24 Day Grand Aussie Explorer

Day 1 Sydney to Crescent Head (Surfing)
From Australia’s largest city we head northwards, with a quick stopover in Kempsey (home of the “Akubra” hat), to the untouched beaches of the Central Coast. (D)

Day 2-3 Crescent Head to Byron Bay
We hit the beach early for a surf lesson then we will check out Coffs Harbour and the “Big Banana”, before reaching Byron Bay with a full day to explore to your heart’s content. (B, L) (B)

Day 4 Byron Bay to Gold Coast
It’s a short hop today to Queensland and the Gold Coast. You have plenty of time to explore. (B, D)

Day 5 Gold Coast to Noosa
Today we arrive in Brisbane for a cruise along the river, then to the resort town of Noosa. There’s an option to hop off at Australia Zoo on the way. (B)

Day 6 Fraser Island
We’re taking a guided 4WD tour around the world’s largest sand island today before enjoying a “fair dinkum” (authentic) Aussie barbecue. (B, L)

Day 7 Noosa to Kroombit Park
The morning is yours in beautiful Noosa before we head “bush” this afternoon to our working cattle station, for a taste of “Outback Hospitality”. (B, D)

Day 8 Kroombit Park to Emu Park, via Rockhampton
Try your hand at a goat rodeo or maybe an outback quad bike ride before heading to Emu Park, via the “Cattle City” of Rockhampton. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Emu Park to the Whitsundays (Sailing)
Today we’re heading for the spectacular Whitsunday Islands. We drive to the resort town of Airlie Beach before boarding our maxi-yacht. (B, D)

Day 10-11 The Whitsundays (South Molle Island)
Get ready for a day of sailing as we plot a course for South Molle Island. There are plenty of bushwalking tracks available or go swimming. (B, L, D) (B, D)

Day 12-14 The Whitsundays to Cairns
On to tropical Cairns. An optional cruise to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. Our meeting with the Kuku Yalanji tribe in Far North Queensland is full of interest. (Note: day 14 will be missed on the reverse itinerary due to flights.) (B) (B) (B)

Day 15 Cairns to Alice Springs
Today we fly to Australia’s Red Centre. This afternoon it’s time to relax and get ready for your outback adventure!

Note: flight is included in the trip price. (B)

Day 16 Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru
First up is the Outback Camel Farm, for an optional camel ride. Then it’s onto Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch, before travelling to Kata Tjuta. We’re back at Uluru for sunset so get comfortable in your swag (Aussie bedroll) as we sleep under the stars. (B, L, D)

Day 17 Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Kings Canyon
We’re up early to catch sunrise over Uluru. Get an insight into the traditional owners of the land at the Cultural Centre. (B, L, D)

Day 18 Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Prepare for some serious walking today with a hike through Kings Canyon. After lunch we head towards “the Alice”. (B, L)

Day 19 Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
Passing the Tropic of Capricorn, we’ll visit the Barrow Creek Pub, the Devils Marbles and our stop for the night, Tennant Creek. (B, L, D)

Day 20 Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge
Meet the locals at the Daly Waters pub before reaching Mataranka. Tonight we’ll be camping near Katherine Gorge. (B, L, D)

Day 21 Katherine Gorge to Darwin
Spend the morning exploring Katherine Gorge, then stop at Edith Falls before arriving in Darwin. (B, L)

Day 22 Darwin to Mary River
First up is Litchfield National Park then into Woolna Country to visit the Limilngan–Wulna people. Next to the Mary River Wetlands for a river cruise. (L, D)

Day 23 Mary River to Kakadu
Discover ancient Indigenous rock painting at Ubirr before heading to Maguk. Tonight we make camp in Kakadu National Park. (B, L, D)

Day 24: Kakadu to Darwin
Today is all about four-wheel driving as we travel over to Jim Jim Falls. Try the boat and boardwalk experience before travelling back to Darwin.