13 Day Alice Springs < > Sydney Safari
13 day tour package from the Red Centre to the Southern Ocean, unique Australian experiences in an ever changing landscape as we travel from the desert, through coastal towns, through the Snowy Mountain range and finish in Sydney.
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| ALICE SPRINGS < > SYDNEY SAFARI | |
| TOUR CODE: PBSAS HIGHLIGHTS ALICE SPRINGS TO MELBOURNE :: KINGS CANYON :: ULURU (AYERS ROCK) :: KATA TJUTA (OLGAS) :: ABORIGINAL CULTURE :: COOBER PEDY :: FLINDERS RANGES :: PARACHILNA :: ADELAIDE :: GRAMPIANS NP :: GREAT OCEAN RD MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY :: WILSONS PROMONTORY NP :: NINETY MILE BEACH :: MT KOSCIUSZKO :: SNOWY RIVER HIGH COUNTRY :: JINDABYNE :: CANBERRA ITINERARY DAY 1 :: ALICE SPRINGS TO KINGS CANYON & ULURU Journey deep into the remote ‘Red Centre’ as we head towards Kings Canyon. There’s a lot to explore here and we check out the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After a bite to eat, we’ll pass Mt Connor and Curtin Springs cattle station on the way to Uluru. Tonight, you’ll be glad to curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) after dinner as millions of stars fill the sky. (LD) DAY 2 :: ULURU AND KATA TJUTA Sunrise over Uluru is magical! It’s an early start to catch it. While the morning’s fresh (and your legs are too!) take a walk around Uluru’s base or climb to the top if you choose – however, the Anangu traditional owners prefer it if you don’t. Gain a further insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the Cultural Centre, where you’ll also have the opportunity to invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists. After refuelling with some lunch, we head to fascinating Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) to discover the secrets of this ancient landform and their spiritual significance to the Anangu. A glass of Australia sparkling wine is perfect while the desert sun sets over Uluru. Dinner is a traditional camp oven cookup back at our permanent camp. (BLD) DAY 3 :: ULURU TO COOBER PEDY We get away early this morning as we cross the Northern Territory/South Australian border on the way to Coober Pedy. Time to go underground! Learn about this unique place with a mine tour, including an opal cutting demonstration. If we’ve got time, try your luck at ‘noodling’ for opals yourself! Tonight we sleep in an underground bunkhouse. (BLD) DAY 4 :: COOBER PEDY TO RAWNSLEY PARK Today we keep heading south along the Stuart Highway, travelling past the ‘rocket-launching’ town Woomera on the way to lunch at Port Augusta. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound in the late afternoon and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD) DAY 5 :: WILPENA POUND TO PARACHILNA Challenge yourself this morning as we get an early start to tackle Mount Ohlssen-Bagge, where sweeping views of Wilpena Pound, the Flinders Ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens will be spread out before you. You’ll be ready for some lunch before we drive through the stunning Parachilna Gorge (weather permitting) on our way to Parachilna. Get ready for tonight’s BBQ dinner – it doesn’t get more Aussie than this! We stay in dorm accommodation in Parachilna. (BLD) DAY 6 :: PARACHILNA TO ADELAIDE Check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art this morning with a short walk to Yourambulla Caves, before lunch in the quaint historic railway town, Quorn. From here, our journey continues through the picturesque Clare Valley before arriving in Adelaide. (BL) DAY 7 :: ADELAIDE A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight accommodation included (meals at own expense). DAY 8 :: ADELAIDE TO GRAMPIANS NP Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross the mighty Murray and pass through South Australian country towns on our way to the Grampians National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls. We’ll be rewarded with breathtaking sunset views from The Balconies and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our private Grampians accommodation. (D) |
DAY 9 :: GRAMPIANS NP TO GREAT OCEAN RD Hiking to the Pinnacle is a challenge, but on the way you’ll experience breathtaking views of the national park. Next we head south to the coast and Warrnambool, where you’ll have the chance to spot whales (seasonal). There’s a lot to explore along the famous Great Ocean Road, renowned for its beauty. Discover the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Lock Ard Gorge before sunset over the Twelve Apostles – gorgeous! Stay overnight in the coastal township of Princetown. (BD) DAY 10 :: PRINCETOWN TO MELBOURNE Start the day with optional helicopter ride (own expense) over the amazing Twelve Apostles or walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach to see a different angle of these limestone stacks. Next we visit the Otway Fly tree top walk. We’ll stop for lunch (own expense) at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, we pass through Lorne, before our next stop where we’ll search for koalas. We’ll check out the world famous Bells Beach before taking a shopping break at the surfing town Torquay, home of surf labels Quiksilver and Rip Curl. With some bargains in your bags, we make our way into Melbourne and arrive in the early evening. (B) DAY 11 :: MELBOURNE TO LAKES ENTRANCE VIA WILSONS PROMONTORY Travelling southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland we arrive at Wilsons Promontory National Park. Walk along gleaming beaches, watch the ocean pound onto the southernmost point of the mainland, hike along amazing granite rock formations and learn about coastal flora and native wildlife. You might even see emus and wombats! In the afternoon we travel to the coastal town of Lakes Entrance. Here, we’re at the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia’s longest beach – Ninety Mile Beach. (D) DAY 12 :: LAKES ENTRANCE TO SNOWY RIVER COUNTRY This morning we begin our journey into Snowy River Country and its a spectacular drive along Barry Way, watching the Snowy River wind below us. In the afternoon, let the bus do all the work as we climb high into the Australian Alps (seasonal Nov-May). Hiking along an alpine track (2.5 hour round trip) rewards you with stunning views of the glacial ‘Blue Lake’ and the top of Mt Kosciuszko (Australia’s highest point). During winter, we’ve got time to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). In summer, activities around the lake include wakeboarding, waterskiing or trout fishing (at own expense). Tonight, kick back and relax with a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar. (BD) DAY 13 :: JINDABYNE TO SYDNEY VIA CANBERRA Leaving Jindabyne, we pass through Cooma, learning about the Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme (one of the most complex integrated water and hydroelectric power schemes in the world!). Next stop is Canberra, Australia’s capital city, where the Prime Minister hangs out. We’ll do a tour of Parliament House, check out a few embassies and see other city highlights before travelling back to Sydney. (B) BRING Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera & film, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for AUD$15). INCLUDED Experienced guides, meals as indicated, accommodation transfers in Alice Springs & Adelaide, 2 nights camping fees & equipment, accommodation as indicated, opal mine tour, park fees in SA & Victoria, entry to Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. NOTE Upgrade accommodation is budget style and may be located on different premises to hostel accommodation. Package includes 7 nights dorm accommodation and 2 nights camping to Melbourne & 10 nights dorm accommodation and 2 nights camping to Sydney. These packages are made up of multiple tours; you will likely travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. Additional nights in Melbourne and Adelaide can be arranged at time of booking (extra expense). *Tours finish at three central Melbourne or Sydney locations. **Upgrade option is not available at Lake Jindabyne during July / August, therefore ensuite price will reduce by AUD$25 Twin/ Double, AUD$15 Triple, AUD$70 Single and Multi-share accommodation will be provided for this night. Twin room not available in Melbourne (double will be supplied) and triple bookings will receive 2 x double rooms. † Tour not available 15 & 22 Dec. |
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| 13 DAYS | ||
| Adult $1550 ($AUD) Child $1240 ($AUD) Valid between 01/04/08 - 31/03/09 Adult $1775 ($AUD) Child $1420 ($AUD) Valid between 01/04/09 - 31/03/10 + park entry fee + fuel levy  10 NIGHTS UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION 10 Nts Ensuite Budget Motel/Lodge (Incl 1 nt Opal Inn Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $410 Triple $300 Single $910 (Incl 1 nt Desert Cave Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $475 Triple $355 Single $1030 DEPARTS Alice Springs accom. 5.30am 01-25APR + 01NOV-31MAR† Mon Wed Sat 26APR-31OCT Wed Sat †Except 14Dec09 + 21 Dec09 FINISHES Sydney* early evening Day 13 TOUR OPERATES IN REVERSE Click here to visit the page. MAX PEOPLE - 24 Valid till 31 March 2010. |
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Hikes up to 6-8kms per day. | |
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Maximum 24 front facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle. | |
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Permanently erected tents (multi-share), permanent cooking facilities and purpose-built fire pits, screened eating areas, share showers and toilets. Dorm or Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities Generally 2-3 star standard with private facilities |
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| Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day before travel. Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal & extreme weather conditions, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. Luggage limit of 15 kg applies - backpack or soft bag. | ||
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