Reef 'n' Rock 32 Day Summer Road Trip - Sydney to Alice Springs

The very best that Eastern and Central Australia have to offer, all in one trip. Start by enjoying the beaches, Moreton Island, the Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef and all the activities that go with them. Travel west though remote Australia to tropical Darwin before visiting the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park and spending time learning some of the Aboriginal ancient ways and cultures. Head south to the "Red Centre", visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Watarrka National Park and do some great hikes through scenic bushlands before the tour concludes back in Alice Springs. This unique package will provide you with a memory sure to last for years to come.

Flexible Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night-stops and highlights. However, as road conditions, weather, local restrictions and group input may vary, no two trips will ever be the same. With the help of your tour leader and fellow travellers you may modify certain highlights to give a truly unique experience.

Days 1-3 : Sydney, Surf Camp & Byron Bay

Leaving Sydney via the Harbour Bridge we travel the coast road tour overnight surf camp stay. Our surf instructors are passionate professionals who are keen to get you up and riding the waves during your included surf lesson and afterwards we chill out at our secluded beach house. In the morning we continue up the coast through Ballina to Byron Bay. Stroll the beach promenade; hang-out with the locals or just visit the famous lighthouse. Accommodation: Budget lodging included. (Day 1: D, Day 2: B, Day 3: B)

Day 4 : Rainbow Beach

Crossing the Queensland border this morning we have the option to visit Australia Zoo or take one of the many hikes found in the Hinterland area. We arrive early evening at our hostel just metres from the Pacific Ocean for our Fraser Island tour briefing.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included. (BD)

Days 5-6 : Fraser Island

We help our local guide load our 4WD’s this morning and then catch the barge over to the world’s largest sand island. The beach is the highway as we travel up to Eurong Resort where we stay tonight – dinner and buffet breakfast is included. Tomorrow we visit Central Station, Lakes’ Wabby and Mackenzie, the coloured sand cliffs, Indian Head, Eli Creek and the Maheno shipwreck. Returning to the mainland we stay overnight at Rainbow Beach. Accommodation: Budget lodging included. (Day 5: BLD, Day 6: BL)

Days 7-8 : Cattle Station

We’re up early to enjoy a rare encounter with the local dolphin community before we head outback to kick back for a couple of days at our inland cattle station. Jump on a horse and help out with the daily fun on this cattle property. Come and ride the mechanical bull or join in at the goat rodeo. Share a yarn (story) and a beer from the bush bar while your meal is cooked over the open fire. Accommodation: Budget lodging included (Day 7: BD, Day 8: BLD)

Days 9-10 : Cattle Station to Airlie Beach/ Whitsunday Sailing

We leave the bush behind and head to the coast and Airlie Beach. Here we board our private chartered yacht for a 2 Day/2 Night Whitsunday sailing experience, we sleep on board in sheltered coves. Swim, snorkel and explore the deserted beaches or maybe hike to the lookout on Whitsunday Island. Accommodation: Onboard bunks included.(Day 9: BD, Day 10: BLD)

Days 11-12 : Whitsunday Sailing/ Airlie Beach to Mission Beach

Back on the mainland we head to Mission Beach. For those with a strong sense of adventure the adrenaline pumping white water rafting awaits. Alternatively, come and hike in the rain forest were everything is lush and green! There is also tandem sky diving, fishing or even try sea-kayaking out to luxurious Dunk Island. For a more leisurely day simply lounge on Mission Beach and soak up the sun. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.(Day 11: BD, Day 12: B)

Days 13-14 : Mission Beach to Cape Tribulation and Cairns

Heading further north we stop at Babinda Boulders for a refreshing swim before catching the ferry across the Daintree River to our rainforest retreat. There are plenty of options available here from evening spotlight tours to an early sunrise kayaking trip (own expense), take a swim or explore the rainforest. Our journey takes us back down the coast road to our final destination of Cairns. Accommodation: Budget lodging included. (Day 13:B, Day 14: B)

Day 15 : Outer Barrier Reef Cruise

We make our way down to the pier and board our multi-million dollar sailing yacht for a full day on the Outer Barrier Reef. Snorkel amongst the coral, marvel at the multitude of coloured fish, wander on the sand atoll or try scuba diving (no experience needed and at own expense)… all in the same day! It’s a great way to end your tour – and the provided lunch is amazing! Accommodation: Budget lodging included. (BL)

Days 16-18 : Mt Surprise, Mt Isa and Bush Camp

We travel over the Great Dividing Range and spend a night at Russell’s place (see his unique snake show) before travelling through some vastly changing landscapes on our way to the mining town of Mt Isa. We leave Queensland near Camooweal and cross the border into the Northern Territory; you’ll see just how flat this remarkable country can be as we camp in the middle of nowhere! Accommodation: Camping included.

Day 19 : Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk)

Visit the historic Daly Waters Pub for a refreshing drink, before taking a dip in the turquoise waters of Mataranka’s thermal pool nestled amongst tall shady palms. Heading north, join us on an optional cruise or canoe down the river between the ancient cliff walls of Katherine Gorge. Accommodation: Camping included.

Days 20-21 : Kakadu National Park

The journey continues as we head to World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, one of Australia’s most inspiring wilderness areas. We explore Nourlangie and Ubirr Rock to see Aboriginal art thousands of years old. See the abundant bird life of the floodplains and maybe spot crocodiles, snakes, dingos and other wildlife on the optional world famous Yellow Water Billabong cruise. Accommodation: Camping included.

Days 22-23 : Darwin

We take a couple of days out to explore Australia’s northern city. Jump on the ‘tour tub’ or hang out at the wave pool. Enjoy the night life or stroll through the evening markets, maybe you’ll want to swim with a crocodile at Crocosaurus Cove. You can do all of this and more in Darwin (all activities at own expense). Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day 24 : Litchfield National Park

A popular place for Darwin locals to cool down is Litchfi eld National Park. We take a side tour out to the spring fed crystal clear waterfalls and plunge pools in this northern playground. Have your photo taken next to a termite mound three times your size. We camp right near the plunge pools. Accommodation: Camping included.

Day 25-26 : Manyallaluk and Mataranka

This morning we join the local Aboriginal people to learn about ‘Bush Tucker’, how to throw a spear or even ‘make fi re’ using two sticks. Be inspired as you discover how the Aboriginal people existed for thousands of years in harmony with their surroundings. It’s a great place to purchase didgeridoos, paintings and woven baskets directly from the people who make them. We have time for another swim as we camp at Mataranka Hot Springs. Accommodation: Camping included.

Days 27-29 : Devils Marbles and Alice Springs

Explore the sites around Devils Marbles this afternoon as we capture some unique photographs of the area at sunset and sunrise. We then have two nights in Alice Springs. ‘The Alice’ is home to some of the world’s best hot air ballooning. Take a day trip (optional own expense) through the Western MacDonnell Ranges where you can see Simpson’s Gap, the Ochre Pits or even hike around Ormiston Gorge; visit the Desert Park, go shopping or just hang out by the pool. There’s the chance to hit the town in the evening for a meal out and maybe try one of the local clubs or bars. Accommodation: Camping included.

Day 30-31 : Kings Canyon and Uluru

This morning there’s the opportunity to ride a quad bike or a camel (optional at own expense) as we take the track south to Kings Canyon. We hike the challenging rim trail to visit the Lost City and Garden of Eden before heading back to the station for a well earned
ice-cream. We arrive mid afternoon into Ayers Rock Resort allowing plenty of time to get those spectacular sunset photos of one of the world’s greatest monoliths, Uluru (Ayers Rock). Accommodation: Camping included.

Day 32 : Uluru to Alice Springs

Another early start to take up the challenge and hike around the base of this enormous rock, whilst learning some of the Tjukurpa(Aboriginal creation or dreaming law) of the area. Visit the award winning Cultural Centre to learn more of the Aboriginal stories before catching your transfer bus back to Alice Springs.

NOTE: The 2012 - 2013 season rates are valid from the 1st April 2012 to the 31st March 2013. The 2013 - 2014 season rates commence on the 1st April 2013.