AROUND AUSTRALIA

Tour	Days	Operator	Code	Full Itinerary
Aussie Explorer	25/26	Contiki	EXSDA

Aussie Explorer - 26 Days
Sydney to Darwin or v.v.

Tour Code: EXSDA / EXDSA (25 days)

What's included?

Departure Dates EXSDA Sydney to Darwin

2001: Apr 29 / May 27 / Jun 24 /Jul 22, 29/ Aug 19, 26 / Sep 16, 23 / Oct 14, 21 / Nov 11 / Dec 9 (with 2002 pricing)

2002: Jan 6 / Feb 3 / Mar 3

Departure Dates EXDSA Darwin to Sydney

2001: May 1, 29 / Jun 26 / Jul 24, 31/ Aug 21, 28 / Sep 18, 25 / Oct 16, 23 / Nov 13 / Dec 11 (with 2002 pricing)

2002: Jan 8 / Feb 5 / Mar 5

Legend: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

Your Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1. Sydney to Coffs Harbour.
Before heading across the famous Harbour Bridge, we'll make a photo stop taking in the harbour and Opera House. We then head north along the ‘holiday coast’ to our accommodation at Coffs Harbour. Swim, play volleyball and get to know your fellow travellers. Hotel

Day 2. Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise.
We stop at Australia’s most easterly point - Cape Byron - where you may glimpse migrating whales or dolphins. We’ll stop briefly at trendy Byron Bay where you’ll have time to shop or swim. We then cross into Queensland and head for Surfers Paradise. Hotel

Day 3. Surfers Paradise at Leisure.
A full day to enjoy Australia’s premier holiday destination.Why not take the opportunity to visit Movie World, Sea World or Dreamworld. For the energetic there’s mountain biking, tandem skydiving or a Harley Davidson ride. If all this sounds too much then why not just sit back and relax on the 42km of white sand. Hotel

Day 4. Surfers Paradise to Farmstay.
Our first stop today will be Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. We then head to the fertile farming country known as the Darling Downs. Tour the farm on an optional horseride before we kick up our heels at tonight’s bushdance. Farmstay (D)

Day 5. Farmstay to Fraser Island.
First a visit to the Forest Glen Wildlife Sanctuary to see the Kangaroo's and Koala’s. We then make our way to Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. From here we head up the coast and catch a late launch across to Fraser Island. Eco Lodge (B, D)

Day 6. Fraser Island at Leisure.
Enjoy the largest sand island in the world! Maybe take a 4-wheel drive bus tour through the rainforests or take a guided bush walk. From Aug-Oct you can cruise out to Hervey Bay to whale watch. Eco Lodge

Day 7. Fraser Island to Capricorn Coast.
We cross the Tropic of Capricorn en-route to Rockhampton and visit the Dreamtime Aboriginal Cultural Centre. For dinner we have the option of visiting the Koorana Crocodile Farm. Hotel (B)

Day 8. Capricorn Coast to Whitsundays.
We travel through Mackay, the sugar capital of Australia to Shute Harbour where we board our launch for the short journey to Long Island. Resort (D) (B)

Day 9. The Whitsundays at Leisure.
Two free days to enjoy the beauty of Long Island. Play tennis, go for a bushwalk, try your hand at the many watersports such as parasailing, jet skiing or maybe even learn to water ski.This evening why not sip a cocktail as you watch the glorious sunset. Resort

Day 10. Whitsunday Flotilla Sailing.
Your chance to spend 3 spectacular nights sailing around the Whitsundays. As an alternative to days 8-10 you could spend 3 nights sailing these Islands with your own skipper. Swim, snorkel, fish or laze your way around this tropical paradise on board a Prosail flotilla yacht. Simply add US$209 to the price shown. (D) (B,L,D) (B,L,D). Book in conjunction with your Aussie Explorer tour to guarantee a place on board.

Day 11. Whitsundays to Cairns.
We head north this morning to Townsville. There will be time to explore the scenic lookout of Castle Hill, overlooking Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. This evening we’ll check into our Cairns hotel. Resort (B)

Day 12. Cairns at Leisure.
For the adventurous, there is a chance to try out white-water rafting on the rapids of the Tully River. If rafting’s not your thing the day is free to relax or check out the delights of Cairns. Resort

Day 13. Cairns at Leisure.
This morning we visit Port Douglas, why not treat yourself to an unforgettable cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef. Round off a perfect day and make the most of Cairns’ nightlife. Resort (B)

Day 14. Cairns to Alice Springs.
It’s time to depart Cairns and the lush tropical rainforest and fly to the arid red centre of the Northern Territory. Hotel

Day 15. Alice Springs to Ross River.
Before leaving Alice Springs we pay a visit to Anzac Hill and the Old Telegraph Station. We then head out to the Ross River Homestead where we’ll cook Billy Tea and Damper - the stockman’s traditional afternoon tea. Learn how to crack a whip and throw a boomerang with one of the station hands before an evening in the Homestead Bar. Cabins (D)

Day 16. Ross River to Glen Helen.
After a visit to the Alice Springs Desert Wildlife Park we travel along the majestic MacDonnell Ranges to the Glen Helen Homestead. There will be time for a swim in the gorge before dinner. Bunkhouse (B,D)

Day 17. Glen Helen to Kings Canyon.
This morning we head for Kings Creek Station situated next to Watarrka National Park. Why not explore this working cattle and camel station on 4-wheel ‘Quad Bikes’? Enjoy a meal in true outback style before rolling out your ‘swag’ for a night under the stars. Outback Bush Camp (B,D)

Day 18. Kings Canyon to Uluru-Ayers Rock.
An early start as we head off to explore Kings Canyon. Our walk will take us to the top of the canyon and along the ridge to discover the ‘Garden of Eden’ and the ‘Lost City’. This afternoon we’ll travel to Yulara and Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. The evening is free to take in the desert atmosphere. Lodge (B)

Day 19. Uluru at Leisure.
This morning we’ll enjoy the sunrise over Uluru. Then, why not attempt the climb to the top? Lodge (B)

Day 20. Uluru to Alice Springs.
We return to Alice Springs and pay a visit to the Frontier Camel Farm. Tonight you can enjoy outback delicacies like emu, crocodile and kangaroo at the Drovers Blow Out. Hotel (B)

Day 21. Alice Springs to Tennant Creek.
This morning there is the chance to watch dawn break over the MacDonnell Ranges from a hot air balloon. Later we’ll cross the Tropic of Capricorn and head on to the Devil’s Marbles before arriving in the gold mining town of Tennant Creek. Hotel (D)

Day 22. Tennant Creek to Katherine.
Visit one of Australia’s most unusual pubs in Daly Waters. There'll also be a chance this afternoon for a refreshing swim in a thermal pool at Mataranka. Tonight we stay in Katherine. Hotel (B)

Day 23. Katherine to Kakadu.
This morning we head into Nitmiluk National Park and the sensational Katherine Gorge. This afternoon we’ll head for Kakadu National Park and Jabiru. Our accommodation is in the middle of the park. Fantastic views are on offer as the setting sun at Ubirr Aboriginal rock art site provides the back drop. Lodge (B,D)

Day 24. Kakadu National Park at Leisure.
Why not rise early for the optional scenic flight over Kakadu National Park and the Arnhem escarpment. After breakfast we explore these World Heritage Regions. The afternoon is spent on a superb wildlife cruise through the Wetlands. Lodge (B)

Day 25. Kakadu National Park to Darwin.
On arrival in Darwin we’ll visit the Northern Territory Museum before enjoying some free time to shop, sightsee or just relax in our accommodation. (B)

Day 26. Darwin - Litchfield National Park.
This 650 square km National Park encloses a wide sandstone plateau. We’ll stop at Florence Falls where you’ll have the chance to swim. Our tour ends this evening back in Darwin. (B)

Please note: During the wet season (Dec-Apr) the itinerary on Days 9-12 may need to be slightly changed. (Days 1-4 reverse itinerary).

Prices Per Person

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