27 DAY Grand Aussie OXGADS-8

Transcription

1 27 DAY Grand Aussie OXGADS-8 This tour visits: Australia Big cities to small towns, golden sands to crystal clear waters take a massive bite out of Oz on this grand ol trip. You ll hop to Fraser Island and sail the Whitsundays and back on solid ground, you ll cover a few thousand miles with stops at Byron, Uluru, Kakadu, an authentic Aussie farm and Cairns (just to name a few). If you want to say you ve done the East Coast, this is the trip to take.

2 The Bucket List More Inclusions Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands Guided hike of Kings Canyon Visit Whitehaven Beach Experience sunset & sunrise at Uluru Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta Visit West MacDonnell Ranges Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience including Lake McKenzie Surf lesson at Topdeck s surf camp Magnetic Island 26 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 10 dinners 24 nights in hotels, lodges & cabins, 1 night in a swag, 1 night sailing on a yacht Entrance fees to national parks Modern air-conditioned vehicles with free Wi-Fi Internal flight/s as marked on trip map Awesome Topdeck Crew Trip Itinerary Day 1 - Darwin to Kakadu National Park Kakadu, here we come. Inside the 20,000 square kilometre park, we ll head to the village of Jabiru and check out the Bowali Visitors Centre. For the next two nights you ll be calling the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park home. Expect phenomenal wildlife, likeworthy scenery and of course local Indigenous culture. Tonight, get to know your coach mates over dinner. Wet season itineraries Nov May will vary slightly and will be adjusted to suit the conditions of the day. All included available sights and walks that are open and can be accessed will remain on the itinerary. -Visit Bowali Visitor Centre -Entry to Kakadu National Park -Dinner Day 2 - Kakadu National Park Aboriginal rock art sites are high on the list for today, as our Kakadu National Park exploring continues. This morning we venture to Nourlangie Rock to spot some of the most famous Australian Indigenous art works. Then we ll swap artwork for alligators on a East Alligator River cruise in Arnhemland (dry season only). Naturally. Stepping into Arnhemland and getting a look into the Aboriginal lifestyles is a real privilege (we ve been given special permission to enter this area). Try your hand at spear throwing while you re there. Then: fancy getting high and mighty? You could take an optional scenic flight over the Escarpment that borders Kakadu and Arnhemland. Then we ll see some ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr before climbing to the top of a rocky lookout for beautiful views over the Nardab floodplain. Enjoy the sunset before heading back to our lodge. **Wet season itineraries Nov May: will vary on this day with access to some areas cut by high water levels. Your crew will ensure that you see and participate in as many areas / activities that are open and available within Kakadu, and include an optional sightseeing boat cruise (substituted when access to East Alligator River is unable).

3 -Visit Aboriginal Rock Art sites in Kakadu National Park -Visit traditional Arnhemland (dry season) -National Park entry -Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River (dry season) Day 3 - Kakadu National Park to Katherine Check out the southern parts of Kakadu this morning. We ll grab some picnic bits and head to one of the NT s best al fresco lunch spots. Explore the magical Edith Falls and have a dip in one of the world s most idyllic natural pools. Cooled off and refreshed we are on the road again and headed for Katherine. As the day draws to a close, we round it out with an evening game of lawn bowls and a BBQ with some locals at the nearby Country Club. -Edith Falls -Lawn bowls night -Dinner Day 4 - Katherine to Litchfield National Park Katherine Gorge is well known as a superb spot for a cruise (see for yourself with an optional boat trip). With its dramatic cliffs plunging down to the pandanus-lined Katherine River, the gorge is all yours to explore. We get back on the famous Stuart Highway heading for Batchelor, the gateway to the stunning Litchfield National Park. Optional Activities: -Katherine Gorge Cruise Day 5 - Litchfield National Park to Darwin National Park, pools and a picnic are the order of the day. In Litchfield NP you ll see waterfalls, pockets of rainforest and beautiful pools. Check out giant termite mounds, Wangi Falls and slip into the natural pool of Florence Falls. Then venture over to the Buley Rock Holes for another soaking. After lunch outdoors, we ll take on the short drive and last leg of our discovery back into the heart of Darwin. -Lunch Day 6 - Darwin A free day in Darwin. What to do? There's Mindil Beach for chilling on, a fair few food markets to feast at and plenty of shops for a spot of

4 souvenir shopping. Tonight you could hit the lively waterfront. Day 7 - Darwin to Alice Springs Today we ll take to the skies, bound for Alice Springs where you ll meet up with your new Northern Territory crew. Day 8 - Alice Springs to Uluru We're hitting the red ground running as we pull into Yulara. It's off to the breathtaking Uluru in the afternoon for a guided tour, and a glass of bubbles as the glow of sunset morphs through 50 shades of red. Tonight hone your Aussie BBQ skills and cook your own steak (or veggie burger) and maybe grab a coldie. Welcome to the outback, mate. -Visit Mount Conner -Uluru sunset drinks & snacks -National Park entry -Dinner Day 9 - Uluru Start your day with a big bowl of 'oh my god' thanks to a breathtaking sunrise back at Uluru. Follow in the footsteps of the traditional owners of this sacred World Heritage site with a full base walk, where you can escape the crowds and check out hidden waterholes. Keep watch for wedge-tailed eagles, spinifex hopping mice and thorny devils. Or splurge on a scenic flight and soar over the rock. Later, join a meditative dot painting class in the Aboriginal Art Markets and give yourself a free astrology lesson, stargazing at the endless Southern night sky. -Sunrise over Uluru -National Park entry -Uluru base walks -Anangu Visitor centre -Guided walk by your Topdeck Crew -Scenic flights -Camel ride in the outback

5 Day 10 - Uluru to Kings Canyon Kakadu, here we come. Inside the 20,000 square kilometre park, we ll head to the village of Jabiru and check out the Bowali Visitors Centre. For the next two nights you ll be calling the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park home. Expect phenomenal wildlife, likeworthy scenery and of course local Indigenous culture. Tonight, get to know your coach mates over dinner. Wet season itineraries Nov May will vary slightly and will be adjusted to suit the conditions of the day. All included available sights and walks that are open and can be accessed will remain on the itinerary. -Visit Bowali Visitor Centre -Entry to Kakadu National Park -Dinner Day 11 - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs If you would walk 500 miles (steps), then you'll make it through the toughest part of the Rim Walk Heart Attack Hill. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is the real deal and the most famous canyon in Oz. Think age-old cycads, eroded dome shapes, a visit to The Lost City and that's not even the best part. The sheltered valley and waterhole of the Garden of Eden makes today bloody bonza (translation: awesome). -Guided hike of Kings Canyon -Garden of Eden walk Day 12 - Alice Springs

6 Wake up. Rub eyes. Climb into a hot air balloon. Just saying, it's an option...and an amazing start to the day. Back to earth venture on an excursion out amongst the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Our stops include the peaceful Simpsons Gap and the impressive Standley Chasm. It's back to Alice Springs to grab a late lunch and explore the town centre. This afternoon, have a wander and check out our options. There are local Aboriginal art galleries to check out, the Desert Park Gardens to explore and the Reptile Centre to get creeped out in. Book in the optional late afternoon Kangaroo Sanctuary tour for sunset. -Visit Standley Chasm -Visit Simpsons Gap -Visit the Desert Park -Visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre -Visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs Day 13 - Alice Springs to Cairns Today we ll fly from the Red Centre and dry climate of Alice Springs into the tropical surrounds of Cairns to meet your new crew. After dinner and getting to know your new trip buddies, the night is yours to explore. -Airport transfers Day 14 - Cairns After breakfast, take a walk around town with your crew, and get the lay of the land. The afternoon is all yours to play with. You could go big with an optional bungy jump or skydiving, or take to the rapids and go whitewater rafting. This place has plenty to keep you busy. -Cairns walking tour -Skydiving -Whitewater rafting -Bungy jumping Day 15 - Cairns Ramp up the adventure with today s optionals. You could be paddling the rapids of the Tully River or getting an aerial view of the tropics by plummeting towards it. But who could pass up the chance to see The Great Barrier Reef? Join the optional day tour and you ll set out on a

7 catamaran to stop at a couple of exclusive reef locations. Pop on a snorkel and dive in (there s optional scuba diving too) to see sea turtles and zillion types of tropical fish. There s a tasty buffet lunch included. Back in Cairns, check out the nightlife after dark. -Great Barrier Reef day trip -Whitewater rafting -Skydiving -Bungy jumping Day 16 - Cairns to Magnetic Island Hard as it will be to leave, our time in Cairns has come to an end. Today we head south to explore the natural and wildlife wonders of Magnetic Island. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare and endangered cassowary bird on our morning drive, and then it s a quick ferry trip before you have the afternoon to explore this amazing piece of paradise. Discover secluded beaches and national park walking trails, or just laze by the pool with a cocktail. We won t judge. -Magnetic Island Hopper Pass - Dinner Day 17 - Magnetic Island to Whitsunday Sailing Feeling like you need more air in your hair? Leave the bus and board your own private yacht for our overnight sailing trip in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Normally a toy for the rich and famous, today the yacht is all yours to learn the ropes while sailing in paradise. More of a land-lover? Take the diva option and let the crew do the work whilst you feast, swim and snorkel. Please note: We ask that you pack a small overnight bag to take onboard with you as space on the overnight sailing is limited. Pack items like swimmers, beach towel, chargers, hat, sunscreen, camera, jacket, toiletries, sandals/flip flops and casual clothes for two days. -Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands -Visit the Big Mango -Private tour of the local wildlife park - Dinner Day 18 - Whitsunday Sailing to Airlie Beach Wake up to pure paradise in one of the many sheltered coves that make up the Whitsundays. Today we ll set sail for golden sandy beaches, snorkel over coral reefs and soak up the sun. A visit to the famous blinding white sands of Whitehaven Beach and a nearby reef location will

8 also be an option if the weather behaves (fingers crossed!). If you re a budding captain, you can even help set the sails and take the helm whilst further exploring the islands. Later this afternoon, set course for our return to land where we ll spend the night in Airlie Beach. Read: pool, shower, dinner, dancing all in that order! -Whitsunday sailing -Whitehaven Beach -Snorkelling Day 19 - Airlie Beach to Myella Farm Get out of the hammock and head south to our farm stay, Myella Farm. Think: dusty plains and wide open spaces. After chowing down on a home-cooked meal this evening, slurp a steaming billy tea and gather around the campfire with your buddies. This is the life. -Dinner Day 20 - Myella Farm Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for some whip cracking and lassoing today there s a full day on the farm to sink your teeth into. Opt in for the chance to explore on horseback. This evening, watch the sun set over those open plains. Yep, this is the Australia that dreams are made of. -Farm sunset - Lunch - Dinner -Horse riding Day 21 - Myella Farm to Fraser Island Wake up and smell the coffee. Kick off your day with a farm breakfast before catching a ferry bound for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Fraser Island (via the Bundaberg rum distillery). This place is the world's largest sand island, with the longest beach in Queensland all 75 miles (120km) of it. - Dinner Day 22 - Fraser Island Fraser is literally one huge pile of sand as if someone dropped the Sahara Desert into the Pacific Ocean and scattered it with dingoes and rainforests. Four-wheel-drive along the beach highway to mingle with the Pinnacles Coloured Sands (considered a place of good luck for the

9 Indigenous Butchulla women), Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck before testing out your stand up paddling skills on the crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie. -Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience -Visit Lake McKenzie -Visit Central Station -Visit Coloured Sands -Visit Maheno Shipwreck -Visit Eli Creek - Lunch -Scenic flights from the beach Day 23 - Fraser Island to Brisbane Our morning travels will take us to Noosa, where we ll have a wander around the national park (ten points if you spot a koala!), then it s onwards to the dormant volcanoes of the Glasshouse Mountains before we reach the cosmopolitan charm of Brisbane. -Brisbane city walking tour Day 24 - Brisbane to Byron Bay Before leaving Brisbane, we ve got two awesome optionals for you to get involved in. What s it going to be? Theme park or skywalk? Don t forget, we re stopping by Surfers Paradise on our way to even more surf vibes in Byron. Here you can burn incense, sip chai, become a yoga teacher and win cash for being a Cheeky Monkey all in one day. - Surfers Paradise -Gold Coast theme parks -Skywalk Day 25 - Byron Bay Anti-McDonald's and anti-anything mass produced (but pro juice bars, beer gardens and beards), Byron is so laid back it s wonder it hasn t fallen over. Hit the shops, or opt in to paddle a sea kayak with the dolphins, or take a surfing lesson or watch whales breach from the

10 lighthouse in winter. This is the town where peace and tranquillity go to relax. You should too. Or jump out of a plane (optional). Byron doesn't care as long as you're happy. -Byron Bay highlights walking tour -Dolphin kayaking -Skydiving -Surf lessons Day 26 - Byron Bay to Crescent Head Let the wave chasing begin as we cruise down the coast to the surfing mecca of Crescent Head. Here's your chance to become a bona fide surf master. Kelly Slater, who? -Visit the Big Banana - Dinner Day 27 - Crescent Head to Sydney Wrap up your surfari adventure with a final surf lesson, then it s onwards to the beachside hustle and bustle of Sydney, where we say our goodbyes. It might be the end of this trip, but there is plenty more Oz out there and plenty more Topdeck trips to pick from. -Surf lesson - Lunch Accommodation You will use a variety of multi-share accommodation, which may include hotels, hostels, motels, cabins, an overnight boat and even a traditional Maori marae! The number of people in a room varies depending on the type of accommodation. To keep costs down accommodation is based on a four-share, same sex basis. The 'More Inclusions' section of this document details what type of accommodation is used for our overnight stops.

11 If you are travelling with a friend and require twin or double accommodation, this is available at a small extra charge and can be requested at the time of booking. Optional Activities On all trips we have arranged extra activities that we think will enhance your travel experience, but you have a choice as to whether or not you will participate. These are not included in the cost of your trip. They are usually organised on a group participation basis and should be taken into consideration when budgeting your spending money. None of the Optional Activities on your trip are operated by Topdeck, nor do they form part of your contract with Topdeck for your trip. Topdeck arranges the activity as an agent of the local supplier. Should you participate in any Optional Activities your contract will be with the local supplier and their conditions will apply. Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here. Australia - Uluru Scenic Helicopter Flight $150 AUD Camel Express Tour $80 AUD Segway Tour $149 AUD Australia - Cairns Tandem Skydive $309 AUD Go Wild Day Tour $160 AUD Go Jungle Surfing $255 AUD Tully River Rafting (Full Day) $214 AUD Tully River Xtreme (Full Day) $259 AUD Baron River Rafting (Half Day) $145 AUD Full Day Reef Trip $189 AUD Bungy Jump $179 AUD Minjin Swing $129 AUD Australia - Myella Farm Horse Riding $80 AUD Australia - Fraser Island Scenic Flight $100 AUD Australia - Byron Bay

12 Tandem Skydive $309 AUD Dolphin Kayaking $69 AUD Surf Lesson $65 AUD Hang Gliding $165 AUD Meals Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' sectio n of this document. Breakfasts are included each day (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast consists of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, a range of spreads, and fruit juice, tea or coffee. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on some occasions it may be available. Included evening meals will be combination of those prepared by the Topdeck Road Crew, local restaurants and places in which we stay. If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or Topdeck Trip Consultant when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu. No Tip Necessary Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don t forget Mum s souvenir). Topdeck Travel App Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather, maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand. Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number. Get it for iphone Get it for Android Passenger safety One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However, amidst the fun and excitement, it s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before you hit the road with us, it s important to be aware of the following:

13 When you re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches and back streets. Always stick together, take a taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodation details so you can find your way back to your fellow Topdeckers if you become separated. In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track of what you re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to your accommodation. Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. It s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in some countries. Be yourself and have fun, but don t be naïve, and be mindful of the signals you are sending out so that you don t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.