18 Day Melbourne < > Darwin Safari

MELBOURNE < > DARWIN SAFARI

TOUR CODE: MAPBTAN

HIGHLIGHTS
:: GREAT OCEAN ROAD
:: GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK
:: FLINDERS RANGES
:: PARACHILNA
:: COOBER PEDY
:: ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
:: KATA TJUTA
:: KINGS CANYON
:: LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
:: MARY RIVER WETLANDS
:: KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
:: JIM JIM & TWIN FALLS
:: 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 get any more Aussie than this! We 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)

DAYS 11-12 :: ALICE SPRINGS
Two FREE DAYS in Alice Springs to relax. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

DAY 13 :: ALICE SPRINGS TO BANKA BANKA
We pass the Tropic of Capricorn before stopping at Ti Tree for the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists. Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our camp at Banka Banka Cattle Station and if the weather’s good, you can take a dip in the pretty waterhole. (LD)

DAY 14 :: BANKA BANKA TO KATHERINE GORGE
No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and ‘watering hole’ for travellers from far and wide. Mataranka lies in the heart of the ‘nevernever’, and you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we 18 DAYS reach our overnight camp at stunning Katherine Gorge. (BLD)

DAY 15 :: KATHERINE GORGE TO DARWIN
The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular waters. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We’ll head to Darwin after a bite to eat, with stops at idyllic Edith Falls and the ‘croc-filled’ Adelaide River (both a town and a river). (BL) Overnight accommodation in Darwin is included.

DAY 16 :: 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 17 :: MARY RIVER TO KAKADU
Our first stop is Ubirr where we discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and climb to enjoy picturesque views. We continue on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where we hike to the plunge pools for a refreshing dip. Stay overnight at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (BLD)

DAY 18 :: 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)

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

INCLUDED
Experienced guides, meals as indicated, dorm accommodation as stated (or upgrade to ensuite), 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 11 nights dorm accommodation and 6 nights camping. This is a combination safari and you will therefore travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. *Tour departs from three central Melbourne locations.

18 DAYS
Adult $1945 ($AUD) Child $1555 ($AUD) Valid between 01/04/08 - 31/03/09 Adult $2195 ($AUD) Child $1755 ($AUD) Valid between 01/04/09 - 31/03/10 + park entry fee + fuel levy 11NIGHTS UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION 11 Nts Ensuite Budget Motel/Lodge (Incl 1 nt Opal Inn Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $465 Triple $295 Single $1110 (Incl 1 nt Desert Cave Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $525 Triple $345 Single $1230 DEPARTS Melbourne* 6.30am Tue Thu Sat TOUR OPERATES IN REVERSE Click here to visit the page FINISHES Darwin accommodation early evening Day 18 MAX PEOPLE - 16/24 Valid till 31 March 2010.
		Hikes up to 6-8kms per day.

		16, 17 or 20 forward facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle Maximum 24 front facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle

	or	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
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.