Welcome to the ATHS Outback Adventure!
Summary | Detailed Itinerary | Australia Information |
UPDATED 9 July 2019
August 27 – September 14, 2020
19 days – 3 States
17 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 10 Dinners
From the must-see city destinations of Adelaide and Melbourne, to the desolate Outback, Australia’s diversity brings captivating experiences of all sorts. In Australia, encounter windswept deserts that blow across rustic towns where locals chat about art and politics at the corner pub. And, stumble upon cities that come alive with the sights and sounds of culture and cuisine and fall asleep to the sounds of wonderful wildlife.
Tuesday, August 25, 2020: Depart USA for Alice Springs, Australia
Today you will depart for the USA for Australia! This is an overnight flight that crosses the international dateline so sit back, relax, and get ready for your ATHS Outback Adventure in Australia.
Flights TBD
Wednesday, August 26, 2020: Cross the International Dateline
Today is "lost" as you cross the international dateline, but don't worry too much… you will get it back on your way home! The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth's surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (Longitude) and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line, takes you back one day; traveling west, takes you forward one day.
Thursday, August 27, 2020 (D): Arrive in Alice Springs! – ReUnion 2020 Diesel Dust and Red Dirt
G’day – Welcome to beautiful Alice Springs, situated close to the very center of the vast Australian continent. Alice Springs is the country's best known 'Outback' town. Originally settled as a post along the Overland Telegraph route, Alice Springs today is a lively and laid-back town, with something for everyone. Alice Springs in the Red Centre is the second biggest town in the Northern Territory, after the capital, Darwin. The original Alice Spring, the permanent waterhole that became the key terminal for the Overland Telegraph Station in 1870, is still running, but the city that has grown around the well is now the vibrant hub of Central Australia. The Alice is also a major outlet for Aboriginal art, and contemporary paintings are exhibited in a number of galleries in the city.
On arrival at the Alice Springs Airport (noon arrival estimated) you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The day is yours to settle in, head over to the Road Transport Hall of Fame or rest up!
Dinner – This evening join us for a welcome reception as you meet your traveling mates and reconnect with your ATHS friends.
Lodging – Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs - Includes Breakfast
National Road Transport Hall of Fame Alice Springs ReUnion 2020 Diesel Dust and Red Dirt
The National Road Transport Hall of Fame was opened in 1995 out of a desire to preserve the history of Australia’s unique outback transport heritage. Lead by Liz Martin OAM, the museum is now entering its 25th year and has become an icon amongst the Australian Transport Industry with worldwide recognition. The concept of the museum was borne out of concern that most trucks from yesteryear were rusting away on rural properties and cattle stations. The museum has taken a lateral approach to the restoration of vehicles - their policy is to show vehicles as they were in their working lives, including the crude modifications and adaptations that "bush mechanics and engineers" had to undertake to ensure they could perform in Australia's harsh working environment. The vehicles are testimony to the trials and tribulations of Australia’s road transport industry's pioneers - Australia's unsung heroes covering all forms of transport, from the camel strings of old through to today's modern roadtrains and Stretchliner coaches.
The 2020 ReUnion is expected to draw over 1000 trucks from all across Australia. Your entry includes the museums as well as ReUnion 2020 truck show, memorial gardens and restoration sheds:
- Old Truck Museum/Hall of Fame – Displays include several world rarities such as the 1934 AEC Government Roadtrain, 1957 Rotinoff Viscounts and Kurt Johannsen’s legendary Diamond T and self tracking trailers.
- Ghan Train Museum – Highlights include locomotive NSU58, one of the first diesels to take over from the steam trains, a trinute to the cameleers who started it all and a collection of memorabilia from a bygone era.
- The Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame shows the diversity required for Kenworth to remain the leading truck brand in Australia. Highlights include the Grey Ghost, K125CR, the first KW to be assembled in Australia, the first K108 off the production line, and a variety of other Kenworths including Jim Hurley’s W Model with Jinker.
Friday, August 28, 2020 (B): Alice Springs – ReUnion 2020 Diesel Dust and Red Dirt
The day is yours to go to the Hall of Fame ReUnion Show or experience the town of Alice Springs.
National Road Transport Hall of Fame Alice Springs ReUnion 2020 Diesel Dust and Red Dirt – Transportation will run to/from the Doubletree Hotel to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.
Optional Desert Park Tour – A morning tour will be available for purchase to the Alice Springs Desert Park. Explore the desert landscapes of the Alice Springs Desert Park. Discover the unique birds, plants and animals of the Australian Desert. See the free-flying birds of prey, rare and endangered animals in the world’s largest nocturnal house. Experience a cinematic journey through millions of years of desert evolution in the Cinema. Wander through the Kangaroo enclosure and listen to the many Ranger presentations scheduled throughout the day. Meet the resident Dingo’s and take the morning at your own pace.
Kangaroo Sanctuary – On a late afternoon/sunset tour of the Kangaroo Sanctuary, get up close to an Australian icon, the red kangaroo. The Kangaroo Sanctuary shot to fame in 2013 when the TV series Kangaroo Dundee aired in England. Showing the daily life of sanctuary owner Chris "Brolga" Barnes, the series depicted the ins and outs of running a wildlife sanctuary and rescue center for baby kangaroos. Covering 90 hectares, the sanctuary is home to more than 25 kangaroos. We will walk the grounds and meet many kangaroos while learning about their care, just when our kangaroos are starting to wake from their day-time sleep.
Lodging – Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Includes Breakfast
Saturday August 29, 2020 (B,D): Alice Springs – ReUnion 2020 Diesel Dust and Red Dirt
The day is yours to go to the Road Transport Hall of Fame or experience the town of Alice Springs.
National Road Transport Hall of Fame Alice Springs ReUnion 2020 Diesel Dust and Red Dirt – Transportation will run to/from the Doubletree Hotel to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.
Optional West MacDonnell Ranges Tour – A full day tour will be available for purchase if you wish to visit the West MacDonnell Ranges. You will travel west from Alice Springs following the spectacular ranges. Pass the John Flynn Memorial (founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service). Our first stop is at Simpson's Gap with its beautiful red gums. Continue to Angkerle (Standley Chasm). Walk along the stony watercourse lined with cycads, ghost gums, and acacias.
Optional Museum Tour – A half day tour will be available for purchase if you wish to visit The National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame - a museum located in the former Alice Springs Gaol (jail). It aims to recognize the place of women in history, and particularly the role of women in Australia's development. It recognizes "any woman who is a pioneer in her chosen field from settlement to present day".
Dinner – This evening we will have dinner at a local restaurant.
Lodging – Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Includes Breakfast
Sunday, August 30, 2020 (B,L,D): Alice Springs – ReUnion 2020 Diesel Dust and Red Dirt
Sunday morning we will head out to watch the ReUnion 2020 Diesel Dust and Red Dirt truck parade. Thousands of people line the Stuart Highway to watch what trucking enthusiasts have dubbed the largest transport parade in Australia. More than 500 trucks are expected in the parade, more than 5 miles long.
After the parade we will have lunch at a local restaurant before the afternoon tour.
Alice Springs Town Afternoon Tour – We will visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service and learn how this marvelous facility operates to provide a “Mantle of Safety” to the people of the outback. See how routine medical clinics are provided to isolated outback areas. We also call in at the “School of the Air”. The School of the Air is a unique Australian Correspondence school using a combination of traditional correspondence teaching methods complimented by cutting edge technology. Finally take in a panoramic view of Alice Springs from ANZAC Hill Memorial lookout. From the top one can see over the modern Alice Springs Township and beyond to the McDonnell Ranges that form a southern boundary to the town.
Dinner – This evening we will have dinner at a local restaurant.
Lodging – Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Includes Breakfast
Monday, August 31, 2020 (B,L): Alice Springs to Kings Canyon
Depart from Alice Springs and travel to one of central Australia’s most thrilling places, Kings Canyon.
On the way, we will stop for lunch and at Kings Creek Station. Originally vacant crown land, the station now runs cattle and is the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia. Learn the intriguing story of owners, Ian and Lynn Conway, and their dedication to Aboriginal children in the region's remote communities.
Optional Kings Creek Station Tour – A cattle station buggy tour will be available for purchase. ($ - Limited availability)
Optional Kings Creek Hike – On arrival in Kings Canyon, you may take a gentle 1.6-mile hike that follows a trail between the two sheer walls of the canyon. The walk meanders up the centre of the canyon to a lookout point which affords a view of the sheer cliff face at the end of the canyon.
Kings Canyon Helicopter Tour – Enjoy a 15-minute helicopter flight as you take in panoramic views over Kings Canyon, the Domes of the Lost City and the Garden of Eden, then along Kings Creek and over to Carmichael Crag. With most of these picturesque locations being inaccessible by ground, your flight will give you uninterrupted views of this stunning location and an experience you are likely never to forget.
If time permits, head over to the Sunset Viewing Platform and watch the canyon come alive with color.
Today’s drive is approximately 5 hours or 300 miles.
Lodging – Kings Canyon Resort, Includes Breakfast
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 (B,L,D): Kings Canyon to Ayers Rock
Optional Tour Kings Canyon Guided Rim Walk – You may choose to enjoy a guided walk to the rim of Kings Canyon for spectacular views of Watarrka National Park. This 4-hour hike takes you into the stunning landscape of Australia's Red Centre, with sandstone cliffs, caves, and chasms that hide lush waterholes. The hike is ideal for people with a good level of fitness who can hike 4 miles and climb 500 steps.
Dinner – Pioneer BBQ is a do-it-yourself BBQ with traditional Aussie charm. Select your preferred cut of meat or fish including steaks, kangaroo, emu sausages and barramundi and then cook it yourself. Help yourself to accompanying side dishes including a salad bar, jacket potatoes and dessert.
Today’s drive is approximately 3.5 hours or 190 miles.
Lodging: Desert Gardens Hotel, Includes Boxed (To-Go) Breakfast
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 (B,L): Ayers Rock to Coober Pedy
Sunrise Tour and Kata Tjuta – First we go to the Uluru sunrise viewing area. Watch the first rays of the sunrise set the Red Centre alight. We then travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. View the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations.
Our journey continues further south today along the Stuart Highway to Coober Pedy.
Today’s drive is approximately 8 hours or 455 miles.
Lodging – Desert Cave Hotel (limited underground rooms), Includes Breakfast
Thursday, September 3, 2020 (B,L): Coober Pedy
The opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy is also renowned for its underground shops and dwellings, called 'dugouts', which provide shelter from the extreme daytime heat.
Coober Pedy Town Tour – Tour the town, hear about its history and the life in Coober Pedy. You will visit the Coober Pedy sign, Tom’s Working Opal Mine that includes a tour which will demonstrate how to use the tunneling machine, auto bucket, bosun winch and jack hammers. You will also see the opal seams in the wall. We visit the spectacular Breakaways, Moon plains, and the famous dog fence. Be awed by the Serbian Underground Church - its architecture and stone carvings.
Lodging: Desert Cave Hotel, Includes Breakfast
Friday, September 4, 2020 (B,L,D): Coober Pedy to Port Augusta
We will make a stop at Woomera, a Rocket Park where actual rockets and aircraft used in tests are on display. All but a few have been faithfully restored to their former glory, including the Black arrow, which was launched many times between 1969 and 1972, the last launch put into orbit a Prospero satellite that is still circling the Earth today. There are also Jabiru, and Black Knight rockets, and a Meteor Mark 7 training aircraft which was used against German V-1 rockets. This particular aircraft joined the RAAF in 1951 and was stationed at Woomera in 1960. A Canberra bomber and a Jindivik target plane are two more of those on display.
We also make a stop to stretch our legs at Lake Hart (a large salt lake). The lake was once the site of a salt mine with an old stockpile visible along with wooden infrastructure from the small rail line that was built to run the salt harvesting machinery.
Today’s drive is approximately 5 hours or 335 miles.
Dinner – This evening dinner transfer to a local restaurant.
Lodging: Majestic Oasis Apartments Hotel, Includes laundry facilities in room
Saturday, September 5, 2020 (L,D): Port Augusta to Adelaide
Enjoy breakfast on your own before we head to Adelaide via the Clare Valley.
Mid-morning we will travel to the beautiful Clare Valley for lunch on our way to Adelaide. Before arriving at the hotel we will have a short city highlights tour. Experience the cosmopolitan life of Adelaide on this city tour, taking in Adelaide's main attractions and points of interest. The city is noted for its many festivals, its food, wine and culture and its long beachfronts. Discover superb architecture, cultural boulevards, surrounding parklands and wide streets, and then you'll appreciate why Adelaide has been ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world.
Today's drive is approximately 4 hours or 200 miles.
Dinner – This evening we will have dinner at a local restaurant.
Lodging – Pullman Adelaide, Includes Breakfast
Sunday, September 6, 2020 (B,L): Adelaide
Depart Adelaide this morning and head to Mount Lofty Summit, the majestic peak of the Mount Lofty Ranges in the Adelaide Hills, rising more than 2300 feet above sea level, providing spectacular panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline to the coast. Then to our next stop at Hahndorf Village. Hahndorf is a small town in South Australia, settled by 19th-century Lutheran migrants, it’s known for its original German-style architecture and artisanal food. Visit the Antique Clock Museum, fudge shop, and Hahndorf Academy - home to the German Migration Museum. Spend some time wandering the streets before we commence our jourmey to McLaren Vale. Explore the jutting hills and carpeted valleys that are peppered with vineyards and picturesque colonial houses in McLaren Vale, before enjoying lunch at a winery. We then make our way to Goolwa, a historic river port on the Murray River near the mouth of the river and joined by a bridge to Hindmarsh Island. Stroll along the beach in the coastal town of Goolwa with a short stop at SA's greatest surfing beach, and as we travel towards Victor Harbor we keep our eyes open at Basham Beach during whale season. Victor Harbour is a coastal town which has a horse drawn tram cross the causeway to Granite Island. Visit the Whale Centre and Museum or take the tram to see Granite Island, home to a wild penguin colony. As the day comes to a close, we’ll stop off in McLaren Vale’s main street where you can indulge in some wine in one of the cafes and bars, grab a coffee, or explore the selection of artisan shops.
Lodging -- Pullman Adelaide. Includes Breakfast
Monday, September 7, 2020 (B,D): Adelaide to Mount Gambier
This morning you may choose to visit the truck collection or wildlife park.
Commercial Truck Collection – We will visit a private truck collection outside Adelaide.
Cleland Wildlife Park – A host will meet the group and provide a specially designed experience to meet some of Australia’s most loved animals including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, birds, dingos and wombats. Everyone will have the opportunity for a private koala encounter, to meet, pat, and hold a koala which is then photographed and given to you. The guided tour will include walking through one of our bird aviaries and visiting the Tasmanian devils and dingoes. Next, we will meet and hand feed the kangaroos and meet some of the other friendly inhabitants such as wallabies, potoroo’s and emus. After the tour you are welcome to explore the park at your leisure.
This afternoon we will head to Mount Gambier. Today’s drive is approximately 5 hours or 275 miles.
Dinner – This evening we will have dinner at Café Belgiorno in Mount Gambier.
Lodging – The Barn Accommodation, Includes Breakfast
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 (B,L,D): Mount Gambier
Today we will spend the day in Mount Gambier to visit local collections and attractions. We will have lunch with Murray Langford. At the end of the day we will visit the Blue Lake, The Blue Lake is a large monomictic, crater lake located in a dormant volcanic maar and is one of four crater lakes on Mount Gambier maar.
Dinner – This evening we will have dinner at The Barn Steakhouse in Mount Gambier.
Lodging – The Barn Accommodation, Includes Breakfast
Wednesday, September 9, 2020 (B,L): Great Ocean Road
Today we join the Great Ocean Road with great views of golden sand beaches, sheer cliff faces, rugged surf beaches and lush forests. The scenery is stunning as the winding road hugs the coastline. We come first to the historic fishing village of Port Fairy. We pass the coastal city of Warrnambool and on to Curdies Inlet Peterborough, and arrive at the quiet, historic fishing village of Port Campbell for a stop. Continuing the journey we pass The Twelve Apostles and Lord Arch Gorge, spectacular coastal formations. Enjoy the amazing story of survival of the Loch Ard and visit its famous Gorge and Razorback Lookout. Over 50 ships wrecked along this rugged coastline, giving it the name 'The Shipwreck Coast'. We will go to Apollo Bay and enjoy lunch at the Apollo Bay Hotel. From Apollo Bay to Lorne this stretch of road is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. After you pass through Lorne follow the coastal road through Anglesea to the picturesque town of Torquay, recognized as the surfing capital of Australia. After Torquay you will now be following the western edge of Port Phillip Bay which will bring you to Geelong. Continue from Geelong along the freeway to cross the West Gate Bridge and arrive in the vibrant city of Melbourne.
Today’s drive is approximately 8 hours or 350 miles.
Lodging: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne, Includes Breakfast
Thursday, September 10, 2020 (B): Melbourne
Chapter Collections – We will start the day at Scott Hough's collection in Kilmore. We will stop at Robert Green’s in Lancefield, and then we will move on to Ian Lee’s place to look at his unique collection in Kyneton.
Optional Mornington Peninsula Tour – Today we will go to the Mornington Peninsula, a tucked away region just south of Melbourne boasting storybook scenery dotted with cute hobby farms, quaint townships and scenic coastlines. The Mornington Peninsula is brimming with boutique wineries, fruit orchards and historic attractions. First we’ll take in stunning ocean views from Arthurs Seat. Get your camera ready to capture some unique photos at the iconic Dromana Bathing Boxes. These famous beach boxes are a symbol of Australian summer, and their vibrant and creative designs will add an exciting splash of color to your photos.
Lodging – Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne, Includes Breakfast
Friday, September 11, 2020 (B,L,D): Melbourne to Echuca
Paccar Australia Kenworth Plant Tour – It's one of those things where you just have to see it to truly appreciate it. Such is Paccar Australia's headquarters and production facility in Bayswater, an hour or so east of Melbourne in the shadows of the Dandenong foothills. It's where Kenworths are made for Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea and it is, beyond any shadow of a doubt, the jewel in the Kenworth crown. We are fortunate to secure a tour to this amazing faciility.
Today’s drive is approximately 4 hours or 175 miles.
Dinner – This evening is a BBQ with the Exhibitors at the show grounds.
Lodging – Mercure Port of Echuca, Includes Breakfast
Saturday, September 12, 2020 (B,D): Echuca
American Iron and Australian Road Transport History Echuca Show – The ATHS Australia Chapter is holding its 14th Annual Truck Show. The feature this year is the Denning bus. Transportation will run to/from the Mercure hotel to the Rotary Park.
Dinner – This evening we will have a 2-course dinner on the show grounds, with entertainment.
Lodging – Mercure Port of Echuca, Includes Breakfast
Optional Things to see and do in Echuca (requires entry fees) –
- Get a glimpse of life in the late 1800s at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre. The port offers guided tours of the wharf, its hotel with a secret underground bar, and a historic sawmill site.
- Experience the magic of the mighty Murray river with Echuca Paddlesteamers, cruising onboard the PS Pevensey and PS Alexander Arbuthnot. Both are genuine old steamers, having worked the waters and tributaries of the mighty Murray River many years ago. As you take a ride on the boat down the river, you will learn why the wharf was crucial to the town’s development.
- Located in Echuca's Port Precinct in the old Police Station, the Echuca Historical Society Museum is shaded by ancient Moreton Bay Fig Trees looking over the River Murray and has priceless collections of the riverboat era and early life in Echuca.
- The Holden Car has a unique place in the hearts of all Australians. The Holden Museum in Echuca is dedicated to preserving the models and their memories. See around 50 vehicles that showcase nearly 70 years of Australia's Own, from original and restored motor cars, to unique prototypes, historic film footage, a photographic exhibition, as well as Holden and Holden Dealer memorabilia.
- The Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum will take you right back down memory lane with an unbelievable display of Aussie Icon paraphernalia including over 17,000 beer cans from Australia and around the world. You will see a huge assortment of iconic Aussie products and machinery like old petrol Bowsers, washing machines, a Coca Cola Collection, kitchen and laundry items and even a partially restored WW1 cannon. The Heritage Farm Museum has an extensive display of old farming equipment from the late 1800's including almost an entire range of Furphy farm water carts and horse drawn carriages including an 1890 Dabb and Co Royal Mail Coach.
Sunday, September 13, 2020 (B,D): Melbourne to Echuca
American Iron and Australian Road Transport History Echuca Show – Transportation will run to/from the Mercure to Rotary Park. After the show we will make our way back towards the airport in Melbourne.
Today’s drive is approximately 2.5 hours or 130 miles.
Dinner – This evening we will have a farewell dinner in Melbourne.
Lodging – ParkRoyal Melbourne, Includes Breakfast
Monday, September 14, 2020 (B): Fly Melbourne Onward
Your adventure concludes this morning. You will make your way across the skybridge to the Melbourne Airport to connect with your onward flight.
Morning or night flights may be scheduled to depart from Melbourne.
Itinerary Subject to Change
Last Update 9 July 2019
To Register for this trip please email Stefanie at santon@cruiseplanners.com
or Call 703.485.1488
