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The Great Australian Explorer

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First Class

Experience a comprehensive exploration from Sydney to Adelaide and through the Red Centre to the tropical rainforests of the north and the beauty of the Barrier Reef and Cairns.

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Sydney

Sydney

Tour Pace

Leisurely Lively Tour Pace

Tour experience

Scenic City Tour experience

Highlights


  • Sydney

  • Adelaide

  • Clare Valley

  • Flinders Ranges

  • Coober Pedy

  • Uluru (Ayers Rock)

  • Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

  • Kings Canyon

  • Alice Springs

  • West MacDonnell Ranges

  • Alice Springs Desert Park

  • Mataranka

  • Katherine

  • Kakadu

  • Litchfield

  • Cairns

  • Barrier Reef

Included Sightseeing


  • Sydney View the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach.

  • Adelaide See the sights in this quaint city.

  • Clare Valley Sample local wines.

  • Flinders Ranges Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wilpena Pound.

  • Coober Pedy Visit the opal mining capital of the world.

  • Ayers Rock See sunset and sunrise at Uluru and explore the base.

  • The Olgas Walk into mysterious Walpa Gorge.

  • Kings Canyon Climb the canyon.

  • Alice Springs Discover this outback town.

  • West MacDonnell Ranges Stop at Simpsons Gap.

  • Alice Springs Desert Park See Australian native wildlife.

  • Mataranka Enjoy a swim in the thermal springs.

  • Katherine Cruise through the Gorge.

  • Kakadu Visit Kakadu National Park and enjoy a wildlife cruise on Yellow Water Billabong.

  • Litchfield Explore this beautiful National Park.

  • Cairns Spend three nights in this tropical city.

  • Great Barrier Reef Enjoy a full day Great Barrier Reef cruise including lunch.

Included Dining


  • Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Hay (WD)

  • 22 buffet breakfasts (BB)

  • Highlight Lunch on the Great Barrier Reef (HL)

  • 9 dinners in hotels (D)

  • Highlight Dinner in Darwin (HD)

  • Be My Guest Dinner in Alice Springs (HD)

  • 34 included meals in total

Included Private Car UK Transfers


  • Exclusive door to door airport transfers

Included Flights

Return scheduled International flights
 

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Wilpena Pound Resort

Wilpena Pound Resort

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 Sydney (3)

On arrival at Sydney Airport we are transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton (SFC)

Day 4

Sydney sightseeing and at leisure

This morning's sightseeing features views of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the famous Opera House. We next head to Kings Cross before continuing to Bondi Beach with time for a stroll along this famous surf beach. We see Darling Harbour on our return to the city. The balance of your stay is at leisure. Why not explore further or make time for some shopping? (BB) (BB)
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton (SFC)

Day 5

Sydney sightseeing and at leisure

A further full day to discover this wonderful cosmopolitan city. (BB)

Day 6

Sydney - Hay

We travel along the Hume Highway and through Goulburn to Hay, located in the heart of the Riverina agricultural region. This evening we enjoy aWelcome Drink and dinner with our Tour Director. (BB, D)
Hotel: Cobb Inlander Motel (MFC)

Day 7

Hay - McLaren Vale

This morning our journey takes us across the Murray River into Victoria, then over the border into South Australia before arriving in McLaren Vale, one of Australia's wine producing and olive growing regions and gateway to the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula. (BB, D)
Hotel: Serafino (MFC)

Day 8

McLaren Vale - Adelaide

We depart for Adelaide to join a local food expert for a guided tour of the 140 year old Adelaide Central Market. Enjoy the hustle and bustle, sample the culinary delights, meet the traders and share the history and the secrets of the Market. (BB)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza (MD)

Day 9

Adelaide - Flinders Ranges

After a sightseeing tour of Adelaide we make your way to the Clare Valley to sample some local wines at Sevenhill Cellars. Then it's on to the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound for the night. (BB, D)
Hotel: Wilpena Pound Resort (MFC)

Day 10

Flinders Ranges - Port Augusta

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning with time to explore Wilpena Pound, a remarkable amphitheatre covering nearly 20,000 acres. Perhaps take a walk to Wangarra Lookout before we continue our journey through the picturesque Pitchi Richi Pass to Port Augusta. On arrival we visit the Wadlata Outback Interpretive Centre. (BB, D)
Hotel: Majestic Oasis Apartments (FC)

Day 11

Port Augusta - Coober Pedy

First up today is a visit to Woomera, established in 1947 as an experimental rocket launching site. Then we continue on the drive to Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world. We enjoy a tour of this unique town and visit an underground home before dinner at our hotel. (BB, D)
Hotel: Desert Cave Hotel (MFC)

Day 12

Coober Pedy - Ayers Rock (2)

Today we cross vast cattle stations as we make our way into the Northern Territory to Ayers Rock Resort to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and nibbles as we watch a spectacular sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). (BB)
Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel (SFC)

Day 13

Ayers Rock - The Olgas

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise before we tour the base with our local guide to see rock paintings and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later we visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk through Walpa Gorge. This evening we take in the magnificent outback sunset while enjoying a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. (BB)
Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel (SFC)

Day 14

Ayers Rock - Kings Canyon

We travel through sandhill country towards Kings Canyon via Watarrka National Park where we can make the rocky climb with our guide to the rim of Kings Canyon to be rewarded with marvellous views. Or you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, a more leisurely walk. (BB, D)
Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort (MFC)

Day 15

Kings Canyon - Alice Springs (2)

Travel through to Alice Springs. Your sightseeing tour highlights include a visit to the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. (BB)
Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort (FC)

Day 16

Alice Springs Desert Park

This morning we visit the Alice Springs Desert Park where we will be greeted by a local Aboriginal Guide. We see the park from a different perspective as we learn about the traditions of the local Arrernte people. We explore the Desert Rivers and Sand Country habitats and learn about survival in this arid country. We visit the Nocturnal House and enjoy reserved seating at the Birds of Prey Presentation. Next up is a visit to the historic Telegraph Station and Simpson's Gap, a prominent waterhole with its lovely river red gum scenery. Tonight, join us on a discovery tour at the Earth SanctuaryWorld Nature Centre. Enjoy a Be My Guest dinner and learn from the Falzon brothers, Tom and Danny, about the sustainable lifestyle they have established. They may even lead you on a sing-along accompanied by the didgeridoo and guitar. (BB)
Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort (FC)

Day 17

Alice Springs - Tennant Creek

We travel north across the Tropic of Capricorn and stop to see Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). We continue on to the gold mining town of Tennant Creek for a guided mine tour followed by a barbecue dinner. (BB, D)
Hotel: Bluestone Motor Inn (MFC)

Day 18

Mataranka Thermal Springs - Katherine

Today we visit historic Daly Waters before entering 'Never Never' country. We stop at Mataranka Thermal Springs for the opportunity for a swim before arriving in Katherine late afternoon. (BB, D)
Hotel: Paraway Motel (MFC)

Day 19

Katherine Gorge Cruise - Kakadu National Park

Rise early today for a cruise through tranquil Katherine Gorge.We continue our journey deep into Kakadu National Park where we join the famous Yellow Water Billabong crocodile spotting cruise. (BB, D)
Hotel: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (SFC)

Day 20

Kakadu - Darwin (2)

We stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre before visiting the Ubirr Aboriginal rock art site. Perhaps take an optional scenic flight over the Arnhem Land Escarpment, before we travel via the Marrakai Plains to Darwin. (BB)
Hotel: Mantra Pandanas (FC)

Day 21

Litchfield National Park

We travel to Litchfield National Park to see beautiful Florence andWangi Falls and the Magnetic Termite Mounds and to visit Crocosaurus Cove for a Highlight Dinner. We see the largest display of Australian reptiles in the world, the turtle sanctuary and local Aboriginal Art and Culture displays. (BB, HD)
Hotel: Mantra Pandanas (FC)

Day 22

Darwin - Cairns (3)

After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for the early morning flight to Cairns where we spend the next three nights. (BB)
Hotel: Hilton Hotel (D)

Day 23

Great Barrier Reef excursion

We board a high speed catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy an informative reef presentation. See a myriad of coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. There is also the opportunity to go snorkelling to view this natural living wonder up close. Enjoy a tropical buffet Highlight Lunch before we return to Cairns. (BB, HL)
Hotel: Hilton Hotel (D)

Day 24

Cairns at leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Why not join an optional excursion on the Kuranda train, returning on a magical journey above the rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway. (BB)
Hotel: Hilton Hotel (D)

Day 25

Depart Cairns

After breakfast we transfer to Cairns International Airport for your return flight back to the UK. (BB)

Day 26 (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.

 

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Chifley Alice Springs Resort

Chifley Alice Springs Resort (FC)

The resort is only a five minute walk away from the town's bustling cultural, shopping and business centre. The resort also boasts a restaurant and an outdoor solar heated pool.

Desert Gardens Hotel (FC)

Set amidst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs, Desert Gardens offers a range of stylish rooms and is the superior hotel at Ayers Rock Resort, centrally located to all resort and touring facilities.

Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbour (FC)

Located in the heart of Sydney, Australia's largest hotel's guestrooms boast balconies with views of Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay. The hotel also contains a 24-hour fitness centre and award-winning restaurant.

Wilpena Pound Resort (MFC)

The Wilpena Pound Resort is on the banks of Wilpena Creek in the Flinders Ranges, amid the stately red gums and native pines. This hotel offers a fine restaurant and bar.

Majestic Oasis Apartments (FC)

An Oasis in the Outback, the superbly located Majestic Apartments overlook the waters of the upper Spencer Gulf in Port Augusta. The hotel features a stunning pool and entertaining area.

Desert Cave Hotel (MFC)

The world's only underground international hotel is located at Coober Pedy. Amenities include underground shops, a swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, gym, bar, Umberto's Restaurant, Crystal Café and opal display areas.

Kings Canyon Resort (FC)

Designed with the utmost sensitivity to the environment, the single-storey buildings nestle discreetly amongst the trees and rock faces. The hotel comprises a restaurant, café, bar, swimming pools and a tennis court.

Paraway Motel (MFC)

The Paraway is set in landscaped tropical gardens surrounding the pool and is located close to the Katherine River and approximately 25 minutes from Katherine Gorge. A fine steak house restaurant is also on site.

Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (FC)

Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is a unique hotel at the centre of the famous Kakadu national Park. The hotel features a restaurant and outdoor swimming pool.

Mantra Pandanas (FC)

Mantra Pandanas offers panoramic views of Darwin Harbour and the city skyline along with spacious accommodation and luxurious hotel services including a restaurant and bar, gymnasium, tropical resort pool with a waterfall and a day spa.

Hilton Hotel, Cairns (D)

With a pool, gym and spa in the health club and three excellent bars and restaurants, there's lots to keep you busy at the Hilton Cairns. It's the ideal base to see Cairns attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest.

Serafino (MFC)

Situated in a serene native park like setting only 40 minutes from Adelaide in South Australia's picturesque internationally recognised McLaren Vale wine growing region, the hotel has peaceful grounds home to the local wildlife The Serafino Restaurant offers a superb dining experience with a modern internationally influenced menu.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide (MD)

Located in central Adelaide, Crowne Plaza Adelaide is within walking distance of Rundle Mall, Art Gallery of South Australia, and East End Cafe Precinct. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, spa tub, sauna, fitness facility, and a steam room. The hotel has contemporary and al fresco dining within there own restaurant and bar.

Bluestone Motor Inn (MFC)

Deemed as an oasis in the desert with cool tropical gardens, this hotel is situated at Tennent Creek. Tennant Creek is also known as the Territory's heart of gold; a reference to the friendliness of its people and the area's gold mining history. Australia's last gold rush took place here in the 1930s, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about it at attractions around the town. The hotel boasts a restaurant and bar, undercover BBQ area, and swimming pool.

 

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The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

Kuranda

Join the Kuranda train for a scenic rail journey, returning to Cairns on the Skyrail Cableway.

 

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Definite Departures
Please note: All flights are subject to availability at the time of booking and supplements may be applicable, especially if booking near to departure date. Dependent on flight times and availability at the time of booking, additional nights may need to be purchased at the beginning or end of your tour.

Definite departures: We are aware that you need to plan your travel arrangements early to take advantage of our early booking discounts. To assist you, we have highlighted our "Definite Departures" that are now guaranteed to operate - helping you book with confidence.

Prices based on per person sharing a twin or double room. For single room supplements and triple room reductions please call for details.

 

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Tour pace:

For each itinerary we have created this simple guide to clearly illustrate the nature of your tour from a gentle, leisurely pace to a more lively experience.

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Tour experience:

For each itinerary we have created this simple guide to clearly illustrate your touring experience, from the scenic delights of the world's natural wonders to city chic with included excursions and entrances, or a comfortable blend of both.

Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar Tours:

Trafalgar Tours offer a range of first-class escorted tours including top-class hotels, comprehensive itineraries, luxury transportation, delicious meal plans and knowledgeable tour directors, often joined by experienced local guides.

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations:

Insight Vacations provides premium-class escorted tours, enabling you to stay in the very best hotels where available, enjoying enhanced meal plans and touring on luxury coaches with fewer seats resulting in extra legroom.

Thompson's Africa

Thompson's Africa:

Thompson's Africa offers excellent first-class escorted tours but with smaller groups ranging from only 2 passengers to 18 per group and touring in air-conditioned micro-buses for a more intimate approach.

AAT Kings

AAT Kings:

AAT Kings, one of Australia's most respected travel companies, provides a range of first-class escorted tours in Australia and New Zealand which include top-class hotels, comprehensive itineraries, luxury transportation, delicious meal plans and knowledgeable tour directors, often joined by experienced local guides.

Brendan Vacations

Brendan Vacations:

When you travel to South America with Brendan, you can expect first class hotels in convenient locations that provide the highest standard of service and the most up-to-date luxurious coaches available

Milestones Tours

Milestones

City and Resort Breaks that allow for a more independent holiday while still matched with Milestones' unrivalled levels of service.

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

On board a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise ship, guests can enjoy an intimate, luxurious experience with five-star inclusions. With an average capacity of just over 130 guests and one crew member for every three guests, Uniworld's Premium Class award-winning services are recognised as the world's best.

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First Class:

For over 60 years, our award-winning First Class tours have been providing incredible value escorted tours, not only showing you the major sites and attractions that you would expect to see but also surprising you with exclusive Hidden Gems along the way, that only a true expert would know. Enjoy the comfort of first-class hotels, travelling by air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and restroom, included meal plans and the services of our professional Tour Directors.
From exclusive Be My Guest dining experiences to in-depth insights provided by expert local guides, our First Class tours offer an enriching travel experience where you come away with a wealth of local knowledge and a photo album packed with memories.

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Premium Class:

On a Premium Class escorted tour you'll be travelling with a smaller, more personal group of like-minded travellers (maximum 40 guests on board) on coaches featuring business-class-like legroom and spacious comfort.
And you'll be staying in superior quality hotels in the heart of every destination. We select only premium brands of major hotel groups. Your expert Tour Director will act as your 'personal concierge' throughout and will be assisted by local guides, passionate on the life and history of their own city. We include many special dining evenings such as authentic local lunches, Highlight Dinners and our unique Dine-Around experiences featuring smallgroup dining at a choice of restaurants.

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At Leisure:

At Leisure is an inspiring new style of travel offering the best expertly planned escorted tours combined with more opportunity for in-depth, authentic experiences and more freedom to go your own way than ever before. With average hotel stays of two or three nights, spend minimal time unpacking andmore time soaking up the ambience of each amazing place. You'll also enjoy a leisurely start each day with departures never earlier than 9am on travel days. At Leisure provides free time to explore each destination on your own, including complimentary hop-on/hop-off city sightseeing passes where available. Plus you'll enjoy sightseeing in major cities with a local guide assigned to more intimate groups.

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Premium Gold:

Premium Gold is an exclusive collection of deluxe tours, each celebrating the fine art of luxury travel. All of the luxury hotels exude elegance and style, with many being members of the Leading Hotels of the World or other internationally recognised upmarket hotel associations. Premium Gold itineraries are leisurely-paced with relaxed stays in the most sought-after locations and with ample free time for personal exploration.
You will delight in sumptuous, authentic dining with four-course hotel dining and superb a la carte menus in some of the best gourmet restaurants. Premium Gold features smaller group sizes on tour and includes Premium Highlight sightseeing often including private tours with VIP entrances.

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Cost Saver:

We have introduced a new collection of touring holidays known as 'Cost Saver', a new and exciting programme of tours offering you fantastic European experiences at an unbeatable price.
The new selection of tours cover destinations such as Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The perfectly balanced itineraries combine plenty of free time to explore along with First Class touches including unique Hidden Treasures.