Australia
Australia

Grand Aussie 2012 - 13

Apr 12 - Mar 13

  • From cosmopolitan cities to the rugged outback; and the golden beaches to the tropical rainforests, you’ll be seeing all this and more!
  • Combine these fabulous sights from Sydney to Darwin with fellow travellers who will become life-long friends and you’ve got an amazing experience ahead of you! 

From: US$4240pp

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Essential Info

Trip starts
Sydney, Australia
Trip ends
Darwin, Australia
Trip code
JQN24
Trip duration
24 Days
Countries Visited
Australia
Accommodation
Quad Share
Group Size
Average 35 People
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach
EXCLUSIVE TO TOPDECK: 
  • Surf Lessons at Crescent Head
  • 2 nights in the eclectic Byron Bay
  • Brisbane City River Cruise
  • Full day 4WD Experience on Fraser Island
  • Authentic “Goat Rodeo” at Kroombit Park Outback Cattle Station
  • Overnight sailing in the Whitsundays
  • Aboriginal cultural experience in the Daintree Region
  • Aboriginal “Mala” interpretive walk at Uluru
  • Aboriginal cultural experience in Woolna Country, Northern Territory
  • 4WD trip to Jim Jim Falls

What's Included: 

  • 22 breakfasts (B), 14 lunches (L), 12 dinners (D)
  • 3 nights in hotels, 10 nights in cabins/lodges/resorts, 1 night ‘Liveaboard’ sailing, 1 night in a swag, 3 nights camping in permanent tents, 2 nights camping, 3 nights in hostels
  • National Park Fees
  • Sunset & sunrise over Uluru
  • Guided tour of Kings Canyon
  • Uluru, Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks
  • Domestic flight from Cairns to Alice Springs
  • Modern air-conditioned vehicles – midi coach on the East Coast & mini coach in the Northern Territory
  • Escorted services of a fully trained Trip Leader & Driver on the East Coast, and services of a fully trained Driver/Guide in the Northern Territory 

Additional Information

Itinerary

Map of Grand Aussie 2012 - 13

Day 1 Sydney to Crescent Head (Surfing).

From Australia’s largest city we head northwards, with a quick stopover in Kempsey (home of the “Akubra” hat), to the untouched beaches of the Central Coast. (D)

 

Day 2-3 Crescent Head to Byron Bay.

We hit the beach early for a surf lesson then we will check out Coffs Harbour and the “Big Banana”, before reaching Byron Bay with a full day to explore to your heart’s content. (B, L) (B)

 

Day 4 Byron Bay to Gold Coast.

It’s a short hop today to Queensland and the Gold Coast. You have plenty of time to explore. (B, D)

 

Day 5 Gold Coast to Noosa.

Today we arrive in Brisbane for a cruise along the river, then to the resort town of Noosa. There’s an option to hop off at Australia Zoo on the way. (B)

 

Day 6 Fraser Island.

We’re taking a guided 4WD tour around the world’s largest sand island today before enjoying a “fair dinkum” (authentic) Aussie barbecue. (B, L)

 

Day 7 Noosa to Kroombit Park.

The morning is yours in beautiful Noosa before we head “bush” this afternoon to our working cattle station, for a taste of “Outback Hospitality”. (B, D)

 

Day 8 Kroombit Park to Emu Park, via Rockhampton.

Try your hand at a goat rodeo or maybe an outback quad bike ride before heading to Emu Park, via the “Cattle City” of Rockhampton. (B, L, D)

 

Day 9 Emu Park to the Whitsundays (Sailing).

Today we’re heading for the spectacular Whitsunday Islands. We drive to the resort town of Airlie Beach before boarding our maxi-yacht. (B, D)

 

Day 10-11 The Whitsundays (South Molle Island).

Get ready for a day of sailing as we plot a course for South Molle Island. There are plenty of bushwalking tracks available or go swimming. (B, L, D) (B, D)

 

Day 12-14 The Whitsundays to Cairns.

On to tropical Cairns. An optional cruise to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. Our meeting with the Kuku Yalanji tribe in Far North Queensland is full of interest. (Note: day 14 will be missed on the reverse itinerary due to flights.) (B) (B) (B)

 

Day 15 Cairns to Alice Springs.

Today we fly to Australia’s Red Centre. This afternoon it’s time to relax and get ready for your outback adventure!

Note: flight is included in the trip price. (B)

 

Day 16 Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru.

First up is the Outback Camel Farm, for an optional camel ride. Then it’s onto Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch, before travelling to Kata Tjuta. We’re back at Uluru for sunset so get comfortable in your swag (Aussie bedroll) as we sleep under the stars. (B, L, D)

 

Day 17 Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Kings Canyon.

We’re up early to catch sunrise over Uluru. Get an insight into the traditional owners of the land at the Cultural Centre. (B, L, D)

 

Day 18 Kings Canyon to Alice Springs.

Prepare for some serious walking today with a hike through Kings Canyon. After lunch we head towards “the Alice”. (B, L)

 

Day 19 Alice Springs to Tennant Creek.

Passing the Tropic of Capricorn, we’ll visit the Barrow Creek

Pub, the Devils Marbles and our stop for the night, Tennant Creek. (B, L, D)

 

Day 20 Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge.

Meet the locals at the Daly Waters pub before reaching Mataranka. Tonight we’ll be camping near Katherine Gorge. (B, L, D)

 

Day 21 Katherine Gorge to Darwin.

Spend the morning exploring Katherine Gorge, then stop at Edith Falls before arriving in Darwin. (B, L)

 

Day 22 Darwin to Mary River.

First up is Litchfield National Park then into Woolna Country to visit the Limilngan–Wulna people. Next to the Mary River Wetlands for a river cruise. (L, D)

 

Day 23 Mary River to Kakadu.

Discover ancient Indigenous rock painting at Ubirr before heading to Maguk. Tonight we make camp in Kakadu National Park. (B, L, D)

 

Day 24: Kakadu to Darwin.

Today is all about four-wheel driving as we travel over to Jim Jim Falls. Try the boat and boardwalk experience before travelling back to Darwin

 

A sleeping bag is required for camping in the Northern Territory. Bring your own or hire one locally for AUD$20. 

 

Please note this trip is made up of days 1-14 of the Island Suntanner and days 1-9 of the Rock N Top


From: US$4240pp

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