The Best of Australia

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The Best of Australia

17 Days from Sydney – Independent Touring from £1968 (land-only)

Sydney (4 nights), Uluru (2 nights), Darwin (2 nights), Kakadu (1 night), Cairns (3 nights), Coral Princess Cruise (3 nights), Townsville (1 night)

Highlights include:
• Four nights in fabulous Sydney
• Panoramic views of Sydney Harbour by helicopter
• Sydney sightseeing, including a harbour luncheon cruise
• Visiting the picturesque Blue Mountains
• Two nights at Uluru, including a Sunset and Sunrise tour
• The ‘Sounds of Silence’ champagne dinner in The Outback
• Two days in the unspoiled wilderness of Kakadu National Park
• Seeing saltwater crocodiles and fascinating birdlife on a two-hour cruise
• Graphically depicted Aboriginal paintings at Ubirr rock-art site
• Three nights in tropical north Queensland
• Ride the exciting Skyrail
• White-water rafting, hot-air ballooning or cruising the reef – the choice is yours!
• A fabulous three-night Great Barrier Reef cruise aboard the Coral Princess

Departures:
from Sydney every Monday

Day 1: Arrive Sydney – Scenic Harbour Flight
Limousine transfer from the airport 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 four, 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, city skyscrapers and the colourful sailing boats.
Accommodation: Standard: Mercure Sydney, Superior: The Menzies Sydney, Deluxe: InterContinental Sydney (Harbour View Room)

Day 2: 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 complex, Bondi Beach and much, much more! (L)

Day 3: The Blue Mountains
Travel to the picturesque Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy a ride on the Scenic Skyway or 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 4: At leisure in Sydney
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 5: Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
A limousine will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to the Red Centre. On arrival transfer to your chosen hotel for the next two nights. Tonight you’ll enjoy a wonderful ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner where you will 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 of barramundi, kangaroo, emu and bush salads – 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 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Rise early this morning to view the spectacular sunrise over Uluru before commencing the climb (optional!) to the top of the monolith. This afternoon depart for a tour of the Olgas where massive domes tower above the surrounding plain. Return to see the rays of the setting sun over Uluru – truly breathtaking.

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Darwin
A limousine will be waiting to take you to the airport for your early morning departure to Darwin (via Alice Springs). Afternoon and evening are at leisure to discover the modern 20th-century city of Darwin, set on a magnificent harbour. Overnight at your chosen hotel.
Accommodation: Standard: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Superior: Novotel Atrium, Deluxe: Saville Park Suites (One Bedroom Suite)

Day 8: Darwin to Kakadu
An early start to travel across the Marrakai Plains and into Kakadu National Park. Visit the art site of Nourlangie Rock and view galleries of Aboriginal rock paintings. After lunch, join your boat cruise on Yellow Water, Kakadu’s most famous wetland area. Keep a look out for crocodiles and birdlife. Overnight at your chosen hotel. (L)
Accommodation: Standard & Superior: Aurora Kakadu Resort, Deluxe: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn

Day 9: Kakadu – Darwin
Time for an optional morning flight over the escarpment (own expense). Travel to Ubirr where you can only be in awe as you admire this 20,000-year-old rock-art site. Take in sweeping views of the Nardab floodplain before continuing to East Alligator River for your guided Guluyambi Cruise. Local Aboriginal guides will accompany you and explain the Aboriginal culture as you land on Arnhem Land. Return back to Darwin via unusual termite mounds. Overnight at your chosen hotel. (November–April: The Guluayambi Cruise is subject to seasonal conditions and may be substituted with alternative touring.) (L)
Accommodation: Standard: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Superior: Novotel Atrium, Deluxe: Saville Park Suites (One Bedroom Suite)

Day 10: Darwin to Cairns
A limousine will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. You will be met on arrival and transferred by limousine to your chosen hotel for three nights.
Accommodation: Standard: Mercure Hotel Harbourside Cairns, Superior: Holiday Inn Cairns, Deluxe: Sofitel Reef Hotel Cairns

Day 11: Kuranda and Skyrail
Enjoy the spectacular views as you journey through hand-cut tunnels and past spectacular waterfalls on board the train to Kuranda. Continue on to Skyrail – once aboard you’ll be amazed as you glide silently above the rainforest canopy. Enjoy lunch at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. (L)

Day 12: Go white-water rafting, hot air ballooning or cruise the Great Barrier Reef
Today we have a number of options for you to select from, depending on your level of adventure!
Option One: Enjoy a spectacular 30-minute balloon ride followed by a tropical breakfast with Australian champagne. The flight gently floats above the tips of the blue gums and paper bark trees and the wide open spaces of the Tablelands as the sun begins to rise.
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 barbecue 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 barbecue lunch under the shade of a canopy amongst the trees is included. Option One (B), Options Two and Three (L)

Day 13: Cairns – Coral Princess Cruise
Join the Coral Princess for your departure to the Great Barrier Reef. Afternoon stops at Thetford Reef and Sudbury Cay give you the opportunity to explore some of the most impressive parts of the coral reef, whilst the evening provides you with delicious food and wine as the sun sets on the aquamarine waters. (LD)
Accommodation: Standard: Cabin, Superior: Stateroom, Deluxe: Deluxe Stateroom

Day 14: Great Barrier Reef – Dunk Island
Today, visit Coates or Nathans Reefs with ample time to snorkel, dive and view the coral from the glass-bottom boat. In the afternoon you’ll cruise on to Dunk Island, a beautiful tropical island resort. Stroll through the amazing tropical rainforest before returning aboard for dinner. (BLD)

Day 15: Hinchinbrook Channel – Pelorus Island
Cruise the Family group of islands before navigating the Hinchinbrook Channel. At lunchtime drop anchor at exclusive Pelorus Island. Following a beach barbecue and the afternoon on the island, cruise the Palm group of islands. (BLD)

Day 16: Herald Island – Townsville
Cruise Halifax Bay, passing Magnetic Island, then on to Townsville. On arrival a limousine will transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B)
Accommodation: Standard: Mercure Inn, Superior & Deluxe: Seagulls Resort

Day 17: Depart Townsville
Your limousine awaits for your onward flight.

Prices Include:
• Your choice of quality hotels.
• Three night Coral Princess Cruise
• Meals as specified
Breakfast is included on days 14-16 and on Option One on day 12.
Lunch is included on days 2, 8 & 9, 11 & 13-15 and on Option 2 & 3 on day 12.
Dinner is included on days 5 & 13-15.
No other meals have been included. Key: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• Sightseeing/TouringAll sightseeing and touring as specified in the itinerary.
• Airport TransfersLimousine transfers have been included for all arrivals and departures.
• All inclusions as per the land only option

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