13 Day Sydney < > Alice Springs Safari

This 13 day packaged tour from Sydney to Alice Springs will give you the chance to experience the ever changing landscapes, from the Snowy River high country, via the Great Ocean Road, and through the centre of Australia's desert landscapes.

SYDNEY < > ALICE SPRINGS SAFARI

TOUR CODE: SASPBN

HIGHLIGHTS
:: GREAT OCEAN ROAD
:: GRAMPIANS NP
:: FLINDERS RANGES
:: PARACHILNA
:: COOBER PEDY
:: ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
:: KATA TJUTA
:: KINGS CANYON
:: ABORIGINAL CULTURE

ITINERARY

DAY 1 :: SYDNEY TO JINDABYNE VIA CANBERRA
Canberra is Australia’s capital city, and this is where we head. We’ll look through Parliament House, check out a few Embassies and other city highlights. After lunch, we visit Cooma and then it’s on to Jindabyne, a town with a relaxed alpine village feel. There’s time for trout fishing in the lake or perhaps even water skiing or wake boarding (all at own expense and seasonal). Tonight kick back and relax with a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar. (D)

DAY 2 :: JINDABYNE TO LAKES ENTRANCE VIA SNOWY RIVER COUNTRY
Hike along an alpine track to view the glacial ‘Blue Lake’ and the top of Mt Kosciuszko (Australia’s highest point). During winter, we’ve got time to play in the snow (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). After lunch, it’s a spectacular drive along Barry Way, watching the Snowy River wind 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)

DAY 3 :: LAKES ENTRANCE TO WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK & MELBOURNE
We travel to Wilsons Promontory National Park to explore the coastal wilderness of this pristine national park. Watch out for wildlife! We’ll finish our tour travelling to Melbourne through pastoral landscapes in South Gippsland. (B)

DAY 4 :: MELBOURNE VIA GREAT OCEAN RD TO PRINCETOWN
We stop in Torquay to shop at Quiksilver and Rip Curl before continuing on to world famous Bells Beach. Winding along the Great Ocean Road we take a break to search for koalas and then pass through the seaside town of Lorne on our way to Apollo Bay. Next we visit the Otway Fly tree top walk (included) then watch the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. (D)

DAY 5 :: PRINCETOWN TO GRAMPIANS NP
Walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach for a different view of the Twelve Apostles, or there’s time for a helicopter ride (at own expense). Next up is Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. Watch for whales (seasonal) as we pass through Warrnambool, then head inland to the Grampians National Park. Hikes include The Pinnacle, The Balconies and Reeds Lookout. You’ll sleep well tonight at our private accommodation. (BD)

DAY 6 :: HALLS GAP TO ADELAIDE
There’s hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls before we farewell The Grampians and travel via Horsham into South Australia. See rare White Western Grey Kangaroos at Bordertown, then cross the Murray River before arriving into Adelaide. Overnight accommodation included. (B)

DAY 7 :: ADELAIDE
A FREE DAY in Adelaide to relax or explore. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

DAY 8 :: ADELAIDE TO PARACHILNA
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the pretty Clare Valley to Quorn. This afternoon, we’ll check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves. Get ready for tonight’s BBQ dinner at Parachilna – it doesn’t get any more Aussie than this! We stay overnight in Parachilna. (LD)

DAY 9 :: FLINDERS RANGES & WILPENA POUND
If the weather’s good, we’ll take the scenic route through the stunning Parachilna Gorge on our way to Wilpena Pound, the jewel of the Flinders Ranges. Grab your hiking boots for a guided climb of Mt Ohlssen-Bagge: you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views over the ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)

DAY 10 :: RAWNSLEY PARK TO COOBER PEDY
It’s time to go underground! We’ll travel to Coober Pedy today in time for an opal mine tour and you might have the chance to go ‘noodling’ for opals if there’s time. Our bunkhouse for tonight is – you guessed it! – underground. (BLD)

DAY 11 :: COOBER PEDY TO ULURU
Driving through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara in time for sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The stars put on a show back at our permanent campsite at Yulara. (BLD)

DAY 12 :: ULURU TO KATA TJUTA & KINGS CANYON
Wake up early to experience sunrise at Uluru – it’s worth the early start! Go for a walk around the base or climb to the top if you choose (although the traditional Anangu owners prefer it if you don’t), before we take a guided interpretive walk at Mala. After visiting Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) we head to Kings Canyon, where we camp for the night. (BLD)

DAY 13 :: KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS
There’s lots to explore at Kings Canyon, including the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden, and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After a bite to eat, we make our way through the harsh desert landscape to Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included, dinner at own expense. (BL)

BRING
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, swimming gear, warm clothing (including waterproof jacket and pants), water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera, film, money for some meals & optional activities.

INCLUDED
Experienced guides, meals as indicated, 10 nights accommodation (or upgrade to ensuite) & 2 nights camping (sleeping bag required for camping, may be hired for $15). All national park Entry fees (excluding Uluru National Park $25). Entry to Otway Fly Tree Top Walk and Opal Mine tour.

NOTE
Upgrade accommodation may be located on different premises to hostel accommodation. Package includes 10 nights accommodation and 2 nights camping. This is a combination safari so you may travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. Upgrade option is not available during July / August*, therefore ensuite price will reduce by AUD$25 Twin/Double, AUD$15 Triple, AUD$70 Single. Multi-share accommodation will be provided. Additional nights in Melbourne and Adelaide can be arranged at time of booking (extra expense). Twin room not available in Melbourne (double will be supplied) and triple bookings will receive 2 x double rooms.

13 DAYS
Adult $1550 ($AUD) Child $1240 ($AUD) Valid between 01/04/08 - 31/03/09 Adult $1775 ($AUD) Child $1420 ($AUD) Valid between 01/04/09 - 31/03/10 + park entry fee + fuel levy 10 NIGHTS UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION 10 Nts Ensuite Budget Motel/Lodge (Incl 1 nt Opal Inn Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $410 Triple $300 Single $890 (Incl 1 nt Desert Cave Cooper Pedy) Twin/Double $475 Triple $355 Single $1020 DEPARTS Sydney 6.30am APR, NOV-MAR* Mon Wed Sat MAY-OCT Wed Sat Except 23, 26 & 30 DEC 09 FINISHES* Alice Springs (or Sydney) accommodation early evening Day 13 TOUR OPERATES IN REVERSE Click here to visit the page. MAX PEOPLE - 24 Valid till 31 March 2010.
		Hikes up to 6-8kms per day.

		Maximum 24 front facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle.

	OR	Permanently erected tents (multi-share), permanent cooking facilities and purpose-built fire pits, screened eating areas, share showers and toilets. Dorm or Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities Generally 2-3 star standard with private facilities
Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day before travel. Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal & extreme weather conditions, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. Luggage limit of 15 kg applies - backpack or soft bag.

SEO/Search IQ - search engine marketing