13-Day Alice Springs to Sydney Safari

  Australia

• Melbourne: 
Melbourne
• Adelaide: 
Adelaide
• Canberra: 
Canberra
• Northern Territory: 
Alice Springs,  Ayers Rock

Description: 13-Day Alice Springs to Sydney Safari (09/10)

Tour Price: AUD 1775 + park entry fee
             : AUD 1420 (Child)

Tour Code: PBSAS         

Tour Departs: 6.30am (Alice Springs)

April 1 - April 25: Mon, Wed, Sat
April 26 - October 31: Wed & Sat
November 1 - November 31: Mon, Wed, Sat

Max Passengers: 24      

Budget Ensuite Accommodation Upgrade Options

* 10nts motel (incl Opal Inn 3 star)
* Twin/Double upgrade per person - AUD410
* Triple upgrade per person - AUD300
* Single upgrade per person - AUD910

* 10nts motel (incl Desert Cave 4 star)
* Twin/Double upgrade per person - AUD475
* Triple upgrade per person - AUD355
* Single upgrade per person - AUD1030

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 (unguided), 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 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 Quorn
This morning we check out the sites of Cooper Pedy on a town tour which includes an opal cutting demonstration and mine tour with the opportunity to try your luck 'noodling' for opals! We continue our journey south and stop at ancient salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea. We stop at the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and Pt Augusta before arriving in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. We stay two nights in private accommodation at the historical "Mill". Get ready for tonight's BBQ dinner it doesn't get any more Aussie than this! (LD)

Day 5 - Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
The Flinders Ranges has been recognized as one of Australia's National Landscapes and today you'll get to experience and explore this magical region! Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheatre located in a huge stone crater and is our first stop today. We hike Mt Ohlssen-Bagge; then relax at the top with sweeping views of "The Pound", ranges, desert and Lake Torrens. After lunch, it's a short walk to Yourambulla Caves to view Aboriginal rock paintings. Learn about the hardships of sheep farming in the mid 1800's as you view the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. As we travel back to Quorn, there's an opportunity to spot for the shy and elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby on a quiet stroll through peaceful Warren Gorge. Overnight at the Quorn "Mill". (BLD)

Day 6 - Quorn to Adelaide
Eat a hearty breakfast, because this morning we hike to the top of Devils Peak (670m above sea level) for stunning 360° views of the Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges. (Shorter walking options are also available.) We then say farewell to the "Flinders". Near the frontier township of Melrose we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Our last stop is in the infamous Clare Valley before arriving late afternoon into Adelaide. (BL)

Day 7 - Adelaide
A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 8 - Adelaide to Grampians NP
Traveling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross Australia's king of rivers, the mighty Murray, and pass through some little 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 overnight Grampians accommodation. (D)

Day 9 - Grampians NP via the Great Ocean Rd to Princetown
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
Climb down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle of the Twelve Apostles, and then we'll spend some time at the Otway Fly, a 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. Continuing on, we pass through the magnificent cool temperate rainforests of the Otway National Park. 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. Overnight accommodation included. (B)

Day 11 - Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory NP
Travelling southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland we arrive at mainland Australia's most southern point - Wilsons Promontory National Park. Walk along gleaming beaches, 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 Thredbo Alpine Village*
A journey from Australia's southernmost point to Australia's highest point! This morning we begin our journey into Snowy River Country. It's a spectacular drive along The Barry Way, watching the Snowy River wind below. In the afternoon we climb high into the Australian Alps to the village of Thredbo. Grab your hiking boots and cameras, we're going to the "Roof of Australia". There's a chairlift (own expense, but we get a great deal!) express up the mountain! You can walk to the summit of Australia's highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, or to the viewing point. *In ski season (Jun-Sep) we stay in Jindabyne and during winter, have time to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). (BD)

Day 13 - Thredbo to Sydney via Canberra
Leaving Thredbo, we pass through Cooma, learning about the historically important Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme. Next stop is the capital city of Australia Canberra - where the Prime Minister hangs out. See for yourself how a custom-made capital city is built as you take in the view from Mt. Ainslie, take a tour of Parliament House, check out a few embassies and see other city highlights. Travel throughout the afternoon to the stunning city of Sydney. (B)

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 AUD15), money for some meals.

Included:

Experienced guides, meals as indicated, 10 nights hostel dorm accommodation incl. bed linen (or upgrade to double) & 2 nights camping (sleeping bag required for camping, may be hired for AUD15). National Park Entry fees (excluding Uluru National Park AUD25). Entry to Otway Fly Tree Top Walk and Coober Pedy Opal Mine tour.

Notes:

* This is a combination safari so you may travel with a different guide and passengers during each section.
* Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions, weather extremes, Traditional Owner and national park requirements.
* Package includes 10 nights dorm accommodation and 2 nights camping
* Twin accommodation is not available for overnight in Melbourne (a double will be provided)
* Triple bookings in Melbourne will be accommodation in 2 x DBL rooms.
* Park fee of AUD25 per person is payable on departure.
* Package is available in reverse. Departs Sydney Wed Sat All Year (+ Mon APR, NOV-MAR)
* Safari must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day prior.
* Luggage limit of 15kg.

Highlights:
* Kings Canyon
* Uluru (Ayers Rock)
* Kata Tjuta (Olgas)
* Aboriginal Culture
* Coober Pedy
* Flinders Ranges
* Adelaide
* Grampians National Park
* Great Ocean Road

* Wilsons Promontory Nat Park
* Ninety Mile Beach
* MT Kosciuszko
* Roof of Australia (optional)
* Snowy River High Country
* Jindabyne/ Thredbo
* Canberra

Cost in US$: from AUD 1775

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently