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Best Of Southern Australia, Red Centre & Barrier Reef
16 Days/15 Nights
Melbourne to Sydney
£3115pp
Valid 2008: 3rd Feb, 17th Feb, 16th Mar
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| This tour has it all – the chance to get up close to amazing wildlife on Kangaroo Island, indulge in world-class wines in the Barossa Valley and discover the culture of Melbourne before exploring the Red Centre's iconic landscapes and Aboriginal art. Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with a cruise from Cairns, then it's onto Sydney and a harbour cruise to view all this city's famous landmarks. |
Day 1: Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne! Upon arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. The remainder of day is at leisure to explore Melbourne. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director.
Three Night Stay: Melbourne, Hotel Sofitel.
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Day 2: Melbourne, City Sights Tour
This morning discover the delights of cosmopolitan Melbourne, with its wide boulevards and historic buildings. View the ultimate shopping district of Collins Street and the architectural splendour of St Paul's Cathedral and both the Princess and Regent theatres. See the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Buildings, Federation Square and stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Explore Captain Cook's cottage in stunning Fitzroy Gardens before visiting the bustling Queen Victoria Market. See Melbourne's world-renowned sporting arenas, including the MCG before paying tribute to Australian soldiers of war at the historic Shrine of Remembrance. Then cross the West Gate Bridge for amazing city views. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps choose to visit the Little Penguins on Phillip Island (own expense).
Breakfast |
Day 3: Melbourne
Today is yours to do with as you wish in beautiful Melbourne. Perhaps take an optional tour to visit the wineries of the Yarra Valley for some wine tastings or travel to the magnificent Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge (own expense).
Breakfast
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Day 4: Melbourne, Kangaroo Island
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Adelaide (airfare not included). From there, arrive on Kangaroo Island by plane, (airfare included). Meet your guide for an introduction to Kangaroo Island. The first stop for the day is the Eucalyptus Distillery where you will witness the remarkable oil distilling process before enjoying morning tea. Then travel to Seal Bay for a leisurely stroll on the beach among the rare and endangered Australian sea lion colony with your trained guide. A picnic lunch is waiting just down the road, in a peaceful bush setting. After lunch explore wild trails, home to koalas and a variety of birds. Then follow the south coast, taking in the stunning views. Journey to the majestic Kelly Hill Caves and explore the underground caves. In Kelly Hill Conservation Park watch as kangaroos, wallabies and other wildlife leave the safety of the bush at dusk to graze on the open plains. Only accessed by special permit, a visit to Kelly Hill.
Breakfast, Feature Lunch, Dinner
Two Night Stay: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat.
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Day 5: Kangaroo Island, Admirals Arch, Remarkable Rockst
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast then join your guide on the short journey down the road to Flinders Chase National Park. Explore the interesting and informative visitor centre at Rocky River Headquarters. Spend the remainder of the morning observing the fur seals frolicking in the wild ocean at the base of Cape du Couedic and in the amazing geological formation that is Admirals Arch. You'll also get to walk among the phenomenon that is the Remarkable Rocks – ancient granite carved into massive natural sculptures by the elements. Enjoy a picnic lunch among tall gum trees, serenaded by different bird calls. After lunch travel to the spectacular north coast of the island to explore stunning beaches and walk on secretive bush tracks in search of the elusive Kangaroo Island Glossy Black cockatoo. Kangaroos, wallabies and koalas abound and you may even spot an echidna.
Breakfast, Feature Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6: Adelaide, City Sightseeing Tour
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Adelaide (airfare included). Today you'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Adelaide, known as the 'City of Churches'. The only major metropolis in the world where the city centre is completely encircled by parkland, Adelaide's gardens and parks create a peaceful atmosphere. Take the historic Glenelg tram down to the seaside suburb of Glenelg and experience the old world charm of the amusements, cafés and shopping area.
Breakfast
Stay: Adelaide, Sebel Playford.
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Day 7: Adelaide, Alice Springs, Town Tour
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Alice Springs (arriving after midday, airfare not included) and be transferred from the airport to your hotel upon arrival. This afternoon, enjoy a town tour, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and the School of the Air.
Breakfast
Stay: Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
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Day 8: Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), 'Sounds of Silence' Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, travel from Alice Springs to Uluru, passing vast Outback landscapes. Stop at the Outback Camel Farm where you can ride a camel (own expense). Continue to Uluru where you'll join the 'Sounds of Silence' Dinner, a three-course dinner of gourmet local produce served while the sun sets with an uninterrupted view of Uluru. Listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo as you are given an astronomical tour of the Southern night skies.
Breakfast, Feature Dinner
Two Night Stay: Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens Hotel – Deluxe Rooms. |
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Day 9: Uluru Base Tour, Kata Tjuta (Olgas)
With a cup of tea or coffee in hand, watch the sun's first rays strike the scarred surface of Uluru. Join a guided walk to the waterhole of Mutitjulu and join the Mala Walk, touring the base of Uluru while hearing stories of Uluru's original inhabitants. See caves,ancient Aboriginal rock art and enter sacred Kantju Gorge. Alternatively, forgo the Mutitjulu and Mala walks to climb to the summit of Uluru and enjoy views across the desert. Visit the Cultural Centre and perhaps see Aboriginal artists at work at the Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative. This afternoon travel to Kata Tjuta, 36 dramatic rock formations. Enjoy a walk into Walpa (Olga) Gorge and hear about the unique flora, fauna and geology of the area. Late this afternoon, enjoy a glass of wine as you admire the spectacular colours of Uluru at sunset.
Breakfast |
Day 10: Ayers Rock to Cairns
After breakfast, transfer to Ayers Rock airport for your flight to Cairns, (flights any time, airfare not included). On arrival in Cairns, be transferred from the airport to your hotel.
Breakfast
Three Night Stay: Cairns, Shangri-La, The Marina. |
Day 11: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef.
Take a cruise out to the ribbon reefs located at the outer edge of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. The Agincourt Ribbon Reef system provides unsurpassed coral formations, colourful marine life and spectacular underwater visibility. There are facilities for swimmers and non-swimmers alike so everyone can experience this reef world. Explore the reef from a semi-submersible, an underwater observatory or snorkel and dive.
Breakfast, Feature Lunch |
Day 12: Cairns, Day at Leisure
Today is yours to do with as you wish. Perhaps take an optional tour to Kuranda – ride the Skyrail Cableway over the rainforest to see the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers. Then take the Kuranda Scenic Railway passing over 40 bridges and through 15 tunnels, travelling through tropical rainforest and past rushing waterfalls (own expense).
Breakfast
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Day 13: Cairns, Sydney
Be transferred to Cairns airport for your flight to Sydney, (flights any time, airfare not included). On arrival in Sydney, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this exciting city.
Breakfast
Three Night Stay: Sydney, Sofitel Wentworth.
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Day 14: Sydney, Manly, Harbour Cruise
Travel over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to see the northern beaches. Stop for morning tea (own expense) at Manly and stroll along The Corso. Then join a magnificent Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise. On board, see the homes of Australia's wealthy as you cruise the foreshore and see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This afternoon is at leisure. This evening, perhaps discover King Cross, one of Sydney's eclectic suburbs.
Breakfast, Feature Lunch
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Day 15: Sydney at Leisure
Today is a great opportunity to explore Sydney and its regions on your own. Perhaps discover the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves or the Hunter Valley and its famous wineries (own expense).
Breakfast |
Day 16: Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast |
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Includes: Meet & greet on arrival, all transport in a luxury motorcoach, sightseeing, guides, 22 meals and 15 nights in 5 star or best standard available hotels. Excludes domestic & international flights.
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