:: Itinerary
Day 1 :: Sydney to Jindabyne (via Canberra)
Canberra
is Australia's capital city, and this is where we head on
our way out of Sydney. We'll check out where the Prime Minister
'does his thing'at Parliament House, and other highlights
on a tour of the city. After lunch, we head to Cooma, where
we learn about the Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme (one of the
most complex integrated water and hydro-electric power schemes
in the world!). Next it's Jindabyne in the late afternoon,
a town with a relaxed alpine village feel. There's time for
trout fishing in the lake or you could even go water skiing
or wake boarding (all at own expense and seasonal). Tonight
you'll enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at Lake Jindabyne
(all included). Kick back and relax with a sauna, swim or
a drink at the bar. (D)
Day 2 :: Jindabyne to Lakes Entrance Via Snowy River Country
After
breakfast, a hike along an alpine track rewards you with stunning
views of the glacial 'Blue Lake'and the top of Mt Kosciuszko
(Australia's highest point). During winter, we've got time
to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins
(optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). After
lunch, it's a spectacular drive along Barry Way, with the
Snowy River winding along below us. Crossing state borders
into Victoria, we take a break in the afternoon to fly down
the 'zip wire'(optional activity at own expense) before arriving
at our overnight stop at the coastal town of Lakes Entrance.
Here, we're at the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia's
longest beach 'Ninety Mile Beach. (BD)
Day 3 :: Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory NP and Melbourne
If you're
an early bird, it's a great chance for a walk before we drive
to Wilsons Promontory National Park. There's heaps of time
to hike and explore. Walk along gleaming beaches, watch the
ocean pound onto the southernmost point of the mainland, hike
along amazing granite rock formations and learn about coastal
flora and native wildlife. You might even see emus and wombats.
We'll finish our tour travelling to Melbourne through pastoral
landscapes in South Gippsland. (B)
Overnight accommodation included (lunch and dinner at own
expense).
Day 4 :: Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Princetown
Our trip
continues as we leave Melbourne and head through Geelong towards
the coast to Torquay, with a stop to shop at Quiksilver and
Rip Curl before we continue to world famous Bells Beach. Our
Great Ocean Road journey begins here as we wind our way along
one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Australia. We
stop to see some koalas before passing through the seaside
town of Lorne on our way to Apollo Bay, where we'll stop for
lunch (own expense). Next we hit the cool temperate rainforest
of the Otway National Park, spending some time at the magnificent
Otway Fly, 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. We cap off
the day watching the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. We'll
stay overnight in the coastal township of Princetown. (D)
Day 5 :: Princetown to Grampians NP
Climb
down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle
of the Twelve Apostles. Next we head on to check out Loch
Ard Gorge and the western end of the Great Ocean Road including
London Bridge, the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. You
may spot a whale or two (seasonal) at Warrnambool, where we
have a stop. From here we travel through country Victoria,
arriving at the magnificent Grampians National Park to the
challenge of a hike to the top of the Pinnacle. The day is
topped off by a walk to The Balconies and Reeds Lookout, before
we get to our overnight Grampians accommodation. (BD)
Day 6 :: Halls Gap to Adelaide
Get your
legs working this morning with hikes at Hollow Mountain and
the amazing MacKenzie Falls, where you'll experience the breathtaking
views stretching over the north of the Grampians. Leaving
this magical place, we travel west, stopping for lunch at
Horsham (own expense) before continuing through the agricultural
region of Victoria and in to South Australia. Bordertown is
home of the rare White Western Grey Kangaroos. Crossing the
mighty Murray River, king of Australia's rivers, we wind our
way through the picture-pretty Adelaide Hills before arriving
into Adelaide city. Overnight accommodation included
(meals other than breakfast at own expenses). (B)
Day 7 :: Adelaide
A FREE
DAY in Adelaide to relax. Overnight accommodation included.
(Meals at own expense)
Day 8 :: Adelaide to Parachilna
Leaving
the city behind, we travel through the pretty Clare Valley
to Alligator Gorge, set deep in the Southern Flinders Ranges.
Discover some of the distinct flora and fauna as we stretch
our legs on an interpretive walk through the ruggedly beautiful
gorge (seasonal), before continuing on to Quorn. This afternoon,
we'll check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla
Caves. Get ready for tonight's BBQ dinner at Parachilna 'it
doesn't get any more 'Aussie'than this! We stay overnight
in Parachilna. (LD)
Day 9 :: Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
If the
weather's good, we'll take the scenic route through the stunning
Parachilna Gorge on our way to Wilpena Pound, the jewel of
the Flinders Ranges. Grab your hiking boots for a guided climb
of Mt Ohlssen-Bagge: you'll be rewarded for your efforts with
sweeping views over the ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens.
We reach Rawnsley Park; a sheep station set against the spectacular
range of Wilpena Pound to spend the night here in bunkhouse
accommodation. (BLD)
Day 10 :: Rawnsley Park to Coober Pedy
It's
time to go underground! We'll travel to Coober Pedy today
in time for an opal mine tour and you might have the chance
to go 'noodling'for opals if there's time. Our bunkhouse for
tonight is 'you guessed it! 'underground. (BLD)
Day 11 :: Coober Pedy to Uluru
Driving
through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara in time
for sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The stars put on a show
back at our permanent campsite at Yulara. (BLD)
Day 12 :: Uluru to Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon
Wake
up early to experience sunrise at Uluru 'it's worth the early
start! Go for a walk around the base or climb to the top if
you choose (although the traditional Anangu owners prefer
if you don't), before we take a guided interpretive walk at
Mala. After visiting Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) we head to Kings
Canyon, where we camp for the night. (BLD)
Day 13 :: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
There's
a lot to explore at Kings Canyon, including the Lost City,
the lush and ancient Garden of Eden, and the sheer outcrops
of the North and South Walls. After a bite to eat, we make
our way through the harsh desert landscape to Alice Springs.
Overnight accommodation included (dinner at own expense.)
(BL)
Days 14 :: Alice Springs
Enjoy
a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense).
Days 15 :: Alice Springs
Enjoy
a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense).
Day 16 :: Alice Springs to Banka Banka
We pass
by 23° 26'22'³ south of the equator (otherwise known as the
Tropic of Capricorn) before stopping at Ti Tree for the chance
to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists. Learn
about the early struggles of bush telecommunications at Barrow
Creek's historic Telegraph Station 'it'll make your mobile
phone seem like the space age! Precariously balanced on their
rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional
owners. Last stop for today is our camp at Banka Banka Cattle
Station and if the weather's good, you can take a dip in the
pretty waterhole. (LD)
Day 17 :: Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge
No visit
to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed
Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and 'watering
hole'for travellers from far and wide. The tiny town is also
home to Australia's first international airport (but you wouldn't
guess it!). Mataranka lies in the heart of the 'never-never',
and you'll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak
in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close,
we reach our overnight camp at stunning Katherine Gorge. (BLD)
Day 18 :: Katherine Gorge to Darwin
The gorge
is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing
or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular waters. Want
to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense)
which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We'll
head to Darwin after a bite to eat, with stops at idyllic
Edith Falls and the 'croc-filled'Adelaide River (both a town
and a river). (BL) Overnight dorm accommodation in Darwin
is included.
Day 19 :: Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing
start to your day: the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park,
followed by the spectacular Mary River Wetlands. Birds aren't
the only wildlife abundant around here; keep your eyes out
for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded
campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we'll stay
tonight. (LD)
Day 20 :: Mary River to Kakadu
Discover
ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this
morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous
views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it's on to Maguk (Barramundi
Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the
plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within
Kakadu NP. (BLD)
Day 21 :: Kakadu to Darwin
Get ready
for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once
we get there, we'll hike to the base of the falls before continuing
on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and
powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk
experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze
you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL)
Note:
*This is a combination safari so you may travel with a different
guide and passengers during each section.
*Itinerary may vary according to seasonal conditions, Traditional
Owner and National Park requirements.
*Package includes 14 nights accommodation and 6 nights camping
(permanent campsites)
*Upgrade accommodation may be located on different premises
to hostel accommodation.No upgrade available for camping component.
*Package is available in reverse. Departs Darwin (ATA121/PBTASAS).
*Luggage limit to a max of 15kg and a day backpack.
*Safari must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day prior.
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