
The very best Eastern and Central Australia has to offer, all in one trek. From Sydney to Fraser Island, the Great Barrier Reef and the Northern Rainforests. You will travel through the open Savannah country, then up to the tropical Darwin and the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Spend time learning some of the aboriginal ancient ways and cultures, then head South to Alice Springs, hike Kings Canyon then marvel at the enormity of Ayers Rock and the awe inspiring Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).
This tour may operate in either direction.
Day 1: Sydney - Coffs Harbour
Say a fond farewell to Sydney via the harbour bridge and set out on
your camping adventure. Travel the coast road through Taree and stop at
a koala breeding park & sanctuary before heading onto your first night's
accommodation in cabins on the beach. A great opportunity for a BBQ tonight.
(Cabin Accommodation)
Day 2: Coffs Harbour - Byron Bay
After a walk on the beach you head to Byron Bay and walk out to Australia's
most easterly point. Look out for dolphins playing in the surf. This evening
we will chill out in town or have a beach party.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 3: Byron Bay - Fraser Island
An early start to head up the coast to Hervey Bay. We pickup our 4WD
vehicles and then a short ferry crossing to Fraser Island. Explore the
world's largest sand island and see crystal clear lakes and wild dingoes.
We will cross over to the eastern beaches and head to Central Station
for our first night on the island.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 4: Fraser Island
Continuing up the beach today we visit some of the unusual rock formations
and a shipwreck. You will have the opportunity to swim in the clear waters
of Eli Creek & Lake Mackenzie before setting up camp next to the beach.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 5: Fraser Island - Mirian Vale
We head back across Fraser island and catch the lunchtime ferry back
to the mainland then a short drive to our campsite. (Camping Accommodation)
Day 6: Mirian Vale - Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands
This morning we cross the Tropic of Capricorn before our stop at Clearview.
Continuing on through the sugar cane passing Mackay we reach Airlie Beach,
gateway to the WhitSunday Islands and some of the most picturesque sailing
in the world. Our campsite is located in the rain forest tonight and we
may try the local night sports for our evening meal.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 7: Airlie Beach
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, bunjee jump, sky-dive, jet-ski or just lie
by the pool! In the evening you can check out a live band & the local
nightlife.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 8: Airlie Beach - Mission Beach
Heading further north along the coast via the city of Townsville we reach
Mission Beach, our home for the next two nights. We camp right next to
the beach overlooking Dunk Island.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 9: Mission Beach
For those with a strong sense of adventure there is adrenaline pumping
white water rafting or sea kayaking. Alternatively take the daily boat
service out to Dunk Island and try the unsurpassed rainforest hikes 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.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 10: Mission Beach - Cairns
A late start today as we head north towards Cairns. We may go for a swim
at a local waterfall before checking into our motel.
(Motel Accommodation)
Day 11: Cairns - Outer Barrier Reef
Today you will explore the reef on our sailing boat to the Outer Barrier
Reef.. You can try scuba diving (no previous experience necessary), hands
feed the fish and snorkel among the vibrant coral in the warm tropical
waters. Enjoy wine & nibbles with the crew for the sail back to Cairns.
A day you will remember for the rest of your life.
(Motel Accommodation)
Day 12: Cairns - Innot Hot Springs
After a morning stocking up the supplies we travel up & over the Great
Dividing Range. Maybe stop at a tea plantation & learn about the intense
agriculture in this area. Take time out for a soothing swim at the hot springs
this evening. A great spot for a camp fire tonight.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 13: Innot Hot Springs - Leicharts Lagoon
Another easy morning start as we head west passing through small towns
like Mt Surprise. A beer at Georgetown pub and afternoon tea in the Croydon
General Store help us adjust to the Savanna Country. We arrive mid afternoon
at our semi bush camp, complete with hot showers and a fire. Its miles
from anywhere but the view next to the billabong is great.
(Bush Camp Accommodation)
Day 14. Leicharts Lagoon - Mount Isa
This morning, see the unique "Gulflander" train and historic Normanton.
We travel through some vastly changing landscape en route to Cloncurry
were you can join a tour of the "Flying Doctor Museum" or the Riversleigh
Fossil Museum. Tonight's camp is in the mining town of Mt Isa complete
with a pool.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 15: Mount Isa - Bush Camp
An early start today as we depart Queensland through Camooweal and enter
the exciting Northern Territory. Today you can see just how flat this
remarkable country is. We camp on the banks of a river near Cape Crawford.
A good opportunity to have a damper cooked in the coals of the fire.
(Bush Camp Accommodation)
Day 16: Bush Camp - Katherine Gorge
Visit the historic Daly Waters Hotel for a refreshing drink, then take
a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of Mataranka's thermal pool,
nestled amongst tall shady palms. We continue onto Katherine to stock
up on food before heading down to our camp close to Katherine Gorge.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 17: Katherine Gorge - Litchfield National Park
Start the day with a cruise up two of the most spectacular gorge systems.
Then head further north to the see the famous magnetic termite mounds.
We camp next to waterfalls in Litchfield National Park this evening
(Bush Camp Accommodation)
Day 18: Litchfield National Park - Darwin
There is time for a morning swim at Florence Falls before arriving this
afternoon back to civilisation in Darwin with a real bed in the multi
million-dollar YHA. We normally go out for a meal and perhaps a fling
at a nightclub for those in a party mood.
(YHA Accommodation)
Day 19: Darwin
A free day to take in the sights of this frontier city. See the museums,
the historic early settlement or take a trip on the "Tour Tub!",
an open top bus trip of the city. And you'll have the chance to do
laundry or just chill out by the pool.
(YHA Accommodation)
Day 20: Darwin - Kakadu National Park
A chance for last minute shopping before we head out to the "World Heritage
Listed" Kakadu National Park. Learn about the rock art at the Ubir gallery
before watching the sunset where the aborigines have lived for over 40,000
years.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 21: Kakadu National Park
Check out the mining support town of Jabiru before we hit the multi-million
dollar Kakadu visitor's centre. This afternoon you are off to Nourlangie
Rock to see aboriginal rock art thousands of years old. Feel the significance
of this timeless land & explore the new cultural centre.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 22: Kakadu - Manyallaluk
An early start to catch the Yellow Water Billabong Cruise to beat the
heat. Crocodiles, birds, snakes, dingos and much more abound in this area.
After a swim at lunch, we head out of Kakadu and down through Katherine
to camp on an aboriginal station.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 23: Manyallaluk - Mataranka Hot Springs
This morning we join the locals to learn about "Bush Tucker", 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 aborigines themselves teach the ancient skills. Also a great opportunity
to purchase didgeridoos, paintings & woven baskets from the people who
make them. We have time for another relaxing swim at Mataranka Hot Springs
after setting up camp.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 24: Mataranka Hot Springs - Devils Marbles
The road south leads us past the Daily Waters Pub again. Visit the gold
mining town of Tennant Creek before arriving at the eerie Devils Marbles
in time for sunset. There are several short hikes around the area & some
stunning photographs to be taken.
(Bush Camp Accommodation)
Day 25: Devils Marbles - Alice Springs
Up early for those priceless sunrise shots on the boulders. We arrive
at Alice Springs mid afternoon & set up camp in the best campground
in the Territory before heading out on the town for a meal & some
nightlife.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 26: Alice Springs
A free day to take time out in Alice Springs before taking a hot air
balloon flight, complete with champagne breakfast. Consider a day tour
through the Western MacDonnell ranges, where you can see Simpson's Gap,
the Ochre Pits or even hike around Ormiston Gorge. Why not eat out in
one of the great restaurants or maybe have pizza?
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 27: Alice Springs - Kings Canyon
This morning we will visit a working camel farm and you can catch a camel
ride overstunning sand hills as we hit the track south to Erldunda. Marvel
at the shear cliffs of Kings Canyon as we hike up the canyon floor before
setting up camp at this inland oasis.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 28: Kings Canyon - Ayers Rock
After breakfast we hit the rim trail for a hike over the Lost City and
the Garden of Eden before driving to our camp in Yullara mid afternoon.
Plenty of time this evening for that world famous picture of Uluru (Ayers
Rock) at sunset.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 29: Ayers Rock
Take our challenge and walk around the base of one of the worlds' largest
monoliths. We will explain and teach you some aboriginal legends that
abound in this World Heritage Area. Later this afternoon you can explore
the Olgas before viewing the sunset.
(Camping Accommodation)
Day 30: Ayers Rock
Maybe a sunrise photo for those up early enough, then more time to explore
Uluru and Kata Tjuta. We'll also take you to the excellent cultural centre
which has some excellent displays illustrating the history of the National
Park and the myths that surround Uluru in the aboriginal culture. It is
fitting that it is here at the heart of Australia's aboriginal lands that
we end our journey.