Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 1 - Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell
We pass Geelong and check out the surfing town of Torquay then to the renowned surfing location of Bells Beach and Lorne before arriving in the coastal township of Apollo Bay. At Kennett River we spot for koalas and watch and listen to the abundant birdlife. After lunch we hit the cool temperate rainforest of the Otway National Park, where we spend time at the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk (included). Rejoining the Great Ocean Road we will visit the amazing Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Late afternoon we arrive into the township of Port Campbell, a colourful seaside village sheltered by cliffs and pines.
(Dinner)
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 2 – Port Campbell to Grampians National Park
Before leaving the coast and trailing towards the end of the Great Ocean Road, we explore some of the other geological phenomena along this remarkable stretch of coastline. Discover The Arch, London Bridge and the Bay of Martyrs. Your destination this afternoon is the Grampians National Park, one of Victoria's most popular holiday destinations. We will embark on a hike in the National Park to take in the breathtaking rocky views. This area is rich in Aboriginal culture set in an ancient landscape.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 3 – Grampians National Park to Adelaide
This morning visit the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn of the local dreamtime stories. Test your artistic skills as you create your own personalised souvenirs. Departing via Halls Gap, we say goodbye to the Grampians. Crossing the Murray River and passing through the Adelaide Hills we arrive into Adelaide, South Australia's capital.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 4 – Adelaide
Enjoy a free day to explore the city of Adelaide.
(Breakfast) Overnight dorm accommodation included.
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 5 – Adelaide to Quorn (Flinders Rangers)
Departing Adelaide we will travel through the Clare Valley as we drive towards the scenic Flinders Ranges. On the journey we enjoy a break for lunch at a local Clare Valley Winery, with some wine tastings to try. You then have the opportunity to then get a fantastic view from the top of Mt Remarkable as you look out over this beautiful region. We check into our private accommodation at the historical Mill before enjoying a traditional pub dinner and drink with the locals.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 6 – Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
This morning we enter the National Park where adventure and tranquillity go hand in hand in one majestic destination. We set out on a hike for some fabulous views of the Flinders Ranges, named one of Australia's outstanding national landscapes. See the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound a lost world, located inside a giant stone crater. On your return to Quorn visit the Yourambulla Caves for a glimpse at some local Aboriginal rock paintings and the stories that go with them. This evening enjoy a casual BBQ dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 7 – Quorn to Coober Pedy
Departing Quorn we drive through Port Augusta, then travel north into the open landscape and join the Stuart Highway which runs from the bottom of Australia to the top of Australia. Passing several salt lakes, you can have great photo opportunities of the vastness of Central Australia before we arrive in the Opal Capital of the World, Coober Pedy. A unique township famous for its many underground attractions. On arrival enjoy a local town tour which includes a visit to an underground mine and museum. Our bunkhouse for tonight is underground.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 8 – Coober Pedy to Marla
After breakfast we take a look at the sites of Coober Pedy on a town tour which includes an opal cutting demonstration and mine tour with the chance to try and find your own opal! We continue our drive north and you will see the flat topped mesas, The Breakaways. During the afternoon we drive through the rugged desert country to the small outback township of Marla.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 9 – Marla to Uluru
From Marla, we cross the Northern Territory border and arrive at the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) will mesmerise you, and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform during the Valley of the Winds hike. You'll be stunned as the desert sun sets over Uluru and the colour of the rock changes as you watch, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag under millions of stars where you can often see satellites and falling stars every hour.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 10 – Uluru to Kings Canyon
You get up early this morning, but you'll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning is still cool enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then broaden your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide. Explore the many caves of the Mala people, learning how they lived and prepared for ceremonies. Your Aboriginal guide will also share the 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 time to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before travelling to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Melbourne to Alice Springs
Day 11 – Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Time to get your hiking shoes on today as we trek out to explore the impressive formations of Kings Canyon. You'll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we hike through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. Lunch is a welcome prospect, before we make our way to Alice Springs.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
End of Services
Note
Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day before travel. Itineraries may vary and/or attractions may be substituted due to seasonal conditions, Traditional Owner and National Park requirements. 15 kilos luggage maximum on tour (about the same as the airlines). If you have more luggage than this you must talk to the operator about freighting the excess ahead to the tours end. You must do this when reconfirming your tour.
This tour is comprised of three separate tours so tour groups will vary.
Reconfirming
This operator requires you to phone and reconfirm at least 24 hours prior to departure. This is a condition of booking and something you must not forget to do.
On Tour Accommodation
Accommodation while on tour is at permanent and bush campsites as well as hostel accommodation in a share dormitory with other travelers or with upgrade to private ensuited room.
What to Bring
Refillable water bottle, Pillow for camping if required, towel, toiletries, insect repellent, sun block cream, hat, torch, warm clothes in winter months, good hiking shoes (preferably ankle high) no open toed sandals or flip flops (thongs). Any snacks you can’t live without.
Passenger fitness
People taking this tour should have a reasonable degree of fitness. You should be able to undertake a return hike of up to 8 kilometres.
Maximum People
24
Transportation
Mini Bus
Itineraries are subject to change in accordance with the weather (seasonal).
If we can assist further please don’t hesitate to email. If you wish to book this tour please use our secure booking page to send your information to us safely.
Tour Code MASE11
Cost 1 person $1595.00 includes local fees
3 nights camping and 7 nights hostel dorm accommodation
Extra Costs
Sleeping bags can be bought at a cost of $50.00 per person which covers the cost of cleaning after every use. 1.5% credit card surcharge.
Accommodation Upgrade
Including 2 nights camping and 7 nights budget ensuite accommodation and 1 night at the 4 star Desert Cave Cooberpedy: includes trip
Twin/Double $2035.00 per person
Single sole use 1 person $2510.00
Includes
Experienced guides, meals as listed, camping gear with sleeping bag available for hire ($25.00), meals as listed.
Tour departs from Melbourne: (MASE11)
April 2013 - 12th and 26th
May 2013 - 10th and 24th
June 2013 - 7th and 21st
July 2013 - 5th and 19th
August 2013 - 2nd - 16th and 30th
September 2013 - 13th and 27th
October 2013 to March 2014 - departs every Friday
April 2013 - 15th and 29th
May 2013 - 13th and 27th
June 2013 - 10th and 24th
July 2013 - 8th and 22nd
August 2013 - 15th and 19th
September 2013 - 2nd - 16th - 23rd and 30th
October 2013 tp 17th March 2014 - departs Mondays
Age Restriction
This tour is structured for 18 to 39 year old passengers who are reasonably fit. This tour is not suitable for anyone outside of this age range. Tour operator requires your date of birth when booking.
Compulsory Travel Insurance
This tour operators requires all passengers to have comprehensive travel insurance and will require you to show your travel insurance policy to the driver guide before boarding the bus. Please Note travel insurance offered by credit card companies is not comprehensive travel insurance.
Bring with you
A refillable water bottle, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, good hiking boots preferably ankle high, your camera, a pillow, a towel and toiletries.
Excess Luggage
15 kilos is the maximum luggage on tour. If you have more than this you must phone the operator to talk about options for freighting excess luggage ahead with Greyhound.