Australian Icons
Sydney, NSW
From Melbourne, through the Red Centre, on to tropical Cairns and Sydney, you’ll see Phillip Island’s famous little penguins, discover ancient Uluru and Kata Tjuta, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef and float high above the canopy to Kuranda on board Skyrail Cableway. All this is topped off with a visit to spectacular Sydney!
Highlights
- Marvel at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, travel along the magnificent Great Ocean Road and visit the Twelve Apostles
- Meet the Red Centre’s wildlife in Alice Springs
- Enjoy wine while watching the beautiful Uluru sunset and experience a spectacular Red Centre sunrise
- Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at
Uluru and learn about sacred sites - Snorkel and cruise on the Great Barrier Reef and experience Aboriginal culture in Cairns
- Ride Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and and journey through tropical rainforest on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Sail around Sydney Harbour on a lunch cruise and feel the sand between your toes on Bondi Beach
- Marvel at spectacular views in the Blue Mountains and get up close and personal to Australian wildlife
- Day 1 - Welcome to Melbourne
- Day 2 - Great Ocean Road
- Day 3 - Melbourne & Penguins
- Day 4 - Melbourne – Alice Springs
- Day 5 - Alice Springs – Ayers Rock
- Day 6 - Uluru (Ayers Rock) & Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
- Day 7 - Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Cairns
- Day 8 - Great Barrier Reef
- Day 9 - Tjapukai – Skyrail – Kuranda
- Day 10 - Cairns – Sydney
- Day 11 - Sydney
- Day 12 - Blue Mountains
- Day 13 - Farewell from Sydney
- Additional Information
On arrival the rest of the day is free for you to explore.
Meals Included: RoCrowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Experience the vibrancy and eclectic culture for which Melbourne is renowned with central accommodation near Melbourne CBD. Standing out from the sea of high rises in Melbourne, the Crowne Plaza Melbourne’s curved shape gives a hint at the architectural features and sense of open space that will make your stay an experience to remember. Crowne Plaza Melbourne is ideally located on the Yarra River, only steps away from the restaurants and bars of the South Wharf precinct, CBD shopping, and South Melbourne with its popular cafes and markets. The hotel is also located close to trains and taxi ranks and is within the free-tram zone, making it easy for guests to travel around the city.
Experience the Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and learn the history of over 50 ship wrecks. Continue beyond Port Campbell to the remnants of London Bridge.
Meals Included: Bed and BreakfastCrowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Experience the vibrancy and eclectic culture for which Melbourne is renowned with central accommodation near Melbourne CBD. Standing out from the sea of high rises in Melbourne, the Crowne Plaza Melbourne’s curved shape gives a hint at the architectural features and sense of open space that will make your stay an experience to remember. Crowne Plaza Melbourne is ideally located on the Yarra River, only steps away from the restaurants and bars of the South Wharf precinct, CBD shopping, and South Melbourne with its popular cafes and markets. The hotel is also located close to trains and taxi ranks and is within the free-tram zone, making it easy for guests to travel around the city.
Experience the sights of cosmopolitan Melbourne. See Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market and visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. Travel to the Maru Koala & Animal Park to see koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils and other native animals. View the Nobbies rock formations overlooking the treacherous Bass Strait. If you think the koalas are cute, just wait until you see the Little Penguins on Phillip Island. Head down to Summerland Beach and just as the sun sets, the wild Little Penguins emerge from the sea after a hard days fishing and waddle across the sand to their dune burrows.
Meals Included: Bed and BreakfastCrowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Experience the vibrancy and eclectic culture for which Melbourne is renowned with central accommodation near Melbourne CBD. Standing out from the sea of high rises in Melbourne, the Crowne Plaza Melbourne’s curved shape gives a hint at the architectural features and sense of open space that will make your stay an experience to remember. Crowne Plaza Melbourne is ideally located on the Yarra River, only steps away from the restaurants and bars of the South Wharf precinct, CBD shopping, and South Melbourne with its popular cafes and markets. The hotel is also located close to trains and taxi ranks and is within the free-tram zone, making it easy for guests to travel around the city.
This morning you’ll fly to Alice Springs. Tour the sights of this outback town including the School of the Air. Hear how this essential service is delivered to school children via satellite. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service where you will see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote outback. At Alice Springs Reptile Centre, get up close to enormous goannas and frill-neck lizards. The tour concludes with a panoramic view of the township of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.
Meals Included: Bed and BreakfastMercure Alice Springs Resort
Mercure Alice Springs Resort combines efficient and friendly outback service with modern, comfortable facilities. Low rise architecture and lush native landscaping contribute to the relaxed atmosphere of this Resort situated on the Todd River, five minutes from the town centre.
Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm where you can take an optional ride. This afternoon travel around the base of Uluru with a local Driver Guide. Learn about the native flora, fauna and intriguing cultural traditions of traditional owners, the Anangu, and discover an array of sacred sites. Join your Driver Guide for a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole. You’ll explore a number of caves and view Aboriginal rock paintings as your Guide interprets
their meaning and significance. Later visit Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where there is time to purchase some locally made Aboriginal art and learn more about the Western Desert region Enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles this evening, while watching the sunset change the colours of Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the special viewing area known as the ‘sunset strip’. Travel to our exclusive venue to enjoy an Aussie barbecue dinner. There is time for stargazing too (weather permitting).
Sails In The Desert
In the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is a great starting point for visitors to the park. The centre offers information about activities and the park as well as an introduction into Anangu culture. Because of the deep spiritual nature of the area and what is contained within the Cultural Centre, please do not photograph or video inside the building or precinct. This is to respect the wishes of the traditional owners, and protect Anangu's cultural and intellectual property.
This award-winning Cultural Centre, a stunning example of contemporary Australian architecture. Dynamic displays, video and artwork explain this world heritage landscape from the perspective of the traditional owners, Anangu. Learn about Tjukurpa, creation stories and laws, which explain the spiritual meanings of the surrounding landscapes.
To enjoy the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre you must enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Rise early to travel through the desert plains to experience sunrise at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Commence a 2-3 hour walk to the Valley of the Winds with your guide. With views across many of the domes of Kata Tjuta and out into the sacred Anangu men’s area, you’ll be in awe of natural and cultural wonder.
Meals Included: Bed and BreakfastSails In The Desert
In the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience.
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Situated 462 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is connected to Alice by networks of sealed roads and has its own airport, with flights to and from Alice Springs, Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Perth and Darwin. 40 kilometres to the west of Uluru/Ayers Rock sits Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas - a massive pile of ancient rock domes. The Uluru and Kata Tjuta you see today are the remains of erosion that began around 500 million years ago.
Like icebergs, both formations are but visible tips of enormous slabs of rock that extend as far as six kilometres into the ground. Archaeological work suggests that Aboriginal people have lived in the area for at least 22,000 years. The Anangu people are Uluru’s traditional custodians but until recently, the famous monolith was known as Ayers Rock, named after former premiere Sir Henry Ayers by European explorer William Gosse, who first sighted the rock in 1873.
Uluru was returned to the care and ownership of the Anangu in 1985 and they now jointly manage the national park with Parks Australia. There is a $25 entry fee into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which allows multiple entry for three consecutive days. A range of accommodation from camp sites to five-star luxury is available at the Ayers Rock Resort in the township of Yulara, purpose built to service travellers to the Park.
The Yulara Visitors Centre provides information on local history, geology, flora, fauna and culture and sells souvenirs and educational gifts.
This morning you are free to enjoy the facilities of Ayers Rock Resort or just relax. This afternoon you’ll fly to Cairns.
Meals Included: Bed and BreakfastHilton, Cairns
The Hilton Cairns hotel boasts a unique tropical setting, enjoying spectacular scenery and surrounded by lush gardens. This contemporary Cairns hotel offers unparalleled style and outstanding service. The Hilton Cairns hotel offers bright accommodation with spacious bathrooms and private balconies with stunning waterfront views of Trinity Inlet, the Cairns Esplanade and blue-green mountains beyond.
Board your sleek high speed catamaran for your cruise to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, for a dazzling undersea kaleidoscope of colour, with gardens of coral and teeming schools of tropical fish. Enjoy a reef education presentation by a marine naturalist. Choose to snorkel (equipment provided) or you can stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver semi-sub, just one yard underwater. Watch the fish feeding from the unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory. A tropical buffet lunch is served before returning to Cairns this afternoon.
Meals Included: Half BoardHilton, Cairns
The Hilton Cairns hotel boasts a unique tropical setting, enjoying spectacular scenery and surrounded by lush gardens. This contemporary Cairns hotel offers unparalleled style and outstanding service. The Hilton Cairns hotel offers bright accommodation with spacious bathrooms and private balconies with stunning waterfront views of Trinity Inlet, the Cairns Esplanade and blue-green mountains beyond.
Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where the Legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life in a rainforest setting. Travel on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway above the rainforest to the village of Kuranda, with time to stroll the markets. Board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a journey to Freshwater Station.
Meals Included: Bed and BreakfastHilton, Cairns
The Hilton Cairns hotel boasts a unique tropical setting, enjoying spectacular scenery and surrounded by lush gardens. This contemporary Cairns hotel offers unparalleled style and outstanding service. The Hilton Cairns hotel offers bright accommodation with spacious bathrooms and private balconies with stunning waterfront views of Trinity Inlet, the Cairns Esplanade and blue-green mountains beyond.
Transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. This evening is free for you to relax or explore
Meals Included: Bed and BreakfastHyatt Regency Sydney
Everything you need to travel the way you like. Located adjacent to Darling Harbour in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD), our hotel is a haven of relaxation for the business or leisure traveler. As Sydney's largest premium hotel, Hyatt Regency Sydney boasts 892 guestrooms, three dining experiences, and 3,700 square metres of flexible meeting and event space. We invite you to enjoy an unparalleled Australian getaway.
Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point for fabulous views. Visit Manly surf beach and return to the city for a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Later, see the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair and Kings Cross. Then visit famous Bondi Beach.
Meals Included: Half BoardHyatt Regency Sydney
Everything you need to travel the way you like. Located adjacent to Darling Harbour in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD), our hotel is a haven of relaxation for the business or leisure traveler. As Sydney's largest premium hotel, Hyatt Regency Sydney boasts 892 guestrooms, three dining experiences, and 3,700 square metres of flexible meeting and event space. We invite you to enjoy an unparalleled Australian getaway.
Sydney Harbour
Comm
The Sydney Opera House
Considered by many to be one of the modern wonders of the world, the Sydney Opera House is one of Australias most famous landmarks. Louis Kahn said “The sun did not know how beautiful its light was until it was reflected of this building”. Jorn Ultzon’s competition winning design is said to have been inspired by orange segments, palm fronds and Maya temples. Inside,there are six auditoriums where opera, concerts, dance and theatre are staged. The internal aesthetics are like the belly of a whale and the acoustics are superb.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Affectionately known as the 'Coathanger', the Sydney harbour Bridge was opened on March 19th 1932 after six years of construction. The bridge is made of steel and contains 6 million hand driven rivets. The surface area that requires painting is equal to about the surface area of 60 sports fields. The Bridge has huge hinges to absorb the expansion caused by the hot Sydney sun. You will see them on either side of the bridge at the footings of the Pylons.
Head west to the Blue Mountains and drive through the tourist town of Katoomba. At Scenic World enjoy 360° views of the Jamison Valley. Ride the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway (own expense). See famous Three Sisters. Next stop is the quaint village of Leura for lunch. This picturesque spot will take you back in time and is famous for its antique shops and of course its Candy Store! On your way back down the mountain, you’ll visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can see our amazing Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, goannas and possums.
Meals Included: Half BoardHyatt Regency Sydney
Everything you need to travel the way you like. Located adjacent to Darling Harbour in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD), our hotel is a haven of relaxation for the business or leisure traveler. As Sydney's largest premium hotel, Hyatt Regency Sydney boasts 892 guestrooms, three dining experiences, and 3,700 square metres of flexible meeting and event space. We invite you to enjoy an unparalleled Australian getaway.
Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Meals Included: Bed and Breakfast
Your Independent Holiday
As a free independent traveller on an Independent Holiday, you won’t be escorted by a Travel Director for the duration of your trip, rather you’ll meet different Driver Guides and like-minded travellers each day as you explore different destinations. We’ve taken care of all of your arrangements such as hotel reservations and airport transfers so you don’t have to worry about the nitty gritty, and we’re only ever a phone call away if you have any questions throughout your holiday.
DEPARTS
Daily (01 Apr-28 Nov)
Mon, Wed & Fri (29 Nov-25 Feb)
Daily (26 Feb-31 Mar)
CONCLUDES
Morning of Day 13
Low Season: 01 Apr 2018 – 31 May 2018 and 01 Dec
2018 – 31 Mar 2019.
High Season: 01 Jun 2018 – 30
Nov 2018.
*Single traveller must pay the single price.
Note: Itinerary, departure dates & prices may change from 01/04/19.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Day 1 – flights to arrive anytime into Melbourne Airport
Day 13 – flights to depart anytime from Sydney Airport
Flights are not included in the holiday price
Internal-holiday flights: Land Only price requires the following internal-holiday flights to be purchased separately in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary:
Day 4 Melbourne to Alice Springs – QF796
Day 7 Ayers Rock to Cairns – flights anytime
Day 10 Cairns to Sydney – Flights anytime
gallery
