6 Day Sydney to Adelaide Adventure Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sat) - Sydney to Jindabyne (via Canberra)

We travel to Australia's capital city of Canberra checking out Parliament House and other highlights on a city tour. After lunch we pass through Cooma, learning about Australia's great engineering feat the 'Snowy Hydro-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 accommodation is included at the Lake Jindabyne Hotel, where you’ll get to enjoy the mountain life; perhaps a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar while taking in the magnificent view of the lake. (D)

Day 2 (Sun) - Jindabyne to Lakes Entrance Via Snowy River Country

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 (2 1/2 hour round-trip) absorbing stunning views of the glacial 'Blue Lake' & 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 toboggans 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 (Mon) - Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory NP

This morning you may wish to take the opportunity for an early morning walk before driving to Wilsons 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 & native wildlife (maybe even sighting emus and wombats). We finish our tour, travelling on to Melbourne through the pastoral landscape of South Gippsland. Overnight you will stay in your choice of accommodation at your own expense. (B)

Day 4 (Tue) - Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell

We continue our journey travelling through Geelong before stopping at Torquay (home of Quicksilver and Rip Curl) where you can pick yourself up a bargain, before making our way to the world famous Bell’s Beach. Here we commence our journey on the renowned Great Ocean Road, one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Australia, calling into the seaside towns of Lorne & Apollo Bay exploring pristine beaches, gorges and the magnificent cool temperate rainforest of the Otway NP. We spend time at the awesome Otway Fly, (25 metre high elevated tree top walk) and explore Loch Ard Gorge before enjoying sunset at the Twelve Apostles. Tonight we stay in the fishing village of Port Campbell or Princetown. (D)

Day 5 (Wed) - Port Campbell to Grampians NP

View sunrise over the Twelve Apostles then take the Gibson Steps down to the beach for a different perspective of this amazing formation. Continuing along the western end of the Great Ocean Road we visit London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands before arriving at Warrnambool for a chance to view whales (seasonal). Travelling on through country Victoria, we arrive at the magnificent Grampians NP, calling in at Brambuks Aboriginal Cultural Centre before accepting the challenge of a hike to the Pinnacle . We finish the day with a walk to The Balconies & Reeds Lookout before arriving at our overnight accommodation in the ‘Heart of the Grampians’ at Halls Gap. (B,D)

Day 6 (Thu) - Halls Gap to Adelaide

Today we spend the morning hiking to the bottom of MacKenzie Falls & Hollow Mountain for breathtaking views over the north of the Grampians before leaving this magical place. Travelling west, we break for lunch at Horsham then continue through the agricultural district of Victoria, into South Australia and Bordertown, home of the rare White Western Grey Kangaroos. We cross the mighty Murray River, then pass through the picturesque Adelaide Hills arriving into the city of Adelaide. (B)

Further Information

What to Bring

Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera, film, money for some meals, sense of Adventure. 15kg luggage limit

What's Included

Experienced guides, meals as indicated, 4 nights hostel dorm accommodation, accommodation transfers, (tea, coffee, milo & snacks), National Park entry fees, entry to Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. (1 night in Melbourne at own expense)

Highlights

Grampians National Park, MacKenzie Falls, Warrnambool, Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Bells Beach