View Dates

Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Sydney & Finishing: Sydney

There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area and the Opera House.

Instructions

Want to start your Down Under adventure with an adrenaline rush? Add the 'Sydney Adrenaline Bundle' or 'Sydney Bridge Climb' extra to your tour. Get an incredible view of the iconic Sydney Harbour from the top of the Harbour Bridge, then zip through the waterways on a jet boat ride if you book the 'Adrenaline Bundle'. PLEASE NOTE: If booking either of these extras, a pre-night in Sydney is highly recommended as the Bridge Climb starts early in the morning on Day 1.

Day 2 - Starting: Sydney & Finishing: Nundle

Depart in the morning and head to a small country town for lunch before continuing to Nundle Sheep Station for the night. At the sheep station, have the unique opportunity to meet an expert sheep shearer. Experience a shearing demonstration and learn about local sheep farming. At the end of the day, enjoy a lamb dinner with the locals before sleeping in historic shearer's quarters.

Instructions

The sheep station is quite remote, and there is usually no reception for mobile phones.

Day 3 - Starting: Nundle & Finishing: Bingara

After breakfast, drive to Tamworth, the country and western music capital of Australia and home to a giant guitar. Arrive in Bingara in the early afternoon for an included visit to a historic gold mine where you can try gold panning. Opt to go horseback riding or swimming in a local watering hole.

Day 4 - Starting: Bingara & Finishing: Yamba

Once in Yamba, head to the beach for a swim. End an active day by savouring the local delicacy of fish and chips on the beach with fellow group members.

Day 5 - Starting: Yamba & Finishing: Byron Bay

After breakfast, travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. Enjoy plenty of free time to experience the hippie surfing town. Options are abound — walk to the lighthouse (located on Australia's most easterly point) for a chance to see whales swimming off shore or hang ten with the locals after an included surfing lesson.

Day 6 - Starting: Byron Bay & Finishing: Byron Bay

The free time is yours to explore. Walk along the long stunning beach, play in the surf, or simply hang out in the Buddha Bar and people watch. Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Go skydiving, try sea kayaking, or go on a dolphin watch.

Day 7 - Starting: Byron Bay & Finishing: Brisbane

Travel north, and opt for a night out in Queensland's capital.

Instructions

Stop along the way to Brisbane for a quick break at one of the many surf spots such as the Gold Coast.

Day 8 - Starting: Brisbane & Finishing: Fraser Island

Once on the island, visit one of the many highlights on Fraser Island, Lake McKenzie. After an optional swim in the lake, drive back along the beach until camp is reached. The camp consists of permanent tents to be shared by up to 4 people and will be exclusive to the G group during the stay. The tents are located in the bush beside the beach. Once settled in, enjoy an evening barbecue with good company on the beach.

Instructions

Before departure from Rainbow Beach you will store your main luggage in a secure storage facility and will be required to take an overnight bag only to the island. This is due to luggage capacity restrictions in 4x4 vehicles. Your CEO will explain further details on arrival into Rainbow Beach.

Day 9 - Starting: Fraser Island & Finishing: Fraser Island

Enjoy a full day's worth of exploring by 4x4 to hit all of the highlights Fraser Island has to offer.

Day 10 - Starting: Fraser Island & Finishing: Rockhampton

We transfer off the island by boat then catch the train up the 'Capricorn Coast' which is well-known as 'Cattle Country'. Arrive at a remote farm, where we will be located for the night. The workers from the property are excellent hosts as they teach about the history of the farm, the cattle industry, and some of the challenges of raising cattle in such a harsh environment.

Day 11 - Starting: Rockhampton & Finishing: Whitsunday Islands

After a traditional Outback-style breakfast, transfer to the town of Mackay and embark on a maxi yacht which will be our home for the next three days. Set sail to a secluded cove in the Whitsunday Islands where you will drop anchor for the night. We are the only company to sail from south to north through the islands instead of backtracking while starting and finishing in the same point.

Day 12 - Starting: Whitsunday Islands & Finishing: Whitsunday Islands

The sailing route today allows us to follow part of Captain Cook's route up through the Whitsunday Islands. There is the option for certified divers to scuba dive. Again we drop anchor in a secluded bay for the night.

Day 13 - Starting: Whitsunday Islands & Finishing: Airlie Beach

After three days at sea, we sail to the resort town of Airlie Beach for a night on land in a local beach hostel resort. Feel free to relax by the pool at the end of the day.

Day 14 - Starting: Airlie Beach & Finishing: Cairns

Early morning transfer to the train station. Arrive in the evening. Consider trying out the adrenaline-pumping jungle swing or a bungy jump when you arrive to get the blood flowing.

Day 15 - Starting: Cairns & Finishing: Cairns

Enjoy a free day to visit the Great Barrier Reef or get the adrenaline pumping by skydiving, whitewater rafting or bungee jumping.

Day 16 - Starting: Cairns & Finishing: Alice Springs

New travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. Consider sitting in on the welcome meeting, and get to know everyone at an optional dinner.

Day 17 - Starting: Alice Springs & Finishing: Uluru

Depart early for the Red Centre. Travel to Kings Canyon and embark on an optional walk, weather permitting, through the gorges and valleys of Watarrka National Park. Continue on to the Yulara campground for the night.

Instructions

From late October - early March, if the temperature is forecasted to be 35°C or above we will be following the summer itinerary and visiting the West MacDonnell Ranges instead of Kings Canyon.

Day 18 - Starting: Uluru & Finishing: Uluru

Visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre to get a better understanding of the area before embarking on the Mala Walk around part of the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Learn the significance behind this iconic destination for the local people. Experience the colourful sunset at Uluru, while enjoying a glass of bubbly. Marvel at the night sky while bunking down in a swag (canvas bedroll) for the night.

Day 19 - Starting: Uluru & Finishing: Coober Pedy

Travel across the Outback to the unique opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where people live underground to avoid the heat. A guided mine tour gives insight to the mining process and then importance of opal to the area.

Day 20 - Starting: Coober Pedy & Finishing: William Creek

We follow the Oodnadatta Track, strewn with ruins of failed early settler activity, along the route of the equally unsuccessful original Ghan Railway route. We cross the dingo fence and stop to explore a number of historic settler sites along the way.

Day 21 - Starting: William Creek & Finishing: Beltana

View the salt lake of Lake Eyre. Learn about the European history of the region before settling into the historic Beltana Sheep Station.

Day 22 - Starting: Beltana & Finishing: Adelaide

Depart Beltana and take one of the gorges into the Flinders Ranges, stopping to absorb the magnificent views along the drive. Travel through the Clare Valley wine area, making a stop for a wine tasting and demonstration to learn about the development of the vineyards in the area. Arrive in Adelaide, known as the "city of churches'.

Day 23 - Starting: Adelaide & Finishing: Halls Gap

Depart early and travel inland to Grampians NP, known for its sandstone mountain range and impressive rock art. Walk to the stunning Balconies and visit MacKenzie Falls.

Day 24 - Starting: Halls Gap & Finishing: Port Campbell

Enjoy an early morning walk in Grampians NP, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Opt to visit an Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about the significance of the area to the indigenous people. Drive along the Great Ocean Road, viewing sites including the collapsed London Arch.

Day 25 - Starting: Port Campbell & Finishing: Melbourne

Explore the scenic attractions of the Great Ocean Road including the picturesque Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles formations. Stop at the Great Otway National Park for an included rainforest walk en route to Melbourne.

Instructions

Tour ends upon arrival in Melbourne in the afternoon. Consider booking post-tour accommodation in Melbourne to explore the city.

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More Information

What’s Included

Hunter and Clare Valley wine tastings. Sheep shearing demonstration. Gold mine tour. Yoga and surf lessons (Byron Bay). Private 4×4 excursion and exclusive camp on Fraser Island. Sailing in the Whitsundays. Visit to Whitehaven Beach and the 12 Apostles. Rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park. Underground mine tour in Coober Pedy. Champagne sunset viewing of Uluru. Mala walk around Uluru and visit to the culture centre. Walks at Kings Canyon and Grampians National Park. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Taste wine in two different wine producing areas, sleep under the stars and at a sheep station, island hop through the Whitsundays, marvel at the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, catch the magnificent colours of Uluru at sunset

Dossier Disclaimer

Itinerary Disclaimer

Important Notes

1) COMBO TRIP
This tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour after your trip concludes. Additionally, this tour is a combination of several G Adventures tours, and your CEO, fellow passengers or vehicle may change between the individual tour sections.

2) LUGGAGE
Note that only 1 piece of luggage and 1 carry on are allowed on the Queensland train. If you exceed this allowance, AUD15 may be charged upon boarding the train.

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver – this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.

As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 20, avg 16

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

Please note that most included breakfasts will consist of cereal, milk, bread and spreads, juice, tea and instant coffee. Having a simple breakfast together most days allows us the flexibility to get on the road early and get from point A to B all that much faster.

Transport

Private bus, train, maxi yacht, 4×4 safari vehicle, ferry, plane

About our Transportation

Our vans are Mini Coaches (24 seat vans which have been accommodated to occupy 18 people so you have more space while travelling). Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13 seater vehicles. All Mini Coaches tow a trailer for luggage and camping equipment (when needed). All groups have one CEO/Driver.

The vehicles are factory built, with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. They are fitted with seat belts and it is mandatory to wear them.

On the 4×4 based trips we use purpose-built 16 or 13 seat truck vehicles. They have an air-conditioned customer compartment which is fitted with comfortable coach seats. All seats are forward facing.

On the rail based sections of our trips we use a standard seat, not the sleeping compartment. The trains have have a dining carriage available.

While sailing through the Whitsundays, you’ll be sailing on a sloop design maxi yacht, 83ft (24m) in length, 20ft wide, built of high tech carbon fibre with a mast extending 115ft above the deck. The boat is open plan downstairs, some of the features include headroom higher than 6ft, 2 dining tables, 3 bathrooms. On deck the boat is really wide, so there’s space to chill out, plus there is a shade awning built into the boom.

Solo Travellers

Accommodation

Hostels (15 nts), camping in swag or tent (4 nts), maxi yacht (2 nts), beachside permanent tented camp (2 nts), underground hostel (1 nt). All nights multi-share.

About Accommodation

Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. When camping on this tour, you will have the choice between a tent or the truly Aussie ‘swag’—a canvas bedroll with built-in padding and perfect for a night under the stars. We’ll have both with us, so mix it up and try out the Aussie way. Towels and soap are not always provided at overnight stops, so it’s best to bring your own for bathing. Bathroom and showering facilities are shared and are very rarely en-suite.

Multi-share accommodation, on a single-sex basis (typically 4-6 people per room), is very common in Australia and is the way you will be spending most of your nights. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.

Couples: Please note that due to the types of accommodation used in Australia, couples will likely be split into separate rooms where we use multi-share hostels. Pending availability, couples may be able to pay extra while on tour to have their own room in some destinations.

Joining Hotel

Base Sydney
477 Kent Street, NSW 2000
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Tel: 02 9267 7718

Joining Instructions

By Taxi: $40-$50, approximately 15km from the joining hotel and should take no more than 30 minutes.

By Shuttle Bus: $16 per person, look for ‘Sydney Airporter’ bus desk between exit gates B & C. Alternatively, the ‘Airport Connect’ service in the same location.

By Train: The train station is under the airport terminal and takes approximately 20-25 minutes to get into the city. Hop off the train at Town Hall Station and head to Kent St, which is on the western side of the station.

Arrival Complications

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in Melbourne. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Office (Melbourne)
During office hours, 9am-5pm Local Time
From outside Australia: +61 3 9413 5804
From within Australia: 03 9413 5804

After office hours emergency number
From outside Australia: +61 430 321 725
From within Australia: 0430 321 725

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local operations manager, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

The max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 20 kgs, 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on per person.

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We recommend the use of a well-labeled duffel bag, soft bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). Suitcases or heavy luggage are not recommended for the health of the CEO! A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential as you will have the chance to walk and hike in different national parks during these trips. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.

You will need a smaller bag for the Fraser Island overnight excursion, as we will leave big bags on the mainland due to space constraints.

For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.

Checklist

Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•AUD cash
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

-Sleeping bag/sleep sheet
•Light fleece top
•Light windproof/waterproof jacket
•Towel
•Swimwear
•Sun hat
•Personal clothing for mild to hot weather (check weather forecast for time of year you’ll be visiting)
•Sturdy walking shoes
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Money belt
•Flashlight or headlamp
•Camera, memory card(s) and charger
•Electricity plug adapter
•First-aid kit
-Insect Repellent

-Day pack/overnight bag (needed for overnight Fraser excursion)
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-Personal Entertainment
-Binoculars
-Waterproof backpack cover

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

A valid passport and visa is required. For some nationalities, the visa can be issued by your Travel Agency or the Australian Embassy via Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

To apply for an ETA online, travellers must hold a passport from one of the following countries:
– Brunei – Darussalam
– Canada
– Hong Kong
– Japan
– Malaysia
– Singapore
– South Korea
– United States

More information about the ETA and how to apply can be found here:
https://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ETA/etas.jsp

If you do not hold a passport from any of the above countries, you cannot apply for an ETA online. You may be eligible to apply for an ETA through a travel agent, airline or an Australian visa office. Alternatively, you may be eligible to apply for other types of electronic visitor visas. See: www.immi.gov.au

Spending Money

Money Exchange

The Australian currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Australia and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of local currency (preferably smaller bills, 5’s, 10’s and 20’s), traveller’s cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is easy to find in Australia in the gateway cities and most banks do accommodate.

Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Tipping

It is not customary in New Zealand or Australia to tip service providers, but if you do experience outstanding service it is good to do so. Such service would only usually be in places like quality restaurants and it would be very rare that you would tip more than 10%. Unless specifically asked to do so at the time (by your CEO) – do not tip your local guides. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, you may consider a small tip – but it certainly isn’t expected.

Optional Activities

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON TOUR
All prices are per person, in AUD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators. Please note there may be weight restrictions on certain activities (eg skydiving 100 – 110 kg).

SYDNEY
MyMulti Pass (public transport pass) $11
Sailing Sydney $99
Harbour Bridge Climb $198

KING’S CREEK
Camel Ride – $7

BINGARA
Horse riding/river trail ride $55

BYRON BAY
Ocean Kayaking $69
Skydiving from $299-399

FRASER ISLAND
Fraser Island Flight $75

WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
Scuba Diving $75

CAIRNS
Whitewater Rafting $195 (Tully Full-day) $225 (Xtreme Tully Full-day)
Bungee jumping $169 (includes certificate and t-shirt)
Minjin Swing $99
Combo Bungee and Minjin Swing $319

ULURU
Helicopter Ride $120

WILLIAM CREEK
Flight over Lake Eyre – $120

12 APOSTLES – Great Ocean Road
Helicopter ride = $100

MELBOURNE
Yarra Valley Wine Tour $110-130
Phillip Island Day Tour $110-140

Safety and Security

Trip Specific Safety

Between November and March, there is extreme heat with temperatures averaging between 43-46°C in the middle of Australia, especially around Uluru and Kings Canyon. This can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially become very dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, coconut water or water mixed with electrolyte powder packets. Our CEOs have been trained in first aid and are well-versed in the risks associated with this heat. 

As a result of this heat some included walks may be closed in the interests of travellers health.  Certain walks around central Australia including Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are closed when weather is forecast to exceed 36°C. During these hot months, we will endeavour to offer all walks early in the day to avoid the heat. Our CEOs will monitor the weather conditions to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off a given day’s walk due to extreme heat.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gadventures.com/medical-form.

A Couple of Rules

Travel Insurance

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Feedback

Newsletter

Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Max Pax

20

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Day 1 Optional Activities

• The Rocks Neighbourhood Visit -
• Sydney Opera House Visit -
• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• Swimming -

Day 6 Optional Activities

• Skydiving -
• Sea Kayaking Tour -

Day 7 Optional Activities

• Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos -

Day 12 Optional Activities

• Scuba Diving in Whitsunday Islands -
• Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling -

Day 13 Optional Activities

• Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Bungee Jumping and Minjin Swing -

Day 15 Optional Activities

• Bungee Jumping and Minjin Swing -
• Skydiving -
• Whitewater Rafting -
• Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling from Cairns -
• Great Barrier Reef Diving from Cairns -

Day 16 Optional Activities

• Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos -

Day 20 Optional Activities

• Lake Eyre Scenic Flight -

Day 24 Optional Activities

• Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Visit -

Day 1 Optional Activities

• The Rocks Neighbourhood Visit -
• Sydney Opera House Visit -
• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• Swimming -

Day 6 Optional Activities

• Skydiving -
• Sea Kayaking Tour -

Day 7 Optional Activities

• Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos -

Day 12 Optional Activities

• Scuba Diving in Whitsunday Islands -
• Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling -

Day 13 Optional Activities

• Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Bungee Jumping and Minjin Swing -

Day 15 Optional Activities

• Bungee Jumping and Minjin Swing -
• Skydiving -
• Whitewater Rafting -
• Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling from Cairns -
• Great Barrier Reef Diving from Cairns -

Day 16 Optional Activities

• Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos -

Day 18 Optional Activities

• Uluru Helicopter Flight -
• Outback Astronomy Tour -

Day 20 Optional Activities

• Lake Eyre Scenic Flight -

Day 24 Optional Activities

• Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Visit -

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