Fish Hook Pass (Melbourne to Darwin)

  Australia

• Melbourne: 
Melbourne
• Adelaide: 
Adelaide
• Northern Territory: 
Alice Springs,  Darwin,  Kakadu,  Ayers Rock

Description: Fish Hook Pass - Melbourne to Darwin
(included 2 Day 4wd Kakadu Safari)

Pass Price: AUD$1240

Local Payments: $515

Pay to Oz Experience: AUD$515
Includes:

Darwin Kakadu safari:
- 1 night permanent camp site
- Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D

Melbourne to Adelaide:
- 2 nights multi-share accommodation (incl. bed linen)
- Meals: 2B, 2D
- Park entry fees, entry to Otway Fly Treetop Walk

Adelaide to Alice Springs:
- 3 nights multi-share accommodation, 2 nights permanent camp sites
- Meals: 5B, 6L, 5D
- Uluru NP fee, Flinders Ranges park fee, Opal Mine Tour

Alice Springs to Darwin:
- 2 nights permanent camp site
- Meals: 2B, 3L, 2D

Kakadu Park fee: AUD$12.50
(Pay on departure)
- Boat transfer to Twin Falls

Itinerary:
Melbourne to Princetown (zz)
We begin our journey travelling via Geelong to Torquay - stopping to shop at Quicksilver and Rip Curl - before continuing on to world famous Bells Beach. Here we commence our journey on the renowned Great Ocean Road, one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Australia. Hugging the coastline we stop to view Koalas, pass through the seaside town of Lorne then break for lunch at Apollo Bay. In the afternoon we travel through the magnificent cool temperate rainforest of the Otway NP, spend time at the awesome Otway Fly, (a 25 metre high elevated tree top walk) and view sunset at the Twelve Apostles. Tonight we stay in the coastal township of Princetown.

Princetown to Grampians NP (zz)
We take the Gibson Steps down to the beach for another look at the Twelve Apostles and then check out Loch Ard Gorge before continuing along the western end of the Great Ocean Road viewing London Bridge, Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. We take a break at Warrnambool; where you may view whales (seasonal). Travelling on through country Victoria, we arrive at the magnificent Grampians NP, calling in at Brambuks Aboriginal Cultural Centre before accepting the challenge of a hike to the "Pinnacle". We finish the day with a walk to The Balconies & Reeds Lookout before arriving at our accommodation in the 'Heart of the Grampians' at Halls Gap.

Grampians NP to Adelaide
Today we spend the morning hiking to the bottom of MacKenzie Falls & Hollow Mountain for breathtaking views over the north of the Grampians before leaving this magical place. Travelling west, we break for lunch at Horsham then continue through the agricultural district of Victoria, into South Australia and Bordertown; home of the rare White Western Grey Kangaroos. We cross the mighty Murray River, the longest river system in Australia, then pass through the picturesque Adelaide Hills arriving into the city of Adelaide.

Adelaide to Quorn (zz)
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the Clare Valley then on to the frontier town of Melrose where we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Soon after we arrive in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. Eat a hearty lunch, because this afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! We return to Quorn where 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)

Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound (zz)
The Flinders Ranges has been recognised 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 you will spend the morning hiking and exploring its wonder! 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)

Quorn to Coober Pedy (zz)
It's time to go underground! We journey north through Port Augusta and the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and visit ancient salt lakes which are the remnants of an inland sea. We arrive in plenty of time to 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! Our bunkhouse for tonight is you guessed it underground. (BLD)

Coober Pedy to Uluru (zz)
Drive through rugged desert country to Yulara for the sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) then view the stars in our overnight permanent camp at Yulara.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta (zz)
Up early for the Uluru sunrise where you can enjoy a base walk or choose to climb Uluru, then take a guided interpretive walk at Mala. We visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and head to Kings Canyon for our overnight camp.

Kings Canyon & Uluru to Alice Springs (zz)
Explore Kings Canyon, including the breathtaking North and South walls. After lunch we depart for Alice Springs viewing the rugged desert scenery along the way.

Alice Springs to Tennant Creek (zz)
We cross the Tropic of Capricorn then pull over at Ti Tree for the opportunity to purchase authentic Aboriginal art. Next stop is the Barrow Creek Pub where we view the historic Telegraph Station. Further 'up the track' we explore the Devils Marbles; precariously balanced granite boulders sacred to the traditional owners', before arriving at Banka Banka Cattle Station where we camp overnight. Weather permitting - take a dip in the picturesque waterhole.

Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge (zz)
We head further north to the famous outback pub at Daly Waters, the oldest pub in the Northern Territory and first international airport in Australia! After lunch we travel to Mataranka to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the crystal clear thermal springs. Late afternoon we travel towards the magnificent Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp.

Katherine Gorge to Darwin (zz)
Spend half a day canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular gorge. There is also the chance for a scenic helicopter flight (at own expense) to appreciate the vastness of the gorge system. After lunch we head into Darwin via Edith Falls and Adelaide River.

Darwin to Kakadu (zz)
Spot crocs (and other wild creatures!) on a cruise along the fresh waters of the Mary River Wetlands. After lunch, discover more about the land and its stories at the Bowali Visitor Centre. The whole of Kakadu is spread out before you at Ubirr Rock, where we spend the afternoon. Tonight we camp in Kakadu National Park.

Kakadu to Darwin
Jim Jim Falls is our first stop today, and it's a stunner! You'll feel a bit dwarfed by the towering cliffs as we hike to the base of the falls. By now you've probably worked up an appetite for some lunch! This afternoon the spectacular gorge of Twin Falls is experienced onboard a National Park operated boat and along the boardwalk. Unwind for a bit on the sandy banks before we trek back to Darwin.

Note:
* Start anywhere on the route finish where you started travel in one direction only
* (zz) = compulsory overnight stop required
* Itinerary may also operate in reverse direction i.e. Departs Darwin
* Recommended trip time 32 days
* Pass price does not include accommodation unless specified in the kitty inclusions
* Itinerary may vary due to seasonal conditions, extreme weather conditions, traditional owner and national park requirements

Cost in US$: from AUD$ 1,240

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Oz Experience's Mission Statement: Oz Experience is about travelling with trained professional guides who make the journey as good as the destination. It's our aim to take you to the hot spots and the 'off the beaten track' highlights. Best of all, it is on a bus tour dedicated to backpackers and travellers generally aged between 18 - 35 like you.