Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne via Great Ocean Road 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 2: 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 3: Halls Gap to Adelaide

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

Day 4: Adelaide

A FREE DAY in Adelaide to relax. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 ‘noodling’ for opals if there’s time. 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 sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The stars put on a show back at our permanent campsite at Yulara. (BLD)

Day 9: Uluru to Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon

Wake up early to experience sunrise at Uluru – it’s 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 10: 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. Overnight accommodation included. (BL)

Day 11: Alice Springs

Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 12: Alice Springs

Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 13: Alice Springs to Banka Banka

We pass the Tropic of Capricorn before stopping at Ti Tree for the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists. Learn about the early struggles of bush telecommunications at Barrow Creek’s historic Telegraph Station – it’ll make your mobile phone seem like the space age! 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 and if the weather’s good, you can take a dip in the pretty waterhole. (LD)

Day 14: Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge

No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and ‘watering hole’ for travellers from far and wide. The tiny town is also home to Australia’s first international airport (but you wouldn’t guess it!). 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 (at own expense) the spectacular waters. Want to see more Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We’ll head to Darwin after a bite to eat, with stops at idyllic Edith Falls and the ‘croc-filled’ Adelaide River (both a town and a river). Overnight accommodation in Darwin is included. (BL)

Day 16: 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 17: Mary River to Kakadu National Park

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 National Park. (BLD)

Day 18: Kakadu National Park 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. (BL)