Around Australia in 50 Days Expedition

Sydney & Southern Highlands - Shared Tour

Day 1-2: Sydney. On arrival into Sydney, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation with the following day at leisure.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 3: Southern Highlands. After departing Sydney late morning or early afternoon, you'll journey to the tranquil Southern Highlands to encounter Australia's iconic wildlife, including eastern grey Kangaroos, Red-necked and Swamp Wallabies, Common Wombats, Emus, and Platypuses, along with vibrant bird species like Eastern Rosellas, Crimson Rosellas, King Parrots and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. You'll explore private farmland and pristine bushland, learning about the Great Western Wildlife Corridor's importance in connecting native species between the southern Blue Mountains and Morton National Park.

A visit to Fitzroy Falls will provide you with spectacular views and birdwatching, with a chance to spot the Superb Lyrebird, renowned for its incredible mimicry and fascinating mating display. At dusk, you will have the chance to search for the elusive Platypus, contributing to local conservation efforts. After dinner at Australia's oldest licensed inn, you will embark on a nocturnal spotlighting adventure to see Brush-tailed Possums, Wombats, and with some luck Tawny Frogmouths, before returning to Sydney in the late evening.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Daintree and Tablelands Exclusive - Private Tour

Day 4: Cairns. On arrival into Cairns, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your Cairns accommodation for a day at leisure.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 5: Daintree National Park. After departing Cairns around 7:30 am, you'll head north to the renowned Daintree Rainforest, a 120,000-hectare area estimated to be 180 million years old and recognized as a World Heritage site in 1988. Known for having Australia's highest diversity of rainforest mammals, this region offers a rich experience of ancient flora and fauna.

Accompanied by your expert guide, enjoy a 2.5-kilometre walk through a private section of the National Park. Learn about its 3,000 plant species, including a vast range of ferns, orchids, and early flowering plants. Look for the endemic Boyd's Forest Dragon, White-lipped Tree Frog, and Ulysses Butterfly.

You'll then visit the stunning Mossman Gorge, where you can swim and take in the beautiful views. Lunch at the Daintree Tea House includes sampling local fruits and berries amidst the sounds of the rainforest. Finally, embark on a wildlife cruise along the Daintree River on a solar-powered vessel, where you can spot Saltwater Crocodiles and various bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and eagles.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 6: Atherton Tablelands. Departing early from Cairns, you will journey to the Atherton Tablelands' highlands to enjoy stunning panoramic views of this World Heritage-listed area. Upon arriving at Danbulla State Forest, you'll visit the Cathedral Fig Tree, a massive 500-year-old strangler tree standing 50 meters tall with a 39-meter trunk circumference.

Guided by an expert, you'll explore prime birdwatching spots to see a variety of songbirds, including the Red-backed Fairy-wren, Golden Bowerbird, and Victoria's Riflebird. The next stop is Lake Barrine, a crater lake formed by ancient volcanic activity. After a delicious morning tea, your guide will share insights into the lakeside rainforest's flora and fauna. Enjoy a one-hour lake cruise for wildlife and photo opportunities, where you might spot Red-legged Pademelons, Musky Rat Kangaroos, and various birds. Following a seafood lunch, you'll search for the elusive Platypus. The day concludes with breathtaking views at Milla Milla Lookout and an option to swim at Lake Eacham or search for the iconic Lumholtz Tree-Kangaroo.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Frankland Islands National Park - Shared Tour

Day 7: Frankland Islands National Park & Great Barrier Reef. Your tropical island adventure begins with an air-conditioned coach pickup from Cairns, heading south through the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest and vast sugar cane fields. You'll pass Walsh's Pyramid, the tallest natural freestanding pyramid in the world, before arriving at Deeral, just 45 minutes from Cairns.

From Deeral, board the Turtle Islander vessel for a peaceful 30-minute cruise along the Mulgrave River, surrounded by lush rainforest and mangroves teeming with birdlife, including kingfishers, ibis, and spoonbills, as well as Saltwater Crocodiles. The boat then ventures into the traditional sea country of the Mandingalby Yidinji and Gungandji peoples, reaching Normanby Island, just 10 kilometres offshore.

Here, you'll explore sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant fringing reefs, perfect for snorkelling to see colourful corals, tropical fish and turtles, with an expert crew and marine biologist on hand. With limited tour numbers, you can enjoy a range of activities, including guided snorkel experiences, kayaking, a semi-submersible ride, paddle boarding, and a guided island walk with a marine biologist.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Hervey Bay - Shared Tour

Day 8: Hervey Bay. Fly from Cairns to the beautiful coastal town of Hervey Bay, the World's first Whale Heritage site. This region is known for having some of the most active and inquisitive whales found anywhere across the globe, with breaches, whale songs and muggings common practice.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 9: Ultimate Hervey Bay Whale Watching (July - October). Beginning at Great Sandy Straits Marina, you'll board the custom-built Ocean Defender, a low-profile rigid inflatable boat designed for unobstructed 360-degree views of the whales. With a capacity for 38 passengers, the boat offers forward-facing seats and ample shade. The boat's speed ensures swift access to Platypus Bay, a popular area where whales come to rest, play, and interact. Between July and October, over 30% of Australia's migrating Humpback Whales rest in Hervey Bay, including breeding pairs and mothers with calves. The crew, trained in marine sciences, will guide you through the fascinating behaviours of Humpback Whales, such as breaches, tail slaps, and spy hopping. You'll also have the chance to listen to the whales' songs using underwater hydrophones.

The guide team will also engage children with fun and educational activities as part of their Junior Naturalist Programme, aimed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards as they learn about marine ecosystems and conservation. Your ticket includes free snacks, soft drinks, and a full-colour Whalewatch Guide from the Pacific Whale Foundation's Research Department. All proceeds from sales of the whale watching experiences support whale and dolphin research, marine education for children, and ocean conservation programs in Australia and around the world.

Hervey Bay Nature Cruise (March - late May). Explore the Great Sandy Marine Park, with your family in search of various marine species, including the vulnerable Australian Humpback Dolphin, Dugong, and other dolphins, rays, sharks, sea snakes, and turtles. Bird watchers can spot migratory waders like snipes and curlews, as well as local species such as Osprey, Brahminy Kites, and White-bellied Sea Eagles. You'll learn about the area's natural environment, history, conservation efforts, and ongoing research since 1984. They can also participate in citizen science, helping marine biologists with whale and dolphin research. 

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Tasmanian West Coast Wilderness - Shared Tour

Day 10: Cairns to Launceston. Take a flight from Cairns to Launceston with the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 11: Launceston. Meet your local guide at 1 pm to start your journey to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. En route, stop in Sheffield to see the famous murals. Travel through lush rolling farm pasture before reaching the alpine bush of the Cradle Valley. Enjoy an introduction to this captivating alpine environment before settling in at your accommodation for the night.

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel

Day 12: Cradle Mountain. Today you will be mesmerised by the beautiful alpine landscapes of Cradle Mountain, where in many places, dolerite cracked into vertical columns has resulted in spectacular sculpted mountains and cliffs. On a clear day, the rugged grandeur of Cradle Mountain is reflected in the tranquil waters of Dove Lake, or you may experience the drama of its craggy peaks through swirling mist. Your guide will introduce you to the many endemic fauna and flora species of the region, including the magical forests of Pandani, Sassafras, and King Billy Pines, and species such as echidnas, Pademelons and wombats.  In the afternoon, travel towards the rugged west coast and the quaint fishing town of Strahan.

Accommodation: Strahan Village

Tasmanian West Coast Wilderness - Shared Tour

Day 13: West Coast Wilderness Railway. This morning, be transferred to Queenstown where you board the nostalgic West-Coast Wilderness railway. Join a four-hour Rack and Gorge tour and take a heritage steam train journey through remote rainforest to the incredible King River Gorge, turning at Dubbil Barril before returning to Queenstown. In the afternoon, continue the scenic journey on the road and visit a mining pit and waterfalls before you arrive at Derwent Bridge on the picturesque Lake St Clair.

Accommodation: Strahan Village

Day 14: Lake St Clair. Depart the Cradle Valley and travel towards the rugged Tasmanian west coast. Pass old but still active mining towns such as Roseberry and Tullah. In Zeehan, visit the very informative West Coast heritage centre. The centre offers a unique insight into the history of the West Coast of Tasmania and gives visitors a comprehensive experience and understanding of the heritage of the area, adding value and significance to your visit to this beautiful region of Tasmania. Arrive in Strahan in the later hours of this afternoon.

Accommodation: Derwent Bridge Chalets

Day 15: Mt Field National Park. After a hearty breakfast your guide will take you into Mount Field National Park, the oldest in the state. Be mesmerised by the lush forest landscapes, from eucalyptus temperate rainforest to alpine moorland. Explore the green forest canopy where you can crane your neck to see some of the tallest flowering trees in the world. This cool temperate rainforest allows you the opportunity to search for some of Tasmania's 12 endemic bird species including Scrub Tit, Black Currawong and Tasmanian Thornbill along with the Platypus. After lunch, return to Hobart in the late afternoon where the tour concludes at around 4 pm.

The Maria Island Walk - Shared Tour

Day 16: Casuarina. After a morning pickup in Hobart, you will be transferred to Triabunna, where you will take a cruise across Mercury Passage to Maria Island, reaching its pristine sandy isthmus. These untouched beaches are home to various bird species, including Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, Crested Terns, and Hooded Dotterels. After a delicious lunch overlooking Shoal Bay's azure waters, you'll walk to the tranquil Casuarina Beach camp. The afternoon offers a trail through tall eucalypt forests to the stunning Haunted Bay, known for its vivid lichen-covered granite rocks. On the return, watch for Short-beaked Echidnas, Pademelons, wallabies, and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. In the evening, after a gourmet Tasmanian dinner, enjoy a sunset beach stroll with a glass of wine, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Accommodation: Wilderness Glamping at Casuarina Beach Camp | Walk length: approximately 8km

Day 17: White Gums. Waking to the chatter of Yellow Wattlebirds, you'll enjoy breakfast and then embark on a scenic walk along five stunning beaches. Watch Bottlenose Dolphins surf and White-bellied Sea Eagles soar while strolling past exotic shells. Traverse grassy tussocks, sand dunes, and reach Bloodstone Beach, retracing the steps of French explorer Nicholas Baudin from 1802. Visit the historical Point Lesueur probation outpost before heading to White Gums Camp. Enjoy a swim or spot numerous bird species, including the rare Forty-spotted Pardalote and various honeyeaters, as well as Common Wombats, Bennett's Wallabies, and Forester Kangaroos. In Spring, look for cuckoos nesting in other birds' nests. Relax with fellow walkers and savour a candlelit dinner featuring fine Tasmanian food and wine, concluding your perfect day.

Accommodation: Wilderness Glamping at White Gums Camp | Walk length: approximately 13km

The Maria Island Walk - Shared Tour

Day 18: Mt Maria or Bishops and Clerk. Today, your local guides will lead you inland to explore the lush, majestic forests and the world's largest stand of giant Tasmanian Blue Gums. You might spot Common Wombats and the endangered Swift Parrot, which nests in tree hollows along the east coast of Tasmania in August. For a breathtaking experience, choose to climb Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk for panoramic views of Tasman Island, Freycinet, Schouten Island, and the Ile Des Phoques. At the peaks, you'll see remnants of the last glaciation, including dolerite boulders. In the evening, arrive at Darlington's World Heritage-listed settlement and stay at the colonial Bernacchi House. Enjoy a final night banquet with fine wine, while observing Bennett's Wallabies and Tasmanian Pademelons in the garden.

Accommodation: Bernacchi House | Walk length: approximately 9-17km

Day 19: Darlington. The final day commences with a delicious breakfast followed by a walk around the northern tip of Maria Island. This trail covers a variety of spectacular woodlands and forests, before arriving at the dramatic sea cliffs of Fossil Bay. These massive limestone cliffs store a prolific volume of fossils from a 280 million-year-old sea bed including fully formed shell fossils. Arriving back at Darlington, it is common to see grazing Common Wombats, Forester Kangaroos, Bennett's Wallabies, Cape Barren Geese, and Tasmanian Native Hens, with a keen eye spotting pairs of beautiful Flame Robins darting around. Before boarding the boat to go back to mainland Tasmania and Hobart, walkers will enjoy a celebratory farewell lunch to reminisce about the amazing four days of walking across this beautiful Island. 

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Mungo National Park - Private Tour

Day 20-21: Melbourne. Take a flight to Melbourne and explore the city at leisure.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 22: Mildura. Upon arrival at Mildura Airport, you'll meet your Echidna Walkabout Wildlife Guide to begin a private outback journey. Mildura, near the junction of the Murray and Darling rivers, surprises with its abundant water in a semi-arid region. Before heading into the outback, you'll explore the Murray River and its billabongs, where parrots, cockatoos, and other birds often gather from the desert for food and water. In the afternoon, you'll travel into the arid lands towards Lake Mungo, entering the vast Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. Here, you'll walk along the ancient, fossilized Willandra Creek and watch the sunset over Lake Mungo, learning about the region's history and spotting desert wildlife like kangaroos and parrots before settling for dinner at Mungo Lodge. 

Accommodation: Mungo Lodge

Day 23 - 24: Mungo National Park. Over the next two days, you will thoroughly explore Mungo National Park, a region of immense significance to human and wildlife history. Spanning over 1,110 km², the park surrounds the ancient, now dry, Lake Mungo, which has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for at least 50,000 years. The eroded dunes beside the lake reveal the oldest human living site on earth and megafauna skeletal remains, marking the area as a World Heritage Site.

Our exploration will include walks and drives through diverse habitats, from mallee woodlands to saltbush expanses. Expect to see abundant Emus and often see Pink Cockatoos and occasional Cockatiels in this region along with chats and arid land fairy-wrens. The Crested Bellbird is often heard and sometimes seen. Raptors including the Spotted Harrier, Black Falcon, Grey Falcon and Wedge-tailed Eagle are known to nest in the area. The journey culminates with a drive across the dry lake bed to the lunettes, where you'll trace 50,000 years of Aboriginal history through the landscape. After an optional early morning bird walk on Day 14, enjoy a final breakfast at Mungo Lodge before driving out of the desert to Mildura.

Accommodation: Mungo Lodge

Day 25. Mildura. After an optional early morning bird walk, enjoy a final breakfast at Mungo Lodge before driving out of the desert to Mildura for your transfer to Renmark.

Accommodation: Hotel Renmark.

Murray River Safari - Shared Tour

Day 26: Murray River Safari. You'll meet your Murray River Safari guides at Hotel Renmark. Following a brief introduction to the Murray River, you'll board a pontoon cruiser for a scenic 25km cruise upstream, passing old-growth redgum forests and ochre-coloured cliffs. Keep an eye out for Koalas and various birds like Australian Pelicans, Black Swans, Australian Darters and Yellow-billed Spoonbills. You'll then settle into luxurious houseboat accommodations, enjoy lunch, and embark on a cultural walk through river country. 

Accommodation: Luxury Houseboat

The houseboat is your floating accommodation for three nights, moored in spectacular locations. Your bedroom windows offer stunning views of the river and you can watch from your bed as pelicans fly by. In the evenings, relax in the houseboat lounge and share stories with your fellow travellers as your guides prepare evening meals paired with local wines.

Day 27: RAMSAR Wetlands. Rise early to experience birdsong and a sunrise over the incredible Murray River valley, enjoying the vibrant river views and likely spotting Rainbow Bee-eaters catching insects. After breakfast, you will join a canoe guide for a serene paddle through the Riverland Ramsar Wetland, offering opportunities to quietly observe wildlife like Western Grey Kangaroos, cormorants, darters, ducks, rosellas and Mallee Ringnecks. Keep a careful eye out for goannas and Sacred Kingfishers. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding forests and wetlands on foot, searching for the endangered Regent Parrot, before retiring early after a fulfilling day. 

Accommodation: Luxury Houseboat

Day 28: Outback Lakes. After an early breakfast, you'll set off on a driving tour of the great ephemeral lake system on the outer floodplain where spectacular birdwatching includes migratory waders that have travelled from the northern hemisphere, thousands of ducks, pied stilts, red-necked avocets, spoonbills and musk ducks. Expect to see blue-bonnet parrots, emus and their chicks, and magnificent red kangaroos as you drive across the country between the lakes. Return to find the houseboat in a new location opposite the spectacular Bunyip Reach Cliffs above lock 6. 

Accommodation: Luxury Houseboat

Day 29: Renmark. After breakfast and an optional stroll on the riverbank, cruise leisurely downriver and transfer through lock 6 on the way to our final mooring and departure point. Celebrate our experience over a BBQ lunch on the top deck, before farewelling the river and returning to the Hotel Renmark at 2 pm, before your transfer to Adelaide.

Kangaroo Island - Shared Tour

Day 30-31: Adelaide. Spend the day at leisure and then connect with your flight to Kingscote the following day.

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Lodge

Day 32: Cygnet Valley & Seal Bay. The day begins in the Cygnet Valley, exploring redgum forests, narrow-leaved mallee, and mixed farmland, home to Koalas, parrots, and bush birds. Enjoy a delicious home-baked morning tea along the way. Next, visit Stokes Bay, one of the island's most famous beaches, where you can spot shorebirds and seabirds along its beautiful white stretches. The area also offers regular wildlife sightings, including Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, Short-beaked Echidnas, and Rosenberg's Goanna. Travel inland through productive farmland before enjoying an elegant seafood barbecue lunch on a private property in a redgum forest. The meal features King George whiting, halloumi, potatoes, fresh garden salad, and local wine. After lunch, head south to Seal Bay, where you'll witness the transition of coastal mallee through heath into dunes. Here, you'll encounter Australia's third-largest colony of Sea-lions on a privately guided tour, learning about their feeding and breeding behavior.

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Lodge

Day 33: Flinders Chase National Park. Venture to the west end of the Island where Flinders Chase National Park covers nearly 75,000 hectares (almost 200,000 acres), where the landscape is dominated by coastal mallee and the "bonsai Eucalyptus". Sustained winds over millennia have carved out a natural sculpture park from solid granite tors, with the highlight being the aptly named Remarkable Rocks. The high vantage point provides an opportunity to look for oceanic bird species (Pacific Gulls, Australasian Gannets and Short-tailed Shearwaters during the warmer months) as the low heath often reveals Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters, Southern Emu-wrens and seasonally, the incessant call of the Western Whipbird. Break for a delectable picnic lunch in the bush, featuring a range of locally sourced items and local wines. Fly to Adelaide late afternoon.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available.*

Eyre Peninsula - Shared Tour

Day 34: Port Lincoln. Fly to Adelaide and connect through to Port Lincoln.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel

Day 35: Coffin Bay. Upon arrival in Port Lincoln, you will be welcomed by your personal guide and taken on a scenic drive through Sugar Gums and agricultural lands to Big Swamp Wetland. This area is home to endangered bird species and is a haven for birdwatchers. The culinary journey begins in Coffin Bay, renowned for its world-famous oysters. Embark on an hour-long tour with a local oyster farmer, learning about Pacific and Native Angasi oysters while sampling them fresh from the water. Following the oyster experience, a gourmet seafood platter lunch is enjoyed in the heart of picturesque Coffin Bay. The day continues with a visit to Coffin Bay National Park, where you will explore the park's rich biodiversity. In addition to its culinary highlights, the tour offers opportunities to spot a variety of birds, including White-bellied Sea Eagles and Ospreys, as well as marine mammals like Australian Sea-lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, making it a perfect blend of nature and gourmet delights.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel

Day 36: Lincoln National Park. The day begins at Tulka, a coastal hamlet where guests can observe waders, Black Swans, and seabirds from a bird hide. The area, once explored by Captain Matthew Flinders in 1802, is also known for sightings of Southern Emu Wrens. Next, guests explore the diverse Port Lincoln National Park, where rugged cliffs offer views of Ospreys, White-bellied Sea Eagles, and Swamp Harriers. At Memory Cove, bird enthusiasts can spot species like Purple-gaped Honeyeaters and Striated Pardalotes. Guests may also choose to hike to Stamford Hill Lookout for stunning views of Boston Bay and the park. The park's wildlife includes Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals, dolphins, kangaroos, and even migrating Southern Right Whales from May to August. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Mikkira Station to visit a wild koala colony. Surrounded by old Eucalyptus trees, guests can also observe kangaroos, emus, and rare native birds while enjoying a platter of local produce and wine as the sun sets. In the evening, fly to Adelaide.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel

Day 37: Baird Bay. Depart Port Lincoln for the enchanting destination of Baird Bay, located in the northwest region of the Eyre Peninsula. Along the way, your guide will stop at secret spots offering stunning coastal views, including Elliston and Venus Bay.

The day's highlight is a short boat ride aboard the 14-seater 'Neo-phocus' to Jones Island, where you will swim with Australian Sea-lions. The island hosts over 120 sea lions and various native birds, including White-faced Herons and Australian Pelicans. You'll experience the playful and agile sea lions up close, an encounter often rated among the top 10 things to do in Australia. Afterwards, the boat ventures into deeper waters for a swim with resident Bottlenose dolphins, where you can hear their high-pitched chatter. After lunch on the Baird Bay beach, you visit the Talia caves, with their etched limestone roof and stunning ocean views. Finally, you enjoy breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the rugged cliffs of the Great Australian Bight from Cummings Monument.

Perth & Shoalwater Islands - Shared Tour

Day 38: Perth. On arrival into Perth from Port Lincoln, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. 

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 39: 3 Islands Snorkel. Embark on an unforgettable wildlife snorkelling expedition in the stunning Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, visiting top snorkelling spots around Penguin, Seal, and Bird Islands. Your adventure begins aboard the Sealion Express, a multi-level cruise vessel designed for comfort with room for up to 24 passengers. The eco-friendly boat features low engine noise and minimal vibration for a serene experience.

Equipped with wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices, you'll explore the Marine Park's rugged limestone coastlines, reefs, and seagrass meadows, home to Smooth Stingrays, Southern Eagle Rays, Western Rock Octopuses, Pink Snapper, and Banded Sweep. The highlight of your trip is interacting with the world's rarest sea lions, known for their playful and curious nature. In addition to swimming with these marine mammals, you might also encounter wild Bottlenose Dolphins and seabirds like cormorants, Australian Pelicans, Terns, and Ospreys.

The adventure concludes with a VIP gourmet luncheon featuring a seafood grazing platter tailored to your preferences, served upon returning to Mersey Point.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 40: Dolphin Swim.  Your journey begins in Rockingham aboard the luxury Apollo 3, where the crew will outfit you with a wetsuit, mask, and snorkel. After an introductory briefing, you'll cruise through Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, home to around 200 Bottlenose Dolphins that have developed trust with the Perth Wildlife Encounters team. It usually takes 20-60 minutes to locate the dolphins.

Onboard snorkelling lessons will prepare you for the experience. Once dolphins are spotted, you'll head to the swim deck, don your gear, and enter the water in small groups of up to seven people, each led by a guide using an aqua scooter. The vessel features a large rear swimming platform with easy access.

You'll be surrounded by playful dolphins, with their behaviour on their own terms, leading to an exceptional success rate. The experienced crew is adept at helping nervous swimmers, so no prior snorkelling experience is needed. For non-swimmers, a spectator option allows you to enjoy the dolphins from the boat, sharing the experience with friends and family.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Bremer Bay - Shared Tour

Day 41: Perth & Albany. Take your flight to the beautiful coastal city of Albany. Stroll through the historic maritime town of Albany, discovering convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships, settlers' cottages, and grand National Trust homes. Later, unwind at one of the area's beautiful beaches like Middleton Beach or Salmon Beach. In the afternoon, visit Torndirrup National Park to witness the Indian Ocean clashing with blowholes and rock formations, especially at 'The Gap.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 42: Bremer Canyon (March, April). Today, you'll embark on a premier whale-watching expedition to the Bremer Canyon, renowned for its annual return of over 100 Killer Whales (Orcas) from December to April. This unique location is the only place in Australia where you can consistently encounter Killer Whales in the wild.

Following an early morning transfer from Albany, board the Naturaliste Charter's long-range vessel, designed for the Southern Ocean, for an 8:30 am departure. As you cruise from Bremer Bay, enjoy views of scenic bays, cliffs, and turquoise waters before reaching the deep blue Southern Ocean. Look out for dolphins, Australian Sea-lions, and seabirds along the way.

The expert crew will present an engaging multimedia overview of Killer Whale biology and marine life. After a 1.5-hour journey, you'll arrive at Bremer Canyon to search for Orcas. The canyon is a seabird hotspot, with species such as Flesh-footed Shearwaters, Wilson's Storm-Petrels, and Wandering Albatrosses. If fortunate, you might see seabirds feeding on remains of Orca kills. After returning to the marina, drive to Albany. Please note a three-day pass that entitles you to take three Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions is available for those wanting multiple days to observe this phenomenon.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 43: Perth. Take a flight back to Perth and then onto Learmonth.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Ningaloo - Shared Tour

Day 44: Ningaloo Deluxe Whaleshark Swim. You will have the opportunity to swim with the Whaleshark, one of the world’s greatest interactive marine encounters. Instruction will be given on how to best approach and swim with the Whale Sharks so that the encounter with the world’s largest fish is a truly memorable one. At least one guide will be in the water with guests at all times during the swim. Throughout the day the on-board marine biologist will share interesting information about the Whale Sharks, how to identify the gender of the animal, typical behaviours, feeding patterns, how to take photos and more. Sightings of Bottlenose and Australian Humpback Dolphins are relatively frequent, with a keen eye occasionally spotting Dugongs as they surface to take a breath.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Mega Fauna Swim (Aug-late October): A staggering 30,000 west coast Humpback Whales migrate through the Exmouth and Ningaloo region and start to rest after their long migration from the Antarctic. Mothers will typically move their calves into the Gulf area at Exmouth over these months, to fatten them up for their lengthy return journey south. Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo have been given the authority to provide guided swims with these amazing creatures under strict parameters and conditions, and today you will join them. A small group of just seven guests heads out with a guide & videographer to record one of the most special intimate encounters of the ocean. Following this, enjoy a snorkel on the reef to enjoy the amazing tropical fish, rays, turtles and corals.

Relax and enjoy the ride as you travel from Exmouth Marina to wherever the Humpback Whales are! Witness the whales in their natural habitat as your experienced crew teaches you all about these fantastic creatures. 

Day 45: Ningaloo Outer Reef Snorkel. Discover the wonders of the Muiron Islands and Ningaloo Marine Park, regarded as one of the most beautiful underwater wilderness areas in Australia. Upon cruising out across the pristine waters, you will spend the day exploring different snorkel and dive sights accessible by boat only, with Dolphins, Rays and Turtles all regular encounters. Snorkellers will be delighted to see colourful tropical fish including Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish and Anemonefish amongst the spectacular coral bombies.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 46: Darwin. Take a flight back to Perth and then onto Darwin.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available* 

Kakadu & Arnhemland - Private Tour

Day 47: Fogg Dam. After pickup in Darwin, your first stop is Fogg Dam Reserve, known for its year-round water coverage which assures its position as an important feeding and roosting site for a wide variety of waterbirds & savanna wood-land birds - including Forest and Azure Kingfishers, Magpie Geese, spoonbills, egrets, ibis, herons, Whistling, Black & Brahminy Kites and cormorants. 

The next stop is the picturesque Leaning Tree Lagoon, often covered in water lilies, making it a favourite for photographers and birdwatchers. Here, you can capture the iconic Comb-crested Jacana before enjoying lunch. The final destination is Cooinda for the renowned Yellow Water Cruise in Kakadu. This pristine billabong is teeming with wildlife, including Saltwater Crocodiles, White-bellied Sea Eagles, and over 280 bird species such as Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Ducks, Black-necked Storks, and Azure Kingfishers. The cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe this diverse ecosystem up close. 

Accommodation: Lords Private Camp

Day 48: Kakadu National Park. This morning at Lord's private campsite, you'll have the chance to observe early morning birds in the savanna woodland, including Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Little Corellas, Blue-winged Kookaburra and with some luck, the Great Bowerbird near its bower. After breakfast, head to the southern end of Kakadu National Park, known for its ancient ridges formed by volcanic activity. These ridges divide woodlands and lead to pristine waterfalls and plunge pools. A one-kilometre walk through the sub-monsoon rainforest leads to Maguk Falls, where you can enjoy an optional refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. The area is also home to unique plants like the Salmon Gum and Yellow Bladderwort orchid. Birdwatchers may also spot the Rainbow Pitta, Black-breasted Buzzard, and other species during the visit.

Accommodation: Lords Private Camp

Arhhem Land - Private Tour

Day 49: Arnhem Land: Today, you have the privilege to visit Aboriginal Lands which Lords Kakadu & Anrhemland Safaris have a special permit to visit. Departing the Northern region of Kakadu National Park, cross Cahill's Crossing on the East Alligator River and enter Arnhem Land.

A 15-kilometre (10-mile) scenic drive to the Gunbalanya Aboriginal community provides some of the best driving views in the Top End with floodplains, billabongs & the Arnhem Land escarpment. This is an ideal environment to encounter the beautifully coloured Rainbow-bee Eaters, Long-tailed Finches, Whistling Kites, various kingfishers along with many waterbirds including Yellow-billed Spoonbills, egrets, ibis, herons and Magpie Geese.

Upon arrival at Gunbalanya, the group will visit the Injalak Arts Centre. Here you have the opportunity to meet and watch traditional local artists in action. Established in 1989, Injalak Arts is an Aboriginal organisation supporting the production of quality Aboriginal art. Today, Injalak artists produce authentic art inspired by ancient dreamtime stories, images from nearby rock art galleries and an unbroken link between the present generation of Kunwinjku people and their ancestors.

The area includes the flood plains of the East Alligator River that are covered by water from December to April and a rocky sandstone plateau rising up to 200 metres above the plains. The stone country of the Arnhem Land plateau was laid down 1650 million years ago and today provides habitat for species such as the Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon, Brolga, numerous species of duck, heron, wood-land birds, Black & Brown Falcons, Sandstone Thrush, Channel-billed Cuckoos and Pheasant Coucals. The group returns to Darwin at approximately 5:00 pm. 

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*