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ITINERARY:
Day 1 -
Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Princetown
Our trip begins as we leave Melbourne and head through Geelong
towards the coast to Torquay, with a stop to shop at Quiksilver
and Rip Curl before we continue to world famous Bells Beach.
Our Great Ocean Road journey begins here as we wind our way
along one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Australia.
We stop to see some koalas before passing through the seaside
town of Lorne on our way to Apollo Bay, where we'll stop for
lunch (own expense). Next we hit the cool temperate rainforest
of the Otway National Park, spending some time at the magnificent
Otway Fly, 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. We cap off
the day watching the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. We'll
stay overnight in the coastal township of Princetown. (D)
Day 2 -
Princetown to Grampians NP
Climb down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different
angle of the Twelve Apostles. Next we head on to check out
Loch Ard Gorge and the western end of the Great Ocean Road
including London Bridge, the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands.
You may spot a whale or two (seasonal) at Warrnambool, where
we have a stop. From here we travel through country Victoria,
arriving at the magnificent Grampians National Park to the
challenge of a hike to the top of the Pinnacle. The day is
topped off by a walk to The Balconies and Reeds Lookout, before
we get to our overnight Grampians accommodation. (BD)
Day 3 -
Halls Gap to Adelaide
Get your legs working this morning with hikes at Hollow Mountain
and the amazing McKenzie Falls, where you'll experience the
breathtaking views stretching over the north of the Grampians.
Leaving this magical place, we travel west, stopping for lunch
at Horsham (own expense) before continuing through the agricultural
region of Victoria and in to South Australia. Bordertown is
home of the rare White Western Grey Kangaroos. Crossing the
mighty Murray River, king of Australia's rivers, we wind our
way through the picture-pretty Adelaide Hills before arriving
into Adelaide city. Overnight accommodation included. (B)
Day 4 -
Adelaide
A FREE DAY in Adelaide to relax. Overnight dorm accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 5 -
Adelaide to Quorn
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the Clare Valley
then on to the frontier town of Melrose where we take a short
walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from
the Mt Remarkable lookout. Soon after we arrive in Quorn,
the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the
entrance to the Richman Valley. Eat a hearty lunch, because
this afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for
stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders
Ranges! We return to Quorn where we stay two nights in private
accommodation at the historical "Mill". Get ready for tonight's
BBQ dinner - it doesn't get any more Aussie than this! (LD)
Day 6 -
Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
The Flinders Ranges has been recognised as one of Australia's
National Landscapes and today you'll get to experience and
explore this magical region! Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheatre
located in a huge stone crater and you will spend the morning
hiking and exploring its wonder! After lunch, it's a short
walk to Yourambulla Caves to view Aboriginal rock paintings.
Learn about the hardships of sheep farming in the mid 1800's
as you view the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. As we travel back
to Quorn, there's an opportunity to spot for the shy and elusive
Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby on a quiet stroll through peaceful
Warren Gorge. Overnight at the Quorn "Mill". (BLD)
Day 7 -
Quorn to Coober Pedy
It's time to go underground! We journey north through Port
Augusta and the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and
visit ancient salt lakes which are the remnants of an inland
sea. We arrive in plenty of time to check out the sites of
Cooper Pedy on a town tour which includes an opal cutting
demonstration and mine tour with the opportunity to try your
luck 'noodling' for opals! Our bunkhouse for tonight is -
you guessed it - underground. (BLD)
Day 8 -
Coober Pedy to Uluru
Driving through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara
in time for infamous Uluru (Ayers Rock) sunset. Tonight, lend
a hand as we cook dinner at our permanent campsite then consider
the option to sleep under the outback stars in a traditional
'Aussie swag'. (BLD)
Day 9 -
Uluru to Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon
Sunrise over Uluru is magical and it's an early start to catch
it! While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) take
a walk around Uluru's base (unguided), or climb to the top
if you choose - however, the Anangu traditional owners prefer
it if you don't, before we take a guided interpretive walk
at Mala. After visiting Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) we head to
Kings Canyon, where we camp for the night. (BLD)
Day 10 -
Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
There's a lot to explore at Kings Canyon, including the Lost
City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops
of the North and South Walls. After lunch, relax and enjoy
the harsh desert scenery as we travel to Alice Springs. (BL)
Day 11
- Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 12 -
Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 13 -
Alice Springs to Banka Banka
We pass by 23° 26? 22? south of the equator (otherwise known
as the Tropic of Capricorn) before stopping at Ti Tree for
the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists.
Learn about the early struggles of bush telecommunications
at Barrow Creek's historic Telegraph Station - it'll make
your mobile phone seem like the space age! Precariously balanced
on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred
to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our camp
at Banka Banka Cattle Station and if the weather's good, you
can take a dip in the pretty waterhole. (LD)
Day 14 -
Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge
No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit
to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse
and 'watering hole' for travellers from far and wide. The
tiny town is also home to Australia's first international
airport (but you wouldn't guess it!). Mataranka lies in the
heart of the 'never-never', and you'll feel a million miles
from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As
the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp at stunning
Katherine Gorge. (BLD)
Day 15 -
Katherine Gorge to Darwin
The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend
canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular waters.
Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own
expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system.
We'll head to Darwin after a bite to eat, with stops at idyllic
Edith Falls and the 'croc-filled' Adelaide River (both a town
and a river). Overnight accommodation in Darwin is included.
(BL)
Day 16 -
Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing start to your day: the waterfalls of Litchfield
National Park, followed by the spectacular Mary River Wetlands.
Birds aren't the only wildlife abundant around here; keep
your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river
cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge
is where we'll stay tonight. (LD)
Day 17
- Mary River to Kakadu
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop
this morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous
views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it's on to Maguk (Barramundi
Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the
plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within
Kakadu NP. (BLD)
Day 18 -
Kakadu to Darwin
Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim
Falls! Once we get there, we'll hike to the base of the falls
before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the
stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated
boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will
continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the
afternoon. (BL)
Note:
Upgrade accommodation is budget style (except the Desert Cave
which is 4 star) and may be located on different premises
(not necessarily underground) to hostel accom. This is a combination
safari so you may travel with a different guide and passengers
during each section. *Tour departs from three central Melbourne
locations. A 4WD vehicle is not used on 10 day tour. Tropical
Summer Program applies December to May.
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