Itinerary

Day 1: Adelaide to Grampians National Park

Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross Australia’s king of rivers, the mighty Murray, and pass through some little South Australian country towns on our way to the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls. We’ll be rewarded with breathtaking sunset views from The Balconies and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our overnight Grampians accommodation. (D)

Day 2: Grampians National Park to Princetown, via the Great Ocean Road

Hiking to the Pinnacle is a challenge, but on the way you’ll experience breathtaking views of the national park. Next we head south to the coast and Warrnambool, where you’ll have the chance to spot whales (seasonal May-Oct). There’s a lot to explore along the famous Great Ocean Road, renowned for its beauty. Discover the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Lock Ard Gorge before sunset over the Twelve Apostles – gorgeous! Stay overnight in the coastal township of Princetown. (BD)

Day 3: Princetown to Melbourne

Start the day with an optional helicopter ride over the amazing 12 Apostles or walk down Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle of the limestone stacks and then we’ll spend some time at the Otway Fly, a 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. Continuing, we pass through the magnificent cool temperate rainforests of Otway National Park. We’ll stop for lunch (own expense) at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, we pass through Lorne, before our next stop where we’ll search for koalas. Check out world famous Bells Beach before taking a shopping break at the surfing town Torquay, home of surf labels Quiksilver and Rip Curl. With some bargains in your bags, we make our way into Melbourne and arrive in the early evening. (B)

Take a break in Melbourne and book back on the next convenient departure for you

Day 1: Melbourne to Lakes Entrance via Wilsons Promontory National Park

Our adventure starts early, travelling southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland to Wilsons Promontory National Park. Walk along white sandy beaches, watch the ocean pound onto the southernmost point of the mainland, hike along amazing granite rock formations and learn about coastal flora and native wildlife. You might even see emus and wombats! In the afternoon we travel to the coastal town of Lakes Entrance. Here, we’re at the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia’s longest beach – Ninety Mile Beach. (D)

Day 2: Lakes Entrance to Snowy River Country

This morning we begin our journey into Snowy River Country. It’s a spectacular drive along Barry Way, with the Snowy River winding below us before crossing the state border into NSW. In the afternoon, let the bus do all the work as we climb high into the Australian Alps (seasonal Nov-May). Hiking along an alpine track (2.5 hour round trip) rewards you with stunning views of the glacial ‘Blue Lake’ and the top of Mt Kosciuszko (Australia’s highest point). During winter, we’ve got time to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). In summer activities around the lake include (at own expense) wakeboarding, waterskiing or Trout fishing. Tonight you’ll enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at Lake Jindabyne. Kick back and relax with a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar. (BD)

Day 3: Jindabyne to Sydney via Canberra

Leaving Jindabyne, we pass through Cooma, learning about the Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme (one of the most complex integrated water and hydro-electric power schemes in the world!). Next stop is Canberra, Australia’s capital city, where the Prime Minister hangs out. We’ll do a tour of Parliament House, check out a few embassies and see other city highlights before travelling back to Sydney. (B)