Cairns to Perth

Tuesday 20 August

Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand flight to Cairns.  On arrival transfer to our central city hotel. A social get-together and welcome dinner tonight. 

Wednesday 21 August

This morning we transfer to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway wwhich takes you over Australia’s World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. There will be time to explore Kuranda, known as the ‘Village in the Rainforest’ which includes markets, cafés, restaurants and galleries. Your return journey by train on the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway built over 120 years ago, which winds its way through the tropical mountain ranges between Kuranda and Cairns.

This tour is accommodated in cabin and motels but due to the remote regions through which we travel the coach will carry all camping gear onboard. In the case of any disruptions (weather, mechanical or other) we may be required to camp.

Thursday 22 August

This morning we depart Cairns on our overland adventure by climbing the Great Dividing Range through the winding forest highway enjoying the lush rainforest and tropical plantations. To Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet to reach Mount Surprise for a two-night stay.

Friday 23 August

Today we take a guided tour through the Undara Lava Tubes, the world’s longest lava flow from a single volcano, some of the caves are over 21m wide and up to 10m high.

Saturday 24 August

Onto the first of many dirt roads we drive up the Flinders River take a visit to the Porcupine Gorge Lookout before lunch at Hughenden. In the afternoon we reach the sheep/cattle town of Winton on the sprawling Western River

Sunday 25 August

Morning visit to the Age of Dinosaurs Centre, the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. Followed by free time in Winton, a visit to the Waltzing Matilda Centre and a wander of this romantic, classic outback Queensland town. 

Monday 26 August

Our journey is across the Queensland Channel Country and over the Diamantina which flows south past Birdsville to Lake Eyre. Through Middleton to Boulia this highway
is the home of the Min Min Lights, an unusual shimmering light phenomenon that can appear at night

Tuesday 27 August

An early start on the dirt of the Donohue Highway shadowing the Georgina River with its many tributaries to cross the Northern Territory border. Through the Toko, Tarlton, Jervois and Harts Ranges on the Plenty Highway in the northern reaches of the Simpson Desert. To
the hub of Central Australia, Alice Springs for three nights.

Wednesday 28 August

A restful morning before a day exploring some of the features of the MacDonnell Ranges, from scenic to culturally significant areas.

Thursday 29 August

Take an optional early morning Hot Air Balloon through the rugged outback, followed by a tour of “The Alice” nestled on the north side of the MacDonnell Ranges. In the afternoon there is an optional visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park. Note: Optional Hot Air Balloon approx $400

Friday 30 August

We head to Curtin Springs Station, home to the Severin family since 1956, when Peter Severin arrived with his young wife Dawn, their toddler son Ashley and 1,500 head of cattle for our two night stay. The Severin family has protected the million-acre wildlife corridor
that balances cattle production with conservation of this precious landscape. Appreciate a tour of the handmade paper, made from the native grasses found on the station, a distinctive and beautiful souvenir of Central Australia

Saturday 31 August

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after a day in the park you will see why. We spend the morning at Uluru and the information centre.
Return to Yulara Village for lunch and an optional helicopter flight over the spectacular sandstone formations. Later visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) to walk through the valleys between
the mighty domes. Enjoy a sausage sizzle dinner watching the sunset on Uluru, before returning to Curtin Springs. Note: Optional Flight over Uluru approx $300.

Sunday 01 September

Continuing across Australia deep into the South West corner of the Northern Territory we visit Lasseters Cave and learn a little of the mystery of Lewis Lasseter and his elusive
reef of gold. Crossing into WA on the Great Central Road through the Gibson Desert, passing the Schwerin Mural Ranges we reach Warburton.

Monday 02 September

The dirt road winding through the ranges, sand hills and salt lakes of the desert has a beauty that is iconically Australian. We leave the dirt behind at Laverton.

Tuesday 03 September

Travelling through mining towns of all sizes and minerals, Ghost Towns to Cities from Nickel to Gold. Visit the Gwalia Museum on the edge of the large open pit Sons of Gwalia Mine.
After a visit to the historic Two-Up ring out in the scrub its south to Kalgoorlie

Wednesday 04 September

Finishing off Australia’s Longest Shortcut we inspect the Super Pit and leave the Goldfields, through the Wheatbelt then down the Darling Scarp to Perth, having crossed the Country North East to South West.

Thursday 05 September

Todays city Tour of Perth includes the famous port of Fremantle, a walk in Kings Park and a beachfront drive. Remainder of the day free to explore at your leisure.

Friday 06 September

After breakfast enjoy your morning in Perth before we transfer to the airport for an evening flight. 

Option to extend in Perth

Saturday 07 September

Morning arrival into Auckland