Melbourne to the Red Centre (OAMR)
If you really want to get Down Under and experience Australia’s highlights without feeling rushed, you’ll have to get off the big coaches. Explore Melbourne before hitting the Great Ocean Road and cutting through the outback to the Red Centre. Here you’ll experience the mysteries of Uluru and gain insight into Aboriginal culture. When it comes time to bed down, shake things up with a variety of unique accommodation—from safari tents to underground hostels and even a traditional sheep station.
Highlights: Marvelling at the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, bedding down at a traditional sheep station, learning about dreamtime stories from the Aborigines, catching the magnificent colours of Uluru at sunset, exploring the Red Centre with a local guide
Northern Aboriginal Experience (OANA)
“Dreamtime,” the animist mythology central to indigenous Australian society, is a fascinating ideology that has helped shape the continent. This trip is just the ticket for curious travellers eager to learn more about Aboriginal history, culture and contemporary life straight from the people themselves. Up here in the north, you’ll study ancient traditions, learn how to spear-fish, wander the beaches and lush valleys along the Daintree River and embark on a life-affirming rainforest walk that will bring you closer to the land and the people who inhabit it than you ever thought possible. The dream is real, and it’s waiting for you to join it.
Highlights: Sleeping in a swag under the impressive southern night sky, spearing fish and cooking what you catch with Aboriginals, making your own Aboriginal artwork, learning about life in remote communities with a local host, exploring pristine coastal rainforests.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Red Centre Experience (OARC)
A great little add-on to a longer Australian adventure, this short-and-sweet journey to the famed Red Centre brings you close to the continent’s vast heart. Watch the sun rise over iconic Uluru, explore the curious domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta and gaze up in astonished awe at the 100-metre-high walls of majestic Kings Canyon while the locals share the secrets of indigenous Australian culture. If you’ve come all the way to Australia, it’d be a shame to go home without coming here first. Regret nothing.
Highlights: Enjoying the sunrise and sunset over iconic Uluru, exploring breathtaking Kings Canyon, hiking the impressive Valley of the Winds in Kata Tjuta, sleeping under the stars of the outback sky.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Up Top Down Under—Alice Springs to Darwin (OARD)
Skip the long bus drive and ride the rails through the scenic outback before heading into the remote Kakadu region for three days. Geared towards budget-conscious travellers who want to make the most of their time, this itinerary includes the highlights of the Red Centre and Top End. Here you’ll meet some of the locals, experience the mysteries of Uluru and gain insight into regional Aboriginal and European history.
Highlights: Riding the route of Afghan cameleers on the Ghan Train, gaining insight to Aboriginal art and culture, spotting crocs by boat in Kakadu National Park, discovering secret swimming holes and waterfalls in Litchfield National Park
The Rock, Rail and Kakadu (OARK)
For rugged natural splendour, the Australian outback is where it’s at. This journey into the remote regions of northern and central Australia brings you face-to-face with the land and the intriguing characters and wildlife that call it home. Majestic Uluru, sprawling Kings Canyon and the out-there landscapes of Kakadu National Park await your hiking boots, while the crocodiles and the mysteries of Indigenous Australian culture—as told by the locals themselves—are primed to fascinate. Adventure doesn’t get much more adventurous than this.
Highlights: Witnessing the majesty of Uluru at sunset and sunrise, hiking the Red Centre, stargazing at the impressive southern sky, riding the route of Afghan cameleers on The Ghan Train, learning about Aboriginal dreamtime stories, travelling to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kakadu National Park
Sydney to Brisbane Experience (OASB)
Think Australia’s out of your league since you’re short on time and cash? Nope! This quick and economical Sydney-to-Brisbane jaunt squeezes tons of excitement into a short time frame at a price that fits any budget. Fish with the locals, learn to surf and sip Australia’s viticultural bounty on the coast, then move inland to the outback to try your hand at gem mining and sheep shearing before overnighting in a teepee at a hippie commune. It’s Oz in a flash for a fraction of the cost.
Highlights: Tasting wine in the Hunter Valley, staying overnight at a sheep station and learning techniques from the locals, fossicking for gemstones, learning to surf in famous Byron Bay
Most of the Coast—Sydney to Cairns (OASC)
The route up Australia’s East Coast has earned its rep as one of the seemingly endless supply of must-do experiences in the country. The classic Sydney-to-Cairns route introduces you to both sides of modern Australia—the bright lights of the big city and the raw beauty of the outback. You’ll get to try your hand at dozens of atypical activities—everything from sheep-shearing and wine-tasting to yachting and snorkelling. And when you travel in small groups like we do, you really get out there into the wild to meet the locals and experience the land like they do. That amazing new frontier you’ve been looking for? Here it is.
Highlights: Tasting wine in the Hunter Valley, Sleeping under the stars and at a sheep station, Learning to surf in famous Byron Bay, Island-hopping through the Whitsundays, Cooling off in remote swimming holes, Snorkelling the world's largest reef.
New Zealand—The Bay of Islands (ONBI)
Nature lovers who leave the North Island without stopping in at the Bay of Islands will kick themselves all the way back home (and that’s a looooong flight). This 4-day trip to this outdoorsman’s paradise features ample time hiking the nature trails and makes the most of all that water with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and sailing. Not enough? A night aboard a houseboat should do the trick. We take care of all the fuss. All you have to do is have the time of your life.
Highlights: Walking amongst giant kauri trees, spending the night anchored in a secluded bay, fishing like the locals, savouring a traditional barbecue in Paihia town
New Zealand - North Island Encompassed (ONNE)
New Zealand’s North Island thoroughly engages the body and the spirit, often at the same time. This 10-day trip promises loads of both. Up here, you’ll learn Maori culture (and try your hand at bone-carving) straight from the source while bunking in villages in the bush and pick up some sustainable living tips on a conservation farm. Elsewhere, you’ll sea kayak in a secluded harbour, get a surfing lesson from an expert and camp out in a retro-style caravan. There’s much more, but we’ve gotta leave some surprises, right?
Highlights: Snorkelling in the beautiful Bay of Islands, surfing world famous waves, kayaking remote coves to discover hidden beaches, learning about the Maori culture in a village homestay, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek, dancing the night away in Wellington.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
New Zealand—Best of the North Island (ONNI)
Admittedly, we haven’t checked the numbers too closely, but we’re confident that New Zealand ranks among the world’s leading producers of excitement. This quick trip across the North Island jams as many thrills as permissible by law into seven electrifying, activity-packed days. Sea kayak remote waterways to secluded caves and beaches, learn to surf New Zealand's world famous waves, experience Maori culture directly from the Maori themselves and more, all in a breezy week that always feels full and never feels hurried.
Highlights: Surfing world famous waves, kayaking remote coves to discover hidden beaches, discovering a historic Maori village with a local guide, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek, dancing the night away in Wellington.
Best of New Zealand (ONNS)
Compared with their enormous western neighbour, the islands of New Zealand don’t look especially big on the map, but don’t let their small stature deceive you. There is much, much, much to do here, be it biking to old gold mining sites, kayaking remote coves and some of the most breathtaking hiking routes in the whole world. But if you’re short on travel dollars, fear not; this trip squeezes in the very best of both the North and South islands into an affordable, action-packed 21-day itinerary that moves swiftly without ever seeming rushed.
Highlights: Learning about the Maori culture, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek—the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, hiking Franz Josef Glacier, getting an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weaving through the remote fjords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, discovering Abel Tasman National Park by foot
New Zealand Encompassed (ONNZ)
It dosen’t look so big on the map, but New Zealand is positively massive once you’re there in person. This comprehensive 24-day trip—our longest in this part of the world—delivers the most immersive NZ experience possible. Get close to the land by exploring volcanoes, national parks, sustainable farms, and meet the water up-close on expert-led kayak excursions and during surf lessons. Best of all, you’ll get to explore the magnificent Bay of Islands, home to some of the world’s top fishing. 24 days? You’ll wish it was longer.
Highlights: Learning about the Maori culture, exploring the Bay of Islands, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek—the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, hiking Franz Josef Glacier, getting an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weaving through the remote fjords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, discovering Abel Tasman National Park by foot.
Buenos Aires to La Paz Adventure (SABL)
Breathe in the Incan spirit of La Paz and the tango palaces of Buenos Aires on one 2-week adventure. Connecting the Atlantic to the Andes, you'll journey across the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, feel like a sophisticate as you sip wine in Buenos Aires and pull back the curtain on the centre of the continent. Best of all, you'll do it in the company of other fun, young travellers. Don't choose between inspiring wilderness and urban sophistication—do it all.
Highlights: Discovering colonial cities and historic cultures, crossing the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion, feeling like a sophisticate while sipping fine wines in Mendoza, witnessing the stunning scenery and unique cultures of Northern Argentina, doing it all with other fun, young travellers.
Buenos Aires to Lima Adventure (SABM)
South America rewards those willing to explore. Consider this epic adventure: beginning in Buenos Aires and ending in Lima, it's 35 full days of fun. You'll hike the Inca Trail, cross the salt flats of Bolivia by 4x4, and feel like a sophisticate sipping wine in Argentina. Along the way, you'll engage with local cultures with a small group of other young travellers to back you up. For those willing to invest their time, this trip offers big returns—in adventure.
Highlights: Spotting condors at Colca Canyon, conquering the Inca Trail on the way to Machu Picchu, experiencing traditional life on Lake Titicaca, crossing the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4
Brazil and Argentina on a Shoestring (SAZD)
Experience the treasures of Argentina and Brazil in this jam-packed trip. From tango in Buenos Aires to sun and surf in Rio, explore two of the continent’s most vibrant capitals. Marvel at the majesty of Iguassu Falls and let its power engulf you. Our CEOs will take you to the highlights on a shoestring and then let you loose so you can really do what you want. You’ll stick to public bus, which not only keeps costs down but gives you a chance to really meet the locals.
Highlights: Sipping caipirinhas on the beach, savouring the sophistication and cuisine of Buenos Aires, marvelling at Iguassu Falls, wandering around colonial Paraty, living it up in Rio.
La Paz to Buenos Aires Adventure (SBLB)
Breathe in the Incan spirit of La Paz and the tango palaces of Buenos Aires on this 2-week adventure. Connecting the Andes to the Atlantic, you'll journey across the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the Uyuni Salt Flats, feel like a sophisticate as you sip wine in Buenos Aires and pull back the curtain on the centre of the continent. Best of all, you'll do it in the company of other fun, young travellers. Don't choose between inspiring wilderness and urban sophistication—do it all.
Highlights: Discovering colonial cities and historic cultures, crossing the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion, witnessing the stunning scenery and unique cultures of northern Argentina, doing it all with other fun young travellers.
Galapagos on a Shoestring (SEGS)
This 9-day adventure is perfect for those who want to experience the incredible wildlife and scenery of the Galapagos Islands but prefer to sleep on shore—so your time on the water is limited to commuting between islands. Go ashore at the lesser-visited island of Isabela and spend your days with playful sea lions, giant manta rays and the Galapagos giant tortoise. With fewer inclusions but plenty of options, you can choose which activities are right for you and experience one of the natural wonders of the world on a budget.
Highlights: Witnessing whitetip sharks at 'Shark Alley', travelling by public speedboats around the Galapagos Islands, feeling like a local during a family homestay, camping in the highlands of Isabela Island with views towards the ocean, visiting Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Quito to La Paz Adventure (SEQL)
Really discover what South America is all about on this epic 5-week journey through Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. This adventure truly has it all—the Pacific coast, the awe-inspiring Amazon and the archeological highlights and cultural treasures of the Andean highlands. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, tear it up on mountain bikes, raft wild rivers, catch big waves and get your adrenaline pumping on exciting optional excursions. With local transportation and authentic accommodation, this adventure offers an intense blend of included activities and free time to explore on your own.
Highlights: Experiencing traditional life in the Amazon, witnessing colonial cities and volcanoes, spotting condors at Colca Canyon, conquering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, settling in with the locals at a homestay on Lake Titicaca.
Quito to Lima Adventure (SEQM)
Discover the best of Ecuador and Peru as you explore the Andes, Amazon and Pacific coast on this 15-day adventure from Lima to Quito. Explore pre-Inca ruins, walk the colonial streets and get an introduction to the Amazon and its people with time in a jungle community. Tear it up on mountain bikes, raft wild rivers, catch big waves and get your adrenaline pumping on exciting optional excursions. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore these remarkable countries on your own and create the ultimate adventure.
Highlights: Mingling with Amazon locals during a homestay, getting active in Baños, exploring towering volcanoes and colonial cities, chilling out on the beach or surfing in Mancora and Huanchaco.
The Great South American Journey - Quito to Rio Adventure (SEQR)
Sometimes the slow road is the way to go. Hit the road from Quito to Rio with other young travellers and experience pretty much everything you can imagine in between. Hike the Inca Trail and discover the thriving Inca culture, cross the salt flats of Bolivia, dance the tango in Buenos Aires, and hit the beach in Brazil. This trip offers up lively cities, stunning scenery, and tons of adventure. 65 days, 7 countries, 3 nights in the Amazon and 1 adventure you’ll remember forever.
Highlights: Mingling with the locals at a homestay in the Amazon, spotting condors at Colca Canyon, conquering the Inca Trail on the way to Machu Picchu, experiencing traditional life on Lake Titicaca, crossing the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion, being awed by Iguassu Falls.
