Exploring Australia
| Resort: | Exploring Australia |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Australia, Australia & The Pacific |
| Price From: | £3499.00 |
OverviewExplore the diverse wonder of the land “Down Under.” A 3-day adventure in the rugged Outback introduces you to the Aboriginal life and culture of Alice Springs and Uluru, the indigenous name for Ayers Rock. Delve into the colorful world of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the Barossa valley, a premier winemaking region. Meet Australias famous wildlife up close with a chance to see crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos and other fascinating animals from the region. Youll explore the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Melbourne and relax with 4-night stays in Sydney and Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! Youll take a ride through the rainforest canopy in tropical Queensland and have a guided tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House. ItineraryDay 1: Depart from HomeCross the International Dateline and begin the adventure of a lifetime by skipping a day ahead. Day 2: Depart from HomeCross the International Dateline and begin the adventure of a lifetime by skipping a day ahead. Day 3: Melbourne, Australia – Tour BeginsFeel the cosmopolitan energy of modern Australia as you begin your tour in the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Day 4: MelbourneTodays tour of Melbourne features Fitzroy Gardens, valued for their historic and horticultural significance. Later you may participate in an optional tour that travels to Phillip Island, the home of the worlds largest colony of Little Penguins; protected and studied by rangers, hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes; at the interpretation center, you have a chance to learn about the lives of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Day 5: Melbourne – Adelaide – Barossa ValleyFly to the capital of South Australia Adelaide. Upon arrival, proceed to the Barossa Valley, one of Australias most famous wine regions. Renowned among connoisseurs, the valleys award-winning winemakers attract visitors from around the world. Tonight, enjoy the beauty of Barossa during a scenic dinner overlooking the vineyards. Day 6: Barossa ValleySet out on a sightseeing tour of the Barossa Valley. Indulge as you visit local wineries to learn about the history and geography of the region and why the wines garner such high praise. Quench your palate with varietals ranging from fruit-forward Chardonnays to earthy Pinot Noirs. Wine connoisseur or not, sit back and relax while Australian wine experts introduce the lore and allure of these delicious products. Day 7: Barossa Valley – Alice SpringsDepart for Alice Springs and delve into life in the remote Outback. A tour of the area includes the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill, with its excellent views of Alice Springs and the surrounding area. Gain insight into the educational system in the Outback with a visit to the School of the Air; you may even see a class in session. Become locally invested as you have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme.* Supported by the Collette Foundation, Drum Atweme is a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, continue your cultural immersion with a memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert environment. Day 8: Alice SpringsCome to know the history and culture of the Walpiri Aboriginal people during a “Dreamtime Tour, where your specialist guide shares stories of creation and everyday Aboriginal life. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this quintessential Outback town. Day 9: Alice Springs – Uluru (Ayers Rock)Traverse the Red Centre today as you drive to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through the process of upheaval and erosion. Prepare for a truly majestic sunset as you witness the changing colors of Uluru while enjoying a champagne toast. Day 10: Uluru – CairnsIn the cool of the morning, set out to see this incredible area. Tour Kata Tjuta and the base of The Rock, learning about their geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Later, you fly to Cairns the tropical gateway to one of the worlds most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. Day 11: CairnsThis morning, board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rainforest canopy. There are two stops where you may get off the cableway and experience the forest floor from specially designed boardwalks. The amazing diversity of plants, animals and birds simply astounds. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the tropical surroundings. Day 12: Great Barrier ReefToday board a catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to explore the fascinating underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Choose how you want to spend your day in paradise by making your time on the reef as educational or as laid back as you like. Perhaps you will relax and independently explore the pristine shores of this tiny sand island located on the outer reef. Or maybe you are a bit more adventurous and will go snorkeling, revealing a wealth of vibrant sea life. You also have the opportunity to meet with a marine biologist during an informative presentation. Or you may also opt to join an expert for a beach and heritage trail walk along the island. Day 13: CairnsThe day is yours to explore the town at your own pace or simply relax and soak up the tropical atmosphere. Perhaps you will join us for an optional excursion to Hartleys Croc Farm and get up close and personal with crocodiles in their natural habitat; boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands, home to birds, reptiles and wallabies; you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas and have a private talk with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these cuddly creatures; youll also take an exciting cruise on the lagoon looking for crocodiles. Day 14: Cairns – SydneyAfter a leisurely morning, we fly to Sydney, Australias largest city, where British settlers first dropped anchor in 1788. This evenings dinner choice is yours as you choose from a variety of local restaurants along bustling Darling Harbour. Day 15: SydneyStart your day with a tour of Sydney, birthplace of modern-day Australia. Highlights of your tour include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the worlds most fascinating architectural sights as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Next, enjoy a unique experience as you learn firsthand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. Discover the wonders of Sydney by using your free time to pursue your own interests. Stroll through the city streets, visit the historic Rocks area, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Day 16: Sydney – Blue Mountains – SydneyToday is one of the most scenic days of your Aussie adventure. Begin with a visit to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. The Blue Mountains are full of geological inspiration including The Three Sisters sandstone rock formations, the regions most notable attraction. Experience sandstone plateaus, valleys, river gorges and pristine wilderness among other natural wonders during this journey. Then, head to Featherdale Wildlife Park where you can meet wallabies, indigenous birds, kangaroos, dingoes and other creatures. Savor some leisure time this evening to sample Sydneys world-class restaurant scene. Day 17: SydneyEnjoy a full day at leisure. Use today to explore more of Sydneys attractions. Perhaps you will do some shopping or find yourself a local caf. This evening, say farewell to Sydney, chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas the harbour has to offer including Sydneys magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Day 18: Sydney – Tour EndsYou depart for home with wonderful memories of this inspiring country. |
