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ITINERARY:
Day 1 -
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 2 -
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 3 -
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. Overnight accommodation included. (BL)
Day 4 - Darwin to Katherine Gorge
Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the
way to Katherine. We spend the whole afternoon at the majestic
Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk
National Park. Experience the striking beauty while canoeing
or cruising (at own expense) through the gorge itself. Tonight
we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD)
Day 5 -
Katherine Gorge to Tennant Creek
Not far to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in
a sparkling thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest.
Next stop is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territory's
oldest pub. Nearby lies Australia's first international airport,
but you won't get a flight back home from here these days!
After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we camp
overnight at Juno Horse Farm. (BLD)
Day 6 -
Tennant Creek to Alice Springs
This morning we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles,
which balance precariously on their rocky perch. From here
we stop in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph
Station - catch a glimpse of what Outback telecommunication
used to be like! A visit to Ti Tree gives you the chance to
buy original works of art by Indigenous artists, before crossing
over the Tropic of Capricorn to arrive in Alice Springs late
in the afternoon. Overnight accommodation included. (BL)
Days 7 -
Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense).
Days 8 -
Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense).
Day 9 -
Alice Springs to Kings Canyon & Uluru
Journey deep into the remote 'Red Centre' as we travel towards
Kings Canyon. There's a lot to explore here and we check out
the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of
Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls.
After lunch, we'll pass Mt Connor and Curtin Springs cattle
station on the way to Uluru. Tonight, you'll be glad to curl
up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) after dinner as millions
of stars fill the sky. (LD)
Day 10 -
Uluru and Kata Tjuta
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. Gain a further insight into
the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the
Cultural Centre, where you'll also have the opportunity to
invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists.
After refuelling with some lunch, we head to fascinating Kata
Tjuta (The Olgas) to discover the secrets of this ancient
landform and their spiritual significance to the Anangu. A
glass of Australia sparkling wine is perfect while the desert
sun sets over Uluru before returning to camp for dinner.
(BLD)
Day 11 -
Uluru to Coober Pedy
We go underground today! After breakfast, we head south through
the rugged desert country into South Australia arriving into
Coober Pedy in the late afternoon. Our bunkhouse for tonight
is - you guessed it - underground. (BLD)
Day 12 -
Coober Pedy to Quorn
This morning we 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! We continue our journey south and stop at ancient salt
lakes which are remnants of an inland sea. We stop at the
small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and Pt Augusta before
arriving in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township
nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. 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 13 -
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 14
- Quorn to Adelaide
Eat a hearty breakfast, 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 then say farewell
to the "Flinders". Near the frontier township of Melrose we
take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic
views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Our last stop is in
the infamous Clare Valley before arriving late afternoon into
Adelaide. (BL)
Day 15 -
Adelaide
A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm
accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 16 -
Adelaide to Grampians NP
Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross
Australia's king of rivers, the mighty Murray, and pass through
some little South Australian country towns on our way to the
Grampians National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon
with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls.
We'll be rewarded with breathtaking sunset views from The
Balconies and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our overnight
Grampians accommodation. (D)
Day 17 -
Grampians NP via the Great Ocean Rd to Princetown
Hiking to the Pinnacle is a challenge, but on the way you'll
experience breathtaking views of the national park. Next we
head south to the coast and Warrnambool, where you'll have
the chance to spot whales (seasonal). There's a lot to explore
along the famous Great Ocean Road, renowned for its beauty.
Discover the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge
and Lock Ard Gorge before sunset over the Twelve Apostles
- gorgeous! Stay overnight in the coastal township of Princetown.
(BD)
Day 18
- Princetown to Melbourne
Climb down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different
angle of the Twelve Apostles, and then we'll spend some time
at the Otway Fly, a 25 metre high elevated tree top walk.
Continuing on, we pass through the magnificent cool temperate
rainforests of the Otway National Park. We'll stop for lunch
(own expense) at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the
coastline, we pass through Lorne, before our next stop where
we'll search for koalas. We'll check out the world famous
Bells Beach before taking a shopping break at the surfing
town Torquay, home of surf labels Quiksilver and Rip Curl.
With some bargains in your bags, we make our way into Melbourne
and arrive in the early evening. Overnight accommodation included.
(B)
Day 19
- Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory NP
Travelling southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland
we arrive at mainland Australia's most southern point - Wilsons
Promontory National Park. Walk along gleaming beaches, hike
along amazing granite rock formations and learn about coastal
flora and native wildlife. You might even see emus and wombats!
In the afternoon we travel to the coastal town of Lakes Entrance.
Here, we're at the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia's
longest beach - Ninety Mile Beach. (D)
Day 20
- Lakes Entrance to Thredbo Alpine Village*
A journey from Australia's southernmost point to Australia's
highest point! This morning we begin our journey into Snowy
River Country. It's a spectacular drive along The Barry Way,
watching the Snowy River wind below. In the afternoon we climb
high into the Australian Alps to the village of Thredbo. Grab
your hiking boots and cameras, we're going to the "Roof of
Australia". There's a chairlift (own expense, but we get a
great deal!) express up the mountain! You can walk to the
summit of Australia's highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, or
to the viewing point. *In ski season (Jun-Sep) we stay in
Jindabyne and during winter, have time to play in the snow
at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan
hire or snow tube at own expense). (BD)
Day 21 -
Thredbo to Sydney via Canberra
Leaving Thredbo, we pass through Cooma, learning about the
historically important Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme. Next stop
is the capital city of Australia - Canberra - where the Prime
Minister hangs out. See for yourself how a custom-made capital
city is built as you take in the view from Mt. Ainslie, take
a tour of Parliament House, check out a few embassies and
see other city highlights. Travel throughout the afternoon
to the stunning city of Sydney. (B)
Finish in Sydney
- Home of the Sydney Opera House
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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 accommodation. For
further details on upgrade accommodation, please refer adventuretours.com.au/upgrades.
Package is made up of individual tours; therefore you may
travel with a different guide and passengers during each section.
Additional nights in Melbourne and Adelaide can be arranged
at time of booking (extra expense). Twin rooms are not available
in Melbourne (double will be supplied) and triple bookings
will receive 2 x double rooms. Tropical Summer Program applies
December to May.
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