Welcome to the Northern Territory – Contiki Style!!! What a way to start with our first day at Litchfield National Park. It is 650 square kilometres (255 square miles) of top end treasure, enclosing some spectacular scenery including an ancient sandstone plateau and picturesque Florence Falls where you will have the opportunity for a swim. Then it’s back to Darwin as we discover the Darwin nightlife!

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Today you’ll discover the amazing history of Darwin with a visit to the Northern Territory Museum and a driving tour of the city, before heading out to the world famous Kakadu National Park.

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Rise early and you have the chance to see the wonders of Kakadu from the air. This scenic flight will leave you breathless and it’s not the altitude. You really will understand why this is a world heritage region. Then on to Nourlangie Rock, famous for its Aboriginal art. View the wetlands and spend the afternoon on a wildlife cruise.

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You will be able to appreciate the vast changes in scenery today as we head south out of Kakadu. We’ll stop for a swim at either Gunlom or Edith Falls. Then get ready to experience the enormity of Nitmiluk National Park and the Katherine River Gorge system with an optional gorge cruise, bush walk or canoe trip.

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Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal waters of Mataranka Thermal Pools or take a look at the Elsey Homestead. Onwards to one of the Territory’s oldest watering holes for lunch before arriving in the true outback town of Tennant Creek.

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As we leave the site of Australia’s last gold rush, we’re on to the Devils Marbles. This afternoon we arrive in Alice Springs for a visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park.

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Strike out West to rugged Kings Creek Station, a working camel station, and tonight do as the real Aussie ‘bushies’ do and sleep under the stars in a comfy swag.

• Outback bush camp

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Up early to take in the stunning sights as we wander along the ridge of Kings Canyon and discover the Garden of Eden and the Lost City.Then we’ll drive past amazing Mt Connor, to reach the modern Yulara Resort, our accommodation for the next two nights. Watch the sun set and rise over Uluru and explore this world-famous monolith.

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Uluru National Park and the famous ‘big rock’ await. We’ll watch the amazing warm hues of an Uluru sunrise, followed by a visit to the excellent Cultural Center housing a display of information on Aboriginal history and culture. Then why not jump on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle to take in more of the Spinifex plains? Maybe take a flight over the area or challenge the vertical and climb Uluru? Later time for a swim and to enjoy a glass of bubbly to toast the Uluru sunset.

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Today we visit a traditional roadhouse on our way to Alice Springs. Maybe join us for dinner tonight to try outback delicacies like crocodile and emu.

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This morning we have sightseeing of Alice Springs, taking in ANZAC Hill and seeing the Old Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Later you’ll board your flight to Cairns to begin your East Coast adventure.

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Travel through sugar cane fields via Mackay to the Capricorn Coast and into the heart of Australia’s beef industry. Then to our unique Aussie experience at our Country Homestead. Enjoy a hearty meal and hospitality the Australian way!

• Country Homestead

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This morning we continue through the country as we leave our Country Homestead, before hooking up with our ferry to Fraser Island.

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Now you’re on the largest sand island in the world! What to do? Here are a few clues. Why not take a 4-wheel drive bus tour through the rainforests, a guided bushwalk or a swim in the fresh water lakes? With this many options there’s no chance of going troppo!

• Eco Lodge

Today we travel South along the coast to Noosa Heads with its stunning beaches and great shopping. From there we’ll take in the sights and sounds of Brisbane before arriving in Surfers Paradise. After dinner, try your luck at Jupiter’s Casino!

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So much to do in the name of leisure. Here goes! Relax on 42km (26miles) of white sand beaches, or if you’re feeling adventurous – why not try a tandem skydive, Tigermoth joyflight or Harley Davidson ride. All are available in Australia’s biggest playground.

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Today see Australian wildlife at Currumbin, before we are on to Byron Bay with plenty of time to relish this arty town. Later we arrive at our Surf Village near Coffs Harbour for a night of festivities!

• Surf Village

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This morning a chance to try the iconic Aussie sport of surfing, and be taught by the best in the business, at our Surf Village. This afternoon we drive to Port Stephens and our resort at spectacular Shoal Bay.

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Today you can choose to cruise with dolphins, or why not take a tour through the sand dunes and try your hand at sandboarding! This afternoon we cross the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. We’ll then make a photostop taking in the harbour and Opera House. Time to exchange addresses, snapshots and stories as we return to Sydney where our tour ends and the memories begin!

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