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 we may modify certain night-stops and highlights to give a truly unique experience!

 

Days: 1 Sydney & Merimbula

Say a fond farewell to Sydney on our first day as we head down the coast to Kiama, Ulladulla, Moruya & Merimbula; the exotic-sounding names pale into the clear blue haze as we journey south exploring miles of near-deserted pristine beaches on our way to Melbourne. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

 

Days: 2-3 Melbourne

 

Melbourne is the cosmopolitan capital of Australia. You'll have plenty of time to appreciate this attractive city where you can sample a diverse range of international cuisine, catch a "Neighbours Tour" or go to a traditional Aussie Rules football game if the timing is right. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

 

Days: 4-6 Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park (Gariwerd)

Leaving Melbourne, we head west on the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic stretches of coastal road in the world. We could find koalas in the wild, hike in a temperate rainforest and explore the rugged coastline. Visit the famous Twelve Apostles and maybe catch a helicopter flight for a bird's eye view of the surrounding area. Maybe take in a winery tour on our way to the majestic Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). Here we will hike the ancient volcanic trails, photograph the lakes, waterfalls, gorges and kangaroos. Come and swap stories around the evening campfire as we plan the following days of our journey. Accommodation: Great Ocean Road: 1 night budget lodging included. Grampians: 2 nights camping included.

 

Days: 7-9 Adelaide, Mt Remarkable & Coober Pedy

 

After a 2 night stop in the South Australian capital, Adelaide, we'll go hiking in Mt Remarkable National Park, spotting wild kangaroos and emus at a fantastic lookout over the surrounding gulf country before heading back to our semi bush camp. Marvel at the changing scenery on the Stuart Highway as we head into the true outback interior and Coober Pedy. Take an included opal mine tour - a great opportunity to purchase opals from the miners themselves. Tonight we will sleep underground in a dugout motel after a night out with the locals. Accommodation: Adelaide & Coober Pedy: Budget lodging included. Mt Remarkable: Camping included.

 

Days: 10-11 Ayers Rock Resort

 

You will really appreciate how big and flat this country is as we cross the border into the Northern Territory and head towards Uluru/Ayers Rock. Our first view of the mighty "Rock" will be at sunset, so you can witness the changing colours of its awe-inspiring natural splendour. The following day we will hike around the base of Uluru/Ayers Rock, learning some of the Aboriginal legends that abound in this World Heritage Area. We'll also visit the excellent cultural centre before heading to Kata Tjuta (Mt Olga), a series of large dome shaped rocks. Accommodation: Camping included.

 

Days: 12-14 Kings Canyon & Alice Springs

 

The third natural wonder in this area is Kings Canyon. We'll hike the challenging Rim Trail, seeing the Garden of Eden, a chasm filled with palm trees and take in some stunning views across the the Lost City and Canyon. We'll head to Alice Springs via Kings Creek Station where there is an opportunity for you to take a quad bike or camel ride. Have a free day to take time out in Alice Springs. "The Alice" is home to some of the world's best hot air ballooning, complete with a champagne breakfast. Consider taking an optional day trip through the Western MacDonnell Ranges where you can see Simpson's Gap, the Ochre Pits or even hike around Ormiston Gorge; visit the Desert Park, go shopping or just hang out at the pool. There's the chance to hit the town in the evening for a meal out and maybe one of the local clubs or bars. Accommodation: Camping included.

 

Days: 15-16 Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) & Manyallaluk

 

Heading north again, we arrive at the Devil's Marbles for some great sunset photos and a hike before setting up our "bush camp" for the night. After a refreshing drink at the Daly Waters pub we'll spend time at Manyallaluk, an Aboriginal camp where you will learn more about this ancient culture. Learn how to throw a spear or even "make fire" using two sticks. Find out how the Aborigines existed for thousands of years in harmony with their surroundings. The aboriginals themselves teach these ancient skills. They will take us on a hike to learn more about "Bush Tucker". An excellent opportunity to purchase didgeridoos, paintings and woven baskets from the people who make them, and all the money stays in the community. Accommodation: Camping & Bush Camp included.

 

Days: 17-18 (Nitmiluk) Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park

Next stop is Katherine Gorge, where you can take a canoe or cruise up two of the magnificent natural gorges carved by the Katherine River. Tonight we'll camp by a crystal clear waterfall in Litchfield National Park. Time for an early morning swim then a short hike down to the base of Florence Falls. Accommodation: Camping & Bush Camp at Litchfield included.

 

Days: 19-20 Darwin

Learn about the magnetic termite mounds before heading to the city of Darwin. We will do a quick city tour before checking into the hostel for a bed for the next two nights. Let's head out for a meal on the town tonight and a beer at the Vic Hotel. A free day to sleep in or explore the city at your own pace. Take a sight seeing tour on the "Tour Tub" and leave some time for the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Well worth a look. Accommodation: Budget Lodging included.

 

Days: 21-23 Kakadu & Mataranka Hot Springs

 

We leave Darwin and Australia's Top End to explore 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 the Yellow Water Billabong where you can spot the many crocodiles, birds, snakes, dingos and other wildlife that are abundant in Kakadu. Heading south we arrive at the tranquil Mataranka Hot Springs for a soak in the palm shaded thermal pools. Accommodation: Camping included.

 

Days: 24-27 Cape Crawford, Cloncurry, Mt Surprise & Ellis Beach

 

The next few days will be a real outback adventure as we cross the remote landscapes of North Eastern Queensland. You'll get a real feel for the vastness and emptiness of much of Australia's interior. We set up bush camp along the way, pass through mining towns and stop at characteristic outback pubs for refreshments. We travel through some vastly changing landscape before meeting Russell in Mount Surprise and seeing his unique campground and reptile show. Accommodation: Bush Camp & Camping included.

 

Days: 28-29 Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

 

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

Days: 30-31 Mission Beach

Mission Beach is our next destination. For those with a strong sense of adventure there is adrenaline pumping white water rafting on the Tully River or sea kayaking. Alternatively take the daily water taxi service out to Dunk Island, maybe hike the rainforests looking for the elusive cassowary or even muster the courage to go tandem sky-diving. For a more leisurely day simply lounge on Mission Beach and work on your suntan. Accommodation: Camping included.

 

Days: 32-33 Airlie Beach

Our next stop is Airlie Beach, from where you can access the beautiful paradise that is the Whitsunday Islands and some of the most picturesque sailing in the world. The choice today is yours. Choose between a full day on a fast Maxi sailing yacht, take a cruise to a millionaire's resort, go ocean rafting, jet-ski or just lie by the pool! In the evening you can check out a live band & the local nightlife. Accommodation: Camping included.

 

Days: 34-35 Cattle Station

 

Leaving the coast behind, we head for our real working cattle station for a taste of Australian country life. Try horseback riding, join a 4WD tour of the station or maybe even grab a farm motorbike and help out with the day to day chores on this 2,600 acre property and enjoy some traditional Australian country hospitality and food. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

 

Days: 36-38 Sunshine Coast, Wynnum & Moreton Island

 

We transfer back to the coast. This morning we will catch the ferry out to Moreton Island and join our 4WD tour to visit & hike up the world's highest sand dune. 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, fish or pods of whales in season. You can also snorkel amongst the shipwrecks and swim in the Blue Lagoon - a naturally formed "perched lake." Accommodation: Sunshine Coast & Wynnum: Camping included. Moreton Island: Budget lodging included.

 

Days: 39-40 Byron Bay

 

Back on the mainland we head south bypassing Brisbane. Take a surfing lesson and view Australia's most easterly point and lighthouse at Byron Bay. You might spot some dolphins playing in the surf or a whale if the season is right. Maybe try hang gliding or catch a band at the local pub tonight. Accommodation: Camping included.

 

Days: 41-42 Coffs Harbour & Sydney

Our last night is spent at the picturesque coastal town of Coffs Harbour before arriving back into Sydney in the early evening on our last day.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Tour ends at approx 17:00 - 18:00 hrs in Sydney on day 42