State: Victoria
Operator: Adventure Tours
Minimum Price: AUD $ 1,760

Take this unique hiking and sight seeing tour to experience both Australia's scenic coastline and its rugged desolate outback. Highlights are as follows Grampians National Park, MacKenzie Falls, Brambuks, Warrnambool, Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Bells Beach, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound,Arkaroola William Creek, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, Alice Springs, Katherine Gorge, Darwin, Mary River, Kakadu National Park

Day 1 - Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell

We begin our journey travelling through Geelong before stopping at Torquay (home of Quicksilver and Rip Curl) where you can pick yourself up a bargain, before making our way to the world famous Bell's Beach. Here we commence our journey on the renowned Great Ocean Road, one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Australia, calling into the seaside towns of Lorne & Apollo Bay exploring pristine beaches, gorges and the magnificent cool temperate rainforest of the Otway NP. We spend time at the awesome Otway Fly, (25 metre high elevated tree top walk) and explore Loch Ard Gorge before enjoying sunset at the Twelve Apostles. Tonight we stay in the fishing village of Port Campbell or Princetown.

Day 2 - Port Campbell to Grampians NP

View sunrise over the Twelve Apostles then take the Gibson Steps down to the beach for a different perspective of this amazing formation. Continuing along the western end of the Great Ocean Road we visit London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands before arriving at Warrnambool for a chance to view whales (seasonal). Travelling on through country Victoria, we arrive at the magnificent Grampians NP, calling in at Brambuks Aboriginal Cultural Centre before accepting the challenge of a hike to the Pinnacle . We finish the day with a walk to The Balconies & Reeds Lookout before arriving at our overnight accommodation in the 'Heart of the Grampians' at Halls Gap. (B)

Day 3 - Halls Gap to Adelaide

Today we spend the morning hiking to the bottom of MacKenzie Falls & Hollow Mountain for breathtaking views over the north of the Grampians before leaving this magical place. Travelling west, we break for lunch at Horsham then continue through the agricultural district of Victoria, into South Australia and Bordertown, home of the rare White Western Grey Kangaroos. We cross the mighty Murray River, then pass through the picturesque Adelaide Hills arriving into the city of Adelaide. (B)

Day 4 - Adelaide

A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm. (Meals at own expense)

Day 5 - Adelaide to Parachilna

Leaving Adelaide we travel through Clare Valley then continue on to Kanyaka Homestead the Flinders Ranges. We stop and view rock art at Yourambulla Caves before heading for our overnight dorm accommodation at Parachilna. (LD)

Day 6 - Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound

We drive through Parachilna Gorge before arriving at Wilpena Pound, to climb Mt Ohlssen-Bagge for fantastic views over the ranges. After lunch, we travel to remote Rawnsley Park sheep station where we stay overnight in dorms. (BLD)

Day 7 - Rawnsley Park to Coober Pedy

We travel to Coober Pedy then take a town and opal mine tour with a chance to go opal fossicking (time permitting). We stay in an underground bunkhouse in Coober Pedy. (NB. upgrade to Hotel accommodation is available at own expense) (BLD)

Day 8 - Coober Pedy to Uluru

Drive through rugged desert country to Yulara for the sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) then view the stars in our overnight permanent camp at Yulara. (BLD)

Day 9 - Uluru to Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon

Up early for the Uluru sunrise where you can enjoy a base walk or choose to climb Uluru, then take a guided interpretive walk at Mala. We visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and head to Kings Canyon for our overnight camp. (BLD)

Day 10 - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Explore Kings Canyon, including the breathtaking North and South walls. After lunch we depart for Alice Springs viewing the rugged desert scenery along the way. Overnight Dorm. (BL)

Day 11 - Alice Springs

Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight dorm. (No meals)

Day 12 - Alice Springs

Enjoy a FREE DAY to explore Alice Springs. Overnight dorm. (No meals)

Day 13 - Alice Springs to Banka Banka

On the way north to the Devils Marbles we stop at the Tropic of Capricorn & visit an Aboriginal community. We stop for lunch at Mary Ann Dam with the chance for a swim (summer only). After a tour of the Battery Hill Gold Mine at Tennant Creek, we travel on to the historic Banka Banka Cattle Station to meet the locals & maybe a swim. Overnight camp. (LD)

Day 14 - Mataranka to Katherine Gorge

We head further north to experience the famous outback pub at Daly Waters, and meet more locals. After lunch we travel to Mataranka thermal springs for a swim. In the late afternoon we travel to the magnificent Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp. (BLD)

Day 15 - Katherine Gorge to Darwin

Spend half a day exploring Katherine Gorge by canoe, boat cruise or helicopter (at own expense). Enjoy lunch before heading to Darwin via Edith Falls and Adelaide River. Overnight in Darwin - dormitory accommodation included (upgrade to motel at own expense). (BL)

Day 16 - Darwin to Mary River

See the falls of Litchfield National Park before heading to the Mary River Wetlands. This afternoon look for 'crocs' and other wildlife on our private river cruise. Arrive at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge to experience an Aboriginal Corroborree, dinner and overnight camp. (LD)

Day 17 - Mary River to Kakadu

We call in at Mamukala Wetlands then head to the awesome Jim Jim Falls to take a walk to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Here we join a National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience up the stunning gorge to the waterfall where you can relax on the sandy bank. We drive on to Kakadu for dinner and our overnight camp. (BLD)

Day 18 - Kakadu to Darwin

Our first stop is Ubirr where we discover ancient Aboriginal rock art. We continue our journey to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where we do some hiking and enjoy a refreshing dip in the plunge pools. We then return to Darwin, enjoying the impressive scenery along the way. (BL)

 

Notes:

• This tour includes 11 nights dorm accommodation and 6 nights camping
• This is a combination tour so you may have a different group and guide for each section. Tour also available in reverse. Tour Code: PBTAS
• The order stated in the itinerary may change at the discretion of the guide. Itinerary may also vary due to seasonal conditions.

Notes:

Special Departure Dates: Departs on Thursdays all year and Tuesdays between the months May to November
Trip Duration: 18 days
Departs from: Melbourne
Tour Ends: Darwin
Departure Days:

• Tuesday
• Thursday

All Prices: Upgrade 11 nts Motel incl 3 star Opal Inn Coober Pedy - Twin AU$450pp / Single AU$1045pp Upgrade 11 nts Motel incl 4 star Desert Cave Coober Pedy - Twin AU$500pp / Single AU$1135pp