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 night-stops and highlights to give a truly unique experience.

Day 1 – 2: Alice Springs and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

We head out of Alice Springs for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park enjoying our first distant views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) before arriving at our camp site at Ayers Rock Resort. We have plenty of time this evening for that world famous picture of Uluru at sunset. An early rise is required on day two, not only to watch the sunrise but because the cool of the morning is the best time to explore Uluru. Walk around the base and learn some of the Aboriginal legends that stem from this sacred land. This afternoon we will explore Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) before viewing the sunset over these surreal domes.

Accommodation: 2 nights camping

Day 3 – 5: Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges

We visit a working camel ranch and you can catch a camel or quad bike ride over stunning sand hills as we hit the track to Kings Canyon. Marvel at the sheer canyon walls and ascend the rim trail for a hike to the Lost City and the Garden of Eden before spending a night in Alice Springs. "The Alice" is home to some of the world's best hot air ballooning. Then head through the Western MacDonnell Ranges where you can see Simpson's Gap, the Ochre Pits or even hike around Ormiston Gorge.

Accommodation: Watarrka: 1 night camping. Alice Springs: 1 night camping. MacDonnell Ranges: 1 night camping

Day 6 – 7: Devils Marbles and Mataranka Hot Springs

Next we travel north up the Stuart Highway to the eerie Devils Marbles in time for sunset and to set up our "bush camp" for the night. There are several short hikes around the area and some stunning photographs to be taken. We then head to the gold mining town of Tennant Creek and visit the Daly Waters Pub before a relaxing swim at Mataranka Hot Springs.

Accommodation: Devils Marbles: 1 night bush camping. Mataranka: 1 night camping

Day 8: Manyallaluk

We then spend some time at Manyallaluk - an Aboriginal community where you will have the unique opportunity to learn more about this ancient and fascinating culture. Learn how to throw a spear and make fire the traditional way. Find out how the Aborigines have existed for thousands of years in harmony with their surroundings. The Aborigines themselves teach these ancient skills. They will take us on a hike to learn more about "Bush Tucker". This is an excellent opportunity to purchase didgeridoos, paintings and woven baskets from the people who make them. You are also supporting the locals because all the money stays in the community.

Accommodation: 1 night camping

Day 9 – 10: Kakadu National Park

Back on the road, we head to the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's outstanding wilderness areas. Kakadu is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and here you can explore monsoon rainforests, eucalyptus woodlands and mangrove swamps. There are some fantastic hikes leading you around detailed Aboriginal rock artwork before we explore their northern cultural centre and view a stunning sunset over the escarpment. Why not take a Yellow Water Billabong cruise where you can spot crocodiles, birds, snakes, dingos and a large array of water birds that are abundant in Kakadu.

Accommodation: 2 nights camping

Day 11 – 12: Darwin

Leaving Kakadu National Park, we continue to the city of Darwin. We will do a quick city tour before checking into a hostel for the next two nights. Let's head out for a meal on the town tonight and a beer at the Vic Hotel. Enjoy a free day to sleep in or explore the city at your own pace. Take a sightseeing tour on the "Tour Tub" and leave some time for the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Well worth a look.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 13 - 14: Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)

Litchfield National Park and its famous magnetic termite mounds are our next stop. Time for a swim and walk down to the base of Florence Falls before heading to our bush camp next to a crystal clear waterfall. Heading south, maybe take a cruise or canoe up two of the spectacular gorge systems of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge).

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

Day 15: Bush Camp

The next few days will be a real outback adventure. You'll get a real feel for the vastness and emptiness of the Australian interior. We camp on the banks of a river near Cape Crawford. A good opportunity to experience a damper cooked in the coals of the fire.

Accommodation: 1 night bush camping

Day 16 – 17: Mount Isa and Mount Surprise

You can see just how flat this remarkable country is as we depart the Northern Territory through Camooweal and the mining town of Mount Isa. A beer at Georgetown pub helps us adjust to the Savannah Country lifestyle before we meet Russell in Mt Surprise and watch his unique reptile show.

Accommodation: Mount Isa: 1 night camping. Mount Surprise: 1 night camping

Day 18 – 19: Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

Crossing the Atherton Tablelands we'll head into Cairns where a full day on our multi-million dollar sailing boat awaits. We'll cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef where you can snorkel or dive some of the best sites and marvel at the vast array of marine life living in the most extensive reef system in the world. A day you will remember for the rest of your life.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 20 – 21: Mission Beach

Heading south 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 22 – 24: Airlie Beach and Tannum Sands

Arriving in Airlie Beach we have reached 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 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. Enjoy the coast before crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and leaving the tropical zone.

Accommodation: Airlie Beach: 2 nights camping. Tannum Sands: 1 night camping

Day 25 – 26: Wynnum and Moreton Island

An early morning start as we catch the ferry out to Moreton Island for two days of 4WD fun, 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 explore the shipwrecks and swim in the Blue Lagoon - a naturally formed "perched lake”.

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

Day 27 – 30: Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour and Sydney

We travel down the coast to Byron Bay. Walk out to Australia's most easterly point and look out for dolphins playing in the surf. Maybe take a surfing lesson or just chill out and enjoy the alternative lifestyle of the area. Our last night is at Coffs Harbour before we head to Sydney on the coast road through Taree. The last few hundred kilometres are on the freeway before crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and reaching the end of our adventure.

Accommodation: Byron Bay: 2 nights camping. Coffs Harbour: 1 night budget lodging