Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Sydney
On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Darling Harbour (standard), Crowne Plaza Darling
Harbour (first class) or Swissôtel Sydney (deluxe), Sydney, 3 nights.
Day 2: City Sights - Cruise
Visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Travel to
Sydney's world-famous Bondi Beach. Stop at some of Sydney's most famous
photo opportunities including 'The Gap' at South Head, Seaforth with views
of Middle Harbour & the Spit Bridge. Visit Milsons Point for an up-close
view of the Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch while cruising
Sydney Harbour. Later discover the northern beaches including Manly. (BL)
Day 3: Blue Mountains
Visit the award-winning Featherdale Wildlife Park and pat a cuddly koala.
See our amazing Australian animals including, kangaroos, crocodiles, goannas
& possums. In Katoomba take a gentle bushwalk at Govetts Leap with
breathtaking views from the lookouts. See the Three Sisters rock formation
and enjoy views of the Jamison Valley. Ride the world's steepest railway -
the Scenic Railway, the Skyway Cable Car or the new Sceniscender Cable Car
(rides at own expense). (B)
Day 4: Sydney - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Fly to Ayers Rock. Explore Kata Tjuta (Olgas), followed by a barbecue
dinner.
Accommodation: Outback Pioneer Hotel (standard), Desert Gardens Hotel (first
class) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (deluxe), Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights.
(B) (HD)
Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Watch the first rays of dawn set the Red Centre alight watching the sun rise
over Uluru. There is the opportunity to climb Uluru and be rewarded with
spectacular views. Or, take a peaceful stroll along the Mala Walk. Then
travel to the Mutitjulu Walk to the Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock
paintings and learn about the Aboriginal & European history of Uluru. Visit
the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, before returning to your hotel. This
evening enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the sun set over Uluru. (B)
Day 6: Kings Canyon
Drive through the sandhill country towards Kings Canyon, stopping for
breakfast along the way (own expense). Continue on to Watarrka National Park
here you can make the rocky climb with your Guide to the rim of Kings Canyon
for marvellous views. Or, you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn canyon
floor, an easier walk.
Accommodation: Aurora Alice Springs (standard), Alice Springs Resort (first
class) or Crowne Plaza (deluxe), Alice Springs, 2 nights.
Day 7: Palm Valley
A 4WD safari takes you through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Hermannsburg,
an Aboriginal community and historic precinct, which is renowned for its
Aboriginal art collection and the works of Albert Namatjira. Then travel
down the bed of the Finke River into Palm Valley. See spectacular rock
forms, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. On your return
journey relax and enjoy watching the changing colours of the magnificent
West MacDonnell Ranges in the afternoon sunlight. (BL)
Day 8: Alice Springs - Darwin
This morning spend time with a local Aboriginal guide on an Aboriginal
Cultural Tour to gain an understanding of their unique culture. Fly to
Darwin.
Accommodation: Mirambeena Resort (standard), Darwin Central (first class) or
Saville Park Suites (deluxe), Darwin. (B)
Day 9: Kakadu National Park
Travel on the Arnhem Highway across the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains.
A wide selection of native wildlife has made this region their home. Stop at
Nourlangie Rock, where your Guide will lead a walk to view ancient
Aboriginal rock art. After lunch join our local guide for a cruise on the
famous Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the
colourful range of bird life for which this region is renowned. Visit to the
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Accommodation: Aurora Kakadu (standard) or Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn
(first class and deluxe), Kakadu. (BL)
Day 10: Kakadu - Darwin
Enjoy a spectacular cruise down the East Alligator River and go ashore into
Arnhem Land. Your experienced Aboriginal guide will share with you their
relationship with the land and their culture.
Accommodation: Mirambeena Resort (standard), Darwin Central (first class) or
Saville Park Suites (deluxe), Darwin, 2 nights. (BL)
Day 11: Litchfield National Park
On arrival at Litchfield National Park visit the main falls, where you have
the opportunity for scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest
walks. Visit Florence Falls with an opportunity to swim in the plunge pool.
Travel to Buley Rockhole (when accessible) then visit Tolmer Falls for a
magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole below.
Finally, to Wangi Falls for an optional steady climb to the top. During the
day we stop for a picnic lunch. (BL)
Day 12: Darwin - Cairns
Fly to Cairns. Afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Mercure Harbourside Hotel (standard), The Oasis Resort (first
class) or Cairns International (deluxe), Cairns, 3 nights.
Day 13: Great Barrier Reef
Cruise to the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef on Quicksilver's modern
wavepiercing catamaran. At Agincourt Reef spend time in the underwater
observatory or explore the Reef in the semi-submersible vessel. There is the
opportunity for swimming and snorkelling over the colourful reef (equipment
provided). Enjoy a buffet lunch. (BL)
Day 14: Kuranda
Join the famous Kuranda Railway for a breathtaking journey to the village of
Kuranda. Stroll through the famous Kuranda markets. Return to the lowlands
by the Skyrail Cableway above the Barron Gorge National
Park, a beautiful experience. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal
Park. Experience the History, Creative and Dance theatres where the legends
of the Dreamtime are brought to life. (B)
Day 15: Depart Cairns
You will be transferred to Cairns Airport to connect with your flight. (B)
Departs: Daily
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