13 Days Australian Icons Explorer

On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation

Mercure Hotel Welcome (standard),
Crowne Plaza (first class),
Melbourne, 3 nights.

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

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

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 and the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. Stop to enjoy panoramic views from Anzac Hill.

Accommodation

Aurora Alice Springs (standard),
Chifley Alice Springs Resort,
River Gum Rooms (first class),
Alice Springs. B

Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm where you can take an optional ride. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at Ayers Rock Resort. Enjoy a glass of wine this evening while watching sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the special viewing area known as the 'sunset strip'. Travel to our exclusive venue to enjoy an Australian barbecue dinner. There is time for stargazing too (weather permitting).

Accommodation

Outback Pioneer Hotel (standard),
Desert Gardens Hotel (first class),
Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights. B D

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. 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 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. Take in a spectacular sunset at Kata Tjuta with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. B

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.

Accommodation

Rydges Esplanade (standard),
Hilton Hotel (first class),
Cairns, 3 nights. B

Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible vessel. Snorkelling gear is included (extra charge for scuba). Enjoy a reef education presentation on this natural living wonder followed by a buffet lunch. B L

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, shows and dance demonstrations. Travel on the Skyrail Cableway high above the canopy of the rainforest to the picturesque village of Kuranda, where you'll have free time to stroll through the Kuranda Markets. Board the famous Kuranda train for a breathtaking rail journey over the Barron Gorge, through the coastal sugarcane fields to Freshwater Station. B

You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney, where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Accommodation

Vibe Hotel (standard),
The Grace Hotel (first class),
Sydney, 3 nights. B

This morning cross over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and pause at Milsons Point to photograph fabulous views of the city skyline. Stop at Arabanoo lookout for a spectacular panorama of the Manly headland. See Sydney's white sandy northern beaches including Curl Curl and Freshwater then feel the sand between your toes on Manly Beach. Return to the city for a buffet luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. This afternoon tour Sydney and see the Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. Finish your day with a visit to famous Bondi Beach, where you'll have time to wander along the shoreline and dip your toes in the clear cool water. B L

Travel to the Blue Mountains and marvel at the spectacular views of the Three Sisters from Echo Point. Visit Scenic World and ride the world's steepest railway (own expense). Stop in Leura, with its charming antique shops. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to koalas, kangaroos, wombats and other creatures wild and wonderful. B

You will be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward flight. B