Whipper Snapper Melbourne to Darwin by Oz Experience

Tour Itinerary

Please note: At time of booking, HostelWorld will take a deposit on your trip. Oz Experience will also debit your credit card for the balance of the trip price at time of booking - not when you join the tour

Recommended Min.Trip Time

38 Days

Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park and Lakes Entrance (zz)

Travelling southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland we arrive at mainland Australia's most southern point - Wilsons Promontory National Park. Walk along gleaming beaches, 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. (D)

Lakes Entrance to Thredbo Alpine Village* (zz)

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 (included in your local payment) express up the mountain! You can walk to the summit of Australia's highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, 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). (BD)

Thredbo to Sydney via Canberra (zz)

Leaving Thredbo, 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. (B)

Sydney > Hunter Valley Day

A full active day in the Hunter Valley region, we visit the best wineries (all tastings and lunch included) plus experience Aboriginal history at Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, view ancient Rock Art and get up close to Australia's native animals.

Sydney to Spot-X Surf Camp (zz)

East Coast, here we come! It's out of the city nice and early heading to the mid North Coast of New South Wales with hop-off options at Port Macquarie, Nambucca Heads and Coffs Harbour. Our overnight stop is at SPOT-X, which is surfer talk for a great surfing spot. Want to stay longer? Talk to your driver about booking in.

Surf Camp to Byron Bay (zz)

Surfs-up this morning! Its time for your 3-hour surf lesson - this is included in your ticket and all gear is supplied: wetsuits, surfboards, professional surf instructors, water, sunshine, and lots of fun. Surfing can be addictive so you may wish to stay and enjoy the tranquil and uncrowded Spot X surf beaches. For those continuing north to Byron Bay we leave around midday for the short drive to Byron.

Byron Bay to Gold Coast

Wave good to beautiful Byron Bay and cross the border into Queensland. Our first pick up/drop-off point is Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast: golden sands, theme parks, and great bars and clubs. It's a lot of high-rise buildings, but it's a lot of fun. Try it out for a couple of days yourself and see…

Gold Coast to Brisbane

We roll into Brisbane (Queensland's capital) just before lunch time for pickups and drop offs. It's a laid back city, and a great place to stop and look for work

Brisbane to Noosa

Brisbane disappears behind us as we head north to the sunny Sunshine Coast. We pass the Glasshouse Mountains, the name of which will be fully explained by your guide, before arriving in Noosa to drop-off and pick-up more Oz Experience beachgoers. On the way we take a break at Wildhorse Mountain National Park for a walk and panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast area.

Noosa to Rainbow Beach (zz)

Rainbow Beach is the shortcut to Fraser Island so the best place to start your guided or self-drive four wheel drive island adventure. We think the really cool thing about Rainbow is that once your back from Fraser Island there's more stuff to do. Rainbows got beaches, great natural attractions like the Carlo Sand Blow and the coloured cliffs, and even dolphin feeding (optional). Hop off the bus here for an exclusive Oz Experience cultural walk around the local area.

Rainbow Beach to Hervey Bay

It's an early start today for those going on the cruise to feed the wild dolphins; or those going for a few days four-wheel-driving on Fraser Island. For those continuing their journey north, we board the bus to Hervey Bay for hostel drop-offs and pickups.

Hervey Bay to Childers and Bundaberg

If its cash you need then the fruit-picking towns of Bundaberg or Childers may be your next stop. Its hard work, but money doesn't grow on trees. Bundaberg is also famous for an Aussie brand of rum called Bundaberg Rum (or Bundy as the locals call it).

Bundaberg to Town of 1770 (zz)

If by now you're feeling a little tired and in need of a holiday within your holiday then Town of 1770 is the place to stop. 1770 is special: the activities don't cost much, the beaches are great, the people are friendly, and it's that ideal place to chill out and recharge your batteries before heading to Far North Queensland. We recommend a few days. There are great beaches and activities on offer.

Town of 1770 to Kroombit (zz)

Leaving 1770 we travel west to coal and cattle country; it's also goat country. From the sea and sand we head to the dust and dirt of Lochenbar Cattle Station. It's not far to Kroombit and we arrive just before lunch. We then enjoy the original and world famous (in Kroombit) Goat Rodeo. Another great option is the goat muster on horseback (own expense). Don't go to bed before cracking a whip and having a ride on the mechanical bull! Kroombit is a great taste of life in the Australian outback.

Kroombit to Sarina

We head back towards the ocean today, to the sailing paradise known as the Whitsunday Islands. Along the way we stop for a game of barefoot lawn bowls at the Sarina Lawn Bowling Club. Your guide will show you how it's done!

Sarina to Airlie Beach (zz)

There are a few more miles to cover before our evening arrival into Airlie Beach. For the next 2-3 days most of you will say goodbye Oz Bus and hello sunshine and sailing boats …a highlight of the east coast trip. One we hope you remember after the traditional end-of-sailing party.

Airlie Beach to Townsville / Magnetic Island (zz)

Today we travel via Bowen, which is a great place to stop and earn some money picking fruit or vegetables. You can stay in Townsville or travel over to Magnetic Island with the guide (at own expense). And why not: it is the sunniest spot on the Queensland coast with more than 320 sunny days a year! And our chosen hostel is right on the beach. You'll think you've landed in paradise. Get out for some hikes or try and spot koalas in their natural habitat. Look out for the full-moon parties at base backpackers.

Magnetic Island / Townsville to Mission Beach

We're heading towards the lush rainforests of Far North Queensland. As we leave Townsville, the mountains grow higher and the forests greener. We drive into Mission Beach, which is one great place to stay over for a few days. The beaches are superb. Relax or go skydiving or white water rafting (optional). If you're lucky you'll see a Cassowary, these are seriously big birds with attitude to match.

Mission Beach to Cairns

An easy afternoon section completes your Oz EX trip. But not before we stop in Innisfail to visit some seriously big bad crocodiles (optional). Get right up close to these remarkable reptiles. But not too close because we want you to get to Cairns fit and ready for some amazing experiences. This place is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef one of the seven natural wonders of the world; and the Daintree at Cape Tribulation, the world's oldest living rainforest. Don't forget to visit the legendary Woolshed Bar.

Cairns > Rainforest and Waterfalls Day Tour

Hike, swim, learn and explore the Atherton Tablelands. Bring your bathers as there is time for a swimming, as we explore stunning waterfalls, search for Platypus and check out Lake Eacham - a volcanic creator and haven for Australian animals. See the Curtain Fig Tree estimated to about 800 years old!

(Make your own way to Alice Springs, flying or travelling overland)

Alice Springs - Kings Canyon - Uluru (zz)

Kick off your Red Centre adventure with a drive through remote outback country to Kings Canyon. There's a bit of exploring to do here: the monumental North and South Walls, the Amphitheatre, the Lost City and the lush, inviting Garden of Eden. From here we head for an even more ancient landform, Uluru (Ayers Rock) where we camp overnight.

Uluru to Alice Springs (zz)

Sunrise at Uluru is worth the early start! Take a stroll partway around the base and discover mystifying rock formations and Aboriginal art sites, or climb Uluru if you choose. Be fascinated by the red domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Return to Alice Springs in the afternoon.

Alice Springs to Tennant Creek (zz)

We cross the Tropic of Capricorn, next stop is the Barrow Creek Pub where we view the historic Telegraph Station. Further 'up the track' we explore the Devils Marbles; precariously balanced granite boulders sacred to the traditional owners', before arriving at Banka Banka Cattle Station where we camp overnight. Weather permitting - take a dip in the picturesque waterhole.

Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge (zz)

We head further north to the famous outback pub at Daly Waters, the oldest pub in the Northern Territory and first international airport in Australia! After lunch we travel to Mataranka to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the crystal clear thermal springs. Late afternoon we travel towards the magnificent Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp.

Katherine Gorge to Darwin (zz)

Spend half a day canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular gorge. There is also the chance for a scenic helicopter flight (at own expense) to appreciate the vastness of the gorge system. After lunch we head into Darwin via Edith Falls and Adelaide River.

Darwin to Kakadu (zz)

Spot crocs (and other wild creatures!) on a cruise along the fresh waters of the Mary River Wetlands. Discover more about the land and its stories at the Bowali Visitor Centre. The whole of Kakadu is spread out before you at Ubirr Rock, where we spend the afternoon. Camp in Kakadu National Park.

Kakadu to Darwin (zz)

Jim Jim Falls is our first stop today, and it's a stunner! You'll feel a bit dwarfed by the towering cliffs as we hike to the base of the falls. This afternoon the spectacular gorge of Twin Falls is experienced onboard a National Park operated boat and along the boardwalk (seasonal and fees apply). Unwind for a bit on the sandy banks before we trek back to Darwin.

NOTE:

Prices valid for passes purchased on or before 31st October 2010

Valid for travel within 12 months of sale date

Travel between Alice and Cairns is not included.

Refer to www.ozexperience.com for full terms and conditions

Strict luggage limit of 15kg

Meals B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions, weather extremes, Traditional Owner and national park requirements.

(zz) = compulsory overnight stop required