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Kookaburra: Complete itinerary

Coastal Hiking in Otway & Port Campbell National Parks · Cycling The Great Ocean Road · Secluded Camping · Beaches and Rainforest of the Southern Coast · The Twelve Apostles · Optional Helicopter Flight over the Twelve Apostles

Monday - Cycle Melbourne to Sorrento
(Cycle up to 60 miles/100 km)

We begin our trip by getting fitted with appropriate bikes, and cycling around the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's equivalent of Sydney's Harbour. We'll cruise past sandy beaches and pretty seaside villages such as Mornington, Dromana and Rosebud scattered along the Mornington Peninsula, before getting to Sorrento where we'll spend the night.

ACCOMMODATION: Sorrento lodgings (L,D)

Tuesday - Cycle Sorrento to Apollo Bay
(Cycle up to 70 miles/110 km)

Today starts with an early ferry ride across the mouth of Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff. From here we'll cycle along the Bellarine Peninsula, past the aptly named Surf Coast Highway. At Torquay we reach the start of the Great Ocean Road for an unforgettable ride with stunning vistas over the Southern Ocean - a world-class coastal road. There's even the chance to see Southern Right Whales during their migration. While the ride is strenuous today the scenery is well worth it! Tonight we'll spend the night in the charming fishing village of Apollo Bay before heading into the bush for the next five days.

ACCOMMODATION: Apollo Bay lodgings (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Begin Great Ocean Walk: Apollo Bay to Parker Hill
(Hike 13 miles/20 km)

Today we begin the Great Ocean Walk along Victoria's spectacular southern coast. This 60 mile/90 kilometre track stretches from the idyllic beach town of Apollo Bay to the magnificent Twelve Apostles, giant rock stacks which soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean. The track passes through dramatic landscape after dramatic landscape, much of which is inaccessible by vehicle. Our hike begins at the pretty cove of Shelley Beach. After crossing Elliot River we head into the old-growth forests for several kilometres, before descending to Blanket Bay for lunch. We then climb into the forest once again, where we are treated with spectacular views, before climbing up Parker Hill where we'll spend the night at the first of our restful campsites. After pitching our tents, we'll settle down around the camp fire with a cup of billy tea.

CAMPING: Parker Hill Campsite, Otway National Park (B,L,D)

Thursday - Great Ocean Walk: Parker Hill to Aire River
(Hike 10 miles/16 km)

Today we hike along the cliff tops and see our first views of Cape Otway Lighthouse. Built in 1848, it's considered to be the best collection of historic lighthouse buildings in Australia. We'll stop for lunch and to explore, before descending to Station Beach. We'll then detour to Rainbow Falls, a waterfall which flows from a spring in the dune limestone, forming a limestone deposit as it flows over the rocks. In afternoon light, water flowing over the escarpment forms a beautiful rainbow. We'll then walk along the beach for a few kilometres before heading into the coastal heath, and then descend into Aire River, our campsite for tonight.

CAMPING: Aire River Campsite, Otway National Park (B,L,D)

Friday - Great Ocean Walk: Aire River to Johanna Beach
(Hike 8 miles/14 km)

After waking to the sound of kookaburras laughing, we'll ascend back up onto the cliff tops. This spectacular walk continues along the cliff tops, surrounded by windswept coastal heath. The track then descends below the cliff tops, mountain goat style - spectacular but safe! We'll then detour to the protected beach of Castle Cove where we'll break for lunch beneath towering cliffs, and hunt for the dinosaur fossils which have been found here in recent times. After lunch we'll continue along the tops to Johanna Beach where we'll walk the last couple of kilometres along the sand, completing a minor river crossing before reaching our campsite for the night.

CAMPING: Johanna Beach Campsite, Otway National Park (B,L,D)

Saturday - Great Ocean Walk: Johanna Beach to Ryan's Den
(Hike 7 miles/13 km)

Today we head to dairy country! Hiking along old country roads, we'll reach the highest elevation of the entire hike. Here we'll be treated to retrospective views of the coast we've already covered - and a preview of what's still to come! After hiking past some quaint hobby farms and through old bush blocks, we return to the coast to hike along the length of Milanesia Beach before heading to Ryan's Den, a secluded cove miles from civilisation, and our campsite for tonight.

CAMPING: Ryan's Den Campsite, Otway National Park (B,L,D)

Sunday - Great Ocean Walk: Ryan's Den to Devil's Kitchen
(Hike 10 miles/15 km)

Today is one of the wildest and most remote days of the Great Ocean Walk, and the most dramatic too! We'll walk around two major landmarks, known as Cape Volney and Moonlight Head, before turning inland for a while into native bush, keeping an eye out for sleepy koalas along the way. We'll then rejoin the coast at The Gable's lookout before heading down to Wreck Beach. This beach earns its name from the two anchors firmly planted in the sand; the only remains of many ships wrecked on this treacherous coastline. For the last night on the Great Ocean Walk we'll be staying at the Devil's Kitchen campground.

CAMPING: Devil's Kitchen Campsite, Otway National Park (B,L,D)

Monday - Twelve Apostles & return to Melbourne
(Hike 6 miles/10km)

The final day of the Kookaburra trip is the most spectacular day of all! We visit Point Ronald with its beautiful sandstone cliffs, before walking the last few kilometres along the cliff tops where views of the Twelve Apostles abound as we draw closer. The Great Ocean Walk ends officially at the historic Glenample Homestead, where we'll celebrate the completion of our walk with some cold drinks and lunch - perhaps even a beer or two! After lunch we'll head to the Twelve Apostles to see these ancient formations for ourselves. The Twelve Apostles were created by the Southern Ocean eroding the limestone over millions of years to leave towers over 130 feet/45 metres high, surrounded by impressive cliffs over 200 feet/70 metres high. They are a sight to behold! An optional extra today is a scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles coast itself - just let us know during the trip if you're keen.

We'll then return to Melbourne in the late afternoon. Unlike many of our trips the Kookaburra trip ends in the early evening, so we recommend staying on in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne for at least a night or two. Melbourne is one of Australia's most interesting cities, with all sorts of cultural entertainment. It's relatively easy to get around, and we recommend staying here for a couple of days to wind down after all the activity if you have the time. (B,L)

IMPORTANT DETAILS

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Kookaburra is a demanding activity-oriented trip along the Melbourne coast. For the first two nights, it's quite comfortable and luxurious. For the remainder of the trip we'll be staying at very basic campsites. This trip has a much different character to most of our trips, but you'll find each campsite a comfortable place to hang out at the end of the day. Our clients often say a real highlight of the trip is sleeping under the stars each night. You'll love the places we stay!

FITNESS : You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on the Kookaburra - it's one of our most intense trips . You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience are not important. We would rather have a person in her 50s who hikes or cycles every couple of weeks than a 22-year-old couch potato! If you're concerned about your fitness level, have a chat with us so we can help you choose between the Kookaburra and our other trips.

EXPERIENCE : You don't have to have any outdoor experience at all to take our trips because we help you make the most of Australia's incredible outdoor environment. Our staff are highly trained and very experienced outdoor guides, and we will look after you! You don't need to have ever done any cycling to enjoy this activity with us. All we ask is that you are energetic, enthusiastic, and in reasonable shape, and we guarantee you'll have an incredible time. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government licenses.

FLEXIBILITY : Because of the off-the-beaten-path and non-commercial nature of the places we stay, we may need to change a night stop. We try to make as few changes as possible, but retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be. Some of our activities are weather dependent and if it's a choice between safety and an activity, your safety will always come first. In these cases we'll have a suitable alternate activity.

INCLUDED : The trip fare is US$1999 + applicable taxes and fees. We quote all prices in US dollars, so our guests from all over the world can more easily relate prices to their own currencies. You can also join for shorter periods of time, at a pro-rated price. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:

•  All guiding services. We generally have two guides per trip, a lead guide/driver, and a co-guide who is responsible for meals and accommodations. This means we can really make sure you have a great time! We operate with small groups, and we don't hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full. (Click here to read what our previous clients have said about their guides)

•  Comfortable accommodations for the entire period you are with us (see "Accommodations" above). We can organize extra accommodation for you, if you want to arrive earlier or leave later.

•  All your meals (as indicated), except where we've found people prefer to check out the wide range of local restaurants. (B,L,D) means breakfast, lunch & dinner included. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there!

•  All hiking and cycling activities as described in the itinerary, except optional extra activities, such as the scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles coast. We have estimated the rates for optional extra activities run by local operators in US dollars, but these rates may vary according to the USD/AUD exchange rate of the day. There are many optional activities available at extra cost along the way - just ask your guide. None of these activities are compulsory, and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you do the more budget options. Although some people enjoy sampling the optional extras , others prefer to focus more on the hiking and cycling which is of course the reason you've chosen the Kookaburra in the first place!

All specialized equipment required for all activities - please refer to our gear list for further details.

We'll see you soon!

Itinerary valid though April 2007