Flexible Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night-stops and highlights. However, as road conditions, weather, local restrictions and group input may vary, no two trips will ever be the same. With the help of your tour leader and fellow trekkers you may modify certain highlights to give a truly unique experience.

Day 1 - 2: Sydney, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay

Leaving Sydney and the city stresses behind, we head up the coast to Coffs Harbour. Soak up the alternative lifestyle in Byron Bay - try your hand at surfing, hang gliding or work on the suntan as we journey into Queensland.

Accommodation: Coffs Harbour: 1 night budget lodging. Byron Bay: 1 night camping

Day 3 - 4: Wynnum and Moreton Island

Continuing north along the coast we'll pick up our 4WD vehicle for our two day tour of Moreton Island, where the world's highest sand dunes await you. With miles of deserted white beaches and inland forests dotted with crystal clear lakes, this is the highlight of the trip for many. We'll hike some of the trails, visit the Tangalooma Wrecks and maybe view dolphins, turtles or pods of whales (seasonal). You can also snorkel amongst the shipwrecks and swim in Blue Lagoon - a naturally formed "perched lake".

Accommodation: Wynnum: 1 night camping. Moreton Island: 1 night budget lodging

Day 5 - 6: Redcliffe and Tannum Sands

Return to the mainland from magical Moreton Island. Tonight we position ourselves for a morning visit to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo or a hike in the Glass House Mountains as we travel through the Sunshine Coast.

Accommodation: Redcliffe: 1 night camping. Tannum Sands: 1 night camping

Day 7 - 8: Airlie Beach

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn at Rockhampton and enter the tropical zone. Arriving in Airlie Beach we reach the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, with some of the most picturesque sailing in the world. With suntan lotion and swimming costume in hand it's time to embark on an island cruise. The choice is yours between spending a day on a fast Maxi sailing yacht, Ocean Rafting, catching a launch to discover several of the island resorts or just lounging around the pool. In the evening you can check out a live band and the local nightlife.

Accommodation: 2 nights camping

Day 9 - 10: Mission Beach

Heading further north along the coast we spend two nights relaxing at Mission Beach. For those with a strong sense of adventure there is adrenaline pumping white water rafting on the Tully River or muster the courage to go tandem skydiving. Alternatively take a water taxi to Dunk Island, hike the rainforests looking for the elusive cassowary or go sea kayaking around the islands. For a more leisurely day simply lounge on Mission Beach and work on your suntan. The choice is yours.

Accommodation: 2 nights camping

Day 11 - 12: Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

We make our way to Cairns via some beautiful waterfalls and stop for a swim. A night out in Cairns can be a lot of fun, but remember tomorrow you need to be ready for our included full day sailing cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Try scuba diving (no experience needed), hand feed the fish or snorkel amongst the vibrant coral in the warm tropical waters. A day you will remember for the rest of your life.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 13: Mount Surprise

Travel up and over the Great Dividing Range, passing through small towns like Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet. Meet Russell in Mt Surprise and interact in his unique reptile show.

Accommodation: 1 night camping

Day 14 - 15: Mount Isa and Bush Camp

The next few days will be a real outback adventure. We travel through some vastly changing landscape en route to the mining town, Mount Isa. We depart Queensland through Camooweal and into the exciting Northern Territory. Today you can see just how flat this remarkable country is. We have a proper Aussie bush camp tonight and a good opportunity for a damper cooked in the coals of the fire.

Accommodation: Mount Isa: 1 night camping. Bush Camp: 1 night bush camping

Day 16 - 17: Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) and Litchfield National Park

Visit the historic Daly Waters Pub for a refreshing drink and then take a dip in the turquoise waters of Mataranka's thermal pool, nestled amongst tall shady palms. Heading north, maybe take a cruise up two of the spectacular gorge systems of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). Then head further north to see the famous magnetic termite mounds in Litchfield National Park. We camp next to waterfalls in Litchfield National Park this evening.

Accommodation: Nitmiluk: 1 night camping. Litchfield: 1 night bush camping

Day 18 - 19: Darwin

There is time for a morning swim at Florence Falls before heading back to civilisation in Darwin with a real bed in a hostel. We normally go out for a meal and perhaps a dance or drink at a nightclub for those in a party mood. Then a free day to take in the sights of this frontier city. See the museums, the historic early settlement, take a trip on the "Tour Tub" (an open top bus trip of the city) or just chill out by the pool. Maybe spend the day making a didgeridoo with a local Aboriginal.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging.

Day 20 - 21: Kakadu National Park

A chance for last minute shopping before we head out on the road to the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's most beautiful areas of wilderness. Come and explore Nourlangie Rock to see Aboriginal rock art thousands of years old before watching the sunset where the Aborigines have lived for over 40,000 years. Maybe take a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong where you can spot crocodiles, birds, snakes, dingos and other wildlife that is abundant in Kakadu.

Accommodation: 2 nights camping

Day 22 - 23: Manyallaluk and Mataranka Hot Springs

Maybe take a swim at Barramundi Gorge before heading out of Kakadu to camp on an Aboriginal buffalo station, Manyallaluk. We join the locals to try some "Bush Tucker", and learn how to throw a spear and make fire the traditional way. Find out how the Aborigines existed for thousands of years in harmony with their surroundings. The Aborigines themselves teach these ancient skills. This is also a great opportunity to purchase didgeridoos, paintings and woven baskets from the people who make them. We have time for another relaxing swim at Mataranka Hot Springs after setting up camp.

Accommodation: Manyallaluk: 1 night camping. Mataranka: 1 night camping

Day 24 - 26: Devils Marbles, MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs

The road south leads us past the Daly Waters Pub again. Visit the gold mining town of Tennant Creek before arriving at the eerie Devils Marbles in time for sunset. There are several short hikes around the area and some stunning photographs to be taken. The next day we travel through the Western MacDonnell ranges, where you can see Simpson's Gap, the Ochre Pits and hike around Ormiston Gorge. We continue to Alice Springs and set up camp before heading out on the town for a meal and some local nightlife.

Accommodation: Devils Marbles: 1 night bush camping. MacDonnell Ranges: 1 night camping. Alice Spring: 1 night camping

Day 27 - 29: Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

We visit a working camel ranch and you can catch a camel ride over stunning sand hills as we head south to Kings Canyon. Marvel at the sheer canyon walls and hit the rim trail for a hike to the Lost City and the Garden of Eden before arriving at our final camp at Ayers Rock Resort. There is plenty of time this evening for that world famous picture of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset. An early rise is required the next day, not only to watch the sunrise but because the cool of the morning is the best time to explore Uluru. Come and take our challenge to walk around the base of one of the world's largest monoliths and reveal some of the Aboriginal legends that surround this sacred land. This afternoon we will explore Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) before viewing the sunset over these surreal domes.

Accommodation: Watarrka: 1 night camping. Uluru: 2 nights camping

Day 30: Alice Springs

We will have one last early morning visit and photo stop at Uluru before returning to Alice Springs where we will say our goodbyes to newfound friends.