Visit Sydney, Melbourne, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs and the Great Barrier Reef in an action packed, 13 day touring adventure.
UNFORGETTABLE SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES
• Phillip Island Penguins
• Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles
• Alice Springs & the Red Centre
• Royal Flying Doctor Service
• Camel farm & reptile centre
• Ayers Rock & the Olgas
• Barrier Reef cruise
• Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Railway
• Aboriginal culture & dance
• Sydney tour & Harbour lunch cruise
• Famous Bondi & Manly beaches
• Blue Mountains & wildlife park
Day 1: Arrive Melbourne
On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Tonight you have the option to dine on board the famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Return to the hotel this evening at your leisure.
Hotel: Mercure Hotel Welcome (standard), Citigate (superior), Crowne Plaza (first class) or Crown Towers (deluxe), Melbourne, 3 nights.
Day 2: City Sights – Little 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. 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.
Hotel: Aurora Alice Springs (standard), Crowne Plaza (superior) or Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms (first class or deluxe), Alice Springs. B
Day 5: Kata Tjuta (the 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 (the Olgas). Enjoy a 2-3 hour walk through the domes to the Valley of the Winds lookout. After sunset with complimentary wine, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner. There is time for stargazing too.
Hotel: Outback Pioneer Hotel (standard), Desert Gardens Hotel (superior) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (first class or 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 complimentary glass of wine as you watch sunset at Uluru. B
Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Cairns
This morning you are 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.
Hotel: Rydges Esplanade (standard), Novotel Oasis Cairns (superior), Hilton Cairns (first class) or Pulman Reef Hotel & Casino (deluxe), Cairns, 3 nights. B
Day 8: Great Barrier Reef
Join a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the Underwater Observatory and semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural wonder up-close. Enjoy a delicious tropical 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.
Hotel: Metro Hotel on Pitt or Park Regis City Centre from 01 Apr '09 onwards (standard), Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbour (superior), Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (first class) or InterContinental, Harbour View Room (deluxe), Sydney, 3 nights. B
Day 11: City Sights – 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, 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
13 day 4-centre Highlights tour - from £1805
Includes meals where shown: (B) breakfast (L) lunch (D) dinner. Accommodation specified is subject to availability and may be substituted to a similar or higher standard if necessary.
Prices include accommodation with breakfast and touring. Ask your consulantant for flight prices and details.
For help, advice or to make a booking, call 0844 567 8050
Click here to a request a free brochure packed with ideas and suggestions for an incredible Australian holiday.
