Expedition Down Under

Individual arrival in Sydney. Transfer from airport to hotel. The rest of the day is at our disposal in this lively metropolis.

Location: Sydney
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: N/A

The day is dedicated to exploring Australia’s largest city. First we will take a relaxing stroll through the botanical garden with its calling cockatoos and numerous Flying Foxes, before the approach of Macquairies Point offers a unique view of the iconic Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Passing through the trendy districts of Kings Cross and Double Bay, we continue on to the most famous beach in the city – Bondi Beach.

Numerous surfers hurl themselves into the wild waves of the Pacific and the locals stroll along the picturesque promenade. By ferry we cross the bay of Port Jackson to Manly. Just the view alone from the water affording us a wonderful silhouette of the city is magical. Manly enchants with its relaxed atmosphere and long sandy beaches. The evening ends in the The Rocks district, at the foot of the Harbour Bridge.

Location: Sydney
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: N/A

We drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountains which owe their name to the fragrant eucalyptus, whose vapours create a bluish mist over the mountain range. Near to Wentworth Falls, we visit the famous rock formations of the Three Sisters, Govetts Leap and Evans lookout. On the way back to Sydney, we can reflect back on the day and the unique sights we have enjoyed.

Location: Sydney
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Hotel

Flight to Alice Springs in the Red Centre of Australia. The town which owes its existence to the construction of the transaustralian telegraph line between Port Augusta and Darwin is the starting point for our excursion to the most striking landmark of the country – Ayers Rock (Uluru). The afternoon is at your disposal in this friendly Outback town.

Location: Alice Springs
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: N/A

We drive to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Endless bush and grasslands stretch into infinity alongside the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, with it’s straight, flat road leading us towards the National park. We stop at a farm along the way as well as taking a break at a roadhouse. Around noon we will reach the National Park. Our starting point is of course the famous and majestic Uluru embedded in the surrounding landscape. During a hike around this massive island of rock, the true dimensions of the red giant can be truly appreciated. We explore the heart of the Uluru, where our guide will take us on an informative walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole. Here we listen to the stories, and learn about the unique landscapes, art and culture from a leader of the Anangu tribe.

In the evening, enjoy the symphony of amazing colours typical of a sunset at Ayers Rock.

Location: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
Accomodation: Permanent tents with 2 beds
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Early in the morning we will take time to enjoy the beautiful sunrise at Uluru. Afterwards we drive to the nearby Olgas (Kata Tjuta), another rock formation in the national park. Walk through the “Valley of the Winds” before heading to Kings Creek Station for lunch. In the late afternoon we reach the site of a huge cattle farm. At a barbeque by the camp fire, under the incomparable star tent of the southern hemisphere, we can discover the true outback atmosphere.

Location: Kings Creek Station
Accomodation: Permanent tents with 2 beds
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

In the morning, we will wander around the mighty Kings Canyon, a gigantic gorge with steep walls and natural rock pools. Afterwards, ride over the outback trail of the Meerenie Loop, along the West MacDonnell Ranges, back to Alice Springs.

Location: Alice Springs
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

The day can be taken at your leisure. Take the opportunity (for example) to visit the Flying Doctors and the School of the Air. Both institutions are an elementary part of the life of this sparsely populated area of the Outback. Alternatively, stroll around the Todd Mall in the city centre, or through the Aboriginal art galleries.

Location: Alice Springs
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: N/A

Flight from Alice Springs to Darwin – capital of the Northern Territory. In the evening visit the lively Mindil Beach night market. Darwin is considered Australia’s gateway to Asia, so we can enjoy the diversity of the Asian-Pacific region at the food market. Stroll through the colourful streets and marvel at the sunset from a nearby beach.

Location: Darwin
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: N/A

The Northern Territory is home to some of the most beautiful national parks and native bush areas in Australia. The play of the colours of the deep blue sky, the light green eucalyptus trees and the red earth will fascinate you again and again, promising to leave unforgettable impressions.

In the coming days, explore the Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks on a Camping Safari. Known for its gigantic termite hills, rushing waterfalls and rugged sandstone rocks, the Litchfield National Park is our first stopover. Take a bush walk, enjoy the opportunity to have a refreshing dip in one of the clear rock pools. Kangaroos, Wallabies and Cockatoos roam freely in the fragrant forests.

Today you will be greeted by  – the traditional owners of the country – with a cul cul or “Welcome to Country”. As we learn more about their culture we learn about Bush Tucker and Didgeridoo- as well as basket weaving demonstrations. Enjoy dinner in a private camp before falling into bed in your tent.

Location: Litchfield National Park
Accomodation: Permanent tents with 2 beds
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Take a boat trip through the Mary River. This spectacular Billabong (the Australian name for water holes or shallow river branches) impresses us with a diverse range of animal and plant species. The highlight is the giant salt water crocodiles, which slowly make their way, half submerged under the smooth water surface, or doze in the sun. In addition, the marshes and reed forests of the Yellow Waters are an ideal habitat for an incredible variety of bird species. Afterwards we drive to the Nourlangie rock, on the rock walls here we can view Aboriginal paintings. The afternoon also features indigenous art. We visit, amongst others, the Marrawuddi Gallery and the Ubirr Rock, before enjoying a beautiful view across the idyllic green pastures of Arnhem Land.

Location: Kakadu National Park
Accomodation: Permanent tents with 2 beds
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning you have the opportunity to take a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park (own expense). The flight offers a view of the Arnhem Land embankment, the vast flood plains and the Billabongs. Later we explore another important Aboriginal rock art site – Nourlangie (Burrunggui), again your guide will give an insight into the life of the Aborigines and the islanders of Torres Strait. After lunch, we head south and visit the historic Pine Creek gold mine. You will continue to visit Maguk or Gunlom Falls, which will take our breath away before continuing to Katherine, where you will spend the night near the Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge).

Location:  Nitmiluk National Park
Accomodation: Permanent tents with 2 beds
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Take a morning cruise along the ink blue waters of Katherine Gorge between red rock walls up which are to 70 meters high (this activity is optional and at your own expense). This 23 million year old landscape was shaped by the Katherine River, which flows from Arnhem Land to the Timor Sea. After lunch, we make our way to the beautiful Edith Falls to take a last refreshing dip in the huge plunge pool before heading back to Darwin, where this adventure unfortunately ends .

Location: Darwin
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Flight to Cairns on the east coast of Australia with subsequent transfer to Palm Cove. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Spend the afternoon, for example, on the palm-lined beach of Palm Cove, with a beautiful view of the turquoise blue ocean.

Location: Cairns
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

This day trip will take us to the picturesque hinterlands of Cairns and the Northern Beaches. First we visit the Barwon Falls at Kuranda and explore the local market. Lunch stop in one of the oldest pubs in Yungaburra, a quiet town well off the beaten track. Afterwards, we will enter the Curtain Fig National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is famous for its giant Figs and serves as a habitat for many threatened animal species. Our day in the Atherton Tablelands end with a bathe in the deep, blue Lake Echum. Return to Palm Cove.

Location: Palm Cove
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Drive to the Daintree National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the oldest rainforest areas on earth. Despite the small size of the protected area, the park is the home to perhaps the most diverse flora and fauna in Australia. Explore the dense jungle and stroll along beautiful beaches. Perhaps one of our travel companions will spot one of the rare Cassowaries. Cassowaries are impressive migratory birds, native to northern Queensland. Drive to Cape Tribulation.

Location: Cape Tribulation
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Today there is time to explore the mangroves and the rainforest at Cape Tribulation as well as enjoying the beach.

Location: Cape Tribulation
Accomodation: co Hotel in Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast

Drive via Port Douglas back to Cairns. On the way, we will enjoy a boat excursion and crocodile spotting photo safari.

Location: Palm Cove
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

An absolute highlight of our stay in Northern Queensland, is a trip to the largest coral reef on our planet. We sail by catamaran out to the front reef. The whole day promises an amazing insight into the colourful underwater world of corals, countless fish and perhaps even an encounter with sea turtles.

Location: Palm Cove
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

The day is yours to spend at your leisure. Relax by the pool or explore Cairns and the surrounding area, ie. Kuranda markets and ride the Scenic Railway or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Also explore Aboriginal Heritage north of Cairns.

Location: Palm Cove
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

With a backpack filled with adventures and experiences, we embark on our journey home today. Farewell and departure to Germany. Individual extension of your holiday for example, explore further north and Aboriginal Heritage.

Location: Paul Cove
Accomodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast