Best of Australia

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney, Free Afternoon

Welcome to Sydney! You will be transferred from Sydney International Airport to your hotel right in ‘The Rocks’.  

The Rocks is the historic district where Sydney began, and the location of the famous weekend market. Warmth of character and old world hospitality characterizes this delightful historic bed and breakfast boutique hotel. The hotel features a rooftop garden for viewing the Sydney skyline, a lovely sitting room and library, and a stylish wine bar downstairs.   Shops, fun eateries, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the bustling Circular Quay are just steps from your hotel. 

You have the afternoon to explore the historic district’s quaint shops and eateries.

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel

Day 2: Sydney Harbour Cruise

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel by your guide and you travel to Rose Bay – a sophisticated Sydney suburb and the start of today’s adventure. In a small group you travel  all around the spectacular Sydney Harbour to get acquainted with the highlights of Sydney – Darling Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House to name a few. 

On this intimate cruise, your captain gives you insight into Sydney Harbour’s historical and cultural city sites as well as stories behind the people and places of this unforgettable city.  Cruise by the holiday homes of multi-millionaires and stars such as Nicole Kidman, Bono and Russell Crowe.

A highlight is a seafood lunch at the Sydney Fish Market - “where the city meets the sea”, and the largest working market of its kind in the southern hemisphere.  As one of the most popular places for local Sydneysiders, here you can taste old favourites like fish and chips, or the more adventurous can try fresh-from-the-sea octopus, squid and Oysters Kilpatrick.

On your chartered cruise you will also stop at Store Beach for a secluded swim and then Manly - an Australian icon and world-renowned as one of the most popular surfing beaches in Australia.   At the end of the day soak in the million dollars Cliffside views from The Gap in Sydney Harbour National Park followed by “a schooner” in the nearby beer garden at the picturesque Watsons Bay.   This is a full day excursion, and you will return to your hotel by 5 pm.

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Wildlife, Aboriginal Culture & the Blue Mountains
OR Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley

This morning your guide will meet you at your Sydney hotel and you commence your tour into the heart of the unique Blue Mountains UNESCO-World Heritage region. 

In the foothills of the Blue Mountains lies a an aboriginal culture centre where you experience different aspects of aboriginal culture--from learning to throw boomerangs to understanding bush foods and medicines, art interpretation, tools and weapons. As the world's oldest surviving culture, the Australian aboriginal people offer a rich and diverse background of beliefs, customs, language, art and food. This is a positive, approachable environment in which to interact one-on-one with indigenous Australians, and learn more about this fascinating culture.

Then you will ascend the mountains for a series of short walks, your guide teaching you about the significance of this UNESCO World-Heritage area.  More than 400 different kinds of animals live within the rugged gorges and tablelands of the Greater Blue Mountains. These include threatened or rare species of conservation significance, such as the spotted-tailed quoll, the koala, the yellow-bellied glider, the long-nosed potoroo, the green and golden bell frog and the Blue Mountains water skink.  A highlight is seeing the Three Sisters – a trio of giant sandstone pillars carved from nature and time that stand like sentinels above the Jamison valley.

Later you will stop at Euroka Clearing – an ancient volcano now a playground for a host of wild Aussie animals.  The kangaroos and wallabies are relaxed and plentiful here, enjoying the fertile grazing lands, while other marsupials, birds, and reptiles all abound.  Your day ends back in Sydney.

OR

Australia's Hunter Valley enjoys the distinction of having been one of the earliest planted vine areas in the country, and is now celebrated for its Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Semillion. With your guide today you will take the back roads to this bountiful region, regarded as the Napa Valley of Australia. You will learn about Australian history, wildlife & aboriginal culture along with the wine tastings in a full day of complimenting experiences.

Travel through beautiful national parks and colonial townships, meet some of the winemakers themselves at small boutique wineries and then visit a larger winery known for its wide varieties. There are over 80 cellar doors in the lower Hunter Valley, and the winery visits are tailored to the desires of the group. Your day includes a cafe lunch and there are options for cheese and chocolate tastings. Sample up to 30 premium Hunter wines, some of which are not available anywhere else in the world. You will return to Sydney this evening.

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Arrival at Ayers Rock and Uluru (Ayers Rock) Walk and Sunset

Welcome to the Red Centre! After your transfer from the airport, you will start your exploration of the Red Centrel group safari. According to the local aboriginal people, the Anangu, the Central Australian landscape was created at the beginning of time.

You meet your guide and the other travellers in your small group and have lunch in your outback camp.  After lunch, you head to the iconic Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park for your first glimpse of The Rock.   Uluru is one of the largest monoliths in the world and it is here that you experience its power first hand. You do a full base walk to explore the Rock’s multitude of cracks and crevices, and visit the Rock’s Mutijulu Waterhole.

Afterwards you visit the cultural centre to understand local aboriginal law and religion and understand the special connection the aboriginal people have to this sacred site. 

No Uluru adventure would be complete without experiencing the famous changing colours of Uluru at sunset. With refreshing drinks and snacks at a special lookout point, you watch The Rock go ablaze with brilliant scarlets, coppers and crimsons.

Accommodation: Outback Camping
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Sunrise at Urulu & Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) "Valley of the Winds"

This morning you will roll up the swags and head off to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) for an 8 kilometre (2.5-3.5hrs) walk through the “Valley of the Winds”.  This is also a sacred site to the Anangu aboriginal people, and a superb gathering of red rock monoliths known as “many heads”.  Mysterious canyons collect here, red rock towers overhead, and a feeling of calm pervades.  Your guide teaches you about the geological and cultural significance of this place as you traverse this spectacular valley.

After a stop at Kings Creek for fuel and refreshments, you will travel to Kings Creek Cattle Station and your camp. The camp has stunning views out over the George Gill Ranges and gives you the true essence of the outback.  You will enjoy dinner around the campfire with another night out under the stars.

Accommodation: Outback Camping
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Watarrka (Kings Canyon), The Lost City
& Garden of Eden

In the care of your guide today you will visit Watarrka (Kings Canyon) for a mind blowing walk through the towering walls, crevices and plateaus (7km--3-4hrs). This scenic landscape of rugged ranges, rock holes and gorges acts as a refuge for many plants and animals, making the park an important conservation area and major attraction of central Australia. You can visit the Amphitheatre and the beehive formations at the Lost City plus a swim in the tranquil "Garden of Eden"—a permanent water hole in this arid country.

From Kings Canyon you’ll complete a loop back to Alice Springs via the 4-wheel drive only Ernest Giles Road.

At the end of the day in Alice Springs you settle in a particularly charming B & B in a quiet residential area of town. Your welcoming hosts are full of information about the area and you can relax by the poolside this evening.

Accommodation: A Good Rest B&B
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Arrival in Cairns and Transfer

Today you are transferred to the Alice Springs Airport and then you fly to tropical Cairns. In Cairns and are warmly greeted by one of our staff members at the airport and then transferred to your accommodation.

Your hotel won Trip Advisor's Traveller's Choice Award for 2012, and continues to rank as one of Cairns best rated hotels. You will enjoy the complimentary WiFi in your room, while all rooms have ensuites and air-conditioning, flat screen TVs with Austar and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel also has guest laundry, a tropical pool and spa. It is also easy walking distance to shops and restaurants, and two blocks from the Esplanade and waterfront.

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Aboriginal Culture, Guided Tracking & Hunting, Aboriginal-Guided Daintree Rainforest Walk

Today’s guided tour takes you on three different adventures in the care of a knowledgeable guide. Perhaps the best way to learn about aboriginal culture, first you walk with two aboriginal brothers of the Kuku Yalanji tribe along the coast they’ve called home for thousands of years. Their specialty is helping you find mud crabs, mussels, and other “bush tucker” among the mangroves. In a small group, learn how to throw spears and try your hand at catching food the traditional way.

Later you’ll learn about local customs, hear tales of the indigenous “Dreamtime” and eat your day’s catch. Then you will continue north to the township of Mossman, where you’ll meet aboriginal artist Binna and share in an authentic art experience with him.  You’ll take home a memento of your experience and learn more about aboriginal culture as well. 

Finally you travel to Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest.  Beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony, you wander rainforest paths, discovering with your guide how these aboriginal people found their way through dense rainforest, made shelter and learned what native plants were tasty to eat.  Through your guide sharing his stories, you learn how the seasons dictated life, what falls under men’s and women’s “business”, how to make fire in the rainforest and how to make fish very easy to catch.   You can go for a swim in the sparkling clear water among the boulders, and sample billy tea and wattle seed damper (bread) made on the fire topped with jam from rainforest berries. Then you hear a demonstration of the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo--an integral part of ceremonial and spiritual life, and perhaps one of the most meaningful symbols of aboriginal Australia. You return to Cairns this evening.

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: National Parks, Waterfalls, Crater Lakes and Platypus Spotting

The lush mountains of the Dividing Range rise up from Cairns, and today you will explore, accompanied by a guide, the Highlands' fantastic natural wonders. Wooroonooran National Park boasts Queensland's highest mountain, Bartle Frere, from which pour countless cascades. Josephine Falls is perhaps the parks most picturesque. You will arrive at the base of the falls by way of a short guided hike through the jungle. Here you can glide down an exhilarating natural waterslide that ends in a perfect, clear swimming hole.

You will also walk at the enchanting Babinda Boulders, where mysterious giant boulders stand in a swirling river. You will learn from our guide about the spiritual significance of this mysterious place and why it has given rise to aboriginal legends.

You will swim in an ancient volcanic crater, have a home cooked meal at a traditional Aussie teahouse and see Millaa Millaa Falls from behind its watery veil. Finally, near sunset, look for the unique and elusive duck-billed platypus in its natural habitat. This is fun-filled day with a vivacious guide, a taste of Aussie culture, and plenty of lively music to keep everyone entertained while you travel the Highlands. You will return to Cairns at approximately 7 pm.

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Snorkelling and Optional Diving at The Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef—the second UNESCO World Heritage Site on our journey and easily one of the world’s top natural wonders. Today you will sail to the Reef aboard an eco-friendly catamaran, recipient of the Advanced Ecotourism Climate Action Innovator Award.

First stop is Michaelmas Cay at The Great Barrier Reef - an important seabird island refuge and marine park. At its height (during the summer breeding season), as many as 20,000 birds nest on the island.  Snorkelling can be done right of the sand cay, and for those who prefer not to snorkel, an optional glass bottom boat will still give you a glimpse of this underwater universe.

Second stop is the gorgeous Paradise Reef, that truly lives up to its name. For snorkelers, giant clams, angel, butterfly and parrot fish, turtles, sea stars and corals of a thousand hues are all within reach.  Among the 1,800 species of fish and 450 species of coral, you can expect to see Wally the giant wrasse, fan corals, sea cucumbers  and just about the entire cast of “Finding Nemo”.  First-time snorkelers are well-looked after, with instruction on how to get the most out of your reef experience. Certified SCUBA divers can log two dives today, or those without diving expereience can try an Intro dive with an instructor (diving is extra cost). You return to Cairns in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Wildlife Sanctuary, Crocodile-Spotting Cruise, Daintree Rainforest

You travel today in the company of a guide and small group up the coast to the famed Cape Tribulation, the site at which explorer Captain Cook ran aground.  It is here where two UNESCO World Heritage areas also lie side by side.

You first stop at a sanctuary to meet quintessential Australian animals:  crocs, koalas, kangaroos and a host of other creatures.  The sanctuary uses funds raised from donations and park entries to operate their Wildlife Rescue Program which includes a dedicated wildlife care centre for injured, sick, and orphaned animals.  In addition, the care centre operates a successful Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo breeding program for this locally endemic species.  If you’ve always wanted a photo with a koala – here’s your chance!

Next you take a croc-spotting river cruise on the Daintree River where you can look for these magnificent reptiles in the wild.  Then enter the Daintree, home of the magical ancient rainforest. At one hundred and thirty-five million years old, the Daintree is the oldest continuously growing rainforest in the world.  This area of the country also has the highest concentration of primitive flowering plant families in the world, Australia’s rarest mammal (the Murina florious bat) and 13 species of birds found nowhere else on earth.

You take a walk through lowland rainforest with your guide to learn more about the flora and fauna of this region.    Tonight your Daintree lodge boasts an attractive swimming pool, day spa, and close proximity to Cape Tribulation beach. Your room has its own bathroom, small refrigerator, tea & coffee making facilities, and superb location in the rainforest. 

OPTIONAL: A special treat tonight is a night hike with a professional naturalist on a private swath of old-growth rainforest to spot some of the nocturnal animals of the Daintree and learn more about this significant place. While wildlife behaviour and fauna sightings are unpredictable, you will enjoy a genuine wilderness experience.  You will return to your lodge by 10:30 pm (extra cost)

Accommodation: Ferntree Lodge
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12:Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest Options: Horse Ride, Sea kayaking or Jungle Canopy Zip Line

In the early morning the animals stir, the rainforest sings with birdcalls, and today you can explore the world of wildlife that comes to life when the sun rises.

This morning check out Cape Tribulation beach and see why this area, also part of the Kuku Yalanji tribal area, has great spiritual and cultural significance. Explore the Kulki boardwalk that runs through rare tropical lowland forest. If you’re lucky you’ll spot the Peppermint Stick insect on the pandanus palms, or the Daintree’s endangered and giant flightless bird, the cassowary. For a challenge, hike the lush green slopes of Mt. Sorrow for spectacular views out across the Coral Sea.

OPTIONS (extra cost): you can also choose one of three adventures: horse riding, sea kayaking or riding a jungle zip line. A morning of horse riding is perfect for absolute beginner riders through to the more experienced rider. Trails meander through scenic bushland and rainforest, crossing streams and out onto the spectacular Cape Tribulation Beach. You can canter down the beach--the wind in your hair--to complete your tropical paradise dreams.

Alternatively, you can take to the water with a sea kayaking guide and follow him to his secret places while looking for sea eagles, stingrays, dolphins, dugongs and the occasional migrating whale.

Or you can experience the art of "jungle surfing": an exhilarating zip line ride among the tree tops. By clipping into a series of steel cables arranged in the trees, you can fly across the rainforest canopy and get a bird's eye view of the world. At the highest point you fly over 22 metres above the valley. You return to Cairns this evening in a small group.

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Flight to Sydney, Optional Ghost Tour, Sydney Observatory or Oper house Performance

Today you will fly back to Sydney to relax between your two flights. The day is free. You can choose to spend the afternoon on one of the Sydney beaches or visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Sydney: Wrapped around Farm Cove at the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens occupy one of Sydney’s most spectacular positions and are considered to be one of the great botanic gardens of the world.

OPTIONAL: Tonight with your ghoulishly-dressed escort and a flickering lantern, you will discover how a hunted past has created the spirits of today on a fascinating Ghost Tour.  Your groups creeps through the narrow alleyways and courtyards of The Rocks historic district to hear the spooky tales of intrigue and treachery, true stories told by local people who once led ordinary lives.  Your spine will tingle and goose bumps will rise as you learn about this birthplace of the nation with a dark history of disease, disaster, violence and horrific murders – where spirits still linger.  This is a great way to learn about Sydney’s colonial and convict history in a fun and unique way (extra cost)

OPTIONAL: This evening you can join in an astronomy lesson and star gazing at the Sydney Observatory.  During this truly celestial experience, you will get an introduction to the myriad southern constellations—including the Southern Cross. You’ll also learn more about the universe experience the 3-D space theatre and view the historic astronomical and meteorological objects on display. With the massive telescopes, you are also able to look closely at the twinkles of star clusters, red giants, nebulae where stars are being born, globular clusters, and distant galaxies.  If viewing through the telescopes is not possible due to sky conditions, a fun beanbag planetarium session is provided instead (extra cost)

OPTIONAL: As a special treat tonight, you can opt to see a live performance in the Opera House - from opera to circus, rock and cabaret – in one of the busiest performing arts venues in the world (extra cost).

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel
Included: Breakfast

Day 14: Departure

Eventually all good things must come to an end. After breakfast today you are transferred back to the Sydney International Airport for your flight back home.

Included: Breakfast