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ITINERARY:
Day 1 -
Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls
of Litchfield National Park. Travel west into Woolna
Country and receive a Cul Cul or unique 'Welcome to Country'
by the traditional owners of the land the Limilngan - Wulna
people. Experience the local Aboriginal Culture, cooking your
own bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and
spear throwing. To finish the day we head to the spectacular
Mary River Wetlands, where 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 and 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
National Park. (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 & seasonal) 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 our private campsite. (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! We cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, before
arriving early evening into Alice Springs (BL). Overnight
dorm accommodation included.
Days 7 -
Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense).
Days 8 -
Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru
Kick off your adventure on top of a camel! Our first stop
is the Outback Camel Farm where you can choose to ride atop
one of these desert giants (at own expense). From here it's
off to Uluru (Ayers Rock), and a bite to eat. Kata Tjuta will
fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of
this ancient landform on the Valley of the Winds hike. You'll
be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the
night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll)
under millions of stars. (LD)
Day 9 -
Uluru to Kings Canyon
It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with
a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning's fresh (and your
legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru.
You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the
Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with
an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Explore the many caves
of the Mala people, learning how they lived and prepared for
ceremonies. Your Aboriginal guide will also share the sensitive
story of the Mala people who lived at Uluru with their friend
the Itjaritjari (marsupial mole). There is also a visit to
sacred Kantju Gorge, a quiet water hole at the base of a dramatic
rock face. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase
Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we
travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National
Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)
Day 10 -
Kings Canyon to Marla
Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the
impressive formations which make up Kings Canyon. You'll be
left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek
through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient
Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. After lunch,
we head south through the rugged desert country into South
Australia to our overnight destination of Marla, a small outback
town. (BLD)
Day 11 -
Marla to Coober Pedy
After breakfast, we continue through the arid scenery towards
Coober Pedy. You will see the flat topped mesas, 'The Breakaways'
and a short while later arrive into Coober Pedy. The afternoon
is spent exploring the Opal Capital of the World 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 12 -
Coober Pedy to Quorn
This morning we continue our journey south and stop at ancient
salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea. We then pass
through 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! (BLD)
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" and start the journey to Adelaide, with
our final stop being the 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 National Park
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, the amazing MacKenzie Falls
and Reeds lookout before we settle in at our overnight Grampians
accommodation. (LD)
Day 17 -
Grampians NP via the Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell
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! Dinner will be at your overnight coastal accommodation.
(BLD)
Day 18
- Port Campbell to Melbourne
Start the day with an optional helicopter ride (own expense)
over the amazing Twelve Apostles or walk down the Gibson Steps
to see a different angle of these limestone stacks. Next we
visit Otway Fly, a 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. We'll
stop for lunch in the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging
the coastline, we stop at Kennett River to spot koalas and
birdlife before continuing onto Lorne. We'll check out the
world famous Bells Beach and the surfing town Torquay before
arriving into Melbourne. Overnight accommodation included.
(BL)
Day 19
- Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park
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 (seasonal) express
up the mountain! You can walk to the summit of Australia's
highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko (weather permitting), 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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