Itinerary
Day 1 Sun: Arrive Melbourne
On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. This
evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelling
companions.
Accommodation: Hotel Sofitel, Melbourne, 3 nights.
Day 2 Mon: City Sights
Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne including the Royal Botanic Gardens, St.
Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. This
afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional tour to Phillip Island to
see the famous Penguin Parade. (B)
Day 3 Tue: Melbourne at leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure in cosmopolitan Melbourne. You may like to join an
optional tour and ride on Puffing Billy followed by wine tastings in the
Yarra Valley or tour along the famous Great Ocean Road. (B)
Day 4 Wed: Melbourne - Alice Springs
You will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your early morning flight
to Alice Springs. Enjoy a tour of this unique outback town. Visit the
Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air and enjoy
panoramic views of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill.
Accommodation: Alice Springs Resort.
Day 5 Thu: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm where you can
try your hand riding 'a ship of the desert' (own expense). This afternoon is
at leisure to enjoy the facilities at Ayers Rock Resort. Enjoy a glass of
wine this evening while watching sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the
special viewing area known as the 'sunset strip'. The subtle colour changes
are truly amazing.
Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights. (B)
Day 6 Fri: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Kata Tjuta (Olgas)
Rise early to view Uluru at sunrise. There is the opportunity to climb to
the summit (optional). Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories
of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural
Centre. This afternoon travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta
(Olgas). The size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of conglomerate red
rock will amaze you. Take a walk through Walpa Gorge following the natural
creek bed between two of the domes. After sunset with sparkling wine, enjoy
a delicious Australian barbecue dinner and stargazing. (B) (HD)
Day 7 Sat: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns
This morning enjoy free time at Ayers Rock Resort. You will be transferred
to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns (flights anytime, airfare
not included). On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your
hotel. This afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hilton Hotel, Cairns, 3 nights. (B)
Day 8 Sun: 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 living wonder and a tropical buffet lunch on-board the
pontoon. Return to Cairns. (BL)
Day 9 Mon: Cairns at leisure
Today is at leisure in Cairns to relax by the hotel pool or go shopping. You
may like to join an optional tour to Kuranda including a scenic rail journey
on the Kuranda Train, Skyrail Cableway ride above the canopy of the
rainforest and visit the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. (B)
Day 10 Tue: 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: Swissôtel Sydney, Sydney, 3 nights. (B)
Day 11 Wed: City - Harbour 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,
with time to stroll along the beach, then return to the city for a Sydney
Harbour luncheon cruise. The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not visit
the historic Rocks area at Circular Quay, which dates back to the time of
the early settlers. (BL)
Day 12 Thu: Sydney at leisure
Explore the beautiful harbour city of Sydney further today. Perhaps take an
optional tour to the Blue Mountains to see the spectacular Three Sisters or
enjoy some wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. (B)
Day 13 Fri: Depart Sydney
You will be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward
flight. (B)
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