Full Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Melbourne
Be welcomed on arrival at the airport in Melbourne and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of today is then at your leisure to relax or explore the charms of this cosmopolitan city on your own. Perhaps take a stroll through one of the city’s many exclusive shopping arcades, visit renowned Crown Casino, explore a world-class art gallery, sit by the Yarra River on Southbank or just find a café and sip coffee as the world goes by. Alternatively, you may like to venture outside the CBD and head for the bustling seaside suburb of St Kilda for an ice cream.
Three Night Stay: Melbourne – Mercure Welcome Hotel
Day 2: Melbourne City Sights Tour
This morning discover the delights of Melbourne, with its wide boulevards and historic buildings. View the upmarket shops of the Paris end of Collins St, the Gothic spires of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Victorian opulence of the Princess and Regent theatres. See the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Buildings, Federation Square and stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Explore the lush Fitzroy Gardens before visiting the bustling Queen Victoria Market. In the afternoon, journey to Phillip Island, home to the world-famous Little Penguins who emerge from the surf and make their way to their burrows.
Day 3:Melbourne, Great Ocean Road
Travel along Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road. This famous scenic road winds 185 miles, past some of Australia’s most stunning seaside scenery. On one side, watch a never-ending panorama of spectacular cliffsides, plunging into blue waters, while on the other see the lush foliage of the Otway Ranges rising high over the land. Today’s journey takes us to Port Campbell National Park to view the Twelve Apostles.
Day 4: Melbourne, Alice Springs
This morning around 8.40 am, transfer to the airport for your flight to Alice Springs (airfare not included). This afternoon enjoy an Alice Springs town tour and get a taste of what life is like in Australia’s Red Centre. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and the School of the Air. Started by the Rev. John Flynn in the 1920s, the Flying Doctors provide a much needed service.
Alice Springs – Aurora Alice Springs
On the way to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, visit a camel farm and perhaps ride a camel (own expense). Pass Atila (Mt Conner). Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative then travel to Mutitjulu waterhole for a guided walk. Join the Mala Walk around Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit sacred Kantju Gorge. Tonight enjoy a glass of complimentary wine as you admire the sunset at Uluru.
Two Night Stay: Ayers Rock Resort – Outback Pioneer Hotel
Day 6: Uluru Sunrise, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Walpa (Olga) Gorge
Rise early and enjoy a tea or coffee as the sun casts its first rays on Uluru. Then travel to Kata Tjuta, 36 dramatic rock formations that were once a single rock the size of Uluru. Here, take a guided walk into Walpa Gorge and hear the fascinating commentary that will teach you about the area’s unique flora, fauna and geology. Tonight, you might like to dine on Australian delicacies under the desert stars at the Sounds of Silence dinner or perhaps indulge in a delicious Outback BBQ Uluru dinner (both at own expense)
Day 7:Ayers Rock Resort, Tropical Cairns
This morning, transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns (airfare not included). Be welcomed on arrival and transfer to your accommodation. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through the lush Botanic Gardens, wander the shops along The Esplanade or have a coffee and watch the locals.
Three Night Stay: Cairns – Hotel Cairns
Day 8: Great Barrier Reef Full Day Cruise
Enjoy a full day cruise to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Swim and snorkel in the warm, clear blue waters, or perhaps board the semi-submersible viewer for an underwater adventure amid the colourful coral and marine life. Enjoy a buffet lunch of hot and cold dishes, fresh seafood, salads and tropical fruits.
Feature Lunch
Day 9: Skyrail Cableway, Pamagirri Dancers, Kuranda Scenic Railway
Ride the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over the rainforest canopy. For a taste of local Aboriginal culture see a corroboree performed by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers and perhaps cuddle a koala. Join the Kuranda Scenic Railway and see rainforest landscapes as the train winds its way past Barron Falls, down to Cairns.
Day 10: Cairns, Sydney
Transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney (airfare not included). On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your centrally-located hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore.
Three Night Stay: Sydney – Menzies Hotel
Day 11:City Sights, Beaches and Lunch Cruise
The morning is free to explore Sydney’s beautiful sights on your own. Perhaps discover the processes involved in mining for Australian opals and other unique gemstones, take a stroll down to the Rocks area, catch a ferry to famous Manly Beach or perhaps go shopping in one of the city’s beautiful arcades (all at own expense). This afternoon, join a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. After your cruise, take in the city sights including Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy sweeping waterfront views from the famous Opera House steps.
Feature Lunch
Day 12: Blue Mountains, Koalas
Today, tour the Blue Mountains, a short drive out of Sydney. Here we visit a wildlife park to learn about the animals native to this area. Take the opportunity to ride the scenic cableway (own expense)
Day 13:Depart Sydney
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport.
