Upon arrival at airport in Australia, you will be warmly met by a representative, who will provide assistance and transfer to your accommodation to check-in.

Activities:

• The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin exploring Melbourne. Melbourne is a multicultural city with a vibrant artistic life and is regarded as one of the culinary, sporting and shopping capitals of Australia, with a wide selection of museums, art galleries, theatres and festivals.

Overnight: Melbourne

Activities:

• This morning after breakfast, enjoy a city highlights tour visiting the many parks and gardens of this gracious city.
• See the tranquil Fitzroy Gardens and Captain Cook’s cottage.
• Pass the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens and make a visit to the Shrine of Remembrance.
• See the Arts and Cultural Centre, Albert Park Lake and the gracious tree lined St. Kilda Road.
• This afternoon, depart Melbourne for Phillip Island. Phillip Island Nature Park is a natural home to koalas, seals, shearwaters and little penguins.
• Visit the Koala Conservation Centre where you can look for koalas in their natural habitat from tree top boardwalks.
• Visit Cowes, a popular holiday resort, and The Nobbies, a rugged outcrop.
• Visit Seal bay, home to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals. Witness the Penguin Parade. Every evening at dusk the Little Penguins come home from the sea at Phillip Island. From the waves – across the beach – to the sand dunes the Little Penguins can almost be touched as the waddle to their burrows. Sunset at Summerland Beach has drawn millions of visitors to Phillip Island. It is the nightly ritual of these little flightless birds which will enthrall you as you observe from the beach and the elevated boardwalk.
• Return to Melbourne late evening (approx 11 pm).

Overnight: Melbourne – (B)

Activities:

• After Breakfast, dramatic, powerful, dangerous and majestic. How can words describe some of the world’s most impressive coastline? Your day extends from golden sandy beaches to the stark brutality of wave-torn cliffs backed by mountain ranges reaching skyward from the sea. This is primeval country where man pales into insignificance. The power and the majesty of nature reigns supreme in this awe-inspiring sea and landscape.
• Depart Melbourne by private coach, crossing the West Gate Bridge, offering views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. Join the Great Ocean Road at Torquay and the surf coast.
• Visit famous Bell’s Beach and the surf beach resort of Lorne.
• Stop for lunch at picturesque Apollo Bay and enjoy a walk along the beach.
• Pass through the Otway National Park where fern gullies and eucalypts make up this beautiful Australian rainforest.
• Port Campbell National Park’s rugged coastline, The Shipwreck Coast with many stops including the huge stone monoliths of the Twelve Apostles.
• See the Island Arch and Razorback – grand architecture carved by surf.
• Stop at Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the tragic shipwreck of the Loch Ard.
• Visit the holiday resort and fishing village of Port Campbell. This powerful coastline provides scope for stunning photography.
• See the spectacular evening lights of Melbourne from the West Gate Bridge as you return to your hotel.

Overnight: Melbourne – (B, L)

Activities:

• After Breakfast, check-out of your rooms this morning, transfer by private vehicle to the airport for your flight to Adelaide.
• Upon arrival in Adelaide, you will be met by a local representative (for groups only) and assisted with your private transfer to your accommodation.
• This afternoon take a city highlights tour of Adelaide. Enjoy a tour of this quaint and charming city, experiencing the contrasting blend of historic architecture and unique landmarks such as St Peters Cathedral, Government House, Colonel Lights Lookout, Art Gallery, Festival Centre and the Adelaide Casino.
• Tour along Memorial Drive meandering alongside the tranquil waters of the River Torrens to North Adelaide passing classic bluestone and sandstone villas and terrace houses.
• Continue on to Windy Point Lookout providing a strategic photographic vantage point to view the City and Gulf waters.

Overnight: Adelaide – (B)

Activities:

• Depart this morning after Breakfast, from your Adelaide hotel by private coach (for groups) or by scheduled coach (FIT passengers) to the Adelaide airport for your flight to Kangaroo Island.
• On arrival onto Kangaroo Island enjoy the scenic drive to the Seal Bay Conservation Park. Here you can walk on the beach among a colony of rare and wild Australian Sea Lions with a National Parks Ranger.
• Head to Vivonne Bay for a two-course lunch.
• Spend the afternoon at Flinders Chase National Park, renowned as a sanctuary for native Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and echidnas. The tour of the park will take you to the rugged southern coastline for a walk on Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch. Remarkable Rocks provides great photographic opportunities and stunning sea views. Admiral’s Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal this spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery and safe haven for playful New Zealand fur seals that can be seen resting, swimming and playing in the waves or on the rocks.
• Return to Kingscote Airport for the return journey to Adelaide.

Overnight: Adelaide – (B, L)

Activities:

• After Breakfast, check-out of your rooms this morning, with time at leisure until you transfer to the Adelaide train station for your overnight journey to Alice Springs on the Ghan. (Please note – The Ghan departs Adelaide on Sundays and Wednesday only, for the journey to Alice Springs, arriving Monday and Thursday to Alice Springs).
• 12:20 Depart Adelaide on board The Ghan. Originally, The Ghan followed the trail of the explorer John McDouall Stuart and The Afghan camel trains along the base of the Flinders Ranges. In 1980, a new and less trouble-prone track was opened 100 kilometres to the west. Never-the less, The Ghan today, travels through much the same terrain and provides travellers with a taste of the history and romance of the original. During the first part of the journey, you will see the rich and beautiful pastoral lands of southern Australia. Then, once past Port Augusta, and under the canopy of darkness, the landscape changes, such that you wake the next morning to a complete contrast: the harsh, yet hauntingly beautiful, Red Centre.

Overnight: Train – (B, L, D)

Activities:

• Breakfast will be served on board the train (for Gold Service passengers only). The sight of the rugged McDonnell Ranges announces that your Ghan adventure is nearing its destination: Alice Springs.
• 1:45 arrive to Alice Springs. Disembark the train, and you are collected by private vehicle to transfer to your accommodation.
• This afternoon, join a tour of the town of Alice Springs. Alice Springs – the world’s most famous outback town, the fascinating capital of Australia’s red centre, truly ‘The Heart, The Soul, The Centre’ of this vast land. History, culture and ingenuity abound with a will to survive the reality of Outback Australia. An experience not to compare with any other in the world!
• See the Stuart Town Gaol and the Old Court House.
• Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and learn how medical and health assistance is provided in remote regions.
• Visit the Alice Springs School Of The Air – the world’s largest classroom covering over 1 million square kilometers. Travel through a harsh rocky environment to Alice Springs Telegraph Station – the original site of Alice Springs.
• Take a tour of the Telegraph Station and learn of the development of the area and communications.
• See spectacular views of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill Lookout.

Overnight: Alice Springs – (B)

Activities:

• Breakfast, followed by transfer by coach to Ayers Rock (private coach for groups or scheduled service for FIT passengers). Travel through remarkable desert scenery for your journey to Ayers Rock.
• On arrival to Ayers Rock, check into your accommodation.
• This afternoon travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta.
• On the way, stop at a lookout for a panoramic view of the eastern side of Kata Tjuta.
• Continue on before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.
• Return to your accommodation in time to freshen up for Sounds of Silence.
• This evening enjoy the “Sounds of Silence” – the quietest restaurant on earth. You will be transferred to a desert dune where you will sip sparkling wine and listen to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo as you watch a magnificent sunset over Kata Tjuta. When the sun has finally set, lanterns are lit and a delicious Northern Territory gourmet barbecue is served.
• After dinner the lights go down revealing a star filled sky, clearer and brighter than most city dwellers will ever see. The resident Astronomer will then introduce you to the magnificent constellations, stars and planets that make up the skies of the Southern Hemisphere.

Overnight: Ayers Rock – (B, D)

Activities:

• A box breakfast will be provided today. Rise early this morning to watch the beautiful desert sunrise over Ayers Rock.
• You will then have the opportunity to see some of the many Aboriginal sacred caves, which hold a special significance for the local Aboriginal people. Please note: the local Anangu aboriginal people do not climb Uluru (Ayers Rock) because of its great spiritual significance. The climb however is not closed. They prefer that you -out of education and understanding ­choose to respect their law and culture by not climbing. Remember that you are a guest on Anangu land.
• Check-out of your hotel rooms and transfer by coach to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Please note: -if travelling as FIT passenger rather than part of a group, the transfer to the airport will be provided by complimentary shuttle service.
• On arrival to Cairns, you are met by a local representative (for group passengers only) and assisted with a private transfer to your accommodation.
• Enjoy some time at leisure to begin exploring Cairns. This modern, colourful city is the capital of the tropical north. The cosmopolitan Esplanade traces the bay foreshore and blends the city life of cafes and shopping with the natural attractions of the Coral Sea. With Cairns’ superb location – the Great Barrier Reef to the east, mountain rainforests of the Wet Tropics and plains of the Atherton Tableland to the west, and palm-fringed beaches to the north and south – it is a good base for many activities.

Overnight: Cairns – (B)

Activities:

• Today sail by Catamaran after Breakfast, to Michaelmas Cay, a unique sand cay. Michaelmas Cay is a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. The Cay is a protected seabird sanctuary playing host to over 20,000 migratory seabirds … one of the most important nesting sights in the Southern Hemisphere. The surrounding outer reef is a spectacular garden of exotic marine life, magnificent coral and giant clams, boasting more varieties of tropical fish than the entire Atlantic Ocean.
• Ride a semi-submersible vessel for coral viewing, enjoy guided snorkel tours from the beach accompanied by a marine biologist and a smorgasbord luncheon.
• Your tour today includes: Four full hours on the reef Morning refreshments Superb hot & cold buffet (includes seafood).
• Afternoon tea Snorkelling demonstrations and tuition Use of all snorkelling equipment Use of flotation vests Informative ecological presentations by our qualified marine biologists Informative tours on our air-conditioned semi-submersible Guided bird tours Live musical entertainment on the homeward sail to Cairns A complimentary glass of Australian sparkling wine High crew to guest ratio (1:9)
• Optional Extras: Guided snorkelling tours with our qualified Marine Biologist Certified and introductory diving Drinks & snacks from the fully licensed bar Sunscreen lotions and underwater cameras Hire of wet/lycra suits Professional photographer on board A range of quality souvenirs and merchandise.

Overnight: Cairns – (B, L)

Activities:

• This morning after Breakfast, transfer by coach to Freshwater Station and board the Kuranda Scenic Rail for a spectacular journey with stunning views. Pass massive Baron Falls, Stoney Creek and cross steep ravines to the unique rainforest village of Kuranda.
• Upon arrival in Kuranda, transfer by coach to Rainforestation Nature Park set in a lush tropical environment. Tour the world heritage rainforest in a 6 wheel drive amphibious army duck and learn of rainforest ecology on land and water. Meet many of the unique inhabitants – butterflys, water dragons, pythons, turtles and eels.
• Witness the Pamagirri Aboriginal dancers perform in the rainforest amphitheatre.
• Experience a dreamtime walk and learn of aboriginal culture, spear throwing and try your hand at boomerang throwing. See native animals close up – kangaroos, wombats, koalas and crocodiles.
• After a tropical BBQ lunch, transfer back to Kuranda village to board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway which will take you skimming over the pristine rainforest canopy.
• Stop for short walks at Barron Falls and Red Peak which offer stunning views and time to explore the forest floor. You will see sensational views of the Coral Sea, Green Island, Cairns City, lush tableland region and mountain ranges as Skyrail takes you to Caravonica.
• Board your coach and return to your hotel late afternoon.
• Your evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Cairns – (B, L)

Activities:

• After Breakfast, day is at leisure to relax and enjoy Cairns and the surrounds.
• Trinity Wharf offers shopping and eating venues, a tourist coach terminus and a place for international cruise liners to berth.
• Pier Marketplace is also on the waterfront. It is a retail and leisure complex with more than 90 outlets, including Ben Cropp’s Shipwreck Museum and the Undersea World Oceanarium, home to over 1200 marine animals. All outlets are open 7 days a week. On weekends, local artists and craftspeople display their wares at the Mud Market, located in the main amphitheatre.
• Also popular with locals and visitors alike is Rusty’s Markets.
• Cairns Museum, located on the corner of Lake and Shields streets, has displays featuring the Aboriginal, timber, goldrush and sugarcane history of the area.
• Flecker Botanic Gardens, in Collins Ave, feature native plants and their traditional use by Aboriginal people. The gardens also have a very large collection of palm species.
• Cairns is famous for its tropical fruits, fresh seafood and relaxed ambiance. It is an international mecca for marlin and other big game fishermen.

Overnight: Cairns – (B)

Activities:

• Check-out after Breakfast, of your accommodation this morning and transfer by private vehicle to the airport for your flight to Sydney.
• Upon arrival in Sydney, you will be met by a local representative (for groups only) and assisted with your private transfer to your accommodation. Radiating from the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, Australia’s largest city stretches from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the foot of the Blue Mountains. Along with outstanding natural assets – stunning beaches, extensive parklands and the vast expanse of the harbour – Sydney boasts an impressive list of urban attractions, including world class shopping venues and a host of superb restaurants and nightclubs. Its cityscape ranges from sandstone buildings of Georgian elegance to skyscrapers of futuristic design.
• Enjoy the day exploring Sydney at your leisure.

Overnight: Sydney – (B)

Activities:

• This morning after Breakfast, join a city sights tour visiting the historical Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia’s first European settlement. Observe examples of early architecture and the beautiful sandstone buildings, made out of the same rocks, which gave this area its name.
• Visit the Sydney Opera House, described as the Eighth Wonder of the World for a guided tour. See St Mary’s Cathedral, Parliament House, Darling Harbour, Chinatown and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for splendid views over this magnificent harbour.
• Continue on your coach tour through cosmopolitan Kings Cross, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay and Watson’s Bay before stopping at the world famous Bondi Beach.
• This afternoon return to Circular Quay for your afternoon cruise on magnificent Sydney Harbour. See spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, million dollar mansions and the bays and inlets that dot the harbour.
• At the conclusion of your cruise you are free at leisure to explore the harbour and city area.

Overnight: Sydney – (B)

Activities:

• Discover the beauty of the Blue Mountains after Breakfast – a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Sydney. This is an outing for relaxation and to take in the sights of natural bushland and numerous suburbs that form part of greater Sydney extending to the west. From the city, your tour takes you through the city and into the Blue Mountains.
• Enroute visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, which houses a great variety of wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, Australian reptiles, Tasmanian devils, wombats and various species of Australian birds. You can enter enclosures for face to face, touch to touch meetings with friendly kangaroos and cuddly koalas.
• Depart Featherdale and head towards the township of Katoomba, your coach will follow the trail of Australia’s early explorers as it climbs up the Blue Mountains, an awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of giant rock formations, deep tree-studded valleys and cascading waterfalls. Sightseeing in the mountains includes numerous small towns that provide an escape for many city folk on the weekends.
• Experience a thrilling ride on the world’s steepest incline Railway that descends some 700 feet into the valley. A 900-foot boardwalk will take you to the base of the Sceniscender Cable Car for the trip back to the top, enjoying yet another perspective of the Blue Mountains.
• A buffet lunch will be served at the Skyway Restaurant.
• Next, a short transfer takes you to the Blue Mountains lookout for a view of the famous The Three Sisters rock formation and distant vistas including the Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary, Katoomba Falls and the Burraborang Valley.
• Journey back to Sydney arriving at approximately 4:30 pm. Note: Guests must have agility to enter and exit incline train. Due to the nature of getting on and off the incline train, this tour is NOT recommended for those who experience difficulty walking. Order of sights visited may vary and itinerary may be reversed.

Overnight: Sydney – (B, L)

Departure: Check-out of your accommodation after Breakfast and transfer by private vehicle to the airport for your departure flight. – (B)