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
55 days
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!
Cairns to Mission Beach
East Coast, here we come. First stop is Babinda Boulders where we view some seriously big rocks. We then head to Innisfail to visit some very big and very bad crocodiles (optional). Get right up close to these amazing reptiles, but not too close because we want you around for a few more weeks. We stop in at 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 Townsville / Magnetic (zz)
You can stay in Townsville or travel over to Magnetic Island (320 sunny days per year) with the guide (optional). Get out for some hikes or try and spot koalas in their natural habitat.
Townsville to Airlie Beach (zz)
We travel via Bowen, a great place to stop and earn some money picking fruit or veggies. In Airlie you'll probably say goodbye Oz Bus and hello sunshine and sailing boats for a few days. Don't forget to book your bus out of Airlie before you set sail!
Airlie Beach to Sarina
We say farewell to Airlie Beach and head to the Sarina Bowling Club to play bare-foot lawn bowls, which is becoming an Aussie tradition. Your guide will show you how!
Sarina to Kroombit Cattle Station (zz)
Leaving the coast we travel into the outback and our overnight stop at Kroombit. There's a local payment to cover bush dinner, bunk accommodation and breakfast. Don't go to bed before cracking a whip and having a go at the mechanical bull ride!
Kroombit to Hervey Bay
We don't leave the station until we get on the horses and round up the goats (optional activity). Then be part of a real-life mini-rodeo which is loads of laughs and included in your pass. Stay behind for more of the cattle station or get back on the bus to Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach. Along the way you may wish to get off the bus to visit the Town of 1770 for a few days.
Hervey Bay 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. After Fraser, there's so much to do at Rainbow: beaches, great natural attractions like the Carlo Sand Blow, coloured cliffs and even dolphin feeding. Rainbow Beach is a laid back beach town that some say was like Byron Bay 20 years ago. Be sure to get off the bus and take the Oz EX cultural walk (included) and dolphin feeding cruise (optional).
Rainbow Beach to Noosa
After a few back roads we're onto the highway and it's not long before we turn for the Sunshine Coast and a stop in the holiday spot of Noosa.
Noosa to Brisbane
The Glasshouse Mountains, remnants of active volcanoes from times past. Sailing past in 1770, Captain Cook saw them and thought they looked like Glasshouses in his home of Yorkshire: Active Volcanoes or an overactive imagination?
Brisbane to Gold Coast
Our first 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 Byron Bay (zz)
South and across the border into New South Wales and Byron Bay; a great beachside town with a cool vibe and interesting locals. We're sure you'll love it and want to stay longer. Enjoy! Take a cheap day tour to Nimbin, town of happy hippies.
Byron Bay to Surf Camp (zz)
Today is a short journey to Spot-X for our afternoon surf lesson. Surf's up! Its time for your included 3-hour surf lesson - all gear supplied: wetsuits, surfboards, professional surf instructors, water, sunshine and lots of fun. Surfing can be addictive so you might not want to leave the tranquil and uncrowded Spot-X surf beaches.
Surf Camp to Sydney
We get up early today for the journey to Australia's largest city. Stay longer if you reckon surfing's your thing and you're not quite ready for the big smoke! It's a cruisy day with lots of bush, cool tunes and a coastal lunch stop before we reach Sydney late in the afternoon.
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 Thredbo Alpine Village* (via Canberra) (zz)
Our first stop today 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. We travel via Cooma, learning about the historically important Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme on our way to Thredbo. *In ski season (Jun-Sep) we stay in Jindabyne and during winter Perisher/Smiggins (D).
Thredbo to Lakes Entrance via Snowy River Country (zz)
There is time to play in winter in the snow at the resort (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). Then Grab your hiking boots and cameras, this morning 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. After lunch, it's a spectacular drive along Barry Way, watching the Snowy River wind along below us. Tonight we stay in the coastal town of Lakes Entrance, the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia's longest beach - Ninety Mile Beach. (BD)
Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory NP and Melbourne
We travel to mainland Australia's most southerly 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! We finish our tour travelling to Melbourne through pastoral landscapes in South Gippsland. (B)
+ TASSIE DEVIL PASS
Make own way (own expense) From Melbourne to Hobart in Tasmania
Hobart to Strahan (zz)
Mount Field National Park is a great way to start the Tassie Devil adventure and you'll see Russell Falls and take the Tall Trees walk. At Lake St Clair you'll see Australia's deepest lake and at Strahan, hike and explore the Franklin Gordon National Park. Stay in private multi-share accommodation in Strahan. (LD)
Strahan to Cradle Mountain Region (zz)
Strahan's history is pining, mining and convicts! There's free time this morning, with options galore. Take a stroll or a bike ride (free) along the foreshore or up the Water Tower Hill. Have fun on a quad bike at the Henty Sand Dunes (optional extra). See the 'Silver City' of Zeehan then drive to 'Cradle Region' to stay in multi-share accommodation. (BLD)
Cradle Mountain to Devonport (zz)
Discover World Heritage Cradle Mountain National Park. Take a guided walk around Dove Lake, or challenge yourself with a more strenuous hike (unguided) to view Cradle Mountain. Stay in private multi-share accommodation in Devonport. (BL)
Devonport to Bicheno (zz)
St Columbus Falls are pretty special, then have a swim or walk along the white sands at the Bay of Fires. Stay tonight in Bicheno with an option to see little penguins nesting (additional cost). (LD)
Bicheno to Pt Arthur (zz)
Freycinet National Park is a stunner, as is Wineglass Bay. Choose to hike to Wineglass Beach via the lookout or for those more adventurous; a hike to the top of Mount Amos. We're in convict territory tonight. Take a spine chilling Port Arthur Ghost Tour for a glimpse into the historic past of this penal colony (additional cost). (BLD)
Pt Arthur to Hobart
Further explore the infamous Port Arthur Historic Site and take a boat cruise around the harbour (included). Next, we visit Remarkable Cave and a range of other sites on the Tasman Peninsula.
Make own way (own expense) From Hobart in Tasmania to Melbourne
Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Great Ocean Road(zz)
We pass Geelong and arrive at Torquay, with a stop to shop at Quiksilver and Rip Curl before we continue to world famous Bells Beach. Our Great Ocean Road journey begins here as we wind our way along one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Australia. We stop to see some koalas before passing through the seaside town of Lorne on our way to Apollo Bay, where we'll stop for lunch (own expense). Next we hit the cool temperate rainforest of the Otway National Park, spending some time at the magnificent Otway Fly, 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. We cap off the day watching the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. Dinner will be at your overnight coastal accommodation. (D)
Great Ocean Road to Grampians NP(zz)
Start the day with an (optional) helicopter ride over the amazing 12 Apostles or walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle of the limestone stacks. Next we head on to check out Loch Ard Gorge and the western end of the Great Ocean Road including London Bridge, the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. You may spot a whale or two (seasonal) at Warrnambool, where we have a stop. From here we travel through country Victoria, arriving at the magnificent Grampians National Park to the challenge of a hike to the top of the Pinnacle. The day is topped off by a walk to The Balconies and Reeds Lookout, before we get to our overnight Grampians accommodation. (BD)
Halls Gap to Adelaide
Get your legs working this morning with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls, where you'll experience the breathtaking views stretching over the north of the Grampians. Leaving this magical place, we travel west, stopping for lunch at Horsham (own expense) before continuing through the agricultural region of Victoria and in to South Australia. Bordertown is home of the rare White Western Grey Kangaroos. Crossing the mighty Murray River, king of Australia's rivers, we wind our way through the picture-pretty Adelaide Hills before arriving into Adelaide city. (B)
Adelaide to Quorn (zz)
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the Clare Valley then on to the frontier town of Melrose where we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Soon after we arrive in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. Eat a hearty lunch, because this afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! We return to Quorn where 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! (LD)
Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound (zz)
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". (BLD)
Quorn to Coober Pedy (zz)
It's time to go underground! We journey north through Port Augusta and the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and visit ancient salt lakes which are the remnants of an inland sea. We arrive in plenty of time to check out the sites of Cooper Pedy 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. (BLD)
Coober Pedy to Uluru (zz)
Drive through rugged desert country to Yulara for the sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) then view the stars in our overnight permanent camp at Yulara.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta (zz)
Up early for the Uluru sunrise where you can enjoy a base walk or choose to climb Uluru, then take a guided interpretive walk at Mala. We visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and head to Kings Canyon for our overnight camp.
Kings Canyon & Uluru to Alice Springs
Explore Kings Canyon, including the breathtaking North and South walls. After lunch we depart for Alice Springs viewing the rugged desert scenery along the way.
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.
Darwin - Cairns
Make way from Darwin - Cairns /Fly at own expense
BRING:
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), swimming gear, hat & sunscreen, toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera.
NOTE:
Prices valid for passes purchased on or before 31st October 2010
Valid for travel within 12 months of sale date
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
