Sydney to Alice 13 Day Tour
Mountain Bike Tours NSW
Experience 13 days with Mountain Bike Tours NSW, checking out Australia’s capital Canberra, hiking along an alpine track to view the glacial ‘Blue Lake’, traveling through the pretty Clare Valley to Quorn, waking up early to experience sunrise at Uluru, and making our way through the harsh desert landscape to Alice Springs.
Day 1 - Sydney to Jindabyne (via Canberra)
Canberra is Australia’s capital city, this is where we head to on our way out of Sydney. We’ll look through Parliament House check out a few embassies and see other city highlights. After lunch, we head to Cooma and then it’s onto Jindabyne, a town with a relaxed alpine village feel. There’s time for trout fishing in the lake or you could even go water skiing or wake boarding (all at own expense and seasonal). Tonight, kick back and relax with a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar. (D)
Day 2 - Jindabyne to Lakes Entrance Via Snowy River Country
Hike along an alpine track to view the glacial ‘Blue Lake’ and the top of Mt Kosciuszko (Australia’s highest point). During winter, we’ve got time to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). After lunch, it’s a spectacular drive along Barry Way, watching the Snowy River wind along below us. Tonight we stay in the coastal town of Lakes Entrance, the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia’s longest beach - Ninety Mile Beach. (BD)
Day 3 - Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory NP and Melbourne
We travel to Wilsons Promontory National Park to explore the coastal wilderness of this pristine national park. Watch out for wildlife! We’ll finish our tour travelling to Melbourne through pastoral landscapes in South Gippsland. (B)
Day 4 - Melbourne via Great Ocean Rd to Princetown
We stop in Torquay to shop at Quiksilver and Rip Curl before we continue to world famous Bells Beach. Winding along the Great Ocean Road we take a break to search for some koalas and then pass through the seaside town of Lorne on our way to Apollo Bay. Next we visit the Otway Fly tree top walk (included) then watch the sun set over the Twelve Apostles. (D)
Day 5 - Princetown to Grampians NP
Walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle of the Twelve Apostles or there’s time for a helicopter ride (at own expense). Next is Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands. Watch for whales (seasonal) as we pass through Warrnambool, then head inland to the Grampians National Park. Hikes include the Pinnacle, The Balconies and Reeds lookout. You’ll sleep well tonight at our private accommodation. (BD)
Day 6 - Halls Gap to Adelaide
There are hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls, before we farewell The Grampians and travel via Horsham into South Australia. See rare White Western Grey Kangaroos at Bordertown, then cross the Murray River before arriving into Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (B)
Day 7 - Adelaide
A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 8 - Adelaide to Parachilna
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the pretty Clare Valley to Quorn. This afternoon, we’ll check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves. Get ready for tonight’s BBQ dinner at Parachilna - it doesn’t get any more Aussie than this! We stay overnight in Parachilna. (LD)
Day 9 - Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound
If the weather’s good, we’ll take the scenic route through the stunning Parachilna Gorge on our way to Wilpena Pound, the jewel of the Flinders Ranges. Grab your hiking boots for a guided climb of Mt Ohlssen-Bagge: you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views over the ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)
Day 10 - Rawnsley Park to Coober Pedy
It’s time to go underground! We’ll travel to Coober Pedy today in time for an opal mine tour and you might have the chance to go ‘noodling’ for opals if there’s time. Our bunkhouse for tonight is - you guessed it! - underground. (BLD)
Day 11 - Coober Pedy to Uluru
Driving through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara in time for sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The stars put on a show back at our permanent campsite at Yulara. (BLD)
Day 12 - Uluru to Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon
Wake up early to experience sunrise at Uluru - it’s worth the early start! Go for a walk around the base or climb to the top if you choose (although the traditional Anangu owners prefer it if you don’t), before we take a guided interpretive walk at Mala. After visiting Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) we head to Kings Canyon, where we camp for the night. (BLD)
Day 13 - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
There’s lots to explore at Kings Canyon, including the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden, and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After a bite to eat, we make our way through the harsh desert landscape to Alice Springs. (BL)
About New South Wales Mountain Bike Tours NSW
Mountain Bike Tours NSW, a specialist cycle tour operator in the Byron Bay region offers unique experiences for the intrepid, independent and free spirited traveller from self guided to organised cycling adventures. These tourism award winning products will lead you through miles of unspoilt coastline, rainforests, remote back roads and hidden villages.
