Itinerary

Day 1      Sydney

Upon arrival in Sydney, you will be greeted and escorted to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day you are free to explore on your own. If your arrival is early in the morning, you’ll have many options including a ferry ride to Taronga Park Zoo, a visit to the beaches, a guided tour or performance at the Opera House, a ride on the monorail, bike riding in Centennial Park, visits to the Art Museum and the Aquarium, climbing the famous Harbour Bridge, and more. (Options are not included in costs. Please ask us for more information; we recommend making reservations ahead of time for the Bridge Climb or an Opera House performance.)
    
Lodging: Grace Hotel or similar    

Day 2      City Tour & Beaches

Welcome to Sydney, one of the most vibrant and panoramic cities in the world. Begin your tour at the hotel lobby where your friendly guide will meet you before showing you through the historic Rocks precinct. Witness the birth place of Sydney and explore the convict built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Climb Observatory Hill for views of Anzac Bridge and Darling Harbour. Then cross the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia’s most recognised landmarks. Travel through the leafy northern suburbs before arriving at Manly, a beautiful seaside town. Take a secluded walk along the rugged sandstone cliffs; it will take your breath away.
Next make our way to the stunning botanical gardens situated right in the heart of Sydney. En route pass through Macquarie Street, named after the first Governor of Sydney, Lachlan Macquarie. Here you will see Australia’s first Parliament House, Mint, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. After lunch at the botanical gardens, your tour continues down to Mrs Macquarie’s chair, situated on the water’s edge. Continue through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and onto Darling Point, one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs and see some of Sydney’s most sought after addresses. Continuing on pass by Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay, before traversing along the coastline to Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will have some time to soak up the atmosphere of the beachside mecca. Stroll down the esplanade with the locals and maybe enjoy an ice cream.
Make your way back to Sydney via the vibrant Oxford Street and the suburb of Paddington. Admire this boutique shopping precinct and the charming Georgian and Victorian architecture of the homes.

Other options may include a full day tour to the Blue Mountains to spot kangaroos in the wild and see Australia’s “Grand Canyon,” a trip to a winery and wine-tasting tour in Hunter Valley, or a ride on a Port Stevens dolphin spotting cruise. Please inquire for more details; options may be at additional cost.

    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Grace Hotel or similar    

Day 3      Fly to Ayers Rock & the Olgas

You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Ayers Rock in Australia's "Red Center." Ayers Rock (Uluru), sacred to the Anangi aborigines, is an enormous monolith, rising 1,100 feet above the surrounding flat desert. The Olgas, also in Uluru National Park, are 36 individual rock domes, which may once have been a single dome many times the size of Ayers Rock. Upon arrival transfer by hotel shuttle to your accommodations. This afternoon, travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to a place where unique flora and fauna thrive, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Here your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and describe the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site.

Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these
36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years.Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here.
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Outback Pioneer Hotel or similar    

Day 4      Ayers Rock

The Aboriginal Uluru Tour is one of the most famous tours of Uluru. After being picked up at your hotel early this morning, view the sunrise and, if time permits, enjoy a short tour around the base of the rock. After breakfast in the magnificent Cultural Center, your aboriginal guide will take you on a stroll through bush land near the base of Uluru. The creation stories shown to you in the scars and features of Uluru are thousands of generations old! You will see how traditional tools, weapons, and implements are made and used in daily life, and you will learn how to make the oldest glue in the world and practice throwing a spear. Journey into the desert this evening where you are welcomed by the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo as you view the sunset behind the Olgas. Enjoy a barbecue dinner that includes kangaroo, emu, chicken, and barramundi, all accompanied by salads, vegetables, and your choice of beverages. After dessert, the lights are dimmed, and you can hear the sounds of the great outback and view the southern skies. You will be introduced to the stars, planets, and constellations by an astronomer, with the opportunity to view through an onsite telescope. After stargazing, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Outback Pioneer Hotel    

Day 5      Fly to Alice Springs

This morning, return to the Ayers Rock Airport via hotel shuttle for your flight to Alice Springs, the unassuming town that serves as the vital center of the enormous Central Outback. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Your afternoon commences with panoramic views from Anzac Hill, which overlooks Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges. See the Todd River before visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Base and the School of the Air, two uniquely Australian organizations that provide medical care and education to the people of the isolated outback. Later, visit the Old Telegraph Station and behold the harsh pioneering life of the first settlements. See the development of communications via morse code and find out how Alice Springs received its name. Then, experience a colorful journey through the Mbantua, a aboriginal culture museum, which is home to a private collection of incredible aboriginal artifacts.
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Alice Springs Resort or similar    
Day 6      The Outback & MacDonnell Ranges

Depart this morning for a tour in the MacDonnell Ranges National Park, full of enchanting gorges, leafy rivers, spinifex slopes, ancient cycads, and rare plants and animals. Imbued with the culture of a thousand generations of people, these desert mountains are the wettest parts of the central Australian deserts, harboring oases of animals and plants alike. Explore the dramatic Simpsons Gap, which is well-known for its elusive rock wallabies. Then, enjoy a short walk through cycads, ghost gums, acacias, and cypress pine trees until you arrive at the majestic Angkerle, also known as Standley Chasm. As you walk through this 5-meter chasm that runs through the range, notice its towering fiery red walls. Later, enjoy a picnic lunch, complete with traditional billy tea and coffee. On the return trip into town, your guide will escort you into Desert Park. Here, you will enjoy a fascinating raptor show. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your accommodations for the evening.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Alice Springs Resort or similar    

Day 7      Alice Springs/Queensland

On the 4-hour flight from Alice Springs to Cairns, you make the dramatic switch from the red desert, over the Great Dividing Range, to the lush green of Queensland's tropical coast. You will be greeted at the Cairns Airport and transferred just 20 minutes north to your hotel in Palm Cove, located on the spectacular coastline between Cairns and Port Douglas. This will be your home for a full four nights while you explore tropical Queensland.
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Novotel Rockford Palm Cove or similar    

Day 8      Cape Tribulation Rainforest

Drive north along the scenic coastal route along the Captain Cook Highway learning about the history of the area and admiring spectacular views of the coast line and Coral Sea. Stop at the Majestic Daintree River for Morning Tea before enjoying an informative guided River Cruise on the Daintree River. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife, this is nature at its best!

From here ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage, Wet Tropics, and Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Enjoy a guided elevated National Park Boardwalks tour and a visit to Lyne Haven, an animal refuge where you have the opportunity to hand feed a kangaroo.
Then venture beyond the famous Daintree Tea Plantation, past spectacular mountains and through spectacular World Heritage Rainforest as you pass Cape Tribulation and continue along the 4WD Bloomfield Track through to pristine Emmagen Creek. Seek fish and turtles in the creek, butterflies and exotic birds in the trees and indulge in a feast of exotic tropical fruits, a complimentary glass of wine.
Make your way to Cape Tribulation Beach after most of the crowds are gone, there is a little time to swim in the Coral Sea (seasonal) or stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographers' platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef.
After a short afternoon refreshment stop,  cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and head back to the hotel.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Novotel Rockford Palm Cove or similar    

Day 9      Kuranda Markets and Skyrail

Today will be full of exciting experiences. First, you will be taken to the Freshwater Station, where you will board a train and enjoy spectacular views as you journey through 15 hand-cut tunnels and pass by gorgeous waterfalls. Following this train ride, enjoy some free time to do some of your own exploring - be sure to check out the local markets as Kuranda is home to numerous renowned arts & crafts shops.

Next, head to the Skyrail, where your host will be waiting for you with your tickets. Once aboard, you will be amazed as you glide over the rainforest canopy. There are two stations en route where you can stop and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular look-out points. You can also visit the SCIRO Interpretive Center at Barron Falls Station to discover more about the special plants and animals that inhabit this unique environment. Your Skyrail journey ends at Caravonica Lakes, but the fun has just begun. A short distance from the Skyrail terminal is the Tjapukai aboriginal culture park, and your first stop here is a wonderful buffet lunch. After lunch, you have ample time to explore all the attractions of Tjapukai - movie theaters, stage shows, craft demonstrations, the aboriginal village, and, of course, the famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe. The dancers combine traditional dance and music with modern theater techniques to convey their legends in a moving and humorous way. Return to your hotel at the end of this amazing day.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Novotel Rockford Palm Cove or similar    

Day 10      Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Exploring the Great Barrier Reef will be one of the most memorable days of your life. Spend four full hours on the reef at Michaelmas Cay - a picturesque reef cay where coral gardens abound with a multitude of marine life. The Cay is also home to a protected seabird sanctuary. Upon departure from Cairns Marina, you will cruise on a high performance catamaran directly to the reef. Enjoy guided snorkeling tours (with equipment provided) and presentations by marine biologists. Be sure to bring your bathing suit, towel, hat, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen! You will return to your hotel late this afternoon.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Novotel Rockford Palm Cove or similar    

Day 11      Cairns/Onward

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Connect to your flight home, or ask us about other options for extending your stay in Australia, Tasmania, or New Zealand.
    
Meals: Breakfast

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