Tour Itinerary
Day 1
We travel to Australia's capital Canberra this morning checking out Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin and other highlights on a city tour. After lunch we pass through Cooma, learning about Australia's great engineering feat the 'Snowy Hyrdo-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 accomodation is included at the Lake Jindabyne Hotel, where you'll get to enjoy the mountain life; perhaps a sauna, swim or a drink at bar while taking in the magnificent view of the lake. (D)
Day 2
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 (21/2 hours round trip) absorbing stunning views of the glacial 'Blue Lake' and 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 toboggons 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
This morning you may wish to take the opportunity for an early morning walk before driving to Wislon's 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 and native wildlife (maybe even sighting emus and wombats). We finish our tour travelling on to Melbourne through the pastoral landscape of South Gippsland. (B)