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Rock’n Reef
This trek is perfect for those that want to see the best of East Coast and Central Australia. The tour takes you to some amazing sites that include Moreton Island, the Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Rainforests, see Aboriginal art in Kakadu National Park, and of course wonder at the enormity of Ayers Rock!
Tour location
The tour starts in Sydney and over 30 days travels up the coast to Darwin before heading down to Alice Springs
Tour Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health
Australia
Australia has a much more outdoorsy culture than the UK, revolving around the beach and BBQ lifestyle! This jostles alongside suburbia in Oz, which is every bit the Neighbours dream. There is a wonderful indigenous culture – suppressed for a while but now wholeheartedly embraced in Oz – you just have to visit Uluru to see that.
Tour Itinerary
As we head over the harbour bridge say your goodbyes to Sydney and get excited, it’s the start of your Australian camping adventure. On the first day of the tour you will have your first encounter with what many think of as the country’s national symbol, the Koala. You will get to meet these intriguing animals at a koala breeding park and sanctuary, before we head to Coffs Harbour for our first night’s stay.
We will then head up the coast to Australia’s most easterly point, Byron Bay, where we will hopefully see dolphins playing in the surf. From here we will continue north to the party city that is Surfers Paradise, a place where you can relax or go and explore this lively place.
Once we leave Surfers we will pick up our 4WD vehicle and take a barge out to 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!
Once we have finished on Moreton Island, we will continue our travel north for the two following days, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn into the tropical zone and on to Airlie Beach. We will be spending the next two nights here, the town that is known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, some of the most scenic and famous sailing in the world. Remember to bring your sun cream and swimwear as we head out on an island cruise.
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.
After the relaxing fun of Airlie Beach we head north to Mission Beach where you can either continue to relax by topping up your tan on the beach, or take the opportunity to really get the adrenaline pumping! The adventure activities available range from tandem skydiving and white water rafting, to boat trips to Dunk Island where you will trek through unsurpassed rainforests.
We then continue north to Cairns where you get to enjoy a full-day sailing cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef. During the cruise you will be able to hand feed fish, try snorkelling around the coral or scuba dive, even for those who haven’t done it before. The next day we head over the Great Dividing Range, through small towns such as Ravenshoe before arriving at Mt Surprise where we will meet Russell and interact in his distinctive reptile show.
You will now get to see quite how diverse the landscape is in Australia as we continue to Cloncurry where we can join a tour of the “Flying Doctor Museum”. We then depart Queensland through Camooweal and into the Northern Territory where you will see how flat the centre of this country really is. When we camp on the banks of a river near Cape Crawford, we will have a great opportunity to try a damper cooked in the coals of a fire!
Next will be the nationally renowned Daly Waters Pub where you can relax with a drink and meet the locals, before heading onto Mataranka where you can take an invigorating dip into the thermal pools. We then head north to Katherine Gorge. Why not take a cruise up this stunning gorge system.
Continuing our journey north we head into Litchfield National Park where you will get to see the renowned magnetic termite mounds before camping next to waterfalls. Before we leave this magnificent place there will be time for a morning swim at Florence Falls.
We then travel back into civilisation in the shape of Darwin and a real bed in the multi-million dollar YHA. We generally head out as a group for a meal before hitting the dance floor at a nightclub for those in the mood for a party! 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.
Next we head west to Kakadu National Park. This “World Heritage Listed” area is one of the most beautiful in Australia, which by now you will realise is very impressive. While in Kakadu, we will explore Nourlangie Rock where you will see Aboriginal rock art that has been there for thousands of years. You will then have the option to either watch the sunset at Nourlangie Rock where the Aboriginies have lived for 40,000 years, or take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong where you can spot many different animal species. Why not go for a swim at Barramindi Gorge before we leave Kakadu to camp at the buffalo station, Manyallaluk.
Here you can find out how the Aboriginals co-existed for thousands of years with the surrounding land. Why not try some real Aussie “Bush Tucker”, and learn how to throw a spear the Aboriginal way. This is also a great opportunity to buy authentic Aboriginal didgeridoos, art and woven baskets before we take time for another swim at Mataranka Hot Springs.
As we head further south we visit the gold mining town of Tennant Creek before we arrive at the impressive Devils Marbles in time to see the sunset. There are a number of hikes around the area that are well worth the time, just make sure you take your camera for some great photos.
The following day we will travel through the Western MacDonnell ranges where you can hike around Ormiston Gorge before we continue to Alice Springs to set up camp. Why not head out on the town for a meal for a meal and a taste of some of Alice’s wonderful nightlife.
We then travel west to Kings Canyon where we will hit the rim trail for a hike over the Lost City and to the Garden of Eden before heading south to camp at Ayers Rock Resort in time to see the sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) and take that world famous picture.
The following day we will go on a guided walk around the base of the one of the worlds’ largest monoliths and be told about the legends that surround the area for the Aboriginal people. We will then explore Kata Juta (The Olgas) before watching the sunset over the area. The following early morning will be more than worth it to watch the sunrise over Uluru before we return to Alice Springs for the end of our journey together.
Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change
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.
Accommodation and Stops
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!
BC = Bush Camp
L = Budget Lodging
C = Camping
| 1. Coffs Harbour L |
9. Mission Beach C |
17. Litchfield Nat'l Park C |
24. Devils Marbles BC |
| 2. Surfers Paradise L |
10. Cairns L |
18. Darwin L |
25. Alice Springs C |
| 3. Moreton Island L |
11. Barrier Reef L |
19. Darwin L |
26. Alice Springs C |
| 4. Redcliffe C |
12. Ellis Beach C |
20. Kakadu Nat'l Park C |
27. Kings Canyon C |
| 5. Rockhampton C |
13. Mount Surprise C |
21. Kakadu Nat'l Park C |
28. Uluru/Ayers Rock C |
| 6. Airlie Beach C |
14. Conclurry C |
22. Manyallaluk C |
29. Uluru/Ayers Rock C |
| 7. Airlie Beach C |
15. Bush Camp BC |
23. Manyallaluk C |
30. Alice Springs |
| 8. Mission Beach C |
16. Katherine Gorge C |
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Optional Extras
- Bungee Jump
- Whitsunday Sailing
- Scuba Diving
- White Water Rafting
- Tandem Skydiving
- Horse Riding
- Fishing Trip
- 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 1377-£1999 (price depending on season)
Duration 30 days
Available All year round
Route Sydney to Alice Springs and vice versa
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)
- 2-day 4WD tour of Moreton Island, includes sand boaring and transfers
- Full Day Outer Barrier Reef Cruise (snorkelling inclued)
- Manyallaluk - Full day Aboriginal Experience
- Overnight at Mataranka hot springs
- Kings Canyon rim & base hikes
- Sunset or dawn photo's at the Devils Marbles
- Kata Tjuta Hike (The Olgas)
- 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
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