Arrive in South Australia’s capital city for a two night stay. Adelaide has a reputation as one of the most liveable cities in the world, with its lively arts scene, outstanding food and wine culture and elegant mix of old and new architecture.

Parks and gardens surround the city centre and be sure to visit Adelaide Central Market, an explosion of colours, smells and taste. To relax, catch a tram from the city’s Victoria Square to the trendy beachside district of Glenelg.

Your chosen Adelaide hotel

Collect your car this morning for the short drive to the Barossa Valley, South Australia’s most famous wine growing region, for a one night stay.

The rolling hills are lined with miles and miles of ordered vineyards belonging to such famous names as Penford, Yalumba, Wolf Blass and Rockford. There are also scores of boutique wineries offering cellar door tastings, vineyard tours and delicious home-cooked meals from local produce.

Adelaide > Barossa Valley | 80 kms

Standard:The Wine Vine Hotel

Deluxe: The Lodge Country House

Journey south today towards the Southern Ocean and the Great Ocean Road. The highway takes you through Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend, on the banks of the mighty Murray River, before heading to the coast and the stunning Coorong National Park.

Follow this vast ecosystem of coastal wetlands and shifting dunes to the seaside town of Kingston, home of the Big Lobster, and on to Robe where you will spend the night.

Barossa Valley > Robe | 350 kms

Standard & Deluxe: Robe House B&B

From Robe, you will continue along the coast to Beachport and then inland to the historic town of Mt. Gambier. The town is built on the slopes of an extinct volcano and, in its crater at the centre of the town, is the famous Blue Lake.

Return to the coast at Portland, one of the first permanent settlement in Victoria. Nearby, the blowholes at Cape Nelson and the petrified forest at Cape Bridgewater make a great detour, before travelling on to Port Fairy.

Robe > Port Fairy | 290 kms

Standard: Seacombe House

Deluxe: Merrijig Inn

Explore the delightful fishing port and resort of Port Fairy, before making the short journey to Warrnambool for a visit to the fascinating Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, where you can learn about what the early pioneers called the ‘Shipwreck Coast’.

Following the coast will eventually bring you to the Twelve Apostles, iconic rock pillars that stand proudly above the surf, although not all are still surviving today. Continue along the Great Ocean Road, stopping in charming coastal towns, and passing the beautiful Otway National Park, before arriving in Apollo Bay.

Port Fairy > Apollo Bay | 190 kms

Standard: Comfort Inn The International

Deluxe: Captain’s at the Bay

Stop at the welcoming seaside and surfing resorts of Lorne, Anglesea or Torquay before completing your journey to Melbourne. A three night stay here will give you time to explore this stylish and vibrant city.

Melbourne is easy to get around on foot or aboard its famous trams. Along with its well tended parks and gardens, there are fine museums and galleries and great shopping. Victoria Market is well worth a visit and, in the evening, stroll and dine beside the Yarra River in lively Southbank.

Apollo Bay > Melbourne | 200 kms

Your chosen Melbourne hotel

Head to the airport today for your flight to Ayers Rock/Uluru and a self drive expedition through Australia’s Red Centre.

From your hotel in Ayers Rock Resort, you can drive into the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park to enjoy an atmospheric two hour walk around the base of the Rock. There is also a stunning walking trail around the nearby Olgas.

In the evening there are options to join a barbeque or a full dinner under the stars and your FREEDOM consultant can pre-book this for you.

Standard: Lost Camel Resort

Deluxe: Sails in the Desert

Leave Uluru today as you journey through the arid semi-desert of the Red Centre to the spectacular Kings Canyon.

This deep canyon, formed millions of years ago, cuts into the surrounding rocky escarpment and hides some unique flora as well as the sparkling hidden oasis of the Garden of Eden. You can explore the shady, boulder-strewn canyon floor before heading to your overnight accommodation.

Uluru > Kings Canyon | 320 kms

Standard: Discovery Park Kings Canyon Resort

Deluxe: Discovery Park Kings Canyon Resort (Deluxe Spa Room)

We suggest you rise early today to embark on the superb rim walk around Kings Canyon before the sun is at its peak. The walk takes about three hours and is an unforgettable experience.

After the walk, head back to the highway for your onward drive to Alice Springs, where you will spend the night. If there is time, visit the Royal Flying Doctor HQ, the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill from where you can enjoy a superb view of the town and surrounding area.

Kings Canyon > Alice Springs | 450 kms

Standard: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs

Deluxe: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Fly north from Alice to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, for a two night stay in this laid back tropical city. Darwin was virtually rebuilt after the cyclone of 1974 and enjoys a sunny, outdoor lifestyle.

The popular Waterfront, with its manmade beach and saltwater lagoon, is a great place to relax and dine. In the evening you can mingle with the locals at Mundil Beach and sunset markets.

Your chosen Darwin hotel

Today drive east towards the awesome Kakadu National Park. On the way is the Wetlands Visitor Centre and a chance for a crocodile cruise on the Alligator River.

Enjoy a full day exploring the Park. The scenery is dramatic and colourful, with dense tropical wetland, towering cliffs, rushing waterfalls and an amazing diversity of plant and wildlife. Reached by sealed road from Jabiru, the Arnhem Land escarpment has some excellent examples of Aboriginal rock art along a 1km walking trail, and some fabulous views of the surrounding area.

Darwin > Kakadu National Park | 255 kms

Anbinik Kakadu Resort or similar

Continue your scenic drive through Kakadu National Park towards the old mining town of Pine Creek and the delightful outback town of Katherine for a two night stay.

In the neighbouring Nitmiluk National Park is the famous Katherine Gorge, which is really 13 gorges joined by rapids and which abounds with bird and wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles. You can cruise through part of the gorge beneath the towering rocky walls.

On your way into or out of Katherine be sure to visit beautiful Edith Falls, where there are delightful wild swimming spots and informative walking trails.

Kakadu National Park > Katherine | 300 kms

Your chosen Nitmiluk hotel

As you head back north towards Darwin you will pass stunning outback scenery, eucalypt forest and enormous termite mounds lining the highway, but highlight of the day will be a trip into Litchfield National Park.

The Park abounds with beauty spots including Wangi, Buley Rock Hole and Tolmer and Florence Falls, where you will find some enticing swimming holes and nature walks.

Your stay tonight is at tranquil Lake Bennett, just outside the entrance to Litchfield National Park.

Katherine > Lake Bennett | 265 kms

Litchfield Outback Resort or similar

Head back to Darwin for a final look at the town and some last minute souvenir shopping before your onward flight. Or you can ask you FREEDOM expert to arrange an extra night in Darwin for you.

Lake Bennett > Darwin | 115 kms

Your chosen Darwin hotel