Itinerary

Day 1 : Sydney to Thredbo Alpine Village*

Our first stop is the capital city of Australia – Canberra – where the Prime Minister hangs out. We’ll check out 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. (D)

Day 2 : Thredbo to Lakes Entrance via Snowy River Country

Grab your hiking boots, we’re going to the ‘Roof of Australia’. There’s a chairlift express up the mountain (seasonal) and you can either walk to the summit of Australia’s highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko (weather permitting), or to the viewing point. During winter, we have time to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). It’s a spectacular drive along Barry Way, with the Snowy River below. Tonight we stay at Lakes Entrance, 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

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 finish our tour travelling to Melbourne through pastoral landscapes in South Gippsland. (B)

Overnight accommodation included.

Day 4 : Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

Highlights include: a stop at Torquay to shop at Quiksilver and Rip Curl, famous Bells Beach, spotting for cute koalas, pass through the towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, a treetop walk at the Otway Fly (entry included) and sunset at the Twelve Apostles! (D)

Day 5 : Twelve Apostles to Grampians National Park

Take a last look at the Twelve Apostles (or maybe an optional helicopter ride) then today we check out Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. We arrive at the Grampians National Park in time to climb The Pinnacle and Reeds Lookout. You’ll sleep well at our private accommodation tonight! (BD)

Day 6 : Halls Gap to Adelaide

More hiking today at Hollow Mountain and MacKenzie Falls and then we head to South Australia. At Bordertown see rare White Western Grey Kangaroos, then cross the Murray River and arrive into Adelaide. Overnight accommodation included. (B)

Day 7 : Adelaide A FREE DAY in Adelaide to relax or explore. (meals at own expense)

Overnight accommodation included.

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

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 Coober 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 an 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) 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 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)

Days 14-15 : Alice Springs

Enjoy two FREE days to relax and explore Alice Springs. (meals at own expense).

Overnight accommodation included

Day 16 : 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 and if the weather’s good, you can take a dip in the pretty waterhole. (LD)

Day 17 : 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. 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 18 : Katherine Gorge to Darwin

The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense and seasonal) 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 stop at idyllic Edith Falls. (BL)

Overnight dorm accommodation included.

Day 19 : Darwin to Mary River

A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Travel west into Woolna Country and receive a Cul Cul or unique ‘Welcome to Country’ by the traditional owners of the land, the Limilngan – Wulna people. Experience the local Aboriginal culture including cooking bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing. To fi nish the day we head to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren’t the only wildlife abundant; keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we’ll stay tonight. (LD)

Day 20 : Mary River to Kakadu

Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and 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 21 : Kakadu 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)

Day 19-21 Tropical Summer Itinerary (DEC-MAY)

Day 19: Darwin to Mary River

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

Day 20: Mary River to Kakadu

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

Day 21: Kakadu to Darwin

• Cathedral Termite Mounds
• Boulder Creek Falls
• Hike to Motor Car Falls
• Return to Darwin (BL)

 

Note: Additional nights in Melbourne and Adelaide can be arranged at time of booking (extra expense). Twin room not available in Melbourne (double will be supplied) and triple bookings will receive 2 x double rooms. Tropical Summer Program applies December to May.