Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney to Jindabyne (via Canberra)

Canberra is Australia's capital city, and this is where we head on our way out of Sydney. We'll check out where the Prime Minister oes his thing - at Parliament House, and other highlights on a tour of the city. After lunch, we head to Cooma, where we learn about the Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme (one of the most complex integrated water and hydro-electric power schemes in the world!). Next it's Jindabyne in the late afternoon, a town with a relaxed alpine village feel. There's time for trout fishing in the lake or you could even go water skiing or wake boarding (all at own expense and seasonal). Tonight you'll enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at Lake Jindabyne (all included). Kick back and relax with a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar. (D)

Day 2: Jindabyne to Lakes Entrance Via Snowy River

Country After breakfast, a hike along an alpine track rewards you with stunning views of the glacial Blue Lake and the top of Mt Kosciuszko (Australia's highest point). During winter, we've got time to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). After lunch, it's a spectacular drive along Barry Way, with the Snowy River winding along below us. Crossing state borders into Victoria, we take a break in the afternoon to fly down the zip wire (optional activity at own expense) before arriving at our overnight stop at the coastal town of Lakes Entrance. Here, we've at the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia's longest beach - Ninety Mile Beach. (BD)

Day 3: Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory National Park and Melbourne

If you've an early bird, it's a great chance for a walk before we drive to Wilsons Promontory National Park. There's heaps of time to hike and explore. Walk along gleaming beaches, watch the ocean pound onto the southernmost point of the mainland, hike along amazing granite rock formations and learn about coastal flora and native wildlife. You might even see emus and wombats. We'll finish our tour travelling to Melbourne through pastoral landscapes in South Gippsland. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (B)

Day 4: 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 5: Princetown to Grampians National Park

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 6: Halls Gap to Adelaide

Get your legs working this morning with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls, where youll 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 dorm accommodation included. (B)

Day 7: Adelaide

A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 8: Adelaide to Parachilna

Leaving the city behind, we travel through the pretty Clare Valley to Quorn. This afternoon, we'll check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves. Get ready for tonight's BBQ dinner at Parachilna it doesn't get any more Aussie than this! We stay overnight in Parachilna. (LD)

Day 9: Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound

If the weather's good, we'll take the scenic route through the stunning Parachilna Gorge on our way to Wilpena Pound, the jewel of the Flinders Ranges. Grab your hiking boots for a guided climb of Mt Ohlssen-Bagge: you'll be rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views over the ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)

Day 10: Rawnsley Park to Coober Pedy

It's time to go underground! We'll travel to Coober Pedy today in time for an opal mine tour and you might have the chance to go Ooodling for opals if theres time. Our bunkhouse for tonight is you guessed it! underground. (BLD)

Day 11: Coober Pedy to Uluru

Driving through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara in time for sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The stars put on a show back at our permanent campsite at Yulara. (BLD)

Day 12: Uluru to Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon

Wake up early to experience sunrise at Uluru, it is worth the early start! Go for a walk around the base or climb to the top if you choose (although the traditional Anangu 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 13: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

There's lots 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 a bite to eat, we make our way through the harsh desert landscape to Alice Springs. (BL)