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From Alice Springs to Sydney Mixed Accommodation
Code	AD-PBSAS15
Duration	14 Days
Tour Price APR 2012 - MAR 2013	$1810pp (Apr-Sep) $1860pp (Oct-Mar)
Frequency	MAY-SEP Mon, Thurs OCT-APR Mon, Thurs & Sat
Style	Mixed Accommodation
Transport	Bus
Suitability	18-39 Years
Additions Upgrades	$25 National Park Fee Upgrade Supplement From $550 p.p. Twin/Double $965 p.p. Single
Start	Alice Springs @ 5.30 am Hotel pick ups start from 5 am
End	Sydney

“Travel from the heart of Australia, the Red Centre, on to the southern coastal town of Adelaide. After a day to explore, you're off again to the Grampians National Park, sweeping along the Great Ocean Road through to Melbourne, and onto Sydney via Thredbo Alpine Village and the nation's capital, Canberra.”

Day 1:  Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and 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 Conner 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.

Meals: L, D

Day 2:  Uluru and Kata Tjuta

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). 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) where you will get up close to the majestic features of this ancient geological formation. A glass of Australia sparkling wine is perfect while the desert sun sets over Uluru before returning to camp for dinner.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3:  Uluru to Coober Pedy

We go underground today! After breakfast, we head south through the rugged desert country into South Australia arriving into Coober Pedy in the late afternoon. Our bunkhouse for tonight is – you guessed it – underground.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4:  Coober Pedy to Quorn

This morning we check out the sites of Coober 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!

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5 : 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'.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6:  Quorn to Adelaide

Eat a hearty breakfast, because this morning we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! 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. Overnight accommodation included.

Meals: B, L

Day 7:  Adelaide

A FREE day to relax or explore Adelaide. (meals at own expense). Overnight accommodation included.

Day 8:  Adelaide to Grampians National Park

Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross the mighty Murray, and pass through small country towns on our way to the Grampians National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon with hikes at Hollow Mountain, the amazing MacKenzie Falls and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our overnight Grampians accommodation.

Meals: D

Day 9:  Grampians National Park to Great Ocean Road

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 Loch Ard Gorge before sunset over the Twelve Apostles – gorgeous! Dinner will be at your overnight coastal accommodation.

Meals: B, L

Day 10: Twelve Apostles to Melbourne

Start the day with an optional helicopter ride (own expense) over the amazing Twelve Apostles or walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach to see a different angle of these limestone stacks. Next we visit the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. We'll stop for lunch (own expense) at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, we stop at Kennett River to spot koalas and birdlife before continuing on to Lorne. We'll check out the world famous Bells Beach and the surfing town of Torquay before arriving into Melbourne. Overnight accommodation included.

Meals: B

Day 11:  Melbourne to Lakes Entrance via Wilsons Promontory

Travelling southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland we arrive at Wilsons Promontory National Park. Walk along gleaming beaches, watch the ocean pound onto the southernmost point of the mainland, 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.

Meals: 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 (seasonal) express up the mountain! You can walk to the summit of Australia's highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko (weather permitting) (weather permitting), 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).

Meals: B, D

Day 13: Thredbo to Sydney via Canberra

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.

Meals: B

Note: This package is made up of multiple tours; you will likely travel with a different guide and passengers during each section.