West to East - Rail, Rock & Reef

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West to East - Rail, Rock & Reef

17 Days from Perth – Independent Touring from £2151 (excludes flights)

Perth (3 nights), Sydney (4 nights), The Indian Pacific (1 night), The Ghan (1 night), Alice Springs (1 night), Ayers Rock (2 nights), Cairns (4 nights)

Highlights include:
• Three nights in Perth, including a cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle
• A 4WD Adventure tour to see the Pinnacles
• Four nights in fabulous Sydney
• Panoramic views of Sydney Harbour by helicopter
• Sydney sightseeing, including a harbour luncheon cruise
• Visiting the picturesque Blue Mountains
• A journey from Sydney to Alice Springs on the famous Ghan train
• Two nights at Uluru (Ayers Rock), including a Sunset and Sunrise tour
• The ‘Sounds of Silence’ champagne dinner in the Outback
• Four nights in tropical north Queensland
• Coral-viewing and snorkelling on a full-day Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
• The exciting rainforest Skyrail
• White-water rafting, hot-air ballooning or cruise the reef
• Private limousine transfers throughout

Departures:
from Perth Saturday & Wednesday

Day 1: Arrive Perth
Limousine transfer from the airport to your chosen hotel for three nights. Today, enjoy some free time exploring this young and modern city, which boasts year-round sunshine.
Accommodation: Standard: Ibis Hotel, Superior: Saville Park Suites, Deluxe: Sheraton Perth

Day 2: Perth "Grand Slam"
Discover Perth’s historic architecture and city sights. Pass through the shops and markets of Subiaco before arriving at Lake Monger where you will meet the friendly Black Swans. In the afternoon spend a leisurely hour cruising the Swan River enjoying afternoon tea before arriving at Fremantle. Late afternoon return back to the city via some of Perth’s finest beaches.

Day 3: Perth – The Pinnacles, 4WD Adventure Tour
Today you travel through Western Australia's 'White Sahara' by 4WD vehicle. Experience the vast beauty and remoteness of deserted beaches, white sand dunes, seasonal wildflowers in the bush and native wildlife. In Numbung National Park you’ll see the mystical Pinnacles – ancient limestone pillars rising in contrast to the sandy dunes. (L)

Day 4: Perth – Sydney – Scenic Harbour Flight
Limousine transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival transfer to your chosen hotel for four nights. Depending on your arrival time in Sydney you may choose to go heli-sightseeing either today or on day six, your full day at leisure. You’ll be transferred from your hotel to the heliport to discover "the most beautiful city in the world" from above. Sweep over the harbour and view the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House, skyscrapers and the sailing boats.
Accommodation: Standard: Mercure Sydney, Superior: The Menzies Sydney, Deluxe: Sofitel Wentworth

Day 5: Sydney Tour & Harbour Cruise
Today’s sightseeing starts as you travel north over the Harbour Bridge to the northern beaches. Stop at Milson’s Point for panoramic views of the bridge and skyline and enjoy a stroll under the Norfolk Pines in Manly, a wonderful seaside resort. Return to the city in time for a fabulous luncheon cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour. The afternoon’s sightseeing will include the Rocks, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach and more! (L)

Day 6: Full Day at Leisure
Explore at leisure. If you didn’t have time on your day of arrival for the heli-sightseeing then now’s the time to enjoy your 20-minute scenic flight.

Day 7: The Blue Mountains
Travel across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the heart of the picturesque Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy a ride on the Scenic Skyway or the world’s steepest Scenic Railway (own expense) before taking a walk to Katoomba Falls. At Echo Point witness the spectacular Three Sisters rock formation and views over the Jamison Valley. Continue on to the famous Australian Wildlife Park, where there will be an opportunity to hand feed kangaroos, walk through rainforest aviaries, see crocodiles and ‘cuddle a koala’ before travelling back to Sydney.

Day 8: Sydney – The Indian Pacific & The Ghan
Limousine transfer from your hotel to Sydney station. Experience two nights aboard one of the great rail journeys of the world, The Ghan*, as it travels through the heart of Australia. Originally, The Ghan rail line followed the inland trail of the Afghan camel trains. Today’s modern train adventure, all in the style of a fine hotel, follows a route rather more westerly than the first. Your journey takes you through the famous Blue Mountains and heads due west into the heart of New South Wales, passing magnificent landscape. This evening enjoy pre-dinner drinks perhaps, followed by a delicious meal, before settling down for the night. *The Indian Pacific will operate the journey between Sydney and Adelaide, the service is similar to that of The Ghan. (LD)
Accommodation: Standard, Superior & Deluxe:, Gold Kangaroo Service

Day 9: The Indian Pacific & The Ghan
This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train glides slowly through the elegant old railway station|at Jamestown. Travel through Gladstone, named|after the famous British Statesman William Ewart Gladstone and situated on the beautiful banks of|the Rocky River, before arriving into Adelaide. Here, there will be an opportunity to take a short tour of|the city before continuing to the oasis town of|Alice Springs. (BLD)

Day 10: The Ghan – Alice Springs
In the morning a golden sunrise and the promise of adventure ahead. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon and the stunning MacDonnald Ranges are beckoning once you step off the train in "A town like Alice"! On arrival a limousine will transfer you to your chosen hotel for your overnight stay. (B)
Accommodation: Standard: Novotel Outback Alice Springs, Superior: Voyages Alice Springs Resort (Standard Room), Deluxe: Voyages Alice Springs Resort (Delxue River Gum Room)

Day 11: Alice Springs to Ayers Rock
A limousine will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to Ayers Rock. On arrival transfer to your chosen accommodation for the next two nights. Tonight you’ll enjoy a wonderful "Sounds of Silence" dinner. Experience the romance of the desert, the setting of the sun behind the domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo, a sumptuous Northern Territory feast – and some of the world’s finest star gazing. (D)
Accommodation: Standard: Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel, Superior: Voyages Desert Gardens, Deluxe: Voyages Sails in the Desert

Day 12: Ayers Rock
Rise early this morning to view the spectacular sunrise over Uluru before commencing the climb (optional!) to the top of the monolith. Enjoy a guided tour of the base of the Rock and visit ancient Aboriginal occupation sites. In the afternoon depart for The Olgas where massive domes tower above the surrounding plain. This evening stop at a special viewing area to see the setting rays of the sun over Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Day 13: Ayers Rock to Cairns
A limousine will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to Cairns – gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Met on arrival, you will be transferred by limousine to your chosen hotel for four nights.
Accommodation: Standard: Mercure Hotel Harbourside Cairns, Superior: Holiday Inn Cairns, Deluxe: Sofitel Reef Hotel Cairns

Day 14: Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
Today’s destination, Agincourt Reef, lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage area, one of the most diverse and delicate eco-systems in the world. Enjoy this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and life – the reef lagoon at Agincourt offers excellent swimming and snorkelling areas. You’ll travel by Wavepiercer, a state-of-the-art catamaran that cruises at high speed and offers the smoothest possible ride in all weather conditions. There’s an underwater observatory or a semi-submersible vessel for fish and coral viewing. A tropical smorgasbord lunch is included. (L)

Day 15: Kuranda and Skyrail
Experience the contrast of the region’s oldest and most picturesque railway and the invisible technology of the world’s most beautiful cableway. Sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views as you journey through 15 hand-cut tunnels and past spectacular waterfalls on board the train to Kuranda. Continue to the Skyrail and then enjoy an extravagant buffet lunch at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. After lunch, there will be ample time to explore the attractions, movie theatres and stage shows. (L)

Day 16: Go white-water rafting, hot-air ballooning or cruise the Great Barrier Reef
Today the choice is yours.|Option One: Enjoy a spectacular 30-minute balloon ride followed by a tropical breakfast with Australian Champagne – the balloon gently floats above the tips of the trees as the sun rises.|Option Two: Experience Australia’s best one-day rafting adventure – travel south to the mighty Tully River for over five hours of rafting through more than 45 rapids. Morning tea, a riverside BBQ lunch and buffet supper are included.|Option Three: The Frankland Islands are a short, open-water cruise from the mainland. Altogether a different experience to the Outer Barrier Reef, here you can enjoy leisurely island walks exploring the rainforest, surrounding rock pools and reef-flats. Alternatively, snorkelling and reef viewing are easily accessed from the beach. A delicious BBQ lunch under the shade of the trees is included. Option One (B), Options Two and Three (L)

Day 17: Depart Cairns
Limousine transfer to the airport for your onward/homeward flight.

Prices Include:
• Your choice of quality hotels
• Two nights on board The Indian Pacific & The GhanGold Kangaroo Service including a superior en-suite cabin, meal and refreshments
• Meals as specified
Breakfast is included on days 9 & 10 and on option one of day 16.
Lunch is included days 3, 5, 8, 9, 14 & 15 and on day 16.
Dinner is included on days 8, 9 & 11.
Key: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• Sightseeing /Touring - All sightseeing and touring as specified.
• Airport Transfers - Limousine transfers have been included for all arrivals and departures.
• All inclusions as per the land only option
• Airfares
• International flights departing from London Heathrow or Manchester with Qantas or British Airways in economy class to Perth, returning from Cairns. All Australian domestic flights as shown.
• UK and Overseas Airport Tax
• UK Airport Tax of £79.40 plus overseas airport taxes (which must be pre-paid) of £66.80.

We offer the opportunity to visit Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and/or Bali en route to Australia. Usually, one stopover is permitted on your outbound journey and one on your way home. There are no additional flight charges, the only extras you will have to pay are any applicable local airport taxes plus the cost of your hotel accommodation. Examples of hotel prices are shown below.

Bangkok: Visit the magical bustling city of Bangkok. An intoxicating blend of modern-day sophistication combined with the history and culture of times gone by.
Two nights at the Century Park Hotel from £30.
Hong Kong: The sophistication of the West combined with the charm of the East gives Hong Kong a vibrant atmosphere unlike any other city.
Two nights at the Metropole from £40.
Singapore: A city that offers a vast array of glittering shopping malls, traditional colourful markets and much, much more.
Two nights at the Miramar from £50.
Bali: Glorious beaches, tranquil lakes, lush green rice terraces combined with a vibrant culture, unique arts and the charm of the Balinese themselves, make a visit to Bali truly unforgettable.
Three nights at the Griya Santrian from £39.

Stopover prices shown above are per person, sharing a twin/double room and staying at standard (three-star) properties – meals and transfers are not included.
We offer an extensive range of accommodation throughout Asia and the Pacific from standard three-star to deluxe five-star – full details on request.

Prices Exclude:
• All flights
• Locally paid airport taxes and airline security surcharges.
• Visa fees and insurance.
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature

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