Description

Your Typical Itinerary/ Tour Schedule (Darwin to Adelaide) will most likely include:

Day 1 - Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Travel west into Woolna Country and receive a Cul Cul or unique 'Welcome to Country' by the traditional owners of the land the Limilngan - Wulna people. Experience the local Aboriginal Culture, cooking your own bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing. To finish the day we head to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren't the only wildlife abundant around here; keep your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite in the Mary River Region is where we'll stay tonight. (Lunch and dinner included)

Day 2 - Mary River to Kakadu
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it's on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 3 - 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. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 4 - Darwin to Katherine Gorge
Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to Katherine. We spend the afternoon at the majestic Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk National Park. Experience the striking beauty while canoeing or cruising (at own expense & seasonal) through the gorge itself. Want to see more? Jump on board a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (Lunch and dinner included)

Day 5 - Katherine Gorge to Tennant Creek
Not far to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in a sparkling thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Next stop is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territory's oldest pub. Nearby lies Australia's first international airport, but you won't get a flight back home from here these days! After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we camp overnight at our private campsite. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 6 - Tennant Creek to Alice Springs
This morning we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles, which balance precariously on their rocky perch. From here we stop in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph Station - catch a glimpse of what outback telecommunication used to be like! We cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, before arriving early evening into Alice Springs. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Breakfast and Lunch included)

Day 7 - Alice Springs
A free day to explore the sights of Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 8 - Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta and Uluru
Kick off your adventure on top of a camel! Our first stop is the Outback Camel Farm where you can choose to ride atop one of these desert giants (at own expense). From here it's off to Uluru (Ayers Rock), and a bite to eat. Kata Tjuta will fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform on the Valley of the Winds hike. You'll be mesmerized as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars. (Lunch and Dinner included)

Day 9 - Uluru to Kings Canyon
It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Explore the many caves of the Mala people, learning how they lived and prepared for ceremonies. Your Aboriginal guide will also share the sensitive story of the Mala people who lived at Uluru with their friend the Itjaritjari (marsupial mole). There is also a visit to sacred Kantju Gorge, a quiet water hole at the base of a dramatic rock face. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 10 - Kings Canyon to Marla
Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations which make up Kings Canyon. You'll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. After lunch, we head south through the rugged desert country into South Australia to our overnight destination of Marla, a small outback town. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 11 - Marla to Coober Pedy
After breakfast, we continue through the arid scenery towards Coober Pedy. You will see the flat topped mesas, 'The Breakaways' and a short while later arrive into Coober Pedy. The afternoon is spent exploring the Opal Capital of the World 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. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 12 - Coober Pedy to Quorn
This morning we continue our journey south and stop at ancient salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea. We then pass through 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! (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 13 - Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound
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'. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 14 - Quorn to Adelaide
Eat a hearty breakfast, because this afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360 degrees views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! We then say farewell to the 'Flinders' and start the journey to Adelaide, with our final stop being the Clare Valley before arriving late afternoon into Adelaide. (Breakfast and lunch included)

Highlights

Trip Highlights:

* Explore the World Heritage Kakuda and Litchfield National Park including a wildlife boat cruise and Aboriginal Cultural experience
* Watch sunrise and sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock), hike at Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and full rim walk at Kings Canyon
* See the true Australian outback
* Spend a night at Coober Pedy in underground bunkhouse accommodation
* Hike through the beautiful Flinders Ranges

Travel Types

• Climbing
• Eco Tours
• Native Culture Studies
• Trekking
• Tours
• Hiking
• Vacation Packages

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

from USD 1,839.00

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• Food
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

What's Included in the Program:

* 7 nights camping accommodation
* 6 nights dorm share accommodation
* Meals as indicated
* Experienced guide
* Aboriginal cultural interpretive walk
* Opal mine tour
* Full staff support
* Access to 24 emergency assistance

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Dormitory
• Guest House

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement

We offer over 250 projects and travel options in over 35 countries. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap. Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we also want to make sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisers have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded

2005