Description

10-Day Melbourne to Alice Springs
Tour Price: AUD 1375 + park fees
Child: AUD 1100 + park fees

Tour Code: MAPBN

Tour Departs: Melbourne 6:30am
All Year: Tue/Thu/Sat

Max People: 24

Note: Tour includes 7 nights dorm/or upgrade to budget ensuite accommodation and 2 nights camping. This is a combination safari so you may travel with a different group and guide during each section.

Ensuite accommodation upgrade options:

7nts budget ensuite (incl. Opal Inn 3 Star)
* Twin/Double per person - AUD320
* Triple per person - AUD220
* Single - AUD690

7nts budget ensuite (incl Desert Cave 4 Star)
* Twin/Double per person - AUD385
* Triple per person - AUD275
* Single - AUD820

Itinerary
Day 1 - Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Princetown
Our trip begins as we leave Melbourne and head through Geelong towards the coast to 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, where we'll stop for lunch (own expense). Next we hit the cool temperate rainforest of the Otway National Park, spending some time at the magnificent Otway Fly, 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. We cap off the day watching the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. We'll stay overnight in the coastal township of Princetown. (D)

Day 2 - Princetown to Grampians NP
Climb down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle of the Twelve Apostles. Next we head on to check out Loch Ard Gorge and the western end of the Great Ocean Road including London Bridge, the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. You may spot a whale or two (seasonal) at Warrnambool, where we have a stop. From here we travel through country Victoria, arriving at the magnificent Grampians National Park to the challenge of a hike to the top of the Pinnacle. The day is topped off by a walk to The Balconies and Reeds Lookout, before we get to our overnight Grampians accommodation. (BD)

Day 3 - Halls Gap to Adelaide
Get your legs working this morning with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls, where you'll experience the breathtaking views stretching over the north of the Grampians. Leaving this magical place, we travel west, stopping for lunch at Horsham (own expense) before continuing through the agricultural region of Victoria and in to South Australia. Bordertown is home of the rare White Western Grey Kangaroos. Crossing the mighty Murray River, king of Australia's rivers, we wind our way through the picture-pretty Adelaide Hills before arriving into Adelaide city. Overnight accommodation included. (B)

Day 4 - Adelaide
A FREE DAY in Adelaide to relax. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 5 - Adelaide to Quorn
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)

Day 6 - 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 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)

Day 7 - Quorn to Coober Pedy
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)

Day 8 - Coober Pedy to Uluru
Driving through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara in time for infamous Uluru (Ayers Rock) sunset. Tonight, lend a hand as we cook dinner at our permanent campsite then consider the option to sleep under the outback stars in a traditional 'Aussie swag'. (BLD)

Day 9 - Uluru to Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon
Sunrise over Uluru is magical and 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, 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 lunch, relax and enjoy the harsh desert scenery as we travel to Alice Springs. (BL)

Bring:
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, sleeping bag (can be hired for AUD15), torch, insect repellent, camera, money for some meals, film & sense of adventure.

Included:
Experienced guides, meals as indicated, accommodation transfers, 2 nights camping fees & equipment, 7 nights hostel dorm accommodation, Opal Mine Tour, park fees in SA & Victoria, entry to Otway Fly Tree Top Walk.

Note:
- Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions, weather extremes, Traditional Owner and national park requirements.
- Park fee of AUD25 (Uluru NP) are payable on morning of departure.
- Package is made up of two individual tours; therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers during each section
- Upgrade accommodation is budget style and may be located on different premises to dorm accommodation
- Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4pm the day before travel
- Luggage limit of 15kg.

Highlights

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

Travel Types

• Camping
• Hiking
• Safari
• Tours

Cost in US$:

from AUD 1375

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Adventure Tours Australia's Mission Statement

Adventure Tours Australia is an award winning company specialising in small group nature-based tours for the active traveller. An extensive range of tours are available exploring the highlights and hidden delights of the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The tours have an emphasis on the unique scenery, wildlife and Aboriginal culture of each area. Most tours are camping and accommodated safaris catering for budget travellers as well as private charters and deluxe 'Safari in Style' tours in the Northern Territory. Tours range from 1 to 18 days with regular guaranteed departures. Many tours have been conveniently combined into tour packages for those wanting an extended value for money travel options