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The Big Trek
This is the ultimate trek of Eastern and Central Australia, which takes you along the coast from Sydney to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road before heading north through the centre of this massive country. You will marvel at the wonders of Uluru and King’s Canyon, as well as seeing the outstanding natural beauty of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. We will then head east and travel down the coast stopping to relax at Mission Beach and cruise over the Great Barrier Reef and around the Whitsunday Islands before returning to Sydney hopefully fully relaxed.
Tour Location
The tour starts in Sydney and over 42 days you will travel west to Adelaide before heading up through the red centre to Darwin. You will then head east and make your way down the coast back to Sydney.
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
The first stop after we leave Sydney is Australia’s capital, Canberra. Here you can take a tour of Parliament House, visit the War Memorial or the National Art Gallery, or explore the city from one of the many viewpoints.
From the capital we head south to Melbourne, arguably Australia’s most cosmopolitan city. Take your time exploring this truly diverse city where you can try many different international dishes, relax on St Kilda Beach, or go see a game of Australia’s national sport; Aussie rules football.
We leave Melbourne and continue west along the Great Ocean Road. This stretch of coastal road is one of the most scenic in the world with spectacular rock structures such as the Twelve Apostles. Continuing on this westerly route, we cross into South Australia where we will visit the volcanic Blue Lake in Mount Gambier before we camp near Coorong National Park where there is an abundance of wildlife. We will then guide you through South Australia’s wine growing region of McLaren Vale where you can try some of the local vintage!
We will stop over in Adelaide before going for a hike in Mt Remarkable National Park where we should spot some wild kangaroos and emus before heading back to our semi bush camp. As we travel up the Stuart Highway you will marvel at the changing scenery as we move into the true outback and towards the mining town of Coober Pedy. Here you can take an opal mine tour and possibly purchase some opals direct from the miners before we spend a night out with the locals and sleep in the underground motel.
As we head across the border into the Northern Territory you will truly get a feeling of how vast and flat Australia really is. Arriving at Uluru (Ayers Rock) in time for sunset, you will witness this mighty monolith changing through many shades of red, which is an awe-inspiring sight. The next day, we trek around the base of Uluru where you will learn about legends that are part of the basis of Aboriginal life in this World Heritage Area.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the cultural centre close to Uluru before heading to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to walk around these unusual domes. We then travel to King’s Canyon where we will hike the Rim Trail and visit the Garden of Eden, a chasm filled with palm trees and stop and take in some of the amazing views across the Canyon.
There is also a stop off at Kings Creek Station where you can take a quad bike or camel ride before continuing to Alice Springs.
Your first day in Alice Springs, you will have a free day to take time out and relax. Why not try an early morning hot air balloon complete with champagne breakfast, or take an optional day trip through the Western MacDonnell Ranges, visit the desert Park, go shopping or simply relax by the pool. In the evening there is the opportunity to hit the town for a meal and maybe even a couple of bars.
Continuing our journey north we stop at the Devil’s Marbles for some great photos and a trek around the site before heading to our “bush camp” for the night. The following night we stay at an Aboriginal camp where you will learn more about this interesting and ancient culture, before you are taken on a hike to learn more about “Bush Tucker”.
We head further north to Katherine Gorge, where you can cruise up two of the magnificent natural gorges that have been carved by the Katherine River. The next day we camp by a crystal clear waterfall in Litchfield National Park, followed the next morning by a swim at the base of Florence Falls and an introduction to the magnetic termite mounds before heading to Darwin to enjoy a real bed in the multi-million dollar YHA. You will then have a free day to see the sites of this frontier city, or just relax by the pool.
Leaving Darwin we explore Kakadu National Park, just one of Australia’s’ most stunning areas of wilderness. We will discover Nourlangie Rock and see the Aboriginal rock art that has been present for thousands of years. You will then have the opportunity to either watch the sunset over an area that the Aboriginals have lived in for over 40,000 years, or take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong where you will be able to spot much of the wildlife that is abundant in Kakadu. We then head south to the relaxing Mataranka Hot Springs for a dip in these palm shaded thermal pools.
We then spend the next few days on a real outback adventure as we travel across the remote landscapes of North Eastern Queensland, where you will get a real understanding of how vast and empty much of Australia’s inland areas really are. Along the way we will set up bush camps, stop at outback pubs for refreshments, pass through mining towns and stop at hot springs for a swim.
Travelling further east we arrive at Conclurry in time to join the “Flying Doctor Museum” tour, then meet Russell when we get to Mount Surprise and get to interact in his unique reptile show.
Once we have crossed the Atherton Tablelands we will arrive in Cairn for a full day on our multi-million dollar sailing boat. Once onboard we cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef where you will be able to snorkel or dive at some of the best dive sites on the reef and see a vast array of marine life, an experience that many will never forget.
We then leave Cairns and head to Mission Beach- the ultimate spot for any adrenalin junkie. There are a number of activities aimed at those who have a strong sense of adventure, from white water rafting on the Tully River, to hiking on Dunk Island, or taking your breath away with a tandem skydive. For those who like the more leisurely side of life there is of course the option to lounge on Mission beach and top-up your tan.
Continuing further south we arrive at Airlie Beach, known to many as the gateway to the beautiful islands that are the Whitsunday Islands that is renowned for its magnificent sailing. You will now have the choice to do a full days sailing on a Maxi yacht, discover the underwater observatory, take a cruise to a millionaire’s resort, jet ski, skydive or just relax by the pool. In the evening why not check out a live band or the rest of Airlie Beach’s local nightlife.
We leave the coast and head inland to our real working cattle station, where you will get an authentic taste for Australian country life. At the cattle station you will get the chance to try horseback riding, take a 4WD tour of the 2,600-acre property, or maybe even ride a farm motorbike and help out with the daily chores and enjoy some traditional country hospitality.
Leaving the cattle station, we head back to the coast where we pick up our 4WD vehicle before catching a barge out to Moreton Island. Here you will find the world’s largest sand dunes, miles of empty white beaches and many inland forests that have crystal clear lakes hidden within. You’ll be able to hike the trails, visit the Tangalooma Wrecks and hopefully see dolphins, fish or even pods of whales when in the right season. Why not take a dip in the Blue lagoon, which is a naturally formed “perched lake” that will refresh you before the journey ahead.
Once back on the mainland we head south to the Gold Coast. While at Surfers Paradise why not have lessons in one of Australia’s most famous past times, surfing! We then continue south to Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point, where you will hopefully spot dolphins playing in the surf or even a whale if the season is right.
We then head inland again to Barrington Tops where you can try your hand at river kayaking or mountain biking before we make our final journey back to Sydney around 7pm, when the tour ends and we say our goodbyes!
Please note:
Itineraries and activities are subject to change
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. Canberra L |
12. Kings Canyon C |
23. Manaranka C |
33. Airlie Beach C |
| 2. Lakes Entrance L |
13. Alice Springs C |
24. Cape Crawford BC |
34. Cattle Station L |
| 3. Melbourne L |
14. Alice Springs C |
25. Cloncurry C |
35. Cattle Station L |
| 4. Melbourne L |
15. Devils Marbles BC |
26. Mount Surprise C |
36. Redcliffe C |
| 5. Port Fairy L |
16. Manyallaluk C |
27. Ellis Beach C |
37. Moreton Island L |
| 6. Kingston C |
17. Katherine Gorge C |
28. Cairns L |
38. Moreton Island L |
| 7. Adelaide L |
18. Litchfield Nat Park BC |
29. Cairns/Barrier Reef L |
39. Byron Bay C |
| 8. Mt Remarkable C |
19. Darwin L |
30. Mission Beach C |
40. Port Macquarie C |
| 9. Coober Pedy L |
20. Darwin L |
31. Mission Beach C |
41. Barrington Top L |
| 10. Uluru/ Ayers Rock C |
21. Kakudu Nat Park C |
32. Airlie Beach C |
42. Sydney |
| 11. Uluru/ Ayers Rock C |
22. Kakudu Nat Park C |
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Optional Extras
- Ayers Rock Flight
- Camel Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Harley Davidson Ride
- Katherine Gorge Cruise
- Quad Biking
- Neighbours tour
- Yellow Waters Billabong Cruise
- Scuba Diving
- Whitewater Rafting
- Tandem Sky Diving
- Bungee Jump
- Whitsunday Cruise
- Horse Riding
- Dunk Island Cruise
- Sea and river kayaking
- Surfing lessons
- Mountain biking
- Abseiling
- Didgeridoo making
- Koala Sanctuary
- Fishing Trip
Fitness
A basic level of fitness is required for this tour; there will be hikes of up to 5km a day.
Please Note
The itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating a typical itinerary & series of activities. While our intention is to adhere to the published day-by-day route, the itinerary, distance travelled, type of accommodation and available activities may vary due to group input, weather, road conditions & local restrictions. Early or late season treks can be affected by extreme weather.
Much of this trek will be planned on the road to take in the best that Australia has to offer, so flexibility is the main ingredient.
Cost information
Price 1999-£2079 (price depending on season)
Duration 42 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 camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
- Manyallaluk – Full day Aboriginal Cultural Experience
- Opal Mine Tour
- Winery stops and wine tasting
- Visit Canberra, Adelaide & Melbourne
- Full day Outer Barrier Reef cruise (snorkelling included)
- Sleep underground in a dugout motel in Coober Pedy
- Entry Fees and hiking at Uluru
- Hiking at Mt Remarkable NP, Kings Canyon, Devils Marbles & Litchfield NP
- Remote Bush Camp experience
- Two nights at our Cattle Station including all meals, horse riding and motor bike riding
- Two-day 4WD tour of Moreton Island includes sand boarding and transfers
- Mataranka Hot Springs
- 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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