| TOUR CODE: PASME8 / PASME8Y
HIGHLIGHTS
:: KINGS CANYON
:: ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
:: KATA TJUTA (OLGAS)
:: ABORIGINAL CULTURE
:: COOBER PEDY
:: FLINDERS RANGES
:: PARACHILNA
:: ADELAIDE
:: GRAMPIANS NP
:: GREAT OCEAN RD
ITINERARY
DAY 1 :: ALICE SPRINGS TO KATA TJUTA & ULURU
Journey deep into the remote ‘Red Centre’ as we head 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 a bite to eat, 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 2 :: ULURU TO KINGS CANYON
An early start is 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 embark on a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter).* It is a unique opportunity to share experiences, connect with and learn about the oldest culture on earth. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)
DAY 3:: KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS
Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations and towering rock faces of Kings Canyon. You will be left breathless by the sheer size and beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, and discover the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch before we make our way back to Alice Springs (overnight accommodation included, dinner at our own expense). (BL)
DAY 4:: ALICE SPRINGS
Enjoy a free day to relax and explore Alice Springs (overnight dorm accommodation included; meals and activities at your own expense).
DAY 5:: ALICE SPRINGS TO COOBER PEDY
An early departure this morning as we make our way to Coober Pedy, crossing the Northern Territory/South Australian border. We take a break in the outback town of Marla, where you have a chance to purchase some lunch and stretch your legs. Our next stop is Coober Pedy, ‘the Opal Capital of the World’. Upon arrival, your guide will give you a tour of this unique town, before visiting an underground mine and museum where we enjoy a guided tour. You will also have a chance to purchase some of the stunning opal jewellery produced from the mine. Tonight we stay in a unique underground bunkhouse in Coober Pedy. |
DAY 6:: COOBER PEDY TO ADELAIDE
After breakfast, we continue the journey south along the Stuart Highway and stop at some of the salt lakes of Central Australia for an interesting photo opportunity. We pass by the ‘rocket-launching’ town of Woomera — part of a former military test site. Next, we make our way to Port Augusta where we stop to enjoy lunch. We’re on the home stretch now! Leaving the vast open outback plains behind us, we make our way into South Australia’s capital city Adelaide, where your 12-day adventure finishes. (B)
DAY 7-8:: ADELAIDE
A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight accommodation included (meals at own expense).
DAY 9:: ADELAIDE TO GRAMPIANS NP
Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross the mighty Murray and pass through 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 private Grampians accommodation. (D)
DAY 10:: GRAMPIANS NP VIA GREAT OCEAN RD TO MELBOURNE
Up early this morning we make our way to Australian National Heritage listed and world-renowned Great Ocean Road. After a quick morning tea stop in the friendly town of Port Campbell, (own expense) we explore Port Campbell National Park including a visit to Loch Ard Gorge and the magnificent Twelve Apostles rock formation where we stop for lunch. We pass Apollo Bay before taking a break to stretch our legs in the seaside town of Lorne. A short stop at Kennett River allows you to do some koala spotting before taking on that last part of the Great Ocean Road. Make the most of a great photo opportunity at the famed surf location, Bells Beach, before we make our final journey into cosmopolitan Melbourne. (BL)
BRING
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera & film, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for AUD$20).
INCLUDED
Experienced guides, meals as indicated, accommodation transfers in Alice Springs & Adelaide, 2 nights camping fees & equipment, accommodation as indicated, opal mine tour, park fees in SA & Victoria, entry to Otway Fly Tree Top Walk.
NOTE
Upgrade accommodation is budget style and may be located on different premises to hostel accommodation. The package includes 7 nights of dorm accommodation and 2 nights camping in Melbourne. These packages are made up of multiple tours; you will likely travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. Additional nights in Melbourne and Adelaide can be arranged at the time of booking (extra expense).
*Tours finish at three central Melbourne locations.
**Single and Multi-share accommodation will be provided for this night. Twin rooms not available in Melbourne (double will be supplied) and triple bookings will receive 2 x double rooms.
† Tour not available 15 & 22 Dec. |
