The Walkabout

Itinerary

Day 1, Perth & Goldfields

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.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.Meals: Lunch and dinner includedAccomodation: Bush Camp included

Day 2, Goldfields & Great Victoria Desert

An early rise this morning - the desert beckons. But first we will explore an old deserted gold mining town. Once thousands of people lived around here in the hectic gold rush era at the turn of the last century - now just a few artifacts remain to mark the passing of a golden era. 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. Keep an eye out for the unique Australian wildlife, as well as the wild camels that have roamed this desert area since the early days. Tonight we once again set up a bush camp miles from civilization under the brilliant night skies of the desert.Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner includedAccomodation: Bush camp included

Day 3, Great Victoria Desert

Our day in the Great Victoria 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.Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner includedAccomodation: Bush camp included

Day 4, Great Victoria Desert & Ayers Rock

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 Ayers 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.Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner includedAccomodation: Camping included

Day 5, Ayers Rock & Kings Station

An early rise is required today, not only to watch the sunrise but because the cool of the morning is the best time to explore Ayers Rock. Come and take our challenge to walk around the base of one of the world's largest monoliths and reveal some of the Aboriginal legends that surround this sacred land. 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 for our last outback camp before reaching Alice Springs. Here 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.Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner includedAccomodation: Camping included

Day 6 -7, Alice Springs & MacDonnell 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. We spend a day travelling through the Western MacDonnell Ranges where you can see Simpson's Gap, the Ochre Pits or even hike around Ormiston Gorg.Accomodation: Camping included

Day 8-9, 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 and 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 10, 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 11-12, 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 13-14, 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 15-16, Katherine Gorge & Litchfield National Park

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 17-19, Bush Camp, Conclurry & Mt Isa

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. 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: Bush Camp and Camping included

Day 20-21, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

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: Budget lodging included

Day 22-23, Mission Beach

Heading south along the coast we spend two nights relaxing at 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. The choice is yours.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 24-26, Airlie Beach & Tannum Sands

Arriving in Airlie Beach we have come to the gateway of our expedition to the Whitsunday Island Group, some of the most picturesque sailing in the world. With suntan lotion and swimming costume in hand it's time to embark on an island cruise. The choice is yours between spending a day on a fast Maxi sailing yacht or catching a launch to discover the underwater observatory and several of the island resorts. There is time for a jet ski or just lie around the pool. In the evening you can check out a live band & the local nightlife. Enjoy the coast before crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and leaving the tropical zone.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 27-28, Redcliff & Moreton Island

Picking up our 4WD vehicle we take a barge out to Moreton Island for 2 days, 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.Accommodation: RedCliff: Camping includedMoreton Island: Budget lodging included

Day 29-32, Wynnum, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour & Sydney

We continue to vibrant Surfers Paradise and then travel down the coast to Byron Bay. Walk out to Australia's most Easterly point and look out for dolphins playing in the surf. After staying at Coffs Harbour we head back to Sydney on the coast road through Taree and can stop en-route at a koala breeding park and sanctuary before crossing the Harbour Bridge before the end of adventure.Accommodation: Wynnum & Byron Bay: Camping includedCoffs Harbour: Budget lodging includedTour ends at approx 17:00 - 18:00 hrs in Sydney on day 30.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 3 bush camps and 15 meals. On the first 6 days of this tour, you will be travelling in a specially designed 4 wheel drive vehicle as much of the driving is not on tarmac roads. Facilities may be sparse though the scenery is spectacular. We use swags, not tents for the first five nights. OzXposure passengers will be joining other travellers on these 6 days with a maximum group size of 20. Groups will join our usual vehicle at Alice Springs.

Trip Details

Localpayments	Food Kitty AU$10 per day | Some meals paid locally
Tourleader	Services of a professional tour leader
Transport	All transportation by private adventure vehicle
AccommodationIncluded	19 nights camping | 6 nights bush camping | 6 nights budget lodging (All camping equipment included except sleeping bag)
Maxgroupsize	14
Endcity	SYDNEY
Startcity	PERTH
Included	6 day 4WD desert bush experience (Incl. most meals), Uluru (Ayers Rock) & Katu Tjuta (The Olgas) hikes, Kings Canyon hike, Working camel ranch visit, Hiking at the Devils Marbles, Manyallaluk Aboriginal cultural experience, Ubirr and Nourlangie Aboriginal Art sites, Entry fees to World Heritage Kakadu National Park, Mataranka Hot Springs, Full day cruise to Outer Barrier reef (Incl. snorkelling), Rainforest hiking, 2 day 4WD tour of Moreton Island including sand boarding and transfers, Byron Bay & lighthouse, PLUS HEAPS MORE WE HAVEN'T MENTIONED
Optionalactivities	Didgeridoo Making AU$250, Ayers Rock Flight AU$80-$180, Kakadu Flight AU$80-$180, Camel Riding AU$40, Quad Bike Tour AU$85, Whitsunday Sailing AU$150, Hot Air Ballooning AU$250, Yellow Water Billabong Cruise AU$70, Katherine Gorge Cruise AU$60, Harley Davidson Ride AU$50, Abseiling AU$45, Scuba Diving AU$70, Whitewater Rafting AU$170, Tandem Skydiving AU$300, Sea Kayaking AU$125, Dunk Island Cruise AU$50, Surfing Lessons AU$60, Koala Sanctuary AU$20, Horse Riding AU$70, Fishing trip AU$120

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-09-10	2008-10-11	1
2008-10-01	2008-11-01	1
2009-04-08	2009-05-09	4+
2009-05-13	2009-06-13	4+
2009-07-15	2009-08-15	4+
2009-08-26	2009-09-26	4+
2009-09-16	2009-10-17	4+
2009-10-07	2009-11-07	4+

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