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ITINERARY:
Day
1 - 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
2 - Mary River to Kakadu
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and 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
National Park. (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 & seasonal) 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 our private campsite. (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! We cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, before
arriving early evening into Alice Springs (BL). Overnight
dorm accommodation included.
Days
7 - Alice Springs
Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation
included. (Meals at own expense).
Day
8 - Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru
Kick off your adventure on top of a camel! Our first stop
is the Outback Camel Farm where you can choose to ride atop
one of these desert giants (at own expense). From here it's
off to Uluru (Ayers Rock), and a bite to eat. Kata Tjuta will
fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of
this ancient landform on 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. (LD)
Day
9 - 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
10 - Kings Canyon to Marla
Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the
impressive formations which make up 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. After lunch,
we head south through the rugged desert country into South
Australia to our overnight destination of Marla, a small outback
town. (BLD)
Day
11 - Marla to Coober Pedy
We leave the Red Centre behind and travel across the vast
outback plains - destination Coober Pedy. On the way we'll
stop at the Breakaways, with views of the natural beauty for
miles around. This region is rightly known as the Opal Capital
of the World, as you will soon discover. Upon arrival we'll
get a tour of the town with a local, before visiting the Underground
Mine & Museum. Our bunkhouse for tonight is - you guessed
it - underground. (BLD)
Day
12 - Coober Pedy to Quorn
Before leaving this unique town, we have the opportunity to
visit an outdoor public opal fossicking site - you never know
your luck! Heading Southbound on the Stuart Highway we come
across the Salt lakes of Central Australia that will make
some awesome Facebook photos (and turn your friends green
with envy). A quick stop in Port Augusta then inland towards
the Southern Flinders Ranges widely considered one of the
most attractive natural landscapes in Australia; the Ranges
combine adventure, spirituality and tranquillity. Later there's
time to check in at our accommodation before we relax over
a friendly Aussie BBQ dinner. (BLD)
Day
13 - Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
We enter the National Park proper, a place where majestic
scenery meets tranquil vibes. The group will take a hike through
the Flinders Ranges, one of Australia's most stately and imposing
landscapes. Take in the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound,
set amongst an ancient crater formed millions of years ago,
or just soak up the stillness. Heading back to Quorn we'll
pay a visit to the Yourambulla Caves, home to some early Indigenous
rock paintings - our guide will show us around. Enjoy a pub
meal and drinks with the locals. (BLD)
Day
14 - Quorn to Adelaide
It's not far from our starting point this morning, where we'll
we take in a spectacular view from the top of Mt Remarkable.
As we travel into the more fertile farming areas the landscape
changes from what we have seen over the past few days. We
venture through the Clare Valley, the hidden wine region of
the state. We'll stop for lunch at a local winery in the Clare
Valley, with a few tastings thrown in if the mood strikes
you. Once through the valley we are bound for the City of
Churches - Adelaide. Tonight enjoy live music at one of the
many local venues. (BL)
Day
15 - Adelaide
A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm
accommodation included. (B)
Day
16 - Adelaide to Grampians National Park
The morning will see us traverse the nearby hills then cross
the famed mighty Murray River, before travelling through to
the Victorian Border. Then we'll travel to the Grampians National
Park and a place of great significance for the Indigenous
population. Pass through the rugged beauty and discover truly
spectacular views from the top after a good hike to one of
the peaks. (BD)
Day
17 - Grampians NP via the Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell
This morning we have a visit to the Brambuk Aboriginal Culture
Centre and learn more of the ancient Dreamtime stories. Your
creative skills will be assessed as we create personalised
souvenirs to take home. Passing through Halls Gap, we head
south to the Great Ocean Road where we'll take time to explore
several natural landscapes including The Arch, London Bridge
and the Bay of Martyrs, these are sure to be a great addition
to the photo albums. We'll finish up at the friendly town
of Port Campbell, nestled amongst the cliffs and pines. (BD)
Day
18 - Port Campbell to Melbourne
This morning brings us to the magnificent Twelve Apostles
rock formation, as well as the beautiful Loch Ard Gorge. A
short break from the coast, we venture to the top of the forest
at the Otway Tree Top Walk - a wonderful way to get a feel
for Victoria's natural beauty whilst perched amongst the birds.
Back down to the seaside for lunch as we pass through the
coastal towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne. The tail end of the
majestic Great Ocean Road will bring us towards famed surf
location Bells Beach, then direct into Melbourne navigating
the city streets with the famous trams and to our drop off
locations. (B)
Day
19 - Melbourne
Enjoy a FREE day in Melbourne to relax or explore the city.
Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day
20 - Melbourne to Gippsland Lakes (via Wilsons Promontory
National Park)
Leaving from this great city, we'll navigate the roads with
the famous Melbourne trams and head for the most southerly
point of the Australian mainland; Wilson's Promontory. Here
we take in a National Park of great natural beauty where kangaroos
and emus live amongst the verdant green bushland, with the
crashing waves not far away. We'll take a hike up along the
granite walkway to a nearby lookout, and take in the numerous
scenic points. Our afternoon journey tracks us out to the
edge of the Tasman Sea and to our overnight break on the Edge
of the coastal Lakes. (D)
Day
21 - Gippsland Lakes to Snowy Mountains
Our morning drive northbound heads up through the magnificent
Snowy River region; get a taste for a mountain lifestyle before
we cross borders into New South Wales. Our evening destination
is placed right in the heart of the Australia's Snowy Mountains.
We may be high up already, but later today we're going even
higher - Mt Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak at 2,228
metres above sea level. Don't be put off: it's a relatively
moderate hike from the top of the Crackenback Express chairlift,
or you can take the shorter walk to the lookout point. If
our visit falls in winter (June - September) we'll stop at
the ski resort of Perisher for a little snow-related fun,
snowball fight!! (BD)
Day
22 - Thredbo to Sydney via Canberra
After a hearty breakfast, we'll travel across the Monaro plains
and learn a little about Australia's biggest ever engineering
project, the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Then we are bound straight
for the Nation's Capital, Canberra. Architecturally designed
from the ground up by Walter Burley Griffin, it's awash with
cool green spaces and grand boulevards. We'll tour the iconic
Parliament House set atop a slight incline, as well as the
Australian War Memorial, even pass by a number of Foreign
Embassies. Destined for the largest city in Australia we are
welcomed by the busy city streets of Sydney where our city
to city trip comes to an end. (B)
Finish
in Sydney - Home of the Sydney Opera House
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