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VITAL STATS
Prices From: 1313.39 USD Runs: Varied Run Times
Duration: 16 Days Location: Australia
Departs From: Sydney Returns to: Darwin
Visits: Sydney, Jindabyne, Buchan, Wilsons Promontory, Melbourne, Port Campbell, Grampians, Adelaide, Parachilna, Rawnsley
Park, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Katherine, Darwin ...
TOUR DETAILS
Please note: At time of booking, HostelWorld will take a deposit on your trip. Oz Experience will also debit your credit
card for the balance of the trip price at time of booking - not when you join the tour
Recommended Min.Trip Time
32 Days
Itinerary
+ Blue Mountains Day Tour from Sydney
We head out of Sydney past the Sydney Olympic site to our first stop where we view wild Eastern Grey Kangaroos in native
bush habitat. These 'roos are pretty big and you can get up close and personal.
We do a 2-3 hour loop walk near Wentworth Falls to see this waterfall, lookout points and surround. You will walk through
changing vegetation, hanging swamps, and under rock ledges giving you an overview of the dramatic Blue Mountains environment.
Lunch is included - you'll eat a nutritious lunch, everything from fruit, sandwiches, salads & more.
After lunch, we walk down the historic Furber Stairs into Jamison Valley through lush rainforest, past picturesque Katoomba
Falls and view the incredible 3 Sisters rock formations.
From the bottom of the Jamison Valley, board the Scenic Railway (fare included), the steepest railway in the world and
ride up to the valley rim.
For those staying longer we'll drop you off in Katoomba at the award-winning YHA @ 5.00pm and pick up others. The YHA
is an impressive heritage building and you can experience some local nightlife in this historic town.
We cruise back into Sydney after an action packed day and drop you off at 7.00pm (approx.) at the Oz Experience office
where we picked you up.
Sydney to Jindabyne (via Canberra)
We travel to Australia's capital city of Canberra checking out Parliament House and other highlights on a city tour. After
lunch we pass through Cooma, learning about Australia's great engineering feat the 'Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme. We arrive
at Jindabyne in the late afternoon - a great time for a spot of trout fishing in the lake or perhaps go water skiing and/or
wake boarding (all at own expense & seasonal). Dinner and overnight dorm accommodation is included at the Lake Jindabyne
Hotel, where you'll get to enjoy the mountain life; perhaps a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar while taking in the magnificent
view of the lake.
Jindabyne to Lakes Entrance Via Snowy River Country
After breakfast, let the bus do all the work as we climb high into the Australian Alps (seasonal Nov-May). Enjoy a rewarding
hike along an alpine track (2½ hour round-trip) absorbing stunning views of the glacial 'Blue Lake' & the peak of Mt Kosciuszko
(the highest point in Australia). During winter, (Jun-Oct) we visit the ski village of Perisher/Smiggins for fun in the snow
(optional hire of toboggans or snow tubes at own expense). After lunch we take the spectacular scenic drive along the Barry
Way, watching the Snowy River wind below us, as we cross the border into Victoria. In the afternoon, we take a break to fly
down the 'zip wire' (optional activity at own expense) before arriving for our overnight stop at the coastal township of Lakes
Entrance; the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia's longest beach - Ninety Mile Beach.
Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory NP
This morning you may wish to take the opportunity for an early morning walk before driving to Wilsons Promontory National
Park with ample time to hike and explore! Walk on squeaky beaches, watch the ocean of Bass Strait pound on to the Australian
mainland's most southerly point, hike along spectacular granite rock formations with fantastic views and learn about the coastal
flora & native wildlife (maybe even sighting emus and wombats). We finish our tour, travelling on to Melbourne through
the pastoral landscape of South Gippsland.
Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Princetown 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 coastal village of Princetown.
Princetown 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, where we accept 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 Grampians.
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.
Melbourne to Princetown
We begin our journey travelling via Geelong to Torquay - stopping to shop at Quicksilver and Rip Curl - before continuing
on to world famous Bells Beach. Here we commence our journey on the renowned Great Ocean Road, one of the most spectacular
coastal roads in Australia. Hugging the coastline we stop to view Koalas, pass through the seaside town of Lorne then break
for lunch at Apollo Bay. In the afternoon we travel through the magnificent cool temperate rainforest of the Otway NP, spend
time at the awesome Otway Fly, (a 25 metre high elevated tree top walk) and view sunset at the Twelve Apostles. Tonight we
stay in the coastal township of Princetown.
Princetown to Grampians NP
We take the Gibson Steps down to the beach for another look at the Twelve Apostles and then check out Loch Ard Gorge before
continuing along the western end of the Great Ocean Road viewing London Bridge, Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. We take
a break at Warrnambool; where you may 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 accommodation in the 'Heart of the
Grampians' at Halls Gap.
Grampians NP 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, the longest river system in Australia, then pass through the picturesque Adelaide Hills
arriving into the city of Adelaide.
Adelaide to Parachilna
We travel through the picturesque Clare Valley to Alligator Gorge in the Southern Flinders Ranges, renowned for its unique
ruggedness and distinct flora and fauna. Here we stretch our legs on an interpretive walk and then continue on to the historic
railway township of Quorn. In the afternoon we view Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves and continue on to Parachilna
for a memorable 'Aussie BBQ' (including local game).
Parachilna to Rawnsley Park
We drive through Parachilna Gorge (weather permitting) 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.
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.
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.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta
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.
Kings Canyon & Uluru 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.
Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
We cross the Tropic of Capricorn then pull over at Ti Tree for the opportunity to purchase authentic Aboriginal art. Next
stop is the Barrow Creek Pub where we view the historic Telegraph Station. Further 'up the track' we explore the Devils Marbles;
precariously balanced granite boulders sacred to the traditional owners', before arriving at Banka Banka Cattle Station where
we camp overnight. Weather permitting - take a dip in the picturesque waterhole.
Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge
We head further north to the famous outback pub at Daly Waters, the oldest pub in the Northern Territory and first international
airport in Australia! After lunch we travel to Mataranka to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the crystal clear thermal springs.
Late afternoon we travel towards the magnificent Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp.
Katherine Gorge to Darwin
Spend half a day canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular gorge. There is also the chance for a scenic helicopter
flight (at own expense) to appreciate the vastness of the gorge system. After lunch we head into Darwin via Edith Falls and
Adelaide River.
Darwin to Kakadu
Spot crocs (and other wild creatures!) on a cruise along the fresh waters of the Mary River Wetlands. After lunch, discover
more about the land and its stories at the Bowali Visitor Centre. The whole of Kakadu is spread out before you at Ubirr Rock,
where we spend the afternoon. Tonight we camp in Kakadu National Park.
Kakadu to Darwin
Jim Jim Falls is our first stop today, and it's a stunner! You'll feel a bit dwarfed by the towering cliffs as we hike
to the base of the falls. By now you've probably worked up an appetite for some lunch! This afternoon the spectacular gorge
of Twin Falls is experienced onboard a National Park operated boat and along the boardwalk. Unwind for a bit on the sandy
banks before we trek back to Darwin.
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