Days 79 - 91
AUSTRALIA
Darwin, in Australia’s Northern Territory, is our first taste of western culture for some time.
A modern, relaxed yet cosmopolitan town with a tropical atmosphere, Darwin serves as a great base to visit the nearby Kakadu National Park, known for its aboriginal rock art and incredible wildlife which includes the huge saltwater crocodile.
To the west is the 180,000 hectare Katherine Gorge National park. The park features 13 interwoven river gorges and can be explored by boat or on foot. (please remember this is crocodile country!)
Travelling south along the Stuart Highway we head towards Australia’s heart, the forbidding Outback. The sheer vastness of the Outback makes for an incredible experience. At night we camp under clear starry skies, by day we enjoy endless sunbaked horizons.
After a slight detour to visit the geological wonders that are the Devils Marbles we eventually arrive at Australia’s centre, Alice Springs. From here we detour again, this time west to explore the truly awesome Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Olgas.
Entering South Australia we arrive at one of the states most unusual places, Coober Pedy. This small opal mining town is known for its unique style of underground living where residents escaping the hot outback sun reside in underground cave houses!
Crossing the magnificent Flinders Range, an area steeped in aboriginal dreamtime, we start to leave the harsh desert environment behind as we make our way to the attractive city of Adelaide. With stunning beaches and the world famous Barossa Valley wine making region nearby, we enjoy a glass or two and refresh ourselves before striking east along the Murray River in to the Australia’s rural heartland.
Our final leg of the journey brings us to New South Wales. Hugging the Murray river we visit traditional Australian country towns such as Mildura and Cowra as we pass through farming communities and goldfields until crossing the journeys last natural hurdle, the Blue Mountains.
Next stop is our final destination, Sydney.
With its stunning harbour, opera house, harbour bridge and Bondi Beach, Sydney is one of the world’s greatest cities. This is a great way to end an unforgettable experience. You can count yourselves as one of the few people ever to cross the entire world overland, you did it. London to Sydney!!
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Alternative Routes
Do be aware that due to the unpredictability of local conditions – notably the Iran/Pakistan & Tibet areas, the given route can be subject to change.
There are always alternative routes available and we will make it one way or other.