The Burke & Wills Expedition
Hosted By Trent & Ron Moon
26 Days / 25 Nights | 1 – 26 July 2027
Melbourne → Karumba
Retrace Australia’s most famous exploration journey — from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
This remarkable expedition follows the route of the legendary Burke & Wills journey of 1860–61, tracing their path from Melbourne through the heart of inland Australia to the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
A major highlight of this adventure is the opportunity to travel alongside father-and-son explorers Ron and Trent Moon, whose combined decades of outback exploration, touring and historical research bring this incredible story vividly to life.
Our journey begins in Melbourne at Royal Park, where Burke, Wills and their expedition famously departed amid great fanfare in August 1860. From there we travel north through Victoria’s goldfields and farming districts before crossing into the vast river country and red-dirt landscapes of western New South Wales.
At Menindee, where the expedition established its first major depot, we’ll explore the lakes, river systems and historic sites that played such a pivotal role in the journey. Further west, we venture into Mutawintji National Park and the remote landscapes of Corner Country before crossing into Queensland and following the expedition’s route toward Cooper Creek.
Few places in Australia hold more historical significance than the Dig Tree. Here, on the banks of Cooper Creek, we’ll visit the site of one of the most famous moments in Australian exploration history before continuing to Innamincka and the surrounding locations where the final chapters of the Burke & Wills story unfolded.
From Cooper Creek, the expedition pushes north through the Channel Country, Birdsville and the vast open landscapes of western Queensland. Along the way we’ll visit many of the camps, river crossings, graves and landmarks associated with the expedition, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Burke, Wills and their companions.
As the country changes from desert and gibber plains to Gulf Savannah woodlands, we continue through Cloncurry, Burke River and Four Ways before finally reaching Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria — the northern destination that inspired one of Australia’s greatest exploration achievements.
This expedition combines remote outback travel, fascinating history, iconic destinations and spectacular landscapes into one unforgettable adventure. From the Victorian goldfields to the Gulf, you’ll experience a side of Australia few travellers ever see while following in the footsteps of the explorers who helped shape our nation’s story.
It’s an extraordinary journey of exploration, camaraderie and discovery, retracing Australia’s greatest expedition across the vast heart of the continent.
Big Vans. Big Adventure!
Towing a Larger Van? No Worries.
This route was designed with off-road touring rigs in mind.
We welcome dual-axle hybrid caravans and off-road camper trailers of all types — larger AOR Aurora, Lifestyle R4, Track T4, and similar.
Full-width off-road caravans are not out of the question — just get in touch with us to discuss your setup.
Designed for travellers who love their creature comforts but aren’t afraid of a little dust, this journey delivers scenic touring, off-grid camps, and outback adventure in true Moon Tours style.
Not sure if your setup’s suitable?
If you’re towing something similar or just want to double-check your configuration, get in touch — we’ll happily assess your setup and make sure you’re confident before rolling out.
Fully-equipped Moon Tours support vehicles, experienced guides, Starlink connectivity and on-tour mechanical support mean you can travel with total confidence.
