14 Days Alice Springs to Sydney Safari

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru

Kick off your adventure on top of a camel! Our first stop is the Outback Camel Farm where you can choose to ride atop one of these desert giants (at own expense). From here it's off to Uluru (Ayers Rock), and a bite to eat. Kata Tjuta will fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform on the Valley of the Winds hike. You'll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars. (LD)

Day 2 – Uluru to Kings Canyon

It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)

Day 3 – Kings Canyon to Marla

Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations which make up Kings Canyon. You'll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. After lunch, we head south through the rugged desert country into South Australia to our overnight destination of Marla, a small outback town. (BLD)

Day 4 - Marla to Coober Pedy

After breakfast, we continue through the arid scenery towards Coober Pedy. You will see the flat topped mesas, 'The Breakaways' and a short while later arrive into Coober Pedy. The afternoon is spent exploring the Opal Capital of the World 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 5 - Coober Pedy to Quorn

This morning we continue our journey south and stop at ancient salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea. We then pass through Glendambo (population 30!) and Pt Augusta before arriving in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. 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! (BLD)

Day 6 – Flinders Ranges & 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 7 - Quorn to Adelaide

Eat a hearty breakfast, 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 then say farewell to the "Flinders" and start the journey to Adelaide, with our final stop being the Clare Valley before arriving late afternoon into Adelaide. (BL)

Overnight dorm accommodation included.

Day 8 - Adelaide

A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 9 - 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 National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our overnight Grampians accommodation. (LD)

Day 10 - Grampians NP via the Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell

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). 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! Dinner will be at your overnight coastal accommodation. (BLD)

Day 11 – Port Campbell to Melbourne

Start the day with an optional helicopter ride (own expense) over the amazing Twelve Apostles or walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach to see a different angle of these limestone stacks. Next we visit the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. We'll stop for lunch in the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, we stop at Kennett River to spot koalas and birdlife before continuing onto Lorne. We'll check out the world famous Bells Beach and the surfing town of Torquay, home of surf labels Quiksilver and Rip Curl before arriving into Melbourne early evening. Overnight dorm accommodation included (BL).

Day 12 - Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park

Travelling southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland we arrive at mainland Australia's most southern 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! 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 13 - Lakes Entrance to Thredbo Alpine Village*

A journey from Australia's southernmost point to Australia's highest point! This morning we begin our journey into Snowy River Country. It's a spectacular drive along The Barry Way, watching the Snowy River wind below. In the afternoon we climb high into the Australian Alps to the village of Thredbo. Grab your hiking boots and cameras, we're going to the 'Roof of Australia'. There's a chairlift (seasonal) express up the mountain! You can walk to the summit of Australia's highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko (weather permitting), or to the viewing point. *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). (BD)

Day 14 – Thredbo to Sydney via Canberra

Leaving Thredbo, we pass through Cooma, learning about the historically important Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme. Next stop 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. Travel throughout the afternoon to the stunning city of Sydney. (B)