:: Itinerary
Day
1 :: 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 2 :: 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 3 :: 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) Overnight
accommodation included (dinner at own expense).
Day 4 :: Darwin to Katherine Gorge
Leaving
Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to
Katherine. We spend the whole afternoon at the majestic Katherine
Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk National Park.
Experience the striking beauty while canoeing or cruising
(at own expense) through the gorge itself. Tonight we stay
at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD)
Day 5 :: Katherine Gorge to Tennant Creek
Not far
to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in a sparkling
thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Next stop
is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territory's oldest
pub. Nearby lies Australia's first international airport,
but you won't get a flight back home from here these days!
After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we camp
overnight at Juno Horse Farm. (BLD)
Day 6 :: Tennant Creek to Alice Springs
This morning
we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles, which
balance precariously on their rocky perch. From here we stop
in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph Station
'catch a glimpse of what Outback telecommunication used to
be like! A visit to Ti Tree gives you the chance to buy original
works of art by Indigenous artists, before crossing over the
Tropic of Capricorn to arrive in Alice Springs late in the
afternoon. (BL) Overnight accommodation included (dinner
at own expense).
Days 7 :: Alice Springs
Enjoy
a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense).
Days
8 :: Alice Springs
Enjoy
a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense).
Day 9 :: Alice Springs to Kings Canyon & Uluru
Journey
deep into the remote 'Red Centre'as we head towards Kings
Canyon. There's a lot to explore here and we check out the
Amphitheatre, 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'll pass Mt Connor and Curtin Springs cattle
station on the way to Uluru. Tonight, you'll be glad to curl
up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) after dinner as millions
of stars fill the sky. (LD)
Day 10 :: Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Sunrise
over Uluru is magical! It's an early start to catch it. While
the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) take a walk around
Uluru's base or climb to the top if you choose 'however, the
Anangu traditional owners prefer if you don't. Gain a further
insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit
it at the Cultural Centre, where you'll also have the opportunity
to invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists.
After refuelling with some lunch, we head to fascinating Kata
Tjuta (The Olgas) to discover the secrets of this ancient
landform during a hike through the Valley of the Winds. A
glass of Australian sparkling wine is perfect while the desert
sun sets over Uluru. Dinner is a traditional camp oven cookup
back at our permanent camp. (BLD)
Day 11 :: Uluru to Coober Pedy
We get
away early this morning as we cross the Northern Territory/South
Australian border on the way to Coober Pedy. Time to go underground!
Learn about this unique place with a mine tour, including
an opal cutting demonstration. If we've got time, try your
luck at 'noodling'for opals yourself! Tonight we sleep in
an underground bunkhouse. (BLD)
Day 12 :: Coober Pedy to Rawnsley Park
Today
we keep heading south along the Stuart Highway, travelling
past the 'rocket-launching'town Woomera on the way to lunch
at Port Augusta. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set
against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound in the late
afternoon and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation.
(BLD)
Day 13 :: Wilpena Pound to Parachilna
Challenge
yourself this morning as we get an early start to tackle Mount
Ohlssen-Bagge, where sweeping views of Wilpena Pound, the
Flinders Ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens will be spread
out before you. You'll be ready for some lunch before we drive
through the stunning Parachilna Gorge (weather permitting)
on our way to Parachilna. Get ready for tonight's BBQ dinner
'it doesn't get more Aussie than this! We stay in dorm accommodation
in Parachilna. (BLD)
Day 14 :: Parachilna to Adelaide
Check
out some interesting Aboriginal rock art this morning with
a short walk to Yourambulla Caves, before lunch in the quaint
historic railway town, Quorn. Ruggedly beautiful Alligator
Gorge, renowned for its distinct flora and fauna, is a great
place to stretch your legs on an interpretive walk (seasonal).
From here, our journey continues through the picturesque Clare
Valley before arriving in Adelaide. (BL) Overnight accommodation
included (dinner at own expense).
Day 15 :: Adelaide
A FREE
DAY in Adelaide to relax. Overnight accommodation included
(meals at own expense).
Day 16 :: Adelaide to Grampians National Park
Travelling
through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross Australia's
king of rivers, the mighty Murray, and pass through some little
South Australian country towns on our way to the Grampians
National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon with hikes
at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls. We'll
be rewarded with breathtaking sunset views from The Balconies
and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our overnight Grampians
accommodation. (D)
Day 17 :: Grampians NP to Princetown
Hiking
to the Pinnacle is a challenge, but on the way you'll experience
breathtaking views of the national park. Next we head south
to the coast and Warrnambool, where you'll have the chance
to spot whales (seasonal). There's a lot to explore along
the famous Great Ocean Road, renowned for its beauty. Discover
the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Lock
Ard Gorge before sunset over the Twelve Apostles 'gorgeous!
Stay overnight in the coastal township of Princetown. (BD)
Day 18 :: Princetown to Melbourne
Climb
down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle
of the Twelve Apostles, and then we'll spend some time at
the Otway Fly, a 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. Continuing
on, we pass through the magnificent cool temperate rainforests
of the Otway National Park. We'll stop for lunch (own expense)
at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline,
we pass through Lorne, before our next stop where we'll search
for koalas. We'll check out the world famous Bells Beach before
taking a shopping break at the surfing town Torquay, home
of surf labels Quiksilver and Rip Curl. With some bargains
in your bags, we make our way into Melbourne and arrive in
the early evening. Overnight accommodation included.
(B)
Day 19 :: Melbourne to Lakes Entrance via Wilsons Promontory
National Park
We travel
southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland to
Wilsons Promontory National Park. 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! In the afternoon we travel to the coastal town
of Lakes Entrance. Here, we're at the Gateway to the Gippsland
Lakes and Australia's longest beach 'Ninety Mile Beach. (D)
Day 20 :: Lakes Entrance to Snowy River Country
This
morning we begin our journey into Snowy River Country, taking
a break to fly down the 'zip wire'(optional activity at own
expense). It's a spectacular drive along Barry Way, crossing
the state border into NSW and high into the Australian Alps
(seasonal Nov-May). Hiking along an alpine track (2.5 hour
roundtrip) 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). Tonight you'll enjoy dinner
and overnight accommodation at Lake Jindabyne. Kick back and
relax with a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar. (BD)
Day 21 :: Jindabyne to Sydney via Canberra
If you're
up early 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). Leaving Jindabyne, we pass through Cooma. Next
stop is Canberra, Australia's capital city. We'll check out
Parliament House and other city highlights before travelling
continuing on to Sydney. (B)
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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