This Nature Bound Australia journey along The Great Dividing Range is rich in natural history and bush legends and offers a variety of classic Australian walking holiday experiences through national parks of the World Heritage listed, Central Eastern Gondwana Rainforests and Greater Blue Mountains. In all, we visit 11 Australian national parks (NP). The Great Divide journey is conveniently accessed from the cities of Sydney and Brisbane, major international gateways to Australia and all the parks we visit offer splendid guided walks.

Primarily a New South Wales (NSW) guided tour, it covers part of the most extensive highland range and tableland country in the nation, which stretches 3200kms (2000 miles) from tropical North Queensland south to the alpine, high point of the country, Mount Kosciusko and beyond.

This is an Ecotour with fascinating variations in habitat, a landscape of remnant volcanic plugs, sub-tropical Australia rainforest, huge granite rock formations (second in size only to Uluru / Ayers Rock in Central Australia), grand escarpments and canyons, forests of ancient Antarctic Beech trees dating back to the Gondwana era, limestone caves and high country trails. All these present a diversity of unique native wildlife and flora, including rare and endangered species.

Also featured are historic and wealthy pastoral holdings, convict built and heritage listed villages and wineries. We pass through the territory of some legendary and notorious characters who surprisingly typified the early Aussie spirit.

The itinerary also includes a bonus visit to the world heritage Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island with its pristine beaches, waterways and towering forests, unique perched lakes, huge sand blows and every conceivable coloured sand..

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JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

From Brisbane (Queensland) to Sydney (New South Wales) or in reverse Sydney to Brisbane

These guided walking vacations commence (or finish) in Brisbane - located midway between and one hour's drive from the popular beach playgrounds of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

The Glass House Mountains National Park- one of three Queensland National Parks included in the first day of the journey, a landscape of 9 remnant volcanic plugs discovered by seafaring explorer Lieutenant James Cook in 1770 and located amidst a thriving tropical and exotic fruits industry. We'll walk to the summit of one and contemplate their discovery and the role the peaks played in local Aboriginal legend.

Ravensbourne National Park - nestled on the edge of The Great Divide, from which this journey takes its title. A delightful rainforest environment filled with palm gullies and abundant birdlife.

Panoramic patchwork vistas of the fertile Darling Downs and its Garden City of Toowoomba - one of Australia's most affluent and productive rural regions.

Historic rural homesteads and hotels - offering genuine Aussie country hospitality.

Queen Mary Falls National Park and the World Heritage Border Ranges National Park- abundant bird life with typical sightings of colourful king parrots, crimson rosellas, satin bower birds, golden whistlers and superb blue wrens.

Condamine Gorge - headwater to Australia's longest outback river system, the mighty 3,300kms Darling River.

Bald Rock National Park - we take a walk to the summit of Australia's largest granite rock, second only in size to the Australian icon, Uluru (Ayers Rock), the largest rock in the world. Enjoy 360 degree panoramic views across two states.

Girraween National Park - massive granite tors, pyramids, balancing rocks, forests and heath supporting an abundant, permanent bird and wildlife population. Spring time Australia wildflowers. Invigorating frosts and occasional snow in winter. Dawn, dusk and night time viewing of mammals and by day a selection of guided walks on offer to inspiring features.

Quaint tableland villages - stone fruit orchards and boutique wineries

Historic village of Tenterfield - birthplace of Federation and the marriage of Australia's most celebrated poet AB "Banjo" Paterson (Waltzing Matilda and The Man from Snowy River).

The Tenterfield Saddler - immortalised in the international hit song by Broadway entertainer and Tenterfield's favoured son, Peter Allen, . Insights into another time, another place when life wasn't easy, but it was good.

Bluff Rock - scene of a dark page in Australia's indigenous history

Waterfall Way and Oxley Wild Rivers National Park - rugged gorges and numerous waterfalls including Wollomombi, second highest in Australia and reputed to be the world's fifth highest. Nature's power and creation provides an awesome overview of ravines and gorges where Peregrin Falcons and Wedge-tailed eagles fly.

New England National Park - Grand vertical escarpment and panoramic wilderness views available from Point Lookout and trails leading us into the wilderness. One of the finer New South Wales National Parks.
World Heritage Listed rainforest, wide ranging habitats from sub-tropical rainforest to snow gum woodlands, ancient plant species and abundant wildlife thrive in a landform dating back 500 million years.

The stately charm, parks and gardens of Armidale - with its National Trust buildings, historic rural homesteads and Merino sheep studs

We pass through the village of Uralla and traverse the territory of a notorious bushranger, stage-coach robber, horse stealer and jail escapee turned Aussie legend who strangely avoided violence - Captain Thunderbolt.

The classified historic village of Stroud - built by convicts in the mid 1800's with construction overseen by a former Arctic explorer

Barrington Tops National Park - World Heritage Listed area. Mist shrouded ancient Antarctic Beech trees and evolution linked to the super-continent of Gondwana when Australia was severed from Africa, India, South America and Antarctica and started drifting north. Arguably, this was the single most influential natural event in Australia's history. Half of Australia's plant species, one-third of its mammals and birds and 23 endangered species of animals depend on this wilderness National Park. Our walking base is the thriving and picturesque village of Gloucester and nearby Gloucester Tops.

We travel through the fine wine production and thoroughbred horse breeding region of the Hunter Valley.

Greater Blue Mountains National Park - World Heritage Listed area. Chiselled sandstone escarpments and grand canyons reaching into a misty blue vista created by fine droplets of oil released into the atmosphere by the eucalypt forests. Once nature's impenetrable barrier to inland exploration, now a walker's mecca our guided walks covering historic mountain trails, passes and cliff face staircases, wilderness valleys, birds and wildlife. The historic mountain villages of Katoomba and Leura provide fine dining interludes.

Kanangra Boyd National Park - Cliff top wilderness plateau and expansive lookouts along the Kanangra Walls and into The Deep. Sandstone scenery and resilient heath on an inspiring and majestic scale.

The limestone wonders of Jenolan Caves - unwittingly discovered by a party tracking down and arresting a bushranger, hiding out in this, his mountain lair. There are more than 20 major and hundredsof minor caves in a belt of limestone 11kms long.

Sydney - We conclude our walking vacation in Sydney, the capital city of the state of New South Wales, the Olympic 2000 city, with its renowned Opera House and the harbour bridge stretching across one of the finest harbours in the world.

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WALKING ACTIVITIES

Day/Half Day walks planned for Bald Rock NP, Girraween NP, New England NP, Cathedral Rock NP, Barrington Tops NP / Gloucester Tops, Greater Blue Mountains NP, , Kanangra-Boyd NP,

Short strolls included in all travel days as we shift from one National Park base to another.

ACCOMMODATION

Selection from quality motels, environmental and mountain lodges and seaside holiday apartments, with private facilities.

MEALS

Main meals (BLD), morning and afternoon teas included on all days.

GETTING THERE

Each journey starts or finishes in Brisbane (or Sydney), both of which have major domestic and international airports and are a comfortable 75minute flight from each other. Qantas or Virgin have regular departures throughout each day.

DURATION

13 Days

DEPARTURES DATES

Our groups meet at the departure point the evening before, for final administration and a Meet 'n Greet function. Current listed departures include:

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT

All months are most enjoyable while seasonally it is cooler in May to August period. Spring wildflowers in September - October period.

PARTICIPANTS

Available to both independent travellers and groups.

Minimum of  8

INCLUSIONS

Meals as indicated, tour memento, National Park entries,accommodation twin share, transport and guide services, celebration dinner, local guide fees, various feature entries and travel extras.

EXCLUSIONS

Free time and personal costs. Optional activities elected by participants and not part of our guided journey. Personal travel insurances. Pre and post travel arrangements. Australian departure taxes. Food and beverages additional to those provided.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

HEALTH AND FITNESS
Walks on this journey require at least a moderate degree of fitness. They will range in duration from 30min to 8 hrs including breaks. Some walks on exposed granite slopes and constructed staircases across cliff faces will require normal caution. Tracks will vary fromthe well formed to moderately rough with rocks and tree roots to step over. You will need to carry a small day pack with essential provisions for the day ... More

WHAT TO BRING
On receipt of your confirmed booking and deposit we will forward to you general information and checklists relating to your preparationfor a comfortable journey.

WEATHER
This journey is conducted in high country with temperatures expected to be pleasant all year round but invigorating in our winter months (June-August) and at night.

Seasonal influences may cause slight variation to the program during winter months. The journey extends from a sub-tropical to temperate zone. Day/night winter temperatures could range from -4° C to 21° C (30° F-70° F) and summer 13° C to 30° C (55° F-86° F).

Expect rain to be intermittent but not prolonged, across the year, though Australia is a dry continent. The Great Divide can influence local weather patterns .

PRE AND POST TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS

Contact us if we can assist you with travel arrangements complementing The Great Divide Journey.

These may include the following suggestions:

FROM BRISBANE

Brisbane is a relaxed sub-tropical river city perfect for year round outdoor social entertainment and sits centrally between the popular golden beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast

Lamington National Park is 90min drive south of Brisbane.

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef are a comfortable 2hrs 15min. flight north

The tropical Whitsunday Islands are 1hr 30min. flight north via Mackay

World Heritage Listed Fraser Island and Hervey Bay are 2hrs 30min. drive to the north

Darwin and Kakadu National Park are 4hrs 5min. flight away

International Flights to New Zealand take approx 3 hrs

FROM SYDNEY

Sydney presents all the excitement of a modern city, a few iconic features being the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge climb, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Taronga Park Zoo

Regular flights are available to all other state capitals including Brisbane (75min.) and Melbourne (60min), also to Central Australia - Uluru / Ayres Rock and Alice Springs (3hr 15min)

International Flights to New Zealand take approx 3 hrs

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

We invite you to read the terms and conditions of travel with Nature-Bound Australia before placing a reservation. You will be asked to confirm your understanding of these details when booking. Participation in our journeys will be on the basis you have read, understood and accepted the terms and conditions ...More

PRIVACY AND DISCLAIMER

Our privacy and disclaimer statements govern the manner in which we manage and safeguard private information you supply us in enquiring of and participating in our journeys. Please read these before communicating with us ...More

ENQUIRE FURTHER

To enquire about a tour, please select the appropriate option below...

	Independent travellers
	Group travel organiser

PRICE ON APPLICATION

Our tours are offered on a near all-inclusive price basis with generous extras and are designed for the discerning traveller who is a collector of authentic experiences.

To find out more, click to see the online price on application form.

You may also care to email us with your specific requirements.

RESERVATION REQUEST

	1 - 4 people
	5 or more people

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