Australia Group Tours

All of Oz

How many people have you met that can tell you they have seen an entire country? Well this is your chance to see the whole of this amazing country, taking in sights as diverse as the Sydney Opera House, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and so much more. This trip includes the entire circumference of this country as well as the best of the central Australia. There are not many countries or tours where you travel through deserts, tropical rainforests and see some of the most diverse wildlife and sea life in the world!

Tour Location
The tour starts in Sydney and over 69 days travels around the whole of the Australian coast, as well as going down to the red centre from Darwin, before returning back to Sydney.

Tour Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.

Tour Itinerary
After starting the tour in Sydney you will spend the first few days travelling along the south coast to Melbourne. This laid back city has a real cosmopolitan feel with the different areas of the city truly showing its diversity. With two nights stop over here, it is a great opportunity to explore the different international cuisines on offer, or relax on the beach in St Kilda.

You will then leave Melbourne to head down the Great Ocean Road. This coastal route is probably one of the most scenic roads in Australia if not the world, mostly due to spectacular rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles which stretch all along this piece of the coast line.

We will then have two nights stop over in Adelaide to take everything it has to offer before we take to the road to cross the desolate plain known as the Nullarbor. Hopefully you will get the chance to see whales and dolphins, and possibly wild camels, as well getting the opportunity to go hiking in Mt Remarkable National Park. Here you will have a great view of the surrounding gulf country filled with wild kangaroos and emus, before heading back to our bush camp.

After continuing along the Southern Ocean roads to Albany, here in the “Valley of the Giants” we will hike in the treetops before climbing the legendary Bicentennial Tree. We will then take time to investigate some of the great caves found in the Karri forest area, before continuing along the coast to see where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Then we take a tour of the Margaret River wineries and relax with a glass of wine.

Take time to relax in Perth, where we stop for a couple of nights, prior to heading north to join Highway 1, which will take us to Nambung National Park and the captivating Pinnacles. Before we hike in Kalbarri National Park you may want to try your hand at sand boarding, then take in the remarkable sites that are Natures Window, the Loop, and Z-Bend Gorge. When we get to Z-Bend Gorge you will drop 150 metres to the fresh water pools, which are perfect for an invigorating swim!

From Kalbarri we travel to the world famous Monkey Mia and its bottlenose dolphins and equally famous pelicans. If you have ever wanted to see wild bottlenose dolphins close up this is a great opportunity when they come in shore for feeding, don’t forget your camera! From here we head to the crystal clear waters of Coral Bay, which are perfect for snorkelling around the beach or for the less adventurous relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Next up is Ningaloo Reef, which some say is on a par with, if not better than the Great Barrier Reef. Here you will be able to do a number of activities from snorkelling and glass bottom boat cruises, to quad bike tours around the area.

The next stop is Karijini National Park, an inland oasis if ever there was one. We will then stop-off in the ore-mining town of Tom Price to pick up extra provisions for the journey ahead, then setting up camp overlooking Hamersley Range. Over the next two days we will be exploring this magnificent National Park and its many gorges, which were formed over 2,500 million years ago. You will have the chance to get your swimwear out again as many of the gorges have fresh still water pools ideal for swimming.

We now head back for a bit of civilisation in the town of Broome, where you can take a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach or take in a movie in the relaxing out door cinema. From here we head northwest with a boat trip in Geike Gorge before we jump in our 4WD to do a two day tour of the Bungle Bungle Ranges.

We will then visit Mini Palms, Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and walk along Piccaninny Creak before we head back to Turkey Creek. You will see the Ord River Dam system that irrigates the northwest corner of Western Australia. You can then hike in the Hidden Valley before relaxing in Kununurra, all before crossing the state border into the Northern territory. The first stop here will be Litchfield National Park, where you will get to see the magnetic termite mounds before heading to Darwin. Here you will be staying in the multi-million dollar YHA and we normally go as a group for a meal before going to a nightclub for those in a party mood. You will then have a free day to see the sights, relax by the pool or one of Darwin’s great beaches or take a trip out to see the jumping crocodiles.

Make sure you get any last minute shopping in before we head west to the “World Heritage Listed” Kakadu National Park, one of the most beautiful areas of wilderness in Australia, and that’s quite a feat. Here you will visit Nourlangie Rock where you will see Aboriginal rock art that is thousands of years old, followed by watching the sunset over an area that the Aborigines have lived in for over 40,000 years, or go to the Yellow Water Billabong where you can take a cruise and spot some of the abundant wildlife that lives in Kakadu.

Katherine Gorge will be our next stop. Here you can take a cruise through two of the outstanding natural gorges that have been carved by the Katherine River before we go to join some of the locals and try some “Bush Tucker”, learn how to throw a spear or maybe even “make fire”. The Aboriginals have made this land their home, living for thousands of years in harmony with their surroundings, with many of the skills that make this possible only ever being taught within their culture.

While you are there why not purchase a didgeridoo or some truly unique Aboriginal art. You will then have time to relax in the Mataranka Hot Springs after setting up camp.

Heading further south we pass by Daly Waters Pub before arriving at the Devils Marbles in time to watch the sunset. We will then hike the rim trail at Kings Canyon where you will wonder at the sheer canyon walls before hiking over to the Lost City and the amazing Garden of Eden. Then we head to the Ayers Rock Resort with plenty of time in the evening to watch and take pictures of Uluru (Ayers Rock) as it changes colour at sunset.

The following day we will take you around Uluru on a guided base walk of one of the world’s biggest monoliths. We will explain the legends that the Aboriginals associate with this Australian icon, before a short trip over the Olgas to have a walk around before watching the sunset over these unusual domes. Then its time to relax with a couple of nights in Alice Springs where you will have the opportunity to take one of the world’s best hot air Balloon rides, complete with champagne breakfast.

Now will be the start of a real outback adventure as we spend the next few days crossing the remote landscapes that are the North Eastern Queensland. Here you will get a real feel for how vast and empty some of Australia actually is. During this part of the trip we pass through mining towns, set up bush camps, stop at the occasional outback pubs for refreshments, and stop at invigorating hot springs for a swim. We then travel to Conclurry where we can join the “Flying Doctor Museum” tour and then meet Russell in Mount Surprise. Here you will get the chance to interact in his distinctive reptile show.

We then cross the Atherton Table Lands to arrive in Cairns where we will board our multi-million dollar sailing boat and cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef for a full day. This is where you will get the chance to snorkel or dive at some of the best dive sites on the reef, which is the one of the largest reef systems in the world and home to an array of marine life.

For those who like to be adventurous you will love our next destination, Mission Beach. This is your chance to get the adrenaline pumping by going for a tandem skydive, white water rafting or even sea kayaking. On the other hand you could take a daily boat trip to Dunk Island and hike the rainforests there, or take a walk through the ones on the main land and maybe spot a cassowary. If none of these interest there is always the other option, lounge on the beach to work on that tan!

Next is Airlie Beach, this coastal resort is the gateway to the sailing mecca that is the Whitsunday Islands with some of the most idyllic island settings you could find. Here you have the choice between a full day on a fast Maxi sailing yacht, a cruise to a millionaire’s resort, go to the underwater observatory, jet-ski or just lie back and relax by the pool. Airlie Beach is well known for its live bands and local nightlife, so why not have a night out with the group. 

From there we head southwest inland tour own private cattle station where you have a number of options, from horse back riding or 4WD tour, to grabbing a farm bike and helping out with the day to day chores at this 2,600 acre property.

We now head back to the coast and south to Scarborough. Here we will get our 4WD vehicle that we will use for our two-day tour of Moreton Island. This island has the highest sand dunes in the world, empty white beaches and inland forests, which conceal many crystal clear lakes. We will hike a few of the numerous trails around the island as well as going to see the Tangalooma Wrecks where we will hopefully see dolphins and even whale pods in season. Your time on this island will be a highlight for many!

When we return to the mainland we will continue south, with an optional stop at Australia Zoo before we arrive at the entertainment capital of Queensland, Surfer’s Paradise. During your time in Surfer’s Paradise why not have some surfing lessons or try one of Surfers’ many theme parks. In the evening there are many bars and clubs that keep this city running 24/7!

The next morning we will arrive at Australia’s most easterly point, Byron Bay. This laid back town is known for its alternative community of travellers, surfers and hippies as well as its stunning beaches, cafes. We will spend one final night together in Coffs harbour before we return to where we began 10 weeks ago, Sydney.

Accommodation
Throughout this tour you will mainly be staying in budget lodging, such as hostels, lodges and even the occasional pub, or camping. There will however be a few nights where you will stay at Bush Camps. The Budget lodging is generally based on a multi-share system, however there is the possibility at some lodging to accommodate couples. Twin share rooms can be requested for a supplement, however they cannot be guaranteed.

We will supply everything you will need for the nights you spend camping, including our large four-man tents that are shared between two, which we use on most tours. On some of our more remote tours you will stay in permanent campsites, which have comfy hard top tents, or for the true outdoor experience why not sleep in a traditional Aussie Swag!

Tour Support
Throughout your stay in Australia you will have the support and guidance of your tour guide and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your time on the tours. In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

BC = Bush Camp
L = Budget Lodging
C= Camping

1. Batemans Bay C	19. Kalbarri NP C	37. Litchfield NP BC	56. Cairns/BarrierReef L
2. Lakes Entrance L	20. Monkey Mia C	38. Darwin L	57. Mission Beach C
3. Melbourne L	21. Coral Bay NP C	39. Darwin L	58. Mission Beach C
4. Melbourne L	22. Coral Bay NP C	40. Kakadu NP C	59. Airlie Beach C
5. Great Ocean Road L	23. Exmouth C	41. Kakadu NP C	60. Airlie Beach C
6. Murray Bridge C	24. Giralia Station C	42. Katherine Gorge C	61. Cattle Station L
7. Adelaide L	25. Tom Price C	43. Manyallaluk C	62. Cattle Station L
8. Adelaide L	26. Karijini NP BC	44. Mataranka C	63. Redcliffe C
9. Mt Remarkable C	27. Karijini NP C	45. Devils Marbles BC	64. Moreton Island L
10. Bush Camp BC	28. 80 Mile Beach C	46. Alice Springs C	65. Moreton Island L
11. Norseman C	29. Broome L	47. Kings Canyon NP C	66. Surfers Paradise L
12. Esperance C	30. Broome L	48. Uluru/Ayers Rock  C	67. Byron Bay C
13. Albany C	31. Fitzroy Crossing C	50. Alice Springs C	68. Port Macquarie C
14. Busselton C	32. Turkey Creek C	51. Alice Springs C	69. Sydney
15. Perth L	33. Bungle Bungle NP C	52. Bush Camp BC
16. Perth L	34. Kununarra C	53. Cloncurry C
17. Pinnacles C	35. Kununarra C	54. Mt Surprise C
18. Kalbarri NP C	36. Victoria River C	55. Cairns L

Optional Extras

• Bungee Jump
• Whitsunday Sailing
• Scuba Diving
• White Water Rafting
• Tandem Skydiving
• Horse Riding
• Dunk Island Cruise
• Sea Kayaking
• Surfing Lessons
• Hand Gliding
• Koala Sanctuary
• Kakadu Flight
• Ayers Rock Flight
• Camel Riding
• Hot Air Ballooning
• Yellow Water Billabong Cruise
• Quad Bike Tour
• Katherine Gorge Cruise
• Harley Davidson Ride
• Didgeridoo Making

Fitness
A basic level of fitness is required for this tour; there will be hikes of up to 5km a day.

Cost information
Price £3705-£3899 (price depending on season)
Duration 69 days
Available All year round
Route Sydney to Sydney

Start Dates
All year round– please speak to a travel advisor for specific dates.

Programme Cost Includes

• Services of a professional tour leader.
• All transportation by minibus
• All accommodation in a mixture of cabins, backpacker hostels and local pubs
• All camping equipment (except your sleeping bag)
• Visit Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Cairns, Alice Springs & Sydney
• Entry into Monkey Mia
• Hiking at Mt Remarkable National Park, Kings Canyon, Devils Marbles & Litchfield National Park
• 2 day 4WD tour of Bungle Bungle National Park
• Manyallaluk - Full day Aboriginal Cultural Experience
• Winery stops and wine tasting
• Entry fees and hiking at Uluru (Ayers Rock) & Kakadu National Parks.
• Full day Outer Barrier reef cruise incl. Snorkelling
• 2 nights at our Cattle Station including all meals,. horse riding and motor bike riding
• 2-day 4WD tour of Moreton Island, includes sand boaring and transfers
• Mataranka Hot Springs
• Remote bush camp experience
• Admission to all National Parks and Aboriginal Sites as per itinerary.

Programme Cost Excludes

• All flights
• Food kitty (AUS$10 a day)
• Meals to sample local cuisine
• Insurance
• Spending money
• Any additional activities that are not stated on the itinerary
• Pre and post tour accommodation