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ITINERARY:
Day
1 - Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell
We pass Geelong and check out the surfing town of Torquay
and 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. At Kennett River we spot for koalas
and watch and listen to the abundant birdlife. Next we hit
the cool temperate rainforest of the Otway National Park,
where we spend time at the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk (included)
then watch the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. (LD)
Day
2 - Port Campbell to Grampians National Park
Start the day with an optional helicopter ride over the amazing
12 Apostles or walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach to
get a different angle of the limestone stacks. 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. (BLD)
Day
3 - Halls Gap to Adelaide
Get your legs working this morning with hikes at Hollow Mountain
and the amazing MacKenzie Falls before we farewell The Grampians
and travel via Horsham into South Australia. See rare White
Western Grey Kangaroos at Bordertown, then cross the Murray
River before arriving into Adelaide. Overnight accommodation
included. (BL)
Day
4 - Adelaide
Enjoy a FREE day to relax or explore the city of Adelaide.
Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day
5 - Adelaide to Quorn
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the Clare Valley
to Quorn, a quaint and historical railway township nestled
at the entrance to the Richman Valley. Eat a hearty lunch,
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 return to Quorn where 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
6 - 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 the shy and elusive
Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby on a quiet stroll through peaceful
Warren Gorge. Overnight at the Quorn "Mill". (BLD)
Day
7 - Quorn to Coober Pedy
We travel north through Port Augusta and the small township
of Glendambo (population 30!) passing ancient salt lakes which
are the remnants of an inland sea. The Opal Capital of the
World is our destination and our bunkhouse for tonight is
- you guessed it - underground. (BLD)
Day
8 - Coober Pedy to Uluru
Driving through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara
in time for infamous Uluru (Ayers Rock) sunset. Tonight, lend
a hand as we cook dinner at our permanent campsite then consider
the option to sleep under the outback stars in a traditional
'Aussie swag'. (BLD)
Day
8 - Coober Pedy to Marla
After breakfast we check out the sites of Coober 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 drive north and you will see the
flat topped mesas, 'The Breakaways'. During the afternoon
we drive through the rugged desert country to the small outback
township of Marla. (BLD)
Day
9 - Marla to Uluru
From Marla, we cross the Northern Territory border and arrive
at the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
will fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets
of this ancient landform during the Valley of the Winds hike.
You'll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and
as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll)
under millions of stars. (BLD)
Day
10 - Uluru to Kings Canyon
It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with
a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning's fresh (and your
legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru.
You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the
Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with
an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Explore the many caves
of the Mala people, learning how they lived and prepared for
ceremonies. Your Aboriginal guide will also share the sensitive
story of the Mala people who lived at Uluru with their friend
the Itjaritjari (marsupial mole). There is also a visit to
sacred Kantju Gorge, a quiet water hole at the base of a dramatic
rock face. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase
Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we
travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National
Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)
Day
11 - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the
impressive formations of Kings Canyon. You'll be left breathless
by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre,
the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the
North and South Walls. Lunch is a welcome prospect, before
we make our way to Alice Springs. (BL)
Day
12 - Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense)
Day
13 - Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow
Creek Pub. 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 private
campsite near Tennant Creek where we camp for the night. (LD)
Day
14 - Tennant Creek 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
15 - Katherine Gorge to Darwin
The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend
canoeing or cruising (at own expense & seasonal) 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 stop at idyllic Edith
Falls. Overnight dorm accommodation available (BL)
Day
16 - Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls
of Litchfield National Park. Travel west into Woolna Country
and receive a Cul Cul or unique 'Welcome to Country' by the
traditional owners of the land the Limilngan - Wulna people.
Experience the local Aboriginal Culture, cooking your own
bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear
throwing. To finish the day we head to the spectacular Mary
River Wetlands, where 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
17 - 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
18 - 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)
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