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 - 3: Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

We hit the track south from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and maybe do a camel ride on the way. An early morning start to beat the heat as we hike the rim trail, visit the Lost City and Garden of Eden before heading back to the station for a well earned ice cream. We arrive mid afternoon into Ayers Rock Resort so that we have plenty of time to get those spectacular sunset photos of one of the world's greatest monoliths, Uluru (Ayers Rock). We have another early start as we take up the challenge and hike around the base of this enormous rock, whilst learning some of the Tjukurpa (Aboriginal Creation or Dreaming) of the area. We'll also visit the excellent cultural centre before heading to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a breathtaking series of large dome shaped rocks. A swim in the pool back at the resort is very welcome in the afternoon.

Accommodation: 3 nights budget lodging

Day 4 - 5: Coober Pedy and Port Augusta

The journey continues southward to the Martian landscape of Coober Pedy where we take you on an underground opal mine tour - a great opportunity to purchase opals from the miners themselves. Tonight we all sleep underground in a "dugout" bunkroom after a night out with the locals. We also spend a night in Port Augusta to set us up for a hike in Mt Remarkable National Park.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 6 - 7: Adelaide

At last we get to see the sea! And, what is a visit to Australia without at least one winery tour in the famous Barossa Valley? Spend time riding the tram and the waves in the southern capital of Adelaide during our two night stay.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging

Day: 8 - 9 Grampians National Park

Keep some energy in reserve as the rugged peaks and hikes of the Grampians National Park await you. Here we will hike the ancient volcanic trails and photograph the lakes, waterfalls, gorges and kangaroos.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging 

Day: 10 - 12 Great Ocean Road and Melbourne

Take more photos and maybe a helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road - one of the most scenic stretches of coastal road in the world, before looking for koalas in the wild. Check out the surfing town of Torquay before arriving in the cosmopolitan capital of Melbourne. Wow, this could be a town in Europe: excellent bars and restaurants, great beaches, trams, outdoor cafes and nightlife. There's even a "Neighbours Tour" to the location of the famous TV series! How much more can one city offer?

Accommodation: 3 nights budget lodging

Day: 13 - 15 Merimbula, Blue Mountains and Sydney

We head north along the coast. Our last day finds us in the majestic Blue Mountains, hiking the valley trails and riding the world's steepest railway. Arrive in Sydney to contemplate the ever changing landscape that you have travelled through on your amazing summer journey.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging