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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
then to the renowned surfing location of Bells Beach and Lorne
before arriving in the coastal township of Apollo Bay. At
Kennett River we spot for koalas and watch and listen to the
abundant birdlife. After lunch we hit the cool temperate rainforest
of the Otway National Park, where we spend time at the Otway
Fly Tree Top Walk (included). Rejoining the Great Ocean Road
we will visit the amazing Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Late afternoon we arrive into the township of Port Campbell,
a colourful seaside village sheltered by cliffs and pines.
(D)
Day
2 - Port Campbell to Grampians National Park
Before leaving the coast and trailing towards the end of the
Great Ocean Road, we explore some of the other geological
phenomena along this remarkable stretch of coastline. Discover
The Arch, London Bridge and the Bay of Martyrs, just to name
a few. Our destination this afternoon is the Grampians National
Park, one of Victoria's most popular holiday destinations.
We embark on a hike in the National Park to take in the breathtaking
rocky views. This area is rich in Aboriginal culture set in
a rugged ancient landscape. (BD)
Day 3 - Grampians National Park to Adelaide
This morning we visit the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre
to learn of the local dreamtime stories. Test your local artistic
skills as we create our very own personalised souvenirs. Leaving
via Halls Gap, we say farewell to the 'Grampians'. Crossing
the mighty Murray River, passing through the Adelaide Hills
we arrive into Adelaide, South Australia's capital. (BL)
Day
4 - Adelaide
Enjoy a FREE day to relax or explore the city of Adelaide.
(B) Overnight dorm accommodation included.
Day
5 - Adelaide to Quorn (Flinders Rangers)
Leaving Adelaide we travel through the Clare Valley as we
make our way towards the stunning Flinders Ranges. On our
journey we enjoy a lunch break at a local Clare Valley Winery,
with some tastings thrown in. We have the opportunity to then
gain a bird's eye view from the top of Mt Remarkable as we
look out over this beautiful region. We check into our "private"
accommodation at the historical "Mill" before enjoying a classic
pub dinner & drink with the locals! This great Aussie Atmosphere
sets our scene for this evening. (BD)
Day
6 - Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
This morning we enter the National Park where adventure, spirituality
and tranquillity co-exist in one majestic destination. We
set out on a hike for some spectacular views of the "Flinders
Ranges", named one of Australia's outstanding national landscapes.
See the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound - a lost world,
located inside a giant stone crater. On our return to Quorn
we visit the Yourambulla Caves for a glimpse at some local
Aboriginal rock paintings and the stories that go with them.
This evening enjoy a casual BBQ dinner. (BLD)
Day
7 - Quorn to Coober Pedy
Leaving Quorn we travel through Port Augusta, then head north
into the open landscapes and join the Stuart Highway (one
of the longest highways in the world). Passing several salt
lakes, you can capture a great photo opportunity of the vastness
of Central Australia before we arrive in the "Opal Capital
of the World", Coober Pedy. A diverse township renowned for
its many underground attractions! On arrival we enjoy a local
town tour which includes a visit to an underground mine &
museum. Our bunkhouse for tonight is - you guessed it - underground.
(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 in the Mary
River Region 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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