Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Melbourne
On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.
Tonight make your own way to the famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant for a
delicious dinner on-board. Return to the hotel this evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Swanston (standard), Stamford Plaza (first
class) or Hotel Sofitel (deluxe), Melbourne, 3 nights. (HD)
Day 2: City Sights - Penguins
Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne. This afternoon depart for Phillip Island,
stopping at the Warrook Cattle Farm
en route to see sheep, cattle, kangaroos and Australian birds. Visit the
Koala Conservation Centre and observe the famous Penguin Parade, as the
little penguins march up the sand to their resting places. (B)
Day 3: Great Ocean Road
Travel along the famous Great Ocean Road and see dramatic coastal scenery en
route to Port Campbell National Park. See the seaside resorts of Lorne and
Apollo Bay, then view the Twelve Apostles, remains of London Bridge
and Loch Ard Gorge. Return to Melbourne via Colac this evening. (B)
Day 4: Melbourne - Alice Springs
You will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your early morning flight
to Alice Springs. On arrival at Alice Springs Airport you will be
transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of this outback town.
See the historic Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of
the Air, Alice Springs Reptile Centre and enjoy panoramic views from Anzac
Hill.
Accommodation: Aurora Alice Springs (standard), Alice Springs Resort (first
class) or Crowne Plaza (deluxe), Alice Springs.
Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Kata Tjuta (Olgas)
Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm where you can
take an optional ride. This afternoon travel through desert plains to
mysterious Kata Tjuta (Olgas). Walk along the natural creek bed through two
of the domes and down into Walpa Gorge. After sunset with sparkling wine,
enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner. There is time for stargazing too.
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 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. There is the opportunity
for those wishing to climb to the summit of Uluru to do so. Tour the caves
at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Visit the
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, before returning to the Resort. This
evening enjoy a glass of wine as you watch sunset over Uluru. (B)
Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns
This morning is free to enjoy the facilities of Ayers Rock Resort or just
relax. You will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to
Cairns. On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Mercure Harbourside Hotel (standard), The Oasis Resort (first
class) or Cairns International (deluxe), Cairns, 3 nights. (B)
Day 8: Great Barrier Reef
Cruise on the Great Adventures high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier
Reef. View the coral and fish from a semi-submersible vessel. Snorkelling
gear is included (extra charge for scuba). Enjoy a reef education
presentation on this natural living wonder and buffet lunch. (BL)
Day 9: Kuranda - Skyrail - Tjapukai
Join the famous Kuranda train for a breathtaking rail journey. From the
coastal sugarcane fields, travel high into the Tablelands to the picturesque
village of Kuranda. Free time in Kuranda to stroll through the famous
Kuranda Markets. Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway above the
canopy of the rainforest.
Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where the legends
of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Learn about this ancient culture
through theatres, stage shows and dance demonstrations. Afternoon transfer
to your hotel. (B)
Day 10: Cairns - Sydney
You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. On
arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The
remainder of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Darling Harbour (standard), Crowne Plaza Darling
Harbour (first class) or Swissôtel Sydney (deluxe), Sydney, 3 nights. (B)
Day 11: City Sights - Cruise
This morning tour Sydney and see the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic
Gardens. Mrs Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach,
then return to the city for a Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise. Cross the
Sydney Harbour Bridge and stop at Milsons Point to photograph fabulous views
of the city skyline. Later, visit Manly surf beach, before returning to the city. (BL)
Day 12: Blue Mountains
Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to koalas, kangaroos, wombats and
other creatures wild and wonderful. Continue to the spectacular Blue
Mountains. Stop at the Skyway and Scenic Railway, where there is the
opportunity for an optional ride.
Enjoy the views of the Three Sisters. Pass Homebush Bay, site of the 2000
Olympic Games, on return to Sydney. (B)
Day 13: Depart Sydney
You will be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward
flight. (B)
Departs: Daily
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