18 Day Darwin < > Melbourne Safari
The 18 day Darwin to Melbourne package takes you from the lush Top End, through the Red Centre and heart of Australia to the coastal town of Adelaide before stopping in the Grampians National Park and sweeping along the Great Ocean Road through to Melbourne.
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| DARWIN < > MELBOURNE SAFARI | |
| TOUR CODE: PBTASAM HIGHLIGHTS :: LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK :: MARY RIVER WETLANDS :: KAKADU NATIONAL PARK :: KATHERINE GORGE :: MATARANKA SPRINGS :: DEVILS MARBLES :: KINGS CANYON :: ULURU (AYERS ROCK) :: KATA TJUTA :: COOBER PEDY :: FLINDERS RANGES :: PARACHILNA :: GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK :: GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY DAY 1 :: DARWIN TO MARY RIVER A refreshing start to your day; the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, followed by the spectacular Mary River Wetlands. Birds aren’t the only wildlife abundant around here; keep your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we’ll stay tonight. (LD) DAY 2 :: MARY RIVER TO KAKADU Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it’s on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (BLD) DAY 3 :: KAKADU TO DARWIN Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we’ll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL) Overnight dorm accommodation included. DAY 4 :: DARWIN TO KATHERINE GORGE Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to Katherine. We spend the whole afternoon at the majestic Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk National Park. Experience the striking beauty while canoeing or cruising (at own expense) through the gorge itself. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD) DAY 5 :: KATHERINE GORGE TO TENNANT CREEK Not far to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in a sparkling thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Next stop is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territory’s oldest pub. Nearby lies Australia’s first international airport, but you won’t get a flight back home from here these days! After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we camp overnight at an outback station. (BLD) DAY 6 :: TENNANT CREEK TO ALICE SPRINGS This morning we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles, whichbalance precariously on their rocky perch. From here we stop in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph Station – catch a glimpse of what Outback telecommunication used to be like! A visit to Ti Tree gives you the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists, before crossing over the Tropic of Capricorn to arrive in Alice Springs late in the afternoon. (BL) Overnight accommodation included in Alice Springs. DAYS 7-8 :: ALICE SPRINGS Two FREE days to explore the sights of Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense) DAY 9 :: 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 10 :: ULURU & 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 cook-up back at our permanent camp. (BLD) DAY 11 :: 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 12 :: COOBER PEDY TO RAWNSLEY PARK Today we keep heading south along the Stuart Highway, travelling past the ‘rocketlaunching’ 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 13 :: 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 14 :: 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. Overnight accommodation included. (BL) DAY 15 :: ADELAIDE A FREE day to relax or explore Adelaide. Accommodation included (meals at own expense). DAY 16 :: ADELAIDE TO GRAMPIANS NP Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross the mighty Murray and pass through some 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 17 :: GRAMPIANS NP TO GREAT OCEAN ROAD 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 18 :: 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. (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*, camping fees & equipment, Opal Mine tour, hostel dorm accommodation where stated (or upgrade to ensuite), entry to Otway Fly. NOTE This tour includes 11 nights dorm accommodation and 6 nights camping. Upgrade to 11 nights ensuite motel accommodation is available. Please note upgrade accommodation is budget style and may be located on different premises to dorm accommodation. Package is made up of individual tours; therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. *Tour finishes at three central locations in Melbourne. |
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| 18 DAYS | ||
| Adult $2061.50 ($AUD) Includes $50 (year round) + $12.50 (dry season) park entry fee Valid between 01/04/11 - 31/03/12  11 NIGHTS UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION 11 Nts Ensuite Budget Motel/Lodge (Incl 1 nt Opal Inn Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $2537.50 Triple $2557.50 Single $3272.50 (Incl 1 nt Desert Cave Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $2597.50 Triple $2407.50 Single $3397.50 DEPARTS Darwiw 7:00am Tue Fri Sun TOUR OPERATES IN REVERSE Click here to visit the page FINISHES Melbourne* early evening Day 18 MAX PEOPLE - 16/24 Valid till 31 March 2012 |
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Hikes up to 6-8kms per day. | |
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16, 17 or 20 forward facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle 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 theday 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. | ||
