Australia Group Tours

Way Down South

This is your opportunity to try some of the amazing hikes available in Southern Australia and Tasmania. You will get to hike through the Blue Mountains, Grampians National Park, Cradle Mountain, Mount Atmos and Wine Glass Bay.

This hiking tour also allows you to explore and relax in two of Australia’s amazing cities- Sydney and Melbourne.

Tour Location
The tour starts in Sydney. Over 21 days you will travel inland through New South Wales before heading up the coast through Melbourne back to Sydney.

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

Tour Itinerary
We start our first day hiking in the Blue Mountains, up the giant staircase and through Jamison Valley before catching the world’s steepest railway back to the top. Our journey west continues through the Great Dividing Ranges, crossing the impressive Murray River before hiking the trails of the Grampians National Park.

From the Grampians we head south to the Great Ocean Road, arguably one of the most stunning stretches of coastal road in the world. This costal route is famed for its spectacular rock formations, such as the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge.

The route takes us Melbourne, Australia’s most cosmopolitan city. You will have plenty of time to appreciate the diversity of this city, where you can ride the trams, eat out or relax on the beach in St Kilda or even watch a traditional game of Aussie rules football.

After two nights in Melbourne you will catch your integrated morning flight to Tasmania, followed by a transfer to Cradle Mountain, Tassie’s hiking paradise. Over the next few days we will undertake day hikes at Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Tullah and Lake St Clair before we arrive in Hobart.

In Hobart, we visit the famous penal colony of Port Arthur. For those that don’t scare easily, try taking a night ghost tour through the ruins. Next is a hike at Mount Amos and Wine Glass Bay before we head for the nightlife of Launceston and you embark on your return flight included back to the mainland.

The following two nights are spent at Wilson’s Promontory, where we will go on some beautiful rugged back-country hikes before we head to Lake’s Entrance to relax on the beach.

Before we return to Sydney there is still time for a rocky half-day mountain bike ride through the fire trails as well as the chance to interact with the infamous kangaroos on our last night.

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.

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.

Cost information
Price £1149-£1169 (price depending on season)
Duration 21 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)
• Flight to and from Tasmania
• World's steepest railway
• Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair hikes
• Entry into Port Arthur Penal Colony
• Half-day mountain bike trek
• Admission to all National Parks 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

Optional Extras

• Scenic Flights
• Cable Hang Gliding
• Port Arthur Penal Colony 
• Neighbours Tour

Accommodation and stops
Your accommodation throughout the tour will mainly be either in budget lodging or Camping, however there will be a couple of nights where you will be staying at a Bush Camp.

The budget lodging is mostly based on multi-share and wherever possible, we try to accommodate couples. Twin share rooms cannot be guaranteed but may be requested for a supplement. For the nights spent camping we supply everything needed.

We use large four-man tents on most of our tours with only two people to a tent so there’s loads of room. On some of our more remote tours we stay in permanent camps with comfortable hard top tents or in traditional Aussie Swags for a true outdoors experience.


L = Budget Lodging, all other nights are camping

1. Cowra	7. Melbourne L	12. Hobart	17. Wilson's Promontory
2. Barham	8. Cradle Mountain	13. Port Arthur	18. Lakes Entrance
3. Grampians NP	9. Tullah	14. Wine Glass Bay	19. Bega
4. Grampians NP	10. Lake St Clair	15. Launceston L	20. Sussex Inlet
5. Great Ocean Rd	11. Lake St Clair	16. Wilson's Promontory	21. Sydney
6. Melbourne L