Day 1
Sydney
Welcome to Sydney, the perfect introduction to Australia. Boasting a natural harbour and pristine beaches, this is the oldest of Australia's major cities. Uncover the stories, history, and magic of the iconic Sydney Opera House with a guided tour, taking you underneath the world-famous sails.
Overnight: York by Swiss-Belhotel - Sydney or similar.
Day 2
Sydney
Enjoy an unlimited hop-on-hop-off Ferry Pass on this day, which will allow you to cruise around the harbour with 11 stopovers along the way including Manly, Luna Park and Darling Harbour.
Overnight: York by Swiss-Belhotel - Sydney or similar.
Day 3
Blue Mountains
Discover the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains region on a boutique day tour, offering you the chance to experience the region from an insider's perspective. This tour will showcase Australia's unique landscapes, and you'll learn local stories and legends about Aboriginal culture. Peaceful bushwalks enhance the experience and let you soak up the Mountains atmosphere.
In the afternoon, you will head down from the mountains for a hands-on Australian native wildlife encounter at Featherdale Wildlife Park with kangaroos and koalas.
Return to the city in style with a wonderful river cruise, passing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge before ending at Circular Quay.
Overnight: York by Swiss-Belhotel - Sydney or similar.
Day 4
Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) by internal flight
Bid farewell to Sydney and fly to Australia's Red Centre for your first glimpse of magnificent Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it is also known. Standing 348 metres above the ground (and over 700 metres underground), Uluru is part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is sacred to the local Aboriginal people.
The Magical "Field of Light" experience begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and short transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru.
Arrive at an exclusive dune top just after the sun has set. Enjoy a selection of outback canapés with sparkling wine or beer whilst learning about the light installation that awaits. As night descends, 50,000 glass spheres awaken with light. Under a sky filled with stars, Field of Light allows you to lose yourself in the rhythms of coloured light.
(Not suitable for children 4 years and under.)
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel - Uluru (Ayers Rock) or similar.
Day 5
Kata Tjuta Domes
A tour of the domes of Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, offers the perfect introduction to the region.
Your guide will explain the cultural significance of the ochre-coloured rock formations of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site.
Walk between two of Kata Tjuta's largest domes into Walpa Gorge, a narrow creek valley. Guarded against the hot sun, it’s a gorgeous haven of wildflowers, rare plants, and desert-dwelling animals. Take time to listen to the wind hissing through the chasms and embrace the spirituality of this amazing location.
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel - Uluru (Ayers Rock) or similar.
Day 6
Kata Tjuta National Park
Today is yours to explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. With over 101 tours and experiences on offer at Uluru and around Ayers Rock Resort, you are spoilt for choice.
Early birds can join a sunrise trek to Uluru and witness changing colours as the outback awakens. Culture lovers can opt for a guided trip to see the magnificent cave paintings at Cave Hill - Central Australia's most significant art site. You may choose to take to the skies and experience the breathtaking desert landscape of Uluru and Kata Tjuta from above, or get up close to the Red Centre's reptiles at a wildlife show.
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel - Uluru (Ayers Rock) or similar.
Day 7
Ayers Rock to Cairns: Palm Cove by internal flight
With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, fishing, rainforest walks, and native bird and wildlife watching.
Upon arrival in Cairns, you will be transferred to Palm Cove for a taste of tropical paradise. Perfectly situated between Cairns and Port Douglas, this quiet village by the sea is home to a range of award-winning restaurants and spas. Nestled on the beach, the boutique Alamanda Palm Cove Aparthotel is the perfect base to unwind and settle into the tranquil Queensland lifestyle.
Accommodation: Alamanda Palm Cove - Cairns, Palm Cove or similar.
Day 8
The Great Barrier Reef: Day Cruise
Cruise aboard the stylish Passions Catamaran to the incredible Great Barrier Reef.
Once on board, relax with morning tea, get to know the crew, and learn about the marine ecosystem beneath you. Arriving at your first amazing outer reef location, you can snorkel, dive, sunbathe, or relax on the boat to your heart’s content.
After a tropical buffet lunch, you'll sail to another beautiful outer reef location for more swimming, snorkelling, diving, or relaxing in the sun. Wind down with a cold beverage on the sail back to Cairns for 5pm whilst enjoying afternoon tea.
Accommodation: Alamanda Palm Cove - Cairns, Palm Cove or similar.
Day 9
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 4WD Day Tour
Explore the stunning canopy of the Daintree Rainforest - the oldest living rainforest on the planet.
Drive north along the scenic Captain Cook Highway, admiring the Coral Sea's azure waters. After morning tea, enjoy a guided cruise on the Daintree River and experience nature at its best.
Your guide will take you on a journey through the ancient Daintree Rainforest with ample time for photos and questions while you try to spot the rare and unique Southern Cassowary.
After a thrilling 4WD ride to pristine Emmagen Creek, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of this secret jewel. Stroll along Cape Tribulation Beach to take in the views on a platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the ‘Rainforest meets the Reef’.
Finally, you will cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and begin your homeward journey.
Accommodation: Alamanda Palm Cove - Cairns, Palm Cove or similar.
Day 10
Return to Cairns and Depart
Transfer from Palm Cove to Cairns to board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.
