ALL OF OZ

Itinerary

Day Week 1,

SYDNEY - BATEMANS BAY - LAKES ENTRANCE - MELBOURNE - GREAT OCEAN ROAD - MURRAY BRIDGE - ADELAIDEThe first few days finds us taking the south coast road down to Victoria. Then a two-night stop in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne where you'll have plenty of time to appreciate this attractive city and sample a diverse range of international cuisine or catch a traditional Aussie rules football game. Leaving Melbourne, we head west on the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic coastal stretches in the world, famed for dramatic rock formations, such as the Twelve Apostles and the amazing Shipwreck Coast.Accommodation: 5 budget lodging & 2 camping night included

Day Week 2,

ADELAIDE - MT REMARKABLE NATIONAL PARK - BUSH CAMP - NORSEMAN - ESPERANCE - ALBANY - BUSSELTONExplore Adelaide before we cross the mighty Nullarbor Plain. Maybe spot whales, dolphins or even wild camels on this desolate stretch of highway. Along the way we'll go hiking in Mt Remarkable National Park, spotting wild kangaroos and emus at a fantastic lookout over the surrounding gulf country before heading back to our semi bush camp. Check out the gold workings at the "Super Pit" in Kalgoorlie before meeting back up with the Southern Ocean at Albany. We will hike in the tree tops at the "Valley of the Giants" before climbing the famous Bicentennial Tree. From the Karri forests we will then take time to explore some of the great caves found in this area. We watch the Indian and Southern Ocean convergence before a glass of wine as we tour the Margaret River winery area.Accommodation: 1 budget lodging night & 6 camping nights included

Day Week 3,

PERTH - PINNACLES - KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK - MONKEY MIA - CORAL BAY NATIONAL PARKRelax in Perth for a couple of nights. We depart Perth and head North through market gardens and vineyards to join up with Highway 1 on our way to Nambung National Park and the fascinating Pinnacles. Maybe go sand boarding before we hike in Kalbarri National Park. Here we take time to view Natures Window, the Loop and discover the wonders of the Z-Bend Gorge. At Z-Bend Gorge it is an exhilarating 150 metre descent into the heart of the gorge - well worth the effort - where there is time to explore and swim in the tranquil fresh water pools. For the adventurous there is even an opportunity to try your hand at abseiling.We make our way down to the beach and the world famous Monkey Mia bottlenose dolphins - its a unique experience and there are some fantastic photo opportunities. Almost as famous as the dolphins are Monkey Mia's pelicans. Check them out during the dolphin feeding. Next, we head to Coral Bay to soak up the sun, relax and swim the crystal clear waters, or gaze at the beautiful colours and shapes of the coral reefs at Ningaloo Reef. You can go snorkeling, cruise on the glass bottom boat, take a quad bike tour or even a joy flight over the reef.Accommodation: 2 budget lodging nights & 5 camping nights included

Day Week 4,

CORAL BAY NATIONAL PARK - EXMOUTH - GIRALIA STATION - TOM PRICE - KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK - 80 MILE BEACHWe then head inland towards the oasis that is Karijini National Park. We will take on extra provisions in the iron ore mining town of Tom Price before setting up our camp overlooking the magnificent Hamersley Range. You will see why we have allowed the next two days to explore and bask in the magnificence of this National Park area and it's Gorges. The Hamersly Ranges were formed over 2,500 million years ago and are some of the most unusual landforms on earth. From cascading waterfalls found deep in the gorges to fresh still pools ideal for swimming, we experience it all. Some of the gorges are so narrow that you can touch both sides at once.Accommodation: 7 nights camping included

Day Week 5,

BROOME - FITZROY CROSSING - TURKEY CREEK - BUNGLE BUNGLE NATIONAL PARK - KUNUNURRAAfter loading our vehicle we head back into civilization and the old pearling town of Broome. Catch a camel ride on the beach or a movie in the out door picture theatre. From here we continue northeast, take a boat ride on Geike Gorge before we join our 4WD for a 2 day tour through the Bungle Bungle Ranges. Visit Mini Palms, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge and walk along Piccaninny Creek before we must head back to Turkey Creek. See the Ord River Dam system that irrigates this north west corner of the state, hike in Hidden Valley and relax in Kununurra before crossing the border into the Northern Territory.Accommodation: 2 budget lodging nights & 5 nights camping included

Day Week 6,

VICTORIA RIVER - LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK - DARWIN - KAKADU NATIONAL PARK - KATHERINE GORGENext stop Litchfield National Park with its' magnetic termite mounds before returning 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. Then a free day to take in the sights of this frontier city. See the museums, the historic early settlement, take a trip on the "Tour Tub!", an open top bus trip of the city or just chill out by the pool.A chance for last minute shopping before we head out on the road to the "World Heritage Listed" Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's most beautiful areas of wilderness. We'll take you to Nourlangie Rock to see Aboriginal rock art thousands of years old before watching the sunset where the aborigines have lived for over 40,000 years or take a criuse on the Yellow Water Billabong where you can spot the many crocodiles, birds, snakes, dingos and more that are abundant in Kakadu. Next stop is Katherine Gorge, where you can take a cruise up two of the magnificent natural gorges carved by the Katherine river.Accommodation: 2 budget lodging nights & 5 camping nights included

Day Week 7,

MANYALLALUK - MATARANKA HOT SPRINGS - DEVILS MARBLES - ALICE SPRINGS - KINGS CANYON - AYERS ROCKWe head to the Aboriginal buffalo station of Manyallaluk and join the locals to try some "Bush Tucker", and learn how to throw a spear or even "make fire". 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.The road south leads us past the Daly Waters Pub before arriving at the eerie Devils Marbles in time for sunset. Come and hike the rim trail at Kings Canyon. Marvel at the sheer canyon walls and hit the rim trail for a hike over the Lost City and the Garden of Eden before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. Plenty of time this evening for that world famous picture of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset. Next day we'll take you on a guided walk around the base of one of the worlds' largest monoliths, Uluru/Ayers Rock, and reveal some of the Aboriginal legends that abound in this World Heritage Area Then explore the Olgas before viewing the sunset over these surreal domes.Accommodation: 7 nights camping included

Day Week 8,

ALICE SPRINGS - BUSH CAMP - CLONCURRY - MT SURPRISE - CAIRNS - GREAT BARRIER REEFThen we have a break 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.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.Accommodation: 2 budget lodging nights & 5 camping nights included

Day Week 9,

MISSION BEACH - AIRLIE BEACH - CATTLE STATION - REDCLIFFEMission Beach is our next destination. 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. There are also some great rainforest walks, where you might spot a cassowary. 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. Come and relax at our private cattle station where you can horse back ride, join a 4WD tour of the station or maybe even grab a farm motorbikes and help out with the day to day chores on this 2,600 acre property and enjoy some traditional Australian country hospitality.Accommodation: 2 budget lodging nights & 5 camping nights included

Day Week 10,

MORETON ISLAND - SURFERS PARADISE - BYRON BAY - PORT MACQUARIE - SYDNEYContinue south along the coast to Scarborough 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.Back on the mainland we head South and have an optional stop at Australia Zoo before arriving at Surfer's 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. After a final night at Coffs Harbour we'll continue heading south down the coast before arriving into Sydney where we began over 10 weeks ago and the end of our "All of Oz" adventure.Accommodation: 3 budget lodging & 2 camping nights includedTour ends at approx 17:00 - 18:00 hrs in Sydney on day 69.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 pu