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 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 9: Flinders Ranges and 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: Uluru to Kata Tjuta and 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 13: 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)