AUSSIE INTERIOR EX ALICE SPRINGS

Itinerary

Day 1-2, Alice Springs & Ayers Rock/Uluru

We head out of Alice Springs for a breathtaking walk into the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and our first distant views of Ayres Rock (Uluru) before arriving at our camp site at Ayers Rock Resort. Plenty of time this evening for that world famous picture of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset. 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.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 3-5, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs & MacDonnell Range

The comfort of your air-conditioned seat on the coach will be appreciated 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. Then we head through the Western MacDonnell Ranges where you can see Simpson's Gap, the Ochre Pits or even hike around Ormiston Gorge.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 6-7, Devils Marbles & Mataranka Hot Springs

Next we head North up the Stuart Highway to the eerie Devils Marbles in time for sunset before arriving at our "bush camp" for the night. There are several short hikes around the area & some stunning photographs to be taken. We then head to the gold mining town of Tennant Creek and visit the Daly Waters Pub before a relaxing swim at Mataranka Hot Springs.Accommodation: Bush Camp/Camping included

Day 8, Manyallaluk

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.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 9-10, Kakadu National Park

Back on the road, we head to the "World Heritage Listed" Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's most beautiful areas of wilderness. 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 and more that are abundant in Kakadu.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 11-12, Darwin

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.Accommodation: Budget Lodging included

Day 13-14, Litchfield National Park & Katherine Gorge

Leaving Darwin there is time for an optional tour through the award winning Territory Wildlife Park before arriving at Litchfield National Park and it's famous Magnetic termite mounds. 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. Heading south, maybe take a cruise up two of the spectacular gorge systems of Katherine Gorge.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 15-16, Bush Camp & Conclurry

The next few days will be a real outback adventure.. You'll get a real feel for the vastness and emptiness of much of Australia's interior. 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. The next day you can see just how flat this remarkable country is as we depart the North Territory through Camooweal and the mining town of Mount Isa into Queensland. We arrive at Conclurry where we can do a tour of the "Flying Doctor Museum".Accommodation: Bush Camp/Camping included

Day 17, Mt Surprise

A beer at Georgetown pub helps us adjust to the Savannah Country lifestyle before we meet Russell in Mt Surprise and interact in his unique reptile show.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 18-19, Great Barrier Reef & Cairns

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 and a fitting end to our adventure.Accommodation: Budget Lodging includedTour ends at approx 17:00 - 18:00 hrs in Cairns on day 19.NOTE: Departures from Aug 07 - Oct 07 will operate with a 20 day itinerary as below. Flexible ItineraryThe 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.