Highlights of Australia

Day 1 (Door to Door)

In-flight

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Melbourne.

Day 2

In-flight

Day 3

Arrive Melbourne (3)

On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm) where you'll have time at leisure. Perhaps take a walk to orientate yourself with the city. Tonight join your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions for a Welcome Drink. (WR)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza (MD)

Day 4

Melbourne sightseeing

Today we see the Royal Botanic Gardens, St Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House, the Shrine of Remembrance and much more on a sightseeing tour. (BB)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza (MD)

Day 5

Melbourne at leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps see the magnificent rock formations of the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road or ride the Puffing Billy steam train and visit a winery. This evening, why not witness the nightly ritual of the little penguins returning from a day of fishing on nearby Phillip Island? (BB)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza (MD)

Day 6

Melbourne - Alice Springs

We are transferred to Melbourne Airport for an early morning flight to Alice Springs (flights to arrive prior to 1pm). On arrival we visit the School of the Air and take in the panoramic views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill. Later we join the Heaslip family for a Be My Guest afternoon tea at Bond Springs Station, nestled in the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs and hear about their fascinating life working on their 580 square mile cattle grazing property. (BB, D)
Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort (FC)

Day 7

Alice Springs - Ayers Rock (2)

Before departing Alice Springs we visit the Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service and learn how thismarvellous facility operates to provide a mantle of safety to the people of the Outback. En route to Ayers Rock Resort we call in at an Indigenous-owned centre to view the art of the Impanpa Aboriginal Community and later pause to view majestic Atila (Mt. Conner). This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at Ayers Rock Resort. This evening savour a complimentary glass of wine while watching the sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) fromthe viewing area known as the 'sunset strip'. The subtle colour changes are quite amazing! (BB)
Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel (SFC)

Day 8

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise and watch the first rays of sunlight creep across the desert plains. We tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later we visit the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where we learn about Tjukurpa (Aboriginal law). This afternoon we travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of conglomerate rock will amaze you. We walk throughWalpa Gorge and gaze down the central valley of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) before marvelling at a spectacular sunset with complimentary sparkling wine. (BB)
Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel (SFC)

Day 9

Ayers Rock - Cairns (3)

This morning enjoy some free time at Ayers Rock Resort. Then we are transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for the flight to Cairns. On arrival we will be transferred to our hotel. This afternoon we spend time at the Cairns Wildlife Dome where we encounter unique Australian animals. (BB)
Hotel: Hilton Hotel (D)

Day 10

Great Barrier Reef

Today we board a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. We enjoy an informative reef education presentation by a marine naturalist and see a myriad of coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling to view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided).We enjoy a tropical buffet Highlight Lunch before returning to Cairns in the late afternoon. (BB, HL)
Hotel: Hilton Hotel (D)

Day 11

Cairns at leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure. You could take an optional excursion to Kuranda on the Kuranda Railway, with time to explore the markets and ride on the Skyrail Cableway above the canopy of the rainforest. Or visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to experience the History, Creation and Dance Theatres where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. (BB)
Hotel: Hilton Hotel (D)

Day 12

Cairns - Sydney (3)

We transferred to Cairns Airport for the flight to Sydney. On arrival at Sydney Airport we are transferred to the hotel in Darling Harbour where we spend the next three nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to perhaps explore this beautiful harbour city. (BB)
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton (SFC)

Day 13

Sydney sightseeing and Harbour Cruise

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House and later see the Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Afterwards we are off to Watson's Bay and the Gap before stopping for a walk along famous Bondi Beach to feel the golden sand between our toes. We return to the city for a cruise on Sydney Harbour, which includes a Highlight Lunch on board. Later, perhaps take a stroll along the Opera House concourse and watch the world go by from one of the cafes. (BB, HL)
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton (SFC)

Day 14

Sydney at leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure in this great city. Maybe shop for some last minute souvenirs or take an excursion to the Blue Mountains and see some of Australia's native wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Or join a tour to the Hunter Valley, New South Wales' premier wine growing region or Canberra, the nation's capital. This evening join your Tour Director and new-found friends for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant by the water. (BB, FD)
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton (SFC)

Day 15

Depart Sydney

This morning bid farewell to Australia before your complimentary transfer to Sydney International Airport for your return flight back to the UK. (BB)

Day 16 (Door to Door)

Arrive UK

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home.

Dates and prices

Destination Info