Great Western, 38 day, Camping Safari

Tour Code: PD38

Departure Dates
2000: 25mar, 10jun, 5aug, 30sep, 14oct
2001: 24mar, 9jun, 4aug, 29sep

Legend:  B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Price: au$ 4880 Twinshare pp / au$ 5565 Sole Tent use

Day 2 Sun. Mildura-Renmark (BLD): Follow the Murrumbidgee to the Murray River, via historical towns and vineyards. Travel through Mildura, in the heart of Sunraysia. Camp: Renmark Caravan Park, on the banks of the Murray River.

Day 3 Mon. Lower Flinders Ranges-Ceduna (BD): Adelaide passengers join tour in Burra. Tour this historic town, then across the lower Flinders Ranges to Kimba. Camp: Ceduna, Foreshore Caravan Park.

Day 4 Tue. Nullarbor Plain (BLD): Commence our journey across the vast Nullarbor Plain through some of the most sparsely populated areas in Australia. Experience spectacular views across the Great Australian Bight. Camp: Out Bush.

• Stay Kings Canyon - Scenic Rim Walk
• Stay Spear Creek Cattle and Sheep Station
• Stay 2 nights Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park
• Coral Bay - Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
• Cross the vast Nullarbor Plain
• Stay 3 nights Perth Hotel
• Meet the Dolphins - Monkey Mia
• Karijini (Hamersley Range) National Park
• World Heritage Kakadu National Park
• Cruise Geikie Gorge
• Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) Cruise
• Yellow Waters Billabong Cruise
• Mataranka Thermal Pool
• 2 nights tropical Broome
• Stay 2 nights Darwin Hotel
• 2 nights Kununurra
• 2 nights Alice Springs
• Tour West MacDonnell Ranges
• Explore The Pinnacles
• Adelaide - Barossa Valley
• The Kimberley
• Ayers Rock Sunset and base tour
• Tom Price Mine Tour
• 2 nights Ayers Rock
• Coober Pedy Opals

Day 6 Thur. Wave Rock (BLD): Travel through the historic goldfields town of Coolgardie and Southern Cross, on our way to Hyden. See Wave Rock, an unusual formation shaped by time and nature to resemble a huge wave, towering 15 metres above the surrounding bushland. Camp: Wave Rock Caravan Park.

Day 7 Fri. Stirling Range National Park-Albany (BD): Cross the Stirling Range for panoramic views of the surrounding National Park which in spring, is vibrant with wildflowers. Continue to Albany. See the magnificent coastline, Princess Royal Harbour and the Natural Bridge. Overnight: Albany, Havana Villas (multi-share).

Day 8 Sat. Pemberton-Perth (BL): Travel through scenic farming country to Pemberton, surrounded by towering karri, jarrah and tinglewood trees in the "Valley of the Giants". Continue through Bunbury and Mandurah to Perth. PD31 passengers join. Overnight: Perth, City Waters Lodge for 3 nights.

Day 9 Sun. Perth-Fremantle: See the sights of Perth including Kings Park, Swan River Drive and the historic port of Fremantle with its fine "Olde Worlde" buildings. Free time this afternoon to browse through the Fremantle Markets.

Day 10 Mon. Free Day Perth: Enjoy a free day in beautiful Perth to relax and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Perhaps join a winery cruise or spend the day on lovely Rottnest Island. Your crew will assist with sightseeing options.

Day 11 Tue. Pinnacles-Nambung National Park-Geraldton (LD): Perth passengers join 8.00 a.m. at hotel. Head north through beautiful wildflower country to the mystical Pinnacles in Nambung National Park. Explore the vast "painted desert" studded with unusual limestone pillars of all shapes and sizes. Camp: Geraldton, Separation Point Caravan Park.

Day 12 Wed. Shell Beach-Monkey Mia Dolphins (BLD): Continue north to the Peron Peninsula and the Shark Bay region. Call in to Hamelin Pool Station, see Shell Quarry and Shell Beach, composed of billions of tiny shells. See the stromatolites, the oldest known living organism in the world. Camp: Monkey Mia Caravan Park, overlooking the beach where "wild" dolphins come into shore each day.

Day 13 Thur. Coral Bay (BD): Walk down to the beach this morning to greet the dolphins (subject to dolphin appearance). Being so close to these beautiful creatures in their natural surroundings is a unique experience. Travel to Carnarvon and enjoy a tour including the port and Gascoyne Irrigation Area. Continue north to Coral Bay where you have an opportunity for a glass-bottom boat ride over beautiful Ningaloo Reef (own expense). Camp: Coral Bay, People's Caravan Park.

Day 14 Fri. Tom Price (BLD): Traverse through scenic spinifex plains dotted with deep red anthills and silken white gums. Camp: Tom Price Caravan Park for 2 nights.

Day 15 Sat. Karijini National Park and Gorges (BLD): Morning tour of the Tom Price Mining Complex. Explore Karijini (Hamersley Range) National Park and enjoy rugged gorge views at Oxer Lookout over Red, Weano, Hancock and Joffre Gorges. See spectacular Fortescue Falls and marvel at the breathtaking, sheer cliffs at Knox and Dales Gorges.

Day 16 Sun. Millstream (BLD): Leaving the Hamersley Ranges, follow the main Tom Price-Karratha Railway Line through spinifex plains to Millstream, an oasis of lush palms and lily ponds. Camp: Millstream National Park.

Day 17 Mon. Eighty Mile Beach (BLD): See Python Pool as we wind our way through the beautiful Chichester Ranges to Port Hedland. Enjoy your camp tonight alongside Eighty Mile Beach.

Day 18 Tue. Broome (BLD): Travel to Broome, gateway to the Kimberley, bounded by white sands and beautiful turquoise waters. Tour the sights on arrival including the old Japanese Cemetery, Cable Beach and Streeters Jetty, where the pearl luggers once unloaded their harvest. Camp: Broome, Palm Grove Caravan Park for 2 nights.

Day 19 Wed. Broome-Cable Beach (B): A full day to enjoy Broome at your leisure. Opportunity to visit the Crocodile Farm, relax on one of the world's most stunning beaches, Cable Beach, or perhaps join a tour to Willie Creek Pearl Farm. Opportunity to take in a movie tonight at the unique outdoor theatre, classified by the National Trust.

Day 20 Thur. Boab Prison Tree-Geikie Gorge Cruise (BLD): Head to Derby, and see the centuries-old Boab Prison Tree. Cross the lower Kimberley to Geikie Gorge and join the Ranger for a guided cruise on the placid waters. Watch for the abundant birdlife, fruit bats and freshwater crocodiles. Camp: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge.

Day 21 Fri. Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park (BD): An experience of a lifetime awaits as we meet up with local guides and transfer to 4-wheel drive vehicles. Journey into the mysterious "Lost World" of Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, possibly best known for its orange and black striped, "beehive" domes. Camp: In the heart of Purnululu National Park for 2 nights in canvas safari cabins.

Day 22 Sat. Bungle Bungle (BLD): Spend the day touring Purnululu National Park. See the 350 million year old, Bungle Bungle Massif, visit Mini Palms Gorge, Echidna Chasm and Piccaninny Creek. Opportunity to take part in an optional scenic helicopter flight. Witness the changing colour as the sun sets over the Bungle Bungle.

Day 23 Sun. Kununurra (BLD): Complete touring of the Bungle Bungle, including spectacular Cathedral Gorge. Continue to Kununurra, headquarters of the Ord River Scheme. Camp: Kununurra, Kimberleyland Holiday Park for 2 nights.

Day 24 Mon. Ord River Cruise (BLD): Enjoy a local guided tour of Kununurra and discover the beautiful 300 million year old Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park. Visit Durack Family Homestead before cruising on the majestic Ord River. Tonight your Tour Director will host pre-dinner drinks, including champagne, to celebrate the "Turn of the Century".

Day 25 Tue. Nitmiluk Cruise (BLD): See Lake Argyle as we travel to Katherine for our cruise between the sheer sandstone walls of magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge. View the ancient rock walls ablaze with brilliant colour and dotted with aboriginal rock paintings. Camp: Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park. At dusk, wallabies and kangaroos wander freely through the campground.

Day 26 Wed. Kakadu National Park-Yellow Waters Cruise (BLD): Travel north to Pine Creek then along the Kakadu Highway viewing giant anthills. Cruise world-famous Yellow Waters Billabong, prolific with birds and wildlife. Camp: Cooinda Campground.

Day 27 Thur. Nourlangie Rock (BL): Visit Bowali Visitor Centre and Warradjan Cultural Centre for an educational experience. See timeless aboriginal paintings at Nourlangie Rock, before travelling on to Darwin. Enjoy the sights on arrival. This evening you might like to visit the famous Mindil Beach Markets, boasting a range of craft and exotic food stalls (open May to October). Overnight: Darwin, Hotel Darwin for 2 nights.

Day 28 Fri. Darwin At Leisure: Today is free for you to enjoy the tropical beauty of Darwin. Perhaps hand-feed fish at Doctors Gully or join an optional tour to Litchfield National Park.

Day 29 Sat. Mataranka Thermal Pool-Daly Waters (LD): Visit Adelaide River War Cemetery before heading through "Never Never" country to Mataranka. Enjoy a swim in the natural thermal pool, set amidst lush tropical jungle, or visit the replica Elsey Homestead. Tonight at the unique Daly Waters Pub, enjoy local Territorian specialties at our "Beef and Barra" night. Camp: Daly Waters - outside the Pub!!

Day 30 Sun. Devils Marbles (BLD): Continue through tiny scattered settlements to the gold-mining town of Tennant Creek. See the mighty Devils Marbles and historic Barrow Creek. Camp: Alice Springs, Red Centre Resort for 2 nights.

Day 31 Mon. Alice Springs (B): Optional early morning flight aboard a hot-air balloon. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, see the sights of "The Alice" from the top of Anzac Hill and inspect the Old Telegraph Station.

Day 32 Tue. West MacDonnells-Kings Canyon (BD): Explore the picturesque West MacDonnell Ranges and see the colourful sheer walls of Standley Chasm. Journey south through aboriginal land to Hermannsburg Historic Precinct. Camp: Kings Canyon Resort.

Day 33 Wed. Kings Canyon-Ayers Rock-The Olgas (BLD): For the adventurous, join a guided walk to the rim of the canyon for views of the towering red walls. Alternatively walk along the canyon floor. Travel to Ayers Rock, which rises majestically from the desert plain. Explore the Olgas before returning for pre-dinner drinks while watching the magnificent sunset over Ayers Rock. Camp: Ayers Rock Resort for 2 nights.

Day 34 Thur. Ayers Rock-Cultural Centre (BD): A chance to climb Ayers Rock and stand 348 metres above the vast Outback. Tour the base of the Rock, see ancient aboriginal rock paintings and caves, and hear the tales of Uluru. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for an educational experience.

Day 35 Fri. Coober Pedy (BD): Pass remote cattle stations and small settlements en route to Australia's opal centre, Coober Pedy. Enjoy the sights including a visit to an underground home, church and opal mine. Witness opal-cutting and polishing demonstrations with an opportunity to purchase opals. Camp: Coober Pedy, Umoona Opal Mine, underground dugouts.

Day 36 Sat. Spear Creek Station (BD): Travel to Spear Creek Station, a working station set on 6 000 hectares in the southern Flinders Ranges. Experience station life as you tour the property aboard 4-wheel drive vehicles. See flora, fauna and some of the 4000 sheep and 200 cattle. Enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration, then as nightime approaches, gather around the warmth of our camp-fire. Camp: Spear Creek Station.

Day 37 Sun. Adelaide (B): Tour the famous Barossa Valley then through Clare to Adelaide. Adelaide passengers depart on arrival. Tour the city of Adelaide. Overnight: Adelaide, Grosvenor Vista Hotel. Opportunity this evening to visit the Adelaide Casino, right opposite your hotel.

Day 38 Mon. Melbourne: Interstate air passengers depart tour after breakfast and transfer to Adelaide Airport (those who wish may continue to Melbourne by coach at no extra cost). Tour continues via the Mt. Lofty Ranges, then over the border into Victoria. Arrive Melbourne, Australian Pacific Travel Centre, 184 Swanston Walk (cnr. Bourke Street), 7.00 p.m.