So here it is. The detail of my planned trip around Australia. . .

I leave Melbourne on the 3rd Feb with ‘Groovy Grape Getaways’ and take a 3 day 2 night trip to Adelaide:

http://www.groovygrape.com.au/great-ocean-road-tour.php

Departs Melbourne - One of the world's best coastal routes blended with the beauty and history of the Grampians National Park, you have one of the best tours in Australia.

Now the info below is actually back to front (i.e. Adelaide to Melbourne) but it’s the same itinerary, just the other way round. . . You’ll get the drift?!?!

Day 1

Departing Adelaide we cruise through the Adelaide Hills towards a mid morning stop at Keith Bakery. We have lunch at Mt. Arapiles then on to the Grampians National Park. Discover an Aboriginal art site, hike to the bottom of Mackenzie Falls, and see the breathtaking views from The Balconies. In the late afternoon, take a stroll with the kangaroos and other wildlife. We stay overnight in the heart of the Grampians National Park in hostel accommodation.

Day 2

Visit Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, then spend a great morning hiking the beautiful Grampians. After a lunch stop, we head south to the Great Ocean Road. The Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge are some of the fantastic coastal scenery in this area. Finish the day with a sunset at the spectacular Twelve Apostles. Overnight is usually in a beach home at Port Campbell in the heart of the National Park.

Day 3

After an early breakfast, back out to the amazing coastline for some magic opportunities to photograph the Twelve Apostles in the morning light, before the crowds. Take a walk down Gibson's Steps to view the Twelve Apostles from the beach. Soak up the beauty of the Otway National Park. Walk through some of the oldest temperate rainforest in the world. A great place for a lunch stop. Marvel at the historical section of the Great Ocean Road carved by returned WWI servicemen. It provides one of the most spectacular coastal roads that you will ever see. Apollo Bay and Lorne are great places to swim, explore, or just relax with a cup of coffee. Anglesea, Bells Beach and Torquay (home of Rip Curl and Quicksilver) are all part of the famous surf coast with time to check out the local waves. We then head through Geelong to arrive in Melbourne.

Then I stay in Adelaide for 2 nights at the ‘Shapespeare International Backpackers’

www.shakeys.com.au

Before taking one of my favorite parts of the trip. 10 day 4WD Expedition from Adelaide to Alice Springs – ‘The Real Outback’.

Take a look at this link. . . It is gonna be awesome!

http://www.headingbush.com/new%20itinerary%20day1.html

I hit Alice Springs on the 17th Feb and stay there for 3 nights at the Melanka Backpackers.

http://www.headingbush.com/new%20itinerary%20day1.html

Which looks like a bit of fun!

I then head off again on the 20th Feb on another expedition towards Darwin. Taking 6 days and including Kakadu National Park.

http://www.adventuretours.com.au/index.php/tour/nt/06_day_alice_springs_to_darwin_incl_kakadu

Day 1 - Alice Springs to Banka Banka

Today we cross the Tropic of Capricorn, see the amazing Devils Marbles, visit an Aboriginal art gallery, stop for a swim (summer only) at picturesque Mary Ann Dam then pass through Tennant Creek as we head to historic Banka Banka Cattle Station for dinner and overnight camp.

Day 2 - Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge

Call in at the most famous outback pub at Daly Waters, have a swim in Mataranka Thermal Springs, then head to the magnificent Katherine Gorge for overnight camp.

Day 3 - Katherine Gorge to Darwin

Spend half a day at the spectacular Katherine Gorge (canoe, cruise or helicopter ride at own expense) before heading to Darwin via Edith Falls and Adelaide River. Overnight dorm accommodation included.

Day 4 - Darwin to Mary River

See the falls of Litchfield National Park then head to the Mary River Wetlands for an afternoon wildlife cruise. Enjoy dinner at our overnight camp at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge.

Day 5 - Mary River to Kakadu

We call in at Mamukala Wetlands then 4WD into the awesome Jim Jim Falls before heading to Twin Falls where we join a National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience through the gorge to the waterfall. We drive on to Kakadu for dinner and overnight camp.

Day 6 - Kakadu to Darwin

Our first stop is Ubirr to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art then head to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where we do some hiking and enjoy a refreshing dip in the plunge pools before returning to Darwin.

I then stay in Darwin for 2 nights. Think I may need it to get over my trekking?!? At ‘The Cavanagh Backpackers.

www.thecavanagh.com

Before taking a flight to Cairns on the 27th Feb.

Now then, are ya still with me or have you launched you PC monitor or laptop out the window? You could however, start writing your resignation letters and book some flights. . . hahaha!

Anyway, come on, stay with me, it gets better. . . I will now be out of the beautiful East Coast. . . .

So I have 3 nights accommodation in Cairns which is pleasantly split up with and 2 day 1 night trip to Cape Tribulation.

http://www.tropicsexplorer.com.au/cape_tribulation.php

“Cape Tribulation is famous as the place where the rainforest meets the reef, a wilderness area like no other.

This pristine region is a wilderness dream of lush tropical rainforests, tropical white beaches, sleepy rivers and breathtaking natural beauty preserved by World Heritage listing for future generations.

A haven for those wishing to pursue an alternative lifestyle, the freedom, untouched beauty and relaxing style of this region attracts nature lovers and backpackers seeking the perfect holiday escape. World Heritage reef and rainforest come together along this section of the northern coast - nowhere else are these two natural wonders side by aside and so accessible to travelers”.

Sounds beautiful. . . . Will send you some pictures!

So, 2 nights in Cairns, 1 at Cape Trib and then back to Cairns for another night, accommodation at Bohemia Resort, that looks quite nice:

http://www.bohemiaresort.com.au/

Next day I jump on an overnight Greyhound to Airlie beach, where I get to one of my other favorite parts of the trip. “Spank Me”!

Now don’t get too excited, that’s the name of the boat! An 82 foot Maxi racing Yacht! I have 1 night at Airlie Beach at Airlie waterfront Backpackers:

http://www.airliebackpackers.com.au/airliewaterfront/

So on the 5th March I take a 3 day 3 night adventure on the boat around the Whitsunday Islands, snorkeling, swimming and just having a great time out on a boat that I have always wanted to go on! Awesome, I cannot stop smiling!

http://www.ozsail.com.au/12243.htm

So after that little crazy trip on the boat, I jump on another overnight Greyhound to Rainbow Beach and stay 2 nights at Dingo’s Backpackers:

http://www.dingosatrainbow.com/page1.html

While at Rainbow beach I am booked in for a surfing lesson, should be fun!?!

I then take a 3 day 2 night self drive 4x4 trip over to Fraser Island and camp out on the biggest sand island (I think) in the world?!?

http://www.dingosatrainbow.com/page5.html

Then I head back to Dingo’s and am booked in for another 2 night’s, however on the 14th March I am Kayaking somewhere out to see the dolphins!

So on the 15th March I am free to do what I want, so gonna head further down the coast and see Sydney and Byron Bay. Not planned the detail there yet. . . Wanna try and keep things flexible!

The only thing is, I want to be back in Melbourne for my Birthday on the 24th March and also Emelie is coming over on the 22nd, so gonna chill with her for a few weeks and head back up the east coast taking in flights to Sydney and then on to Brisbane!

Blimey! Sound fun. . . . .

Catch ya laters!