Day 1
Melbourne
You’ll arrive in the stunning city of Melbourne where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, so you can relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel
Day 2
Great Ocean Road
Admire the panormaic views of the Melbourne skyline as you depart from the city. Today you’ll travel on one of Australia’s most impressive drives – the Great Ocean Road through the coastal towns before arriving at the beautiful white sandy beaches of Apollo Bay. Enjoy the beautifully rugged coastal scenery including the famous Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge whilst you learn about their history and the survival story. You’ll then return to Melbourne for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel
Day 3
Melbourne
Today you’ll tour Melbourne to see the sights and attractions of the city centre, before heading over to Maru Koala & Animal Park where you’ll get the chance to see some of Australia’s most iconic animals including koalas, kangaroos and Tasmanian Devils. Afterwards, travel across to the wonderful Phillip Island. Here you’ll head down to Summerland Beach just in time for the sunset and the famous Penguin Parade, where Little Penguins emerge from the sea after a hard day of fishing and walk up the shore.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel
Day 4
Alice Springs
Today you’ll transfer to Melbourne Airport where you’ll catch a flight to Alice Springs, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in you’ll take a tour of this fascinating outback town. On it you’ll see some of the most famous sites including the Telegraph Station and take a visit to the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which serves medical aid to many of the remote towns of the outback. Also make a stop in the Reptile Centre where you can get up close to enormous goannas and frill-neck lizards. To end the tour take in the panoramic views from the Anzac Hill.
Overnight: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Day 5-6
Uluru/Kata Tjuta
On the morning of day five you’ll depart from Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock). On the way you’ll stop off at a camel farm to learn about the practices. Join your guide for a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole and explore caves and aboriginal rock paintings as your guide interprets their meanings, visit the Kaja Tjuta Cultural Centre to learn more about the Western Desert and purchase some Aboriginal art. In the evening you can enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles while you watch a truly unforgettable sunset. Continue onto an exclusive venue to enjoy an Aussie BBQ dinner and a spot of stargazing (weather permitting).
In the morning you’ll get up early to take in the sunrise over the impressive rock formation. Commence on a 2-3 hour walk to the Valley of the Winds with your guide, taking in the views of many domes of Kata Tjuta, you'll be in awe of the natural and cultural wonder!
Overnight: Sails in the Desert Hotel
Day 7-9
Cairns/Great Barrier Reef
On day seven enjoy the facilities of Ayers Rock Resort or relax before you fly from Uluru to Cairns where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Day eight is a full day to explore the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. Heading out on a high-speed catamaran, you’ll be able to view the fish and other marine from the underwater observatory and will get the chance to go snorkelling in this underwater world that is dazzling in colour and brilliance. Enjoy a presentation on the reef by a marine naturalist and watch the fish feed from a unique underwater observatory. Enjoy a tropical lunch on board before heading back to Cairns in the afternoon.
On day nine you’ll visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where you’ll learn about the culture and customs of the Aboriginal people, brought to life in a rainforest setting. Learn about this ancient culture through theatre, shows and dance demonstrations. Later you’ll travel on the Skyrail Cableway above the rainforest – truly jaw-dropping above the canopy of the rainforest, you'll then have time to explore the Kuranda Heritage Markets before boarding the famour Kuranda Scenic Railway for a breathtaking journey over the Barron Gorge onto Freshwater station.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel Cairns
Day 10-11
Sydney
Today you’ll fly from Cairns to Sydney where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have the remainder of the day to explore at your leisure.
Day 11 is a full day of sightseeing around Sydney, cross over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and stop at Milsons point to photograph fabulous views of the city skyline. See the white sandy beaches and feel the sand between your toes on Manly Beach. Enjoy a buffet luncheon cruise around Sydney Harbour before visiting the Opera House as well as taking visits to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Bondi Beach - you'll have time to wander round here down the shoreline and dip your toes in the cool clear water.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Darling Harbour
Day 12
Blue Mountains
Today you’ll travel to the spectacular Blue Mountains where you’ll take in lovely views of the Three Sisters from Echo Point. Later you’ll ride the world’s steepest railway before visiting Feathersdale Wildlife Centre for close encounters with many of Australia’s most wonderful creatures.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Darling Harbour
Day 13
Depart from Sydney
After breakfast you’ll transfer to Sydney Airport for your flight home.