Flexible Itineraries
The itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating
a typical itinerary & series of activities. While
our intention is to adhere to the published day by day
route, the itinerary, distance travelled, type of accommodation
and available activities may vary due to group input,
weather, road conditions & local restrictions. Early
or late season treks can be affected by extreme weather.
The first 6 days of this trek is a
wilderness trip and includes 3 bush camps. Facilities
may be sparse though the scenery is outstanding. We may
use several different vehicles on this trek.
Tour Description
Our adventure begins with
an early start from Perth. Travelling through the Jarrah
forests of the Darling Ranges we follow the goldfields
water pipeline through rolling farmlands and sleepy country
towns. Your guide will tell you the fascinating story
behind this engineering marvel constructed over 100 years
ago.
Soon we pass out of the
golden wheatlands and into the historic gold mining areas
of Southern Cross, Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. At Kalgoorlie
we take time out to visit the famous ’Super Pit’
and for last minute supplies before we head north to set
up our first bush camp for the night alongside the road
to Laverton.
Leaving the bitumen behind
we head into the desert and towards the Red Centre. The
Great Central Road takes us through beautiful breakaway
country, past lakes that only contain water after substantial
rainfall, aboriginal waterholes and art sites, and abandoned
cattle stations that have been rehabilitated back to their
natural state. We will make several stops along the way
at road houses controlled by the Ngaanyatjarra Lan Council
and have the opportunity to buy some genuine aboriginal
artefacts. Keep a sharp eye out for the unique Australian
wildlife, as well as wild camels that have roamed this
desert area since the gold rush days. Tonight we once
again set up a bush camp miles from civilization under
the brilliant night skies of the desert.
We journey east through
the Great Victoria Desert still following the Great Central
Road. Tjukayirla is recognised as one of the most remote
roadhouses in Australia. At the isolated Aboriginal community
of Warburton we pause for a late morning break and perhaps
a chance to visit the local cultural centre, and by afternoon
the Rawlinson Ranges appear purple/blue in the distance.
This is country traveled by Ernest Giles in 1874. The
countryside reveals many fascinating sides today before
we set up camp in the late afternoon somewhere near the
Schwerin Mural Crescent alongside the Gunbarrel Highway.
Today we give you a chance
to enjoy sunrise in a truly unique and beautiful setting.
After breakfast we pause at the WA / NT border near the
Aboriginal settlement of Docker River. Crossing the Docker
River (there are no bridges out here) the Great Central
Road passes through the magnificent Petermann Ranges and
with only six more rivers to cross and a visit to Lasseters
Cave, then the majestic Olgas will soon appear pink/purple
on the horizon. After a breathtaking walk into the Olgas
(Kata Tjuta) and distant views of Ayres Rock (Uluru) it
is a short drive to the cultural centre for a close look
at the Anangu way of life. Sunset will find us watching
the setting sun change the colours of the worlds most
famous rock.
An early rise is required
today, not only to watch the sunrise but because the cool
of the morning is the best time to for those that wish
to climb Ayers Rock. For anyone not wanting to climb the
Rock there is also plenty of time to seek out and explore
the artwork and culture around the base of the Rock. The
comfort of your air-conditioned seat on the coach will
be appreciated this afternoon after your strenuous morning
as we head around to Kings Creek Station. There is an
opportunity to indulge in some optional activities such
as camel ride, 4WD quad bike ride or even a helicopter
ride over the George Gill Range.
We depart ’the Station’
early this morning so that we can explore King’s
Canyon with its "Lost City" and "Garden
of Eden" in the cool of the morning before spending
a few days relaxing in Alice Springs. "The Alice"
is home to some of the world's best hot air ballooning,
complete with a champagne breakfast. Consider taking an
optional day trip through the Western MacDonnell Ranges
where you can see Simpson's Gap, the Ochre Pits or even
hike around Ormiston Gorg; visit the Desert Park, go shopping
or just hang out at the pool.
Next we head North
up the Stuart Highway towards Darwin, stopping for photos
at the Devils Marbles before arriving at our "bush
camp" for the night. We visit the Daly Waters Pub
before a relaxing swim at Mataranka Hot Springs. Next
spend time at Manyallaluk - an Aboriginal community where
you will have the unique opportunity to learn more about
this ancient and fascinating culture. Learn how to throw
a spear or even "make fire" using two sticks.
Find out how the aboriginals existed for thousands of
years in harmony with their surroundings. The aboriginals
themselves teach these ancient skills. They will take
us on a hike to learn more about "Bush Tucker".
An excellent opportunity to purchase didgeridoos, paintings
and woven baskets from the people who make them, and all
the money stays in the community.
Our next destination
is Kakadu National Park. Here you can explore rainforest,
eucalyptus woodlands, swamps and mangroves, home to a
wide variety of fauna and flora. There are some fantastic
hikes leading you around detailed aboriginal rock artwork
before we explore their northern cultural centre and a
stunning sunset over the escarpment. . Why not take a
Yellow Water Billabong Cruise where you can spot crocodiles,
birds, snakes, dingos and a large array of water birds.
Leaving Kakadu
National Park, we continue to the city of Darwin. We will
do a quick city tour before checking into the YHA for
a bed for the next two nights. Let's head out for a meal
on the town tonight and a beer at the Vic Hotel. A free
day to sleep in or explore the city at your own pace.
Take a sight seeing tour on the "Tour Tub" and
leave some time for the Museum and Art Gallery of the
Northern Territory. Well worth a look. We might even have
a BBQ down by the beach tonight.
Leaving Darwin
there is time for an optional tour through the award winning
Territory Wildlife Park before arriving at Litchfield
National Park. Time for a swim then a walk down to the
base of Florence Fallsbefore
heading to our semi-bush camp next to a crystal clear
waterfall. Next, their is
the option to take a memorable canoe trip through the
magnificent Katherine Gorge.
The next few days
will be a real outback adventure as we cross the remote
landscapes of North Eastern Queensland. You’ll get
a real feel for the vastness and emptiness of much of
Australia’s interior. We set up bush camps along
the way, pass through mining towns, stop at characteristic
outback pubs for refreshments and at hot springs for a
swim. We travel through some vastly changing landscape
where we can join the "Flying Doctor Museum"
tour in Conclurry and then meet Russell in Mount Surprise
and interact in his unique reptile show.
Crossing the Atherton
Table lands we'll head into Cairns where a full day on
our multi-million dollar sailing boat awaits. We’ll
cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef where you can snorkel
or dive some of the best sites and marvel at the vast
array of marine life living in the most extensive reef
system in the world. A day you will remember for the rest
of your life.
Leaving Cairns
we’ll head South to Mission Beach. For those with
a strong sense of adventure there is adrenaline pumping
white water rafting on the Tully River or sea kayaking.
Alternatively take the daily boat service out to Dunk
Island and hike the rainforests looking for the elusive
cassowary (similat to an emu) or even muster the courage
to go tandem sky-diving.. For a more leisurely day simply
lounge on Mission Beach and work on your suntan.
Our next stop is Airlie Beach, from where
you can access the beautiful paradise that is the Whitsunday
Islands and some of the most picturesque sailing in the
world. The choice today is yours. Choose between a full
day on a fast Maxi sailing yacht, take a cruise to a millionaire's
resort, catch a launch to discover the underwater observatory,
sky-dive, jet-ski or just lie by the pool! In the evening
you can check out a live band & the local nightlife
Heading back to
Airlie Beach and the mainland, continue south along the
coast to Scarborough where we’ll pick up our 4WD
vehicle for our 2 day tour of Moreton Island where the
world’s highest sand dunes await you. With miles
of deserted white beaches and inland forests dotted with
crystal clear lakes, this is the highlight of the trip
for many. We’ll hike some of the trails, visit the
Tangalooma Wrecks and maybe view dolphins, fish or pods
of whales in season. You can also explore the shipwrecks
and swim in the Blue Lagoon – a naturally formed
“perched lake.” As good as Fraser Island without
the crowds.
Catching a ferry back to
the mainland we follow the Gold Coast to Surfers Paradise,
playground of the rich and entertainment capital of Queensland.
Take a surfing lesson or for more thrills, try one of
Surfers’ theme parks. There are also plenty of bars
and nightclubs keeping this 24 hour party city going!
The next day we head
the morning in laid back Byron Bay, Australia’s most
Easterly point. Explore this alternative community of
surfers, hippies and travellers with its beautiful beaches,
wholefood cafes and arts and crafts stalls. Southward
bound, our final night will
be in beach cabins at Coffs Harbour before we head south
to Sydney for the end of our transcontinental tour of
Australia.
*Please note:
This tour combines the Desert Explorer and Reef 'n Rock
itineraries. The first leg of this trek is a true outback
experience. It includes 2 bush camps and 15 meals. On
the first 6 days of this tour, we will be travelling in
a specially designed 4 wheel drive vehicle operated by
a partner company who specialises in this remote region
of Australia as much of the driving is not on tarmac roads.
Facilities may be sparse though the scenery is outstanding.
You will be joining other travellers on these 6 days with
a maximum group size of 20. We use swags not tents for
the first five nights. Groups will join our usual OzXposure
mini-bus vehicle at Alice Springs.
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