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.

Day 1: Sydney and Merimbula

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

Accommodation: 1 night budget lodging

Day 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 cuisines, catch a "Neighbours Tour" or go to a traditional Aussie Rules football game if the timing is right.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 4 – 6: Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park

Leaving Melbourne, we head west on the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic stretches of coastal road in the world. We will hike in a temperate rainforest, explore the rugged coastline and maybe even see koalas in the wild! 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. 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. Grampians: 2 nights camping

Day 7 – 9: Adelaide, Mt Remarkable and Coober Pedy

After a two night stop in the South Australian capital, Adelaide, we'll go hiking in Mt Remarkable National Park. Keep an eye out for wild kangaroos and emus at a fantastic lookout over the surrounding gulf country before heading back to 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: 1 night budget lodging. Mt Remarkable: 1 night camping. Coober Pedy: 1 night budget lodging

Day 10 – 11: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

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, and learn some of the Aboriginal legends that abound in World Heritage Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. We'll also visit the excellent cultural centre before heading to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a breathtaking series of large dome shaped rocks.

Accommodation: 2 nights camping

Day 12 – 14: Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and Alice Springs

The third natural wonder in this area is Kings Canyon. We'll hike the challenging Rim Trail where you can see the Lost City and the Garden of Eden (a chasm filled with palm trees) and take in some stunning views across the 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. Take time out on a free day in Alice Springs. "The Alice" is home to some of the world's best hot air ballooning. 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. Maybe 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 and perhaps a visit to one of the local clubs or bars.

Accommodation: Watarrka: 1 night camping. Alice Springs: 2 nights camping

Day 15 – 16: Devils Marbles and Manyallaluk

Heading north again, we arrive at the Devils 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 and make fire the traditional way. Find out how the Aborigines 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: Devils Marbles: 1 night bush camping. Manyallaluk: 1 night camping

Day 17 – 18: Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) and Litchfield National Park

Next stop is Nitmiluk (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.

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

Day 19 – 20: Darwin

There is time for an early morning swim then a short hike down to the base of Florence Falls. 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 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 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: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 21 – 23: Kakadu National Park and 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 Yellow Water Billabong where you can spot crocodiles, birds, snakes, dingos and other wildlife that is abundant in Kakadu. Heading south we arrive at the tranquil Mataranka Hot Springs for a soak in the palm shaded thermal pools.

Accommodation: Kakadu: 2 nights camping: Mataranka: 1 night camping

Day 24 – 27: Cape Crawford, Cloncurry, Mt Surprise and Ellis Beach

The next few days will be a real outback adventure as we cross the remote landscapes of North Western Queensland. You'll get a real feel for the vastness and emptiness of the Australian interior. We set up a 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. Crossing the Atherton Tablelands we head to the coast and spend a night on the beach.

Accommodation: Cape Crawford: 1 night bush camping. Cloncurry: 1 night camping. Mt Surprise: 1 night camping. Ellis Beach: 1 night camping

Day 28 – 29: Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

Spend some time in Cairns before we take a full day cruise on our multi-million dollar sailing boat to 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: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 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 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.

Accommodation: 2 nights camping

Day 32 – 33: Airlie Beach

Our next stop is Airlie Beach; from here 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-skiing or just lie by the pool. In the evening you can check out a live band and the local nightlife.

Accommodation: 2 nights camping

Day 34 – 35: Cattle Station

Leaving the coast behind, we head to our 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: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 36 – 38: Sunshine Coast, Wynnum and Moreton Island

We transfer back to the coast. In the morning we will catch the ferry out to Moreton Island and join our 4WD tour to visit and 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, turtles or pods of whales (seasonal). You can also snorkel amongst the shipwrecks and swim in Blue Lagoon - a naturally formed "perched lake".

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

Day 39 – 40: Byron Bay

Back on the mainland we head south. 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 tandem hang gliding or catch a band at the local pub.

Accommodation: 2 nights camping

Day 41 – 42: Coffs Harbour and 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: Coffs Harbour: 1 night budget lodging