10 Day Melbourne < > Alice Springs Safari

Leave Melbourne and head along the Great Ocean Road and through the Grampians National Park to Adelaide. You'll have a day free with 2 nights of accommodation included in Adelaide before heading north to Australia's Red Centre via the Flinders Ranges and Uluru (Ayers Rock).

MELBOURNE < > ALICE SPRINGS SAFARI

TOUR CODE: MAPBN

HIGHLIGHTS
:: GREAT OCEAN ROAD
:: GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK
:: FLINDERS RANGES
:: PARACHILNA
:: COOBER PEDY
:: ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
:: KATA TJUTA
:: KINGS CANYON
:: ABORIGINAL CULTURE

ITINERARY

DAY 1 :: MELBOURNE VIA GREAT OCEAN RD TO PRINCETOWN
We pass Geelong and arrive in Torquay, with a stop to shop at Quiksilver and Rip Curl before we continue to world famous Bells Beach. Our Great Ocean Road journey begins here as we wind our way along one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Australia. We stop to see some koalas before passing through the seaside town of Lorne on our way to Apollo Bay. Next we hit the cool temperate rainforest of the Otway National Park, where we spend time at the Otway Fly tree top walk (included) then watch the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. (D)

DAY 2 :: PRINCETOWN TO GRAMPIANS NP
We walk down the Gibson Steps on to the beach for a different view of the Twelve Apostles, or there’s time for a helicopter ride (at own expense). Next up is Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. Watch for whales (seasonal) as we pass through Warrnambool, then head inland to the Grampians National Park. Hikes include The Pinnacle, The Balconies and Reeds Lookout. You’ll sleep well tonight at our private accommodation. (BD)

DAY 3 :: HALLS GAP TO ADELAIDE
Get your legs working this morning with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls before we farewell The Grampians and travel via Horsham into South Australia. See rare White Western Grey Kangaroos at Bordertown, then cross the Murray River before arriving into Adelaide. (B) Overnight accommodation included.

DAY 4 :: ADELAIDE
A FREE DAY in Adelaide to relax. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

DAY 5 :: ADELAIDE TO PARACHILNA
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the pretty Clare Valley to Quorn. This afternoon, we’ll check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves. Get ready for tonight’s BBQ dinner at Parachilna – it doesn’t stay overnight in Parachilna. (LD)

DAY 6 :: FLINDERS RANGES & WILPENA POUND
If the weather’s good, we’ll take the scenic route through the stunning Parachilna Gorge on our way to Wilpena Pound, the jewel of the Flinders Ranges. Grab your hiking boots for a guided climb of Mt Ohlssen- Bagge: you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views over the ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)

DAY 7 :: RAWNSLEY PARK TO COOBER PEDY
It’s time to go underground! We’ll travel to Coober Pedy today in time for an opal mine tour and you might have the chance to go ‘noodling’ for opals if there’s time. Our bunkhouse for tonight is – you guessed it! – underground. (BLD)

DAY 8 :: COOBER PEDY TO ULURU
Driving through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara in time for sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The stars put on a show back at our permanent campsite at Yulara. (BLD)

DAY 9 :: ULURU TO KATA TJUTA & KINGS CANYON
Wake up early to experience sunrise at Uluru – it’s worth the early start! Go for a walk around the base or climb to the top if you choose (although the traditional Anangu owners prefer it if you don’t), before we take a guided interpretive walk at Mala. After visiting Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) we head to Kings Canyon, where we camp for the night. (BLD)

DAY 10 :: KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS
There’s a lot to explore at Kings Canyon, including the 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 make our way through the harsh desert landscape to Alice Springs. (BL)

BRING
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, swimming gear, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera, film, money for some meals and optional activities. As above plus sleeping bag (can be hired AUD$15).

INCLUDED
Experienced guides, meals as indicated, dorm accommodation as stated (or upgrade to ensuite), Adelaide accommodation transfers, camping fees & equipment, entry to Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, Opal Mine Tour.

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. This is a combination safari so you may travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. *Tour departs from three central Melbourne locations.

10 DAYS
Adult $1220 ($AUD) Child $975 ($AUD) + park entry fee + fuel levy 7 NIGHTS UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION 7 Nts Ensuite Budget Motel/Lodge (Incl 1 nt Opal Inn Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $320 Triple $220 Single $690 (Incl 1 nt Desert Cave Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $385 Triple $275 Single $820 DEPARTS Melbourne* 6.30am Tue Thu Sat FINISHES Alice Springs accom. early evening Day 10 TOUR OPERATES IN REVERSE Click here to visit the page. MAX PEOPLE - 24 Valid till 31 March 2009.
		Hikes up to 6-8kms per day.

		Maximum 24 front facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle.

	OR	Dorm or Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities Generally 2-3 star standard with private facilities
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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