sands, tropical wetlands and mountain ranges that have shaped your adventure through Australia’s heartland.

Travel east through the rolling countryside, pausing mid-morning in Bordertown before continuing across the South Australian border toward Victoria.

Continue to Horsham, where lunch is at your leisure in the heart of town, with an array of cafés and casual eateries offering relaxed midday dining. It’s an easy and comfortable stop, providing a little time to stretch your legs and enjoy the final shared moments of the journey.

As the coach turns south toward Melbourne, reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, cultural experiences and connections formed along the way — from the tropical warmth of Darwin and the ancient stories of Kakadu, to the vast deserts of the Red Centre and the refined charm of South Australia’s wine country.

Arrive in Melbourne by early evening, where your Traipse Coach Tours team bids you a fond farewell — leaving you with warm memories, laughter, and the spirit of the outback in your heart.
Until your next shared adventure on the road.

(B)

admin@traipsecoachtours.com.au 

0412 115 615  

www.traipsecoachtours.com.au

All tours operated by Traipse Coach Tours.
Proudly Australian Owned and Operated. 

Prices and inclusions correct at time of printing.
Accommodation subject to availability (4★ standard or best available in each location).