Itinerary

Day 1 : Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

We pass Geelong and check out the surfi ng town of Torquay and 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. At Kennett River we spot for koalas and watch and listen to the abundant birdlife. Next we hit the cool temperate rainforest of the Otway National Park, where we spend time at the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk (included) then watch the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. (D)

Day 2 : Twelve Apostles to Grampians National Park

We walk down the Gibson Steps on to the beach for a different view of the Twelve Apostles, or there’s time for a helicopter ride (at own expense). Next up is Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. Watch for whales (seasonal) as we pass through Warrnambool, then head inland to the Grampians National Park. Hikes today include The Pinnacle and Reeds Lookout. You’ll sleep well tonight at our private accommodation. (BD)

Day 3 : Halls Gap to Adelaide

Get your legs working this morning with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls before we farewell The Grampians and travel via Horsham into South Australia. See rare White Western Grey Kangaroos at Bordertown, then cross the Murray River before arriving into Adelaide. (B)

Day 4 : Adelaide

A free day in Adelaide (meals at own expense).

Overnight accommodation included.

Day 5 : Adelaide to Quorn

We travel through the Clare Valley arriving in Quorn in time for lunch. This afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman’s Stern for stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! Our home for the next two nights is 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 and Wilpena Pound

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 then stop at the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. At peaceful Warren Gorge, there’s an opportunity to spot for the shy and elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. (BLD)

Day 7 : Quorn to Coober Pedy

It’s time to go underground! We journey north through Port Augusta, Glendambo (population 30!) and visit ancient salt lakes which are the remnants of an inland sea. We show your around Coober Pedy on a town and mine tour... watch an opal cutting demonstration and 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 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) followed by an interpretive walk led by your guide. 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)

Days 11-12 : Alice Springs

FREE time to explore Alice Springs (meals at own expense).

Accommodation is included.

Day 13 : Alice Springs to Banka Banka

We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub, home to a telegraph station – catch a glimpse of what outback telecommunication used to be like! 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. (LD)

Day 14 : Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge

Today includes a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse. 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 (seasonal) the spectacular waters or maybe view it from above (activities at own expense). We’ll head to Darwin after a stop at idyllic Edith Falls. (BL)

Overnight accommodation included.

Day 1-3 Tropical Summer Itinerary (DEC-MAY)

Day 1 : Darwin to Mary River

• Litchfield National Park
• Cultural Experience
• Crocodile Cruise
• Overnight Camp Point Stuart (LD)

Day 2 : Mary River to Kakadu

• Mamukala Wetlands (seasonal)
• Ubirr or Nourlangie Rock (seasonal)
• Bowali Visitor Centre
• Walk to Gubara Springs
• Overnight camp Kakadu (BLD)

Day 3 : Kakadu to Darwin

• Cathedral Termite Mounds
• Boulder Creek Falls
• Hike to Motor Car Falls
• Return to Darwin (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 accommodation. 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.