10 Day Adelaide to Perth Unleashed

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 - Flinders Ranges

DEFAULT PICK UP: Adelaide Central YHA (135 Waymouth St), 06:45am

Travel north to one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth, the Flinders Ranges. Venture to the bottom of Alligator Gorge and walk through the narrows and onto the terraces formed from an ancient seabed. After lunch we make our way along the eastern edge of the range towards Warren Gorge, stopping for a break in Quorn, home to the Pichi Richi Railway. On arrival in Warren Gorge take the time to explore! You may even get the opportunity to spot a Yellow-Footed rock wallaby, which is beginning to bounce back after almost being driven to extinction by introduced feral animals. Overnight bush camp in Warren Gorge this evening. (LD)

Day 2 - Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is home to some of Australia's most amazing wildlife. Our first stop today is Dutchman's Stern Conservation Park, where we take a spectacular walk to the top of the range for your first real look to the west. Back on the road we pass through Port Augusta, Iron Knob and a quick stop in Kimba (Halfway Across Australia) for lunch, before heading to Venus Bay for a coastal walk and the chance to spot dolphins surfing in the waves. This afternoon head to the magnificent Talia Caves and the Lake Newland sand dunes for a fun ride! Later this afternoon we arrive at Coodlie Park, our farm stay for the night. This evening our hosts take us on a unique nocturnal spotlight tour to look for some of Australia's most famous national emblems – kangaroos, wombats and emus! (BLD)

Day 3 – Surf, Sun and Seals

This morning we head out to find some of Australia's best waves! Tale a two hour surfing lesson with a qualified instructor. We then head to Bairds Bay, a sublime stretch of coastline where there is time to relax on the beach, swim, or go swimming with dolphins and sea lions. This incredible experience involves a 4-hour boat cruise to discover friendly wildlife and swim and snorkel amongst them (optional expense of approx $140).Tonight stay in dorm style accommodation with shared toilet and shower facilities. (BLD)

Day 4 - The Great Australia Bight and the Nullarbor

Today we see some of the most remote country on earth, as well as two of Australia's biggest icons, the Nullarbor Plain and the Great Australian Bight. After stopping briefly at Streaky Bay and Ceduna, we cross the 5320km dingo fence and head through the Yalata Aboriginal lands, with a stop on the way for a picture of the famous wombat, camel and kangaroo road sign. Take in the staggering sheer drop of the Bunda Cliffs, where Australia suddenly and dramatically ends and drops into the ocean. Between June and October lookout for Southern Right Whales breaching, rolling and tail slapping off the shore below. Tonight we set up camp at Koonalda Homestead. (BLD)

Day 5 - The Nullarbor

Head West across Australia's great plain as we cross the border into Western Australia. Visit the old town of Eucla, which struggled and lost its battle against the ever encroaching desert sands, before the reality of the Nullarbor Plain really hits you. This huge expanse of karst limestone features many hidden secrets, including the biggest underground lake system in Australia. Settle in for a big days drive across the plain, taking in Caiguna and the story of Skylab at Balladonia, before reaching our overnight bush camp. Enjoy stargazing in the great southern night sky this evening, you may even see a shooting star! Facilities are limited this evening, toilet facilities are available prior to establishing camp and first thing the next morning. (BLD)

Days 6 and 7– Esperance / Cape Le Grande

Visit the remote beach town of Esperance, before getting set to see some of Australia's most beautiful scenery in Cape Le Grand National Park. Here stunning blue seas mix with powder white beaches and the secluded bays allow us to stop and swims in what can only be described as a nature lover's paradise. In the afternoon we stretch our legs on a walk to Frenchman Peak, which provides a great overview of the Cape Le Grand's bays and beaches and views to the islands of the Recherche Archipelago. This area is too spectacular to experience in one afternoon so enjoy a full day on Day 7 to explore, take on scenic hikes, swim or simply relax on the beach. You might even encounter a kangaroo on the beach - it doesn't get any more Aussie than that! On Days 6 and 7 we camp overnight in Cape Le Grand National Park. There are toilet and shower facilities. (BLD)

Day 8 – Stirling Ranges

Today we head to the Stirling Ranges to explore the central southwest of Western Australia. Leaving the aptly named Lucky Bay behind, you'll be pleased to know that you haven't used up all your luck as more gorgeous country and a stop for a scenic hike awaits. We leave the day as flexible as possible and will choose a place to visit depending on the weather and season, such as seeking out an abundance of wildflowers in the spring or a forested area with flowing rivers and waterfalls in the heat of the summer. Tonight we camp in a private camping ground in the Stirling Ranges, including toilet and shower facilities. (BLD)

Day 9 – South West of Western Australia

Experience Western Australia's version of the Great Ocean Road along the southwest coast. The Natural Bridge and The Gap are just two of the highlights of the stunning coast, where nature has sculpted incredible granite formations that will have you reaching for your camera time and again. Explore the beautiful eco system of this area on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The area was once dominated by tall tingle forests and we get the opportunity to walk through the canopy of these huge trees almost 60m up in the air this afternoon. Tonight we bush camp in the southwest region, including toilet and shower facilities. (BLD) 

Day - 10 Perth

We finish our 4000km road trip by heading up the western coast via the surfer's paradise of Yallingup in the Margaret River region. Get the low-down on the underground world with a visit to the regions show caves. See the crystalline features of the stalagmites and stalactites up close and personal before getting some insight from real experts on the country, the local Aboriginal people. This is a great opportunity to find out about the changes that have happened in the local environment and get a totally different perspective on the culture of the south west. Travel towards Perth where your tour ends early evening. We recommend that you book a nights accommodation in Perth this evening for the opportunity to reflect on your journey over drinks and a meal with your fellow travellers (own expense). (BL)