Itinerary

Day 1 – Sydney to Thredbo Alpine Village* (via Canberra)

Our first stop today 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. We travel via Cooma, learning about the historically important Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme on our way to Thredbo. *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). (B)

 

Day 2 - Thredbo to Lakes Entrance via Snowy River Country

Grab your hiking boots and cameras, this morning we’re going to the “Roof of Australia”. There’s a chairlift (own expense, but we get a great deal!) express up the mountain! You can walk to the summit of Australia’s highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, or to the viewing point. After lunch, it’s a spectacular drive along Barry Way, watching the Snowy River wind along below us. Tonight we stay in the coastal town of Lakes Entrance, the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia’s longest beach – Ninety Mile Beach. (BD)

 

Day 3 – Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory NP and Melbourne

We travel to mainland Australia’s most southerly 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! We travel to Melbourne through pastoral landscapes in South Gippsland. (B)

Day 4 - Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Princetown

We stop in Torquay to shop at Quiksilver and Rip Curl before we continue to world famous Bells Beach. Winding along the Great Ocean Road we take a break to search for some koalas and then pass through the seaside town of Lorne on our way to Apollo Bay. Next we visit the Otway Fly tree top walk (included) then watch the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. (D)

 

Day 5 - Princetown to Grampians NP

Walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle of the Twelve Apostles or there’s time for a helicopter ride (at own expense). Next 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 include the Pinnacle, The Balconies and Reeds lookout. You’ll sleep well tonight at our private accommodation. (BD)

 

Day 6 - Halls Gap to Adelaide

There’s 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. 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