Von Darwin nach Sydney

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. Fancy getting high and mighty? You could take an optional scenic flight over the Escarpment that borders Kakadu and Arnhemland. For the next two nights you’ll be calling the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park home. Expect phenomenal wildlife, like-worthy 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.

Included today:
- Visit Bowali Visitor Centre
- Entry to Kakadu National Park

Meals: Dinner

Optional activities:
- Scenic flight over Kakadu

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).

Included today:
- 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)

Meals: Breakfast

Optional activities:
- Yellow Water Billabong cruise (wet 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.

Included today:
- Edith Falls
- Lawn bowls night

Meals: Breakfast, 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

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Litchfield National Park to Darwin
Today we’ll discover Noosa and the breathtaking Glasshouse Mountains, then board the ferry bound for Fraser Island. UNESCO World Heritage listed and the world’s largest sand island, this place is pretty special. Fraser, we’re ready for ya!

We ask that you have packed a small overnight bag to take to Fraser Island with you as luggage space is limited. Pack items like swimmers, beach towel, chargers, hat, sunscreen, camera, jacket, toiletries, sandals/flip flops and casual clothes for 2 days.

Meals: Breakfast

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 souvenir shopping. Tonight you could hit the lively waterfront.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

Included today:
- Visit Mount Conner
- Uluru sunset drinks & snacks
- National Park entry

Meals: Breakfast, 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 Harley ride or scenic flight and soar over the rock. Later, join an optional meditative dot painting class in the Aboriginal Art Markets and give yourself a free astrology lesson, stargazing at the endless Southern night sky.

Included today:
- Sunrise over Uluru
- National Park entry
- Uluru base walks
- Anangu Visitor centre
- Guided walk by your Topdeck Crew

Meals: Breakfast

Optional activities:
- Scenic flights
- Camel ride in the outback
- Skydiving
- Sounds of Silence
- Guided astrology tour

Day 10: Uluru to Kings Canyon
Get ready for some soul searching as we venture into the heart of sacred Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and walk amongst the 36 red sandstone giants through the Valley of the Winds. After a Dreamtime archeology lesson, and a drive into Watarrka National Park, live the life of a jolly swagman as we sleep under the stars in custom swags. Cue campfire stories and marshmallows tonight.

Included today:
- Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta
- National Park entry

Please be aware that in winter months (May-Sept), nighttime temperatures can drop to near 0 degrees, so warmer clothing will be required for the night sleeping in the swag. Please note that the double or single upgrade is not applicable to the Overnight Swag Night at Kings Canyon.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Optional activities:
- Quad bike ride

Day 11: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
If you would walk 500 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).

Included today:
- Guided hike of Kings Canyon
- Garden of Eden walk

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Alice Springs
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.

Included today:
- Visit Standley Chasm
- Visit Simpsons Gap

Meals: Breakfast

Optional activities:
- 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 some of your new trip buddies, the night is yours to explore.

Included today:
- Internal flight
- Airport transfers

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Cairns
After breakfast, meet some more happy Topdeckers and take a walk around town. The afternoon is all yours to play with. Ramp up the adventure with this afternoon’s optionals. You could be paddling the rapids of the Baron River, ziplining over a crocodile or getting an aerial view of the tropics by plummeting towards it. There’s hot air ballooning, horse riding and bungy jumping...or just kick back with a coconut. This place has plenty to keep you busy.

Included today:
- Cairns walking tour

Meals: Breakfast

Optional activities:
- Whitewater rafting
- Skydiving
- Bungy jumping

Day 15: Cairns
Who could pass up the chance to see The Great Barrier Reef? Today you’ll have the chance to set out on one of Australia’s most legendary day trips. Pop on a snorkel and dive in (there’s optional scuba diving too) to see sea turtles and zillions of types of tropical fish. There’s a tasty buffet lunch included. Back in Cairns, check out the nightlife after dark.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional activities:
- Great Barrier Reef day trip
- Whitewater rafting
- Horse riding
- Quad biking
- Skydiving
- Bungy jumping
- Daintree National Park day trip
- Zip lining
- Hot air ballooning

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.

Included today:
- Magnetic Island Hopper Pass
- Private tour of the local wildlife park

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Optional activities:
- Cuddle a koala

Day 17: Magnetic Island to Whitsunday Sailing
Get stuck into a private tour of the local wildlife park, where you can kiss a baby crocodile, smooch a blue tongue lizard and even cuddle a koala (koala cuddle and photo optional). Grab yourself a mango smoothie before a visit to the biggest Mango of them all. 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.

Included today:
- Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands
- Visit the Big Mango

Meals: Breakfast, 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 local snorkel reef will 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!

Included today:
- Whitsunday sailing
- Visit Whitehaven Beach
- Snorkelling

Day 19: Airlie Beach to Myella Farm
Get out of the hammock and follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook as we head south to our farm stay: Myella Farm.

Included today:
- Whip cracking & lassoing

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 20: Myella Farm
Embrace your inner jackaroo and prepare yourself for an adventure-packed afternoon of horse riding and motor biking (optional) and cow milking. Or go walkabout to find that right spot for the perfect outback sunset. Enjoy a hearty home cooked farm style dinner before you take to whip cracking and lassoing.

Included today:
- Farm sunset

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional activities:
- Horse riding
- Motorbike lesson

Day 21: Myella Farm to Fraser Island
Wake up and smell the coffee. Kick off your day with a farm breakfast before we stop off at the iconic Bundaberg rum distillery for a tour and tasting sesh in the heart of sugar cane country. Later, we’ll catch a ferry bound for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Fraser Island. This place is the world's largest sand island, with the longest beach in Queensland – all 120 km of it.

Meals: Breakfast, 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 Indigenous Butchulla women), Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck before hitting the crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie and its famous smooth silica sand.

Included today:
- Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience
- Visit Lake McKenzie
- Visit Central Station
- Visit Pinnacles Coloured Sands
- Visit the Maheno Shipwreck
- Visit Eli Creek

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Optional activities:
- 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. Here we’ll wrap up the trip, but with nightlife like this there’s always time to have one last hurrah with your trip mates.

Included today:
- Brisbane city walking tour

Meals: Breakfast

Day 24: Brisbane to Byron Bay
Today, we’ve got some awesome optionals for you to get involved in. What’s it going to be? Theme parks, maybe a skywalk, or a chill session in the famous beach strip? Mull it over as we leave Brisbane behind and make a stop at the Gold Coast and famous Surfers Paradise beach before setting a course for some serious 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.

Included today:
- Visit Surfers Paradise

Meals: Breakfast

Optional activities:
- 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’s got that small-town vibe down. Hit the shops, or opt in to paddle a sea kayak with the dolphins, take a surfing lesson or watch whales breach from the 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.

Included today:
- Byron Bay highlights

Meals: Breakfast

Optional activities:
- 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. Grab a choc dip frozen banana at the Big Banana then we reach the beach.

Included today:
- Visit the Big Banana

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27: Crescent Head to Sydney
Wrap up your Australian 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 Australia out there.

Included today:
- Surf lesson

Meals: Breakfast