11 Day Melbourne to Alice Springs Bus Safari

Day 1 - Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell

We pass Geelong and check out the surfing town of Torquay and 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. At Kennett River we spot for koalas and watch and listen to the abundant birdlife. Next we hit the cool temperate rainforest of the Otway National Park, where we spend time at the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk (included) then watch the sun set over the Twelve Apostles.

Meals: L, D

Day 2 � Port Campbell to Grampians National Park

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.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3 - Halls Gap to Adelaide

Get your legs working this morning with 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.

Meals: B, L

Day 4 � Adelaide

Enjoy a FREE day to relax or explore the city of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included.

Meals: At own expense.

Day 5 � Adelaide to Quorn

Leaving the city behind, we travel through the Clare Valley to Quorn, a 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!

Meals: L, D

Day 6 - Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound

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 the shy and elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby on a quiet stroll through peaceful Warren Gorge. Overnight at the Quorn 'Mill'.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 � Quorn to Coober Pedy

We travel north through Port Augusta and the small township of Glendambo (population 30!) passing ancient salt lakes which are the remnants of an inland sea. The Opal Capital of the World is our destination and our bunkhouse for tonight is � you guessed it � underground.

B, L, D

Day 8 � Coober Pedy to Marla

After breakfast we check out the sites of Coober Pedy on a town tour which includes an opal cutting demonstration and mine tour with the opportunity to try your luck 'noodling' for opals! We continue our drive north and you will see the flat topped mesas, 'The Breakaways'. During the afternoon we drive through the rugged desert country to the small outback township of Marla.

B, L, D

Day 9 � Marla to Uluru

From Marla, we cross the Northern Territory border and arrive at the Uluru � Kata Tjuta National Park. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) will fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform during the Valley of the Winds hike. You'll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars.

B, L, D

Day 10 � Uluru to Kings Canyon

It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Explore the many caves of the Mala people, learning how they lived and prepared for ceremonies. Your Aboriginal guide will also share the sensitive story of the Mala people who lived at Uluru with their friend the Itjaritjari (marsupial mole). There is also a visit to sacred Kantju Gorge, a quiet water hole at the base of a dramatic rock face. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night.

B, L, D

Day 11 � Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations of Kings Canyon. You'll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. Lunch is a welcome prospect, before we make our way to Alice Springs.

B, L