Fish Hook Pass (Sydney to Alice Springs)

  Australia

• Melbourne: 
Melbourne
• Sydney: 
Sydney
• Adelaide: 
Adelaide
• Canberra: 
Canberra
• New South Wales: 
Blue Mountains
• Northern Territory: 
Alice Springs,  Ayers Rock

Description: Fish Hook Pass - Sydney to Alice Springs
(included Blue Mountains Day Trip + 2 Day 4wd Kakadu Safari)

Pass Price: AUD1055

Local Payments: AUD445

Pay to Oz Experience: AUD445
Includes:
Sydney to Melbourne:
- 2 nights multi-share accommodation (incl. bed linen)
- Meals: 2B, 2D
- National park fees

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

Itinerary:

Blue Mountains Day Tour from Sydney
We head out of Sydney past the Sydney Olympic site to our first stop where we view wild Eastern Grey Kangaroos in native bush habitat. These 'roos' are pretty big and you can get up close and personal. We do a 2-3 hour loop walk near Wentworth Falls to see this waterfall, lookout points and surround. You will walk through changing vegetation, hanging swamps, and under rock ledges giving you an overview of the dramatic Blue Mountains environment. Lunch is included - you'll eat a nutritious lunch, everything from fruit, sandwiches, salads & more. After lunch, we walk down the historic Furber Stairs into Jamison Valley through lush rainforest, past picturesque Katoomba Falls and view the incredible 3 Sisters rock formations.

From the bottom of the Jamison Valley, board the Scenic Railway (fare included), the steepest railway in the world and ride up to the valley rim. For those staying longer we'll drop you off in Katoomba at the award-winning YHA @ 5.00pm and pick up others. The YHA is an impressive heritage building and you can experience some local nightlife in this historic town. We cruise back into Sydney after an action packed day and drop you off at 7.00pm (approx.) at the Oz Experience office where we picked you up.

Sydney to Thredbo Alpine Village* (via Canberra) (zz)
Our first stop today 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. We travel via Cooma, learning about the historically important Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme on our way to Thredbo. *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). (D)

Thredbo to Lakes Entrance via Snowy River Country (zz)
Grab your hiking boots and cameras, this morning 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. After lunch, it's a spectacular drive along Barry Way, watching the Snowy River wind along below us. Tonight we stay in the coastal town of Lakes Entrance, the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia's longest beach Ninety Mile Beach. (BD)

Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory NP and Melbourne (zz)
We travel to mainland Australia's most southerly 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! We finish our tour traveling to Melbourne through pastoral landscapes in South Gippsland. (B)

Melbourne to Princetown (zz)
We begin our journey traveling 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). Traveling on through country Victoria, we arrive at the magnificent Grampians NP, calling in at Brambuks Aboriginal Cultural Center 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 (zz)
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. Traveling 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 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 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
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.

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 Alice Springs
* Recommended trip time 26 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 1,055

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.