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Well arrived at Singapore airport, really excited about meeting up with Louise, only to discover there were 3 terminals ! So made my way over on the sky train to find her, we missed each other and luckily had our phones, then managed to meet up, only to find our driver waiting back at my gate ! Oops, so we were about an hour late for the transfer but luckliy he waited. It was about a 30 min drive to the hostel and as it was already dark we got to enjoy the famous sights of Singapore at night.
We arrived at the Hangout hostel and i was really suprised with how fab it is !! Its clean, funky and pretty much like hotel except no free shampoo (stole as much as could from thailand hotels) and that they have a laundry room and a chill out area. So we had a look around and decided to head out for some dinner. It was really late so not much was open but we found a little food court. Lou went for BBQ chicken and i had noodles and chicken - didnt like mine though so i went and ordered sam as Lou :) Was only about $5 :)
Then we headed to the famous Raffles hotel, was gorgeous !! So ....ordered our Sinapore Slings (not looking at the menu) and they were delcious !!! Not sure you'd like Nic though as cherry ;) Then we had a guess at the price and settled on about $20...the bill came in at about $56 !!! ooops ! So beans for a few nights i think ! Was a fab experience though and we can tick that off the list :)
Had a good night sleep too, and breaky is included and i enjoyed yummy peanut butter and jam on toast :) Perfect and a cuppa :)
So for the day we decided to do a bit of shopping and sightseeing, originally we were going to get a hop on hop off bus, but was a bit pricey so we walked round instead ! There was a big mall which had a NEW LOOK !! amoungst others. We had a nice lunch i here too, satay & spring rolls :) Yum !
We managed to get a few bits we were after and then headed to the waterfront to the Singapore Flyer (like the London Eye)
Had a fab view and a taped tour too which was really interesting. Took a few piccies then my battery died !!! :(
Taxi back to the hostel and changed for our night Safari :) We were picked up at 630 and got chatting to two girls from reading / bournemouth on our mini bus and spent the evening with them. When we arrived i realised i had my good camera with me and NO MEMORY card ! I was not best pleased :( But we werent allowed flash photography anyway ! I also made good use of the litte sandy balls torch Mum & Dad ;) x
There was a tram ride through the jungle and we saw some fab animals. We also got off to walk through parts of it, which was really rather spooky as at one point there was a scream from behind and something jumped out ...somekind of bush baby !!
We got to walk through a bat enclosure and were about half a metre away from them, was amazing !! Hanging upside down & flying around.
Next day we decided to venture out on the MRT and see China Town & Little India, we had a mooch around and Lou got a pedicure :)
Just back at hostel now, awaiting our transfer to the airport then off to Darwin.
Have two nights there then we start our 14 night tour down the outback !!! :) Both really excited !!
The plan is below if anyones interested / bored xxx
Love to all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Day 1: Darwin to Mary RiverA refreshing start to your day; the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, followed by the spectacular Mary River Wetlands. Birds aren't the only wildlife abundant around here; keep your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we'll stay tonight. (LD)
Day 2: Mary River to Kakadu Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it's on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu National Park. (BLD)
Day 3: Kakadu to DarwinGet ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we'll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)
Day 4: Darwin to Katherine Gorge Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to Katherine. We spend the whole afternoon at the majestic Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk National Park. Experience the striking beauty while canoeing or cruising (at own expense) through the gorge itself. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD)
Day 5: Katherine Gorge to Tennant Creek Not far to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in a sparkling thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Next stop is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territory's oldest pub. Nearby lies Australia's first international airport, but you won't get a flight back home from here these days! After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we camp overnight at Juno Horse Farm. (BLD)
Day 6: Tennant Creek to Alice Springs This morning we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles, which balance precariously on their rocky perch. From here we stop in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph Station catch a glimpse of what Outback telecommunication used to be like! A visit to Ti Tree gives you the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists, before crossing over the Tropic of Capricorn to arrive in Alice Springs late in the afternoon. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)
Day 7: Alice Springs A FREE day to explore the sights of Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 8: Alice Springs FREE day to explore the sights of Alice Springs (all activities at own expense). Overnight accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)
Day 9: Alice Spring to Kings Canyon and UluruJourney deep into the remote 'Red Centre' as we travel towards Kings Canyon. There's a lot to explore here and we check out the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After lunch, we'll pass Mt Connor and Curtin Springs cattle station on the way to Uluru. Tonight, you'll be glad to curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) after dinner as millions of stars fill the sky. (LD)
Day 10: Uluru and Kata TjutaSunrise over Uluru is magical and it's an early start to catch it! While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) take a walk around Uluru's base (unguided), or climb to the top if you choose - however, the Anangu traditional owners prefer it if you don't. Gain a further insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the Cultural Centre, where you'll also have the opportunity to invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists. After refuelling with some lunch, we head to fascinating Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) to discover the secrets of this ancient landform and their spiritual significance to the Anangu. A glass of Australia sparkling wine is perfect while the desert sun sets over Uluru before returning to camp for dinner. (BLD)
Day 11: Uluru to Coober PedyWe go underground today! After breakfast, we head south through the rugged desert country into South Australia arriving into Coober Pedy in the late afternoon. Our bunkhouse for tonight is - you guessed it - underground. (BLD)
Day 12: Coober Pedy to QuornThis morning we check out the sites of Cooper Pedy on a town tour which includes an opal cutting demonstration and mine tour with the opportunity to try your luck 'noodling' for opals! We continue our journey south and stop at ancient salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea. We stop at the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and Pt Augusta before arriving in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. We stay two nights in private accommodation at the historical "Mill". Get ready for tonight's BBQ dinner - it doesn't get any more Aussie than this! (LD)
Day 13: Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound The Flinders Ranges has been recognised as one of Australia's National Landscapes and today you'll get to experience and explore this magical region! Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheatre located in a huge stone crater and you will spend the morning hiking and exploring its wonder! After lunch, it's a short walk to Yourambulla Caves to view Aboriginal rock paintings. Learn about the hardships of sheep farming in the mid 1800's as you view the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. As we travel back to Quorn, there's an opportunity to spot for the shy and elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby on a quiet stroll through peaceful Warren Gorge. Overnight at the Quorn "Mill". (BLD)
Day 14: Quorn to AdelaideEat a hearty breakfast, because this afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! We then say farewell to the "Flinders". Near the frontier township of Melrose we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Our last stop is in the infamous Clare Valley before arriving late afternoon into Adelaide. (BL)
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