Grand Aussie - Topdeck Tour

Our Aussie adventure kicks off in Sydney, as we cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and head north! We pass through Kempsey (home of the “Akubra” hat), before arriving at the pristine beaches of the Central Coast. Then it’s time to “hang 10” in the shimmering Pacific Ocean with our included surfing lesson, or just kick back and enjoy the natural scenery..

We hit the beach early for another surf lesson before heading up the coast. We check out Coffs Harbour and the “Big Banana”, before reaching Byron Bay, the easternmost point on the mainland. World renowned for its superb beaches and eclectic lifestyle, it’s a resort town so good some visitors have never left!

What to do with our full day in Byron? An optional activity such as sea kayaking, diving, or skydiving perhaps? Maybe you’d prefer to experience the arts and crafts of the local area, or take a walk to Cape Byron. Then again, the beach could be calling your name... Choices, choices!

Today it’s a short hop into Queensland and the gorgeous Gold Coast. Tonight we’re in Surfers’ Paradise, a killer cocktail of great beaches and the best nightlife south of the equator.

We arrive in Brisbane, capital of the sunshine state of Queensland, then it’s off along the Bruce Highway, past the Glasshouse Mountain range and catching the ferry bound for Fraser Island - home to the longest beach in Australia.

A full day visit to the world’s largest sand island, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fraser Island! We take a 4-wheel drive tour and guided rainforest walk followed by an Aussie BBQ lunch on the banks of stunning Lake McKenzie and time to try your hand at Stand Up Paddleboarding..

Today we’re off to the Outback. At our working cattle station in the bush we can watch a Goat Rodeo, feast on delicious camp oven tucker, and even try our luck on the mechanical bull! The scenery’s amazing and the hospitality is legendary.

Take an optional quad bike or horse ride before we depart to visit Rockhampton (or “Rocky” to the locals). We then overnight in the beachside town of Emu Park, where we enjoy a real Aussie favourite, a ‘reef & beef’ dinner.

Next we travel to Airlie Beach, resort town and gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Step aboard our racing maxi-yacht as we head in to the blue, then stargaze from the deck after dark. Bliss.

We’ve arrived in Paradise! After waking in a sheltered cove, we visit Whitehaven beach, a slice of blinding white-sand perfection. Soak up the sun, swim in the tropical ocean and snorkel over colourful coral reefs. You could even take a turn at the helm! Tonight we stay on an idyllic tropical island.

A whole day to explore the island’s unspoilt beaches and azure waters. Feed the Rainbow Lorikeets, relax by the pool, or hike the trails for scenic views, then enjoy Topdeck’s Sunset Cocktails and Canapés by the beach this evening!

We’re up early today, heading back to the mainland and Airlie Beach. From here we head north through Townsville, then to the city of Cairns.

A day you’ll never forget – we take a ‘Passions of Paradise’ catamaran cruise to the jaw-dropping Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel among the pristine coral in Michaelmas Cay and Paradise Reef, gaze at the abundant colourful reef fish and sea turtles, and enjoy a fresh cooked lunch on board. Tonight, why not toast our unforgettable trip with a night out in Cairns!

We end our time in Queensland with two free days to enjoy Cairns. There are optional white-water rafting, skydiving and horse-riding trips available, or you can simply check out the great shops and cafes.

Today we make our way to Alice Springs - the heart of Australia's Red Centre - where you'll meet your 'Territory' crew. The day is yours and you’re free to explore at your own pace. (Note: internal domestic flight included in tour price)

Welcome to the Northern Territory! Hit the ground running with a visit to a Camel Farm before travelling on to Ayers Rock. Reward yourself with a glass of bubbles as the sun sets over the different shades of Uluru.

Up early today as we make our way to the ultimate icon, we get up close and personal with the Rock as we walk the full base in the footsteps of the traditional owners. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and choose to splurge on a scenic Harley ride or a flight.

After seeing the ancient geological formation of Kata Tjuta, we explore its magnificent features during a ‘Valley of the Winds’ hike. After lunch we continue to Watarrka National Park, living the life of a jolly swagman as you sleep under the stars.

Hike the magnificent Kings Canyon, exploring the Amphitheatre, breathtaking North and South Walls, the Lost City and Garden of Eden. Following this travel on to Alice Springs.

After a day at leisure in Alice Springs, we pass the Tropic of Capricorn and stop at the Barrow Creek Pub, home to a telegraph station, where we can glimpse what outback telecommunication used to be like. Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), a site sacred to its traditional owners.

No visit to the Top End would be complete without a stop at the famed Daly Waters Pub, a classic outback roadhouse loved by travellers from around the globe! Later we stop at Mataranka in the heart of the ‘never-never’ where we can soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp near stunning Katherine Gorge.

We have a day to explore Katherine Gorge - optional canoe or cruise trips in the spectacular waters are available in season. Spend the afternoon absorbing the majestic Edith Falls.

Luckily the swimming areas we're heading to today are croc free! There's also the opportunity to add on a scenic flight for a brid's eye view over the escarpment that marks the borderline of Arnhem Land.

We take time to explore the surrounds of this remarkable World Heritage area. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr before we climb to the top of a lookout for beautiful views over the Nardab floodplain. Next we head to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) where a hike is rewarded with a reviving dip in the plunge pools. You’ll be asleep in no time once we reach our overnight bush camp in Kakadu.

An early rise sees us jump in 4-wheel drive vehicles and make our way to majestic Jim Jim Falls! We’ll hike to the falls’ base, before continuing on to Twin Falls. You might want to take in the beauty of the gorge and falls from the National Park-operated Boat and Boardwalk experience. In the afternoon we stop at Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about local Indigenous culture. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze as we journey back to Darwin, where our memorable trip ends.

Katherine Gorge is well known as a superb canoeing spot, so thats exactly whats in store for today. With its dramatic cliffs plunging down to the pandanus-lined Katherine River, the gorge is all yours to explore. Alternatively upgrade to an optional 3 gorge cruise to venture even futher. Then back onto the famous Stuart Highway to Batchelor, the gateway to the stunning Litchfield National Park.

National Park, pools and a picnic are the order of the day. In Litchfield National Park you'll see waterfalls, pockets of rainforests and beautiful pools. After lunch outdoors, we'll take a short drive back into the heart of Darwin where your tour will conclude.