Sydney, Alice Springs and Carins Self-Drive Adventure Tour

Using client feedback we have combined 15 days of what we have been told are some of the most exhilarating or rewarding activities to do while in Australia. Not all of these activities will be suitable to everyone, don’t worry we have many alternatives for you to try out.

This itinerary is suitable for people of good fitness - not necessarily the hardened sportsperson! They are aimed at those sophisticated yet adventurous travellers seeking an active holiday, but also steps aside from the mainstream to explore the less visited Australia.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Sydney "Harbour City" Australia

Sydney is Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. It's blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk. Although it's come a long way from its convict beginnings, it still has a rough and ready energy, and offers an invigorating blend of the old and the new, the raw and the refined. While high culture attracts some to the Opera House, gaudy nightlife attracts others to Kings Cross. The Sydney Opera House is an art theater built on the Sydney Harbour. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. This magnificent building, whose roof is shaped like a cluster of sails, is a national landmark and is the most famous structure of Australia.
Overnight: Sydney

Day 2 - Syndey Harbour Bridge Climb

Bridge Climb is a 3½ hour adventure and an experience that will never be forgotten on one of the world's most modern wonders The Sydney Harbour Bridge. The exhilaration and personal satisfaction achieved by reaching the top of the Bridge is rewarded by the breathtaking view that lies before you as you scale up the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Overnight: Sydney

Day 3 - Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour

Bondi Beach is one of Australia's if not the world's most famous beaches; it draws the visitor, captivates them and forges memories of sun, surf and sand. It is a world of lifeguards patrolling between yellow and red flags, surfers riding the waves, bronzed bodies, comfortable cafes and restaurants. Take the cliff-walk to Bondi via Tamarama Beach and enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes while people watching. A perfect way to finish the day and explore Sydney Harbour is an Evening Adventure Sunset Sail. Board a fabulous Beneteau yacht, with no more than 12 people, for a magical experience on Sydney Harbour. Either relax or take the helm!
Overnight: Sydney

Day 4 - Drive to the Blue Mountains

Leave the city and take the scenic route to the heart of the Blue Mountains by exploring the extremes of the Blue Mountains National Park. If you want to stretch your legs a visit to the Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens is worthwhile; Set on the summit of a basalt-capped peak, the Garden is home to over 5,000 species of plants displayed by geographic origin. Continue on through Mt Victoria; the town is now heritage listed and hosts many historic buildings. When you have reached Blackheath, you have made it to the highest township in the Blue Mountains 1,065 metres (3,514 feet 6 inches) above sea level. Once at Katoomba you have the spectacular and dramatic views of the Three Sisters, plus lookouts are all along Cliff Drive so either from your car or standing on the cliff edge you will have fabulous views of this majestic area. The 1,000-m sandstone plateau of the Blue Mountains is part of a spectacular World Heritage Area that covers more than one million hectares.
Overnight: Blue Mountains

Day 5 - Blue Mountains Full Day Mountain Biking

Winding your way on one of the thousands of kilometers of Fire Trails, traversing ridge lines on the escarpment, and descending to the valleys far below. Feel the wind on your face as you ride the Blue Mountains’ trails. We stop frequently to enjoy the spectacular scenery that surrounds you in 360 degree panoramic views.
Overnight: Blue Mountains

Day 6 – Blue Mountains Jenolan Caves, Plughole Adventure

So you're looking for adventure – Jenolan Caves, Plughole Adventure is squeezing, crawling and climbing through winding, ancient passageways with only your head lamp to light your way. Here your senses will reel with a special feeling of exhilaration and accomplishment. Although it sounds dangerous, Jenolan's friendly Adventure tour guides are all highly experienced, encouraging teamwork. However be warned as this is not a simple cave tour. This is a full on caving experience. After abseiling down 100 metres, you eventually come out in the Imperial Cave far below. Even though you don't need to be especially fit (though some flexibility helps) adventure caving is quite different from viewing one of the 'show' caves.  You abseil, wear overalls, a hard hat and find your way by the light of a miners' lamp.

On finishing your experience, drive back to Sydney and overnight.

Overnight: Sydney

Day 7 – Sydney to Alice Springs

Fly to Alice Springs - It's Australia's Oasis, the capital of the Outback and the most romantic country town in the world. It's where the Arrernte Aboriginal tribe has lived for 20,000 years and where pioneer men and women gave "tough" a new meaning. It's where they race camels, hold hilarious holiday regattas in dry river beds and where Peter Finch finally caught up with Virginia McKenna in the 1956 film classic "A Town Like Alice". If you think "The Alice" is hot, flat and dusty then you had better think again, because there are stunning ranges, spectacular gum trees, refreshing waterholes, beautiful palm trees, awesome colours, more waterholes, amazing wildlife, a lush green golf course, and did we mention the waterholes.
Overnight: Alice Springs

Day 8 – Alice Springs/Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
3 Day/2 Night 4WD Small Group Adventure

Now you have an opportunity to not just visit the Red Centre, but to really experience the desert. Starting early 5.45am the journey heads south to Erldunda with a stop at The Camel Farm for refreshments and a Camel ride if you're keen. On the way to Uluru (Ayers Rock) stop to view Atila (Mount Connor), a mesa tableland. Arrive at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and learn about local Aboriginal law and religion at the Cultural Centre before a short guided walk at the base of Uluru. You can take a full base walk, climb Uluru if you choose to do so, or join the Aboriginal guided Kuniya walk. Of course no Uluru tour would be complete without experiencing the famous changing colours of Uluru at sunset, complete with sparkling wine and nibbles.

Day 9 - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

From a lookout close to our campsite you view sunrise over Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) before rolling up the swags and heading off to Kata Tjuta for a leisurely 7km walk through the "Valley of the Winds". Today you are off to Kings Creek Cattle Station for the second night's bush camp, complete with bush toilet and shower. With nobody else for miles, this camp has stunning views out over the George Gill Ranges and gives you a real feel for the outback. Dinner around the campfire makes for a very social time with another night out under the stars.

Day 10 – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park/Alice Springs

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before heading off to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) for a mind blowing 7km walk through the towering walls, crevices and plateaus. Visit the Amphitheatre and the Lost City plus a swim in the tranquil "Garden of Eden" if you wish. Later make your way back to Alice Springs travelling on a typical outback dirt road and then 4-wheel driving, crossing riverbeds and sand dunes. Back at your hostel/hotel early evening and usually meet the other travelers later for a bit of a night on the town (Alice seems like the big smoke after 3 days in the bush!).

Day 11 – Fly to Cairns

Cairns is situated at the northern end of Tropical Queensland Australia. It's a city with a great location framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea. The World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef are all within easy reach. Spend the day relaxing and getting to know the area

Days 12-14 – Great Barrier Outer Reef
3 day Liveaboard Dive and Snorkeling Adventure

One of the "must do" things in Queensland is to dive the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is a natural wonder of the world and a World Heritage site. This adventure is unmatched for experience; enjoy 16 exclusive dive sites on 4 different outer reef locations in a 25 metre (80 feet) purpose built dive vessel. There are 2 large decks, one for gear and one strictly for sun tanning and relaxing. Over the 3 days you will experience 11 dives including 2 night dives. If diving isn’t your passion the snorkeling is just as good or there are plenty of other activities that we could suggest.

Day 15 – Cairns
Whitewater Rafting the Famous Tully River

Spend today in white water rapids up to a level Grade 4; it's the North's ultimate white water, white knuckle adventure, with up to 5 hours tackling over more than 45 rapids through World Heritage Rainforest and below waterfalls that cascade down gorge walls. You'll enjoy a barbecue lunch on the banks of the river and a chance to take in the spectacular scenery. Then it’s back to the action in the foaming white water of the lower gorge. What a day!  Drive to Cape Tribulation and Relax for the Evening.

Day 16 – Cape Tribulation
Jungle Surfing in the Daintree Rainforest & Evening Dining in the Enchanted Rainforest.

Today you will be flying through the trees on flying fox ziplines stopping at 5 tree platforms to take in the spectacular birds eye view over the treetops down cascading streams and out to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a thrill! Jungle surfing offers unparalleled access to the heart of the Daintree from the bustling forest floor to the giants that tower above the canopy. Spend the rest of the day exploring the area, relaxing on the beach before driving back to Cairns to Dine in the Enchanted Rainforest for Dinner. Light the flame of the forest...ignite your senses as you walk along a flame lit trail beneath the canopy of the oldest rainforest in the world. Feel the wonder of this legendary place and explore the mysteries of time, culture and cuisine in the spellbinding candlelit drama that is the enchanted forest. The cuisine is exotic and the entertainment authentic Aboriginal. A great way to finish off your Australian Adventure!

While all activities are guided you always have the option to explore by yourself or to just sit back and relax. This flexibility allows us to make each trip unique. We enjoy what we do and are ready to make your experience a trip of a lifetime!

Not extreme enough or fancy something different? Enquire here and we put your personal adrenalin filled trip together!

.

Return to self-drive tours...