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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. Overnight accommodation included. (BL)
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. Overnight accommodation
included. (BL)
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 travel 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 lunch, 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 and 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 (unguided), or climb
to the top if you choose - however, the Anangu traditional
owners prefer it 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 and their spiritual significance to the Anangu. A
glass of Australia sparkling wine is perfect while the desert
sun sets over Uluru before returning to camp for dinner. (BLD)
Day 11 -
Uluru to Coober Pedy
We go underground today! After breakfast, we head south through
the rugged desert country into South Australia arriving into
Coober Pedy in the late afternoon. Our bunkhouse for tonight
is - you guessed it - underground. (BLD)
Day 12 -
Coober Pedy to Quorn
This morning we check out the sites of Cooper Pedy
on a town tour which includes an opal cutting demonstration
and mine tour with the opportunity to try your luck 'noodling'
for opals! We continue our journey south and stop at ancient
salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea. We stop at
the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and Pt Augusta
before arriving in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway
township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. We
stay two nights in private accommodation at the historical
"Mill". Get ready for tonight's BBQ dinner - it doesn't get
any more Aussie than this! (LD)
Day 13 -
Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
The Flinders Ranges has been recognised as one of Australia's
National Landscapes and today you'll get to experience and
explore this magical region! Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheatre
located in a huge stone crater and you will spend the morning
hiking and exploring its wonder! After lunch, it's a short
walk to Yourambulla Caves to view Aboriginal rock paintings.
Learn about the hardships of sheep farming in the mid 1800's
as you view the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. As we travel back
to Quorn, there's an opportunity to spot for the shy and elusive
Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby on a quiet stroll through peaceful
Warren Gorge. Overnight at the Quorn "Mill". (BLD)
Day 14
- Quorn to Adelaide
Eat a hearty breakfast, because this afternoon we hike to
the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360° views of
Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! We then
say farewell to the "Flinders". Near the frontier township
of Melrose we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and
enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Our
last stop is in the infamous Clare Valley before arriving
late afternoon into Adelaide. (BL)
Day 15 -
Adelaide
A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm
accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 16
- Adelaide to Grampians NP
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 via the Great Ocean Rd 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. (B)
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