1st April 2008 - 31st March 2009
Cost Adult: AU$395.00 + $10 fuel levy (possible to add 3 day Melbourne to Adelaide)
Cost Child: AU$315.00 + $10 fuel levy (possible to add 3 day Melbourne to Adelaide)
Plus 1.5% admin fee
Optional accom Upgrade: 2 nights Double motel upgrade per person $65.00 / Single $135.00
Hikes of up to 9+ kilometres per day for fit active people only, vehicle is small bus.
Tour Departs Sydney SM3: 0630am
April, September to March 2009 Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
May to August 2008 Wednesday & Saturday
Tour Departs Melbourne Reverse Itinerary MS3: 0630am
April, November 2009 to March 2009 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
May to August 2008 Tuesday & Saturday
Maximum People: 24
Average Age: 18-45
What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat and sunscreen, towel & toiletries, swimming gear, warm clothing and waterproof jacket and pants, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera, film and money for some meals.
What's Included: Experienced guide, meals as indicated, 2 nights hostel dorm accommodation including bed linen (or upgrade to ensuite accommodation) and National Park entry fees.
Places of Interest: Canberra, Jindabyne, Snowy River High Country, Mt Kosciuszko, Ninety Mile Beach, Wilsons Promontory..
Notes:
Itinerary may vary and/or attractions substituted due to seasonal conditions and National Park requirements. Tour must be reconfirmed by 4pm the day prior to travel
Day 1 - Sydney to Jindabyne (via Canberra)
We travel to Australia's capital city of Canberra checking out Parliament House and other highlights on a city tour. After lunch we pass through Cooma, learning about Australia's great engineering feat the 'Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme'. We arrive at Jindabyne in the late afternoon - a great time for a spot of trout fishing in the lake or perhaps go water skiing and/or wake boarding (all at own expense & seasonal). Dinner and overnight dorm accommodation is included at Lake Jindabyne, where you’ll get to enjoy the mountain life; perhaps a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar while taking in the magnificent view of the lake. (D)
Day 2 - Jindabyne to Lakes Entrance Via Snowy River Country
After breakfast, let the bus do all the work as we climb high into the Australian Alps (seasonal Nov-May). Enjoy a rewarding hike along an alpine track (2 1/2 hour round-trip) absorbing stunning views of the glacial 'Blue Lake' & the peak of Mt Kosciuszko (the highest point in Australia). During winter, (Jun-Oct) we visit the ski village of Perisher/Smiggins for fun in the snow (optional hire of toboggans or snow tubes at own expense). After lunch we take the spectacular scenic drive along the Barry Way, watching the Snowy River wind below us, as we cross the border into Victoria. In the afternoon, we take a break to fly down the 'zip wire' (optional activity at own expense) before arriving for our overnight stop at the coastal township of Lakes Entrance, the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia’s longest beach - Ninety Mile Beach. (B D)
Day 3 - Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory NP
This morning you may wish to take the opportunity for an early morning walk before driving to Wilsons Promontory National Park with ample time to hike and explore! Walk on squeaky beaches, watch the ocean of Bass Strait pound on to the Australian mainland's most southerly point, hike along spectacular granite rock formations with fantastic views and learn about the coastal flora & native wildlife (maybe even sighting emus and wombats). We finish our tour, travelling on to Melbourne through the pastoral landscape of South Gippsland. (B)