Itinerary
Day 1 (Tuesday): Australia here we come!
In the evening, you will depart Los Angeles for Brisbane on our escorted group flight. The flight will take about 14 hours - plenty of time to get to know the rest of your group before arriving DownUnder.
Day 2 (Wednesday): In Transit
Wednesday disappears as you cross the international dateline - you'll jump ahead in time to Thursday - but don't worry, you will get the time back on your way home!
Day 3 (Thursday): Welcome to Australia
Today you will arrive in Brisbane, where Rustic Pathways's Australian staff will welcome you to your program. From here you will transfer to the domestic terminal where you connect onto a flight to Darwin. Upon your arrival in Darwin, there will be time to settle in to the hotel, freshen up and start your orientation. Late this afternoon we'll head out to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets to experience an amazing sunset over the ocean and pick up some authentic souvenirs.
Day 4 (Friday): Darwin
You'll spend today exploring Darwin and learning more about Australia. Visit the oil storage tunnels from WWII and experience the devastating Cyclone Tracy that wiped out the city in 1974. Explore the waterfront district, visit the wharfs, and walk through the trendy Cullen Bay marina. This afternoon your guides will provide an education session on Australia to help build your knowledge and give you some context to the program you are about to undertake.
Day 5 (Saturday): Road Trip to Katherine
This morning we will load up the 4x4's and start the journey into the Outback! As we start to head south, the city outskirts will quickly fade into the background as the road opens up into Outback Australia. The township of Katherine lies about 4 hours south of Darwin and is home to the stunning Katherine Gorge. Tonight we'll head out for dinner at a local pub and meet some of the locals.
Day 6 (Sunday): Katherine Gorge
After breakfast we'll make our way into Nitmiluk National Park to see the stunning Katherine Gorge. Carved by the Katherine River, this deep gorge has stunning sandstone cliffs, lush rainforest gullies and intimidating gorge walls. Taking a boat cruise through the gorge is one of the best ways to see the gorge, and there is also an opportunity to take a helicopter flight (optional) to see it from the air.
Day 7 (Monday): Across to The Kimberly: Australia's Last Frontier!
Today is a long haul drive to the west into another state - Western Australia. Driving the open outback roads will give you an appreciation for the remoteness and isolation of people who live in this region of Australia. You'll pass through small towns that barely exist on the map and will discover how life is different in this part of Australia. After crossing the state border, we'll finish the day's drive in the town of Kununurra, which will be our main hub for the next week.
Day 8 (Tuesday): Kununurra, Lake Argyle and The Eastern Kimberly
On the eastern edge of the spectacular Kimberly region, this part of Australia is home to some of the country's most untouched wilderness. Your Aussie guides will take you to explore the town of Kununurra and the surrounding areas today. Set in the region where the movie Australia was filmed, Kununurra is an untamed, adventurous town that is gateway to some of Australia's most remarkable natural attractions. Today we'll get a feel for the local community and meet the people that we will be volunteering with. In the afternoon we head out to see Lake Argyle, the second-largest man-made lake in Australia that is an inland sea. The lake is remarkable sight in the outback landscape and has islands that create a fjord-like environment. Keep an eye out for dingoes, camels and 'roos as we return to Kununurra in the late afternoon to catch the sunset from a lookout.
Days 9 - 12 (Wednesday to Saturday): Service With Aboriginal Children
Kununurra's population has a high percentage of Aboriginal Australians. The town's population is very diverse, and many young children here do not have stable support from their family. Without structure and positive role models, children here can quickly find themselves on a destructive path that compromises their future. Rustic Pathways students will be joining a local organization's program that provides support to local children. Your service will include providing a 3-day camping experience for local kids and assisting with after-school activity programs in town. The service will be safe and fun, but expect it to be challenging and confronting at times, and you will need to be both culturally sensitive and mature. The connections you will make with local people will provide you with an incredible insight into Australia, and there will be a focus on documenting the life stories of people you meet.
Days 13 and 14 (Sunday and Monday): Cattle Stations, Billabongs and Hot Springs
Today we will travel one-hour west and venture further into the Kimberly region. We'll stay on a cattle ranch that's larger than entire countries, and you'll experience how an Aussie cattle station (ranch) works. We then head to El Questro, a spectacular wilderness park that boasts picturesque waterfalls, billabongs (swimming holes) and hot springs. Then, to really feel like crocodile Dundee, you'll head out to spot wild crocs and throw in a line to catch a famous Barramundi. With Aussie guides as your leaders, these two days will top off an incredible experience in Australia.
Day 15 (Tuesday): The World Heritage Bungle Bungles (optional) then Fly back to Darwin
This morning you have the option of a scenic flight to the Bungle Bungle Ranges. The Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks in Western Australia. From an aircraft, the Bungle Bungle Range is a truly incredible sight, with ranges formed from beehive-like mounds with orange and black stripes. After returning to Kununurra this afternoon, we'll fly back to Darwin and stay in Darwin tonight.
Day 16 (Wednesday): Darwin to Brisbane
Today we have a final morning in Darwin to shop for souvenirs and soak up the tropical heat. This afternoon we fly back to Brisbane and settle into a hostel. You'll suddenly feel a world apart from the Australia you've gotten to know over the last two weeks, and tonight we'll debrief your experiences while enjoying a final dinner as a group.
Day 17 (Thursday): Returning Home or Continuing onto Your Next Adventure
If you are returning home to the USA or traveling on to Fiji or New Zealand, your flight will depart Brisbane this morning. If you are continuing on to another Rustic Pathways adventure in Australia you will connect with your new leaders this morning. If you are traveling on to one of our other countries your Rustic Pathways staff will help you with your flight arrangements.
An Important Note about Schedule Changes
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.
