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Exploring Australia Holidays

The Grand Tour: Wine, Wildlife & Reefs

Your Itinerary

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Day 1 - G'Day Australia

Welcome to Sydney. Upon arrival at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. We have nothing planned for you today, so you can relax after the long flight and get accustomed to your surroundings. If you have some energy left, take a stroll to Circular Quay to watch the sun set behind Sydney Opera House. (Rendezvous Hotel The Rocks, Studio Room)

Day 2 - Explore Sydney

This morning we will take you on a walking tour around The Rocks where your guides will uncover the authentic history of the Aboriginal people in Sydney. At 2.30pm depart Circular Quay on a Harbour Highlights Cruise and see all the Sydney Main Harbour highlights in one and a quarter hours. Cruising under the Sydney Harbour Bridge is always a popular moment and you might even spot the bridge climbers waving to you from the top of the bridge.

Sydney Opera House

Day 3 - A day at leisure in Sydney

We have nothing planned for you today. You may choose to climb the 200 stairs up to the Pylon Lookout, from where you can enjoy panoramic views. Take the lift up to Sydney Tower Eye, or visit the National Museum. What makes Sydney so exceptional is its wide range of stunning beaches which can easily be reached by public transport. Take a ferry to Manly today, laze at famous Bondi Beach or take the scenic coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi.

Hunter Valley

Day 4 - A day in the Hunter Valley

This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel for your day trip to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. First stop is at the Australia Reptile Park, where morning coffee will be served in a delightful setting surrounded by kangaroos and wallabies. The Hunter Valley brims with over 150 top class wineries as well as gourmet produce and boutique breweries. Visit some boutique wineries today where you can enjoy some tastings as well.

The Red Centre

Day 5 - Off to the Red Centre

This morning you will be transferred by Shuttle Bus to Sydney Airport, for your flight to Alice Springs. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. We have nothing planned for the rest of the day. Take a stroll through the centre, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service or visit the „School of the Air“ Visitor Centre to learn about this unique first-of-its-kind school and the world’s largest classroom. (Mercure Alice Springs Resort, Superior Room incl. breakfast)

Uluru

Day 6 - Australia's Outback

Rise early today, for today’s exciting exploration of the Australian outback. You will be picked up and driven to  the Uluru National Park where you can visit the Cultural Centre and enjoy two guided Uluru base walks or take the full 10km Uluru base walk (unguided). This evening, watch a spectacular Uluru sunset while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine. After sunset,  drive to the campsite for hot showers and a hearty meal. You can choose to sleep in a permanent 4 share safari tent (bunk beds) or in a swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of outback stars.

Kata Tjuta

Day 7 - Uluru and the Kata-Tjuta

Catch a spectacular Uluru sunrise this morning, before heading to Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas) for a guided 5.5km walk through the Valley of the Winds. After lunch at the camp, you will be driven to a remote bush camp in the Watarrka National Park (King’s Canyon). After a hot shower, tonight’s dinner will be an authentic Outback BBQ. Enjoy another night under the stars in the Australian outback.

King's Canyon

Day 8 - King's Canyon

After breakfast, we drive to Kings Canyon for a guided 6km Canyon Rim Walk in one of the most spectacular areas of the outback. Visit the natural Amphitheatre and discover the lost city, North and South Walls, and the exotic Garden of Eden along the way. After lunch we drive you back to Alice Springs stopping at Mount Ebenezer Roadhouse.

Mindil Beach

Day 9 - Going North

The Outback Tour Services Shuttle bus will take you to Alice Springs Airport. Upon arrival into Darwin take the Darwin Airport Link shuttle bus to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, so you can explore Darwin at your own pace. We recommend the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, if you are interested in the history and development of Darwin and its wartime experience. Our tipp: Head to Mindil Beach for a spectacular sunset. (Travelodge Resort Darwin, Guest Room, incl. breakfast).

Kakadu National Park

Day 10 - Kakadu National Park and Mary River Wetlands

Journey into the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park and find yourself surrounded by vast tracks of savannah woodland, bordered by the largest wetland system in Australia. In the cool of the mid-morning you will arrive at Kakadu’s premier art site, Ubirr. In the afternoon, join a cruise on a wetland system that houses the world’s highest concentration of crocodiles: the Mary River Wetlands. The aquatic and land-based food chain found throughout the billabong system is something that has to be seen to be believed.

Day 11 - Litchfield National Park

Boarding early for the drive to Litchfield National Park. The qauaint town of Batchelor is the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Established in 1986, the park is a truly stunning destination. Here you can take in the splendour of thundering falls, rainforest pockets and sacred historic sites. The traditional custodians of Litchfield National Park are the Wagait people, many of whom still call the area home. View the spectacular double waterfalls of Florence Falls from a high vantage point before making your way down the stairs to take a dip in the gorgeous plunge pool.

Cairns Esplanade

Day 12 - From Darwin to Cairns

The Darwin Airport Link shuttle will take you to the airport this morning for your flight to Cairns. Explore this pretty town by bicycle in the afternoon. You will start at the Cairns Wharf to cruise through the city, along canals, into parks, down a bush track, up quiet streets, through mangroves and then down to the Marlin Marina in time for the sunset. See local streets, iconic structures, stunning botanical gardens, and more. (Bay Village Tropical Retreat, Standard Room incl. breakfast).

Day 13 - Discover the Great Barrier Reef

It’s an early start as you are going to head out to the Great Barrier Reef today. You will spend three days and two nights on the ocean to experience the best part of one of the world’s most famous reefs. The centrally air-conditioned, light and airy boats are 25 metres long and feature 14 twin share cabins. Meals will be provided on the deck. (Night on board Pro Dive).

Day 14 - The best of the reef

This 3 day liveaboard dive and snorkelling adventure will show you the very best the Outer Great Barrier Reef has to offer. Experience a large variety of fantastic outer reef locations where you can snorkel (diving at surcharge). The sites have been selected for their variety and quality of both coral and marine life as well as great visibility.

Day 15 - Last day at the reef

Enjoy more snorkeling and swimming fun today before the vessel heads back to Cairns. Upon arrival at the jetty, you will be transferred to your hotel. (Bay Village Tropical Retreat, Standard Room incl. breakfast).

Day 16 - Daintree and Cape Tribulation

Today’s small group tour will take you north along the magnificent scenic coastal route. Experience a guided river cruise on the Daintree River, a walk through the ancient rainforests, get up close to Eclectus Parrots, baby Crocodiles, Pythons & other native wildlife, before you will be taken past Cape Tribulation to the pristine Emmagen Creek. We then make our way to Cape Tribulation Beach after most of the crowds are gone, before taking you back to Cairns.

Brisbane

Day 17 - From Cairns to Brisbane

A private car will take you to Cairns Domestic Airport for your flight to Brisbane. Check into your hotel before your Essential Brisbane Bike Tour starts in the afternoon. This tour is conducted solely on bicycle paths and is conducted at a gentle pace suitable for everyone. There are many scheduled stops to learn some fun facts about Brisbane and take some fantastic and fun photos of the city. (NEXT Hotel Brisbane, Standard Room)

Day 18 - Next stop: Fraser Island

After a morning at leisure in Brisbane, you will be taken to Roma Street Station for your transfer to Hervey Bay, from where the ferry will take you to Fraser Island. Check into the luxurious Kingfisher Resort (Wallum Lagoon Resort Room incl. breakfast) and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Fraser Island

Day 19 - Best of Fraser Island

Today depart on a full day Beauty Spots Tour of Fraser Island. On this beautiful day out off-roading, you will meet like-minded travellers, visit the top natural attractions and cool off in watering holes – and all in the air-conditioned comfort of a custom-designed, four-wheel-drive coach.

Day 20 - Relax at the beach

Enjoy a day at leisure today. Explore the island at your own pace or simply dig your toes into the soothing sand.

Day 21 - Bon Voyage

Today you will take the return ferry from Fraser Island to Hervey Bay and the coach onwards to Brisbane. Arrival at the Brisbane International Airport will be approximately 1:15pm. Safe travels!

DETAILS -

This itinerary costs from £3,009 per person based on 2 sharing and includes all services and accommodation. Flights are not included.

We recommend booking international and domestic flights together in advance. Please ask us for advice. Alternately, we can book flights on your behalf but a booking fee may apply.

Email or call (0207 112 0019) to get started.

What's included?

INCLUDED
  • Prices start from £3,008 per person
  • Accommodation as stated
  • Transfers as stated
  • Excursions in small groups as per itinerary
  • Liveaboard cruise (3 days/2 nights) in a twin share cabin, including all meals and snorkelling equipment – Diving is possible at surcharge.
  • Local taxes
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
Make a booking

Experience an unforgettable journey through Australia’s magnificent national parks, finest cities, oldest wine regions, remarkable dessert terrain of the untouched Outback and the breathtaking waters of The Great Barrier Reef. You’ll see crocodiles in their natural habitat, trek through lush rainforests, discover Indigenous culture, drive through acres of glorious vineyards and enjoy an evening sail around the Sydney Harbour.

Highlights:

  • Discover Sydney, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House while cruising Sydney Harbour
  • Taste fine wines in the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region
  • Watch a spectacular Uluru sunset and sleep underneath the stars in Australia’s Outback
  • Explore the mystical King’s Canyon
  • Journey into the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park
  • Bathe in the Florence Falls at Litchfield National Park
  • Snorkel in the Outer Great Barrier Reef and spend two nights on a liveaboard vessel
  • Walk through ancient rainforests at Cape Tribulation
  • Explore Brisbane’s highlights by bicycle
  • Dig your toes into the soothing sand on Fraser Island

Please remember that this is a sample itinerary; we specialise in creating tailor-made holidays that are unique to you and your style.

Sydney – Alice Springs – Uluru and Kata Tjuta – King’s Canyon – Darwin – Kakadu National Park – Litchfield National Park – Cairns – Great Barrier Reef – Cape Tribulation – Brisbane – Fraser Island.

Sydney
The capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Explore the famous coastal beaches like Bondi, Bronte, Coogee and Palm Beach. Explore the jungles of Sydney Harbor National Park, dine in world-class restaurants, visit Blue Mountai
Melbourne
Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. Explore the hidden halls and rooftops of Melbourne, Federation Square cultural hubs, bars, boutiques and restaurants, as well as the iconic MCG. Visit St Kilda, Royal Botanic Garden, Brunswick Street bohemian style, and the Spring Horse Carnival.
Cairns
Located in the tropical Far North Queensland, Cairns is considered the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Stunning beaches, spectacular hinterland, local and organic produce, delightful cafes and bars, a hustle and bustle market and its friendly and relaxed community make Cairns a favorite holiday destination.
Perth
The capital of Western Australia, Perth, is known for its exquisite beaches. However it also has bustling city areas filled with amazing shopping, nightlife and dining. Discover stylish bars in Northbridge or visit theater along streets of Subiaco.
Brisbane
Brisbane is Queensland's vibrant and elegant capital and gateway to major tourist destinations. It's a large city on the Brisbane River and is a blend of cultural institutions and South Bank restaurants with riverside parks and lagoons.
Uluru/ The Red Centre
The Red Centre is an extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges and some of Aboriginal Australia's most sacred sites, including Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa. The only town of sizable population is Alice Springs.
Adelaide
Adelaide is South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital. Its ring of parkland on the River Torrens is home to renowned museums and culture. It's known as the city of the Australian festival. Spacious boulevards and lush gardens in Adelaide are becoming an event of endless excitement.
Great Barrier Reef
Explore the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 2,000 kilometers along the Queensland coastline. Snorkel, dive, or cross-reef flight. Sail to Whitsundays, trekking the Daintree Forest or relax on tropical islands like Hayman and Lizard.
Whitsundays
The 74 Whitsunday Islands lie between the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef, a massive stretch of coral teeming with marine life. Most of the islands are uninhabited.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a lovely coastal town in the southeastern Australian state of New South Wales. It’s a popular holiday destination, known for its beaches, surfing and scuba diving.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km. Panoramic viewpoints include Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the island's easternmost tip, and the Cathedrals, a cliff famous for sculpted ribbons of coloured sand.
Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is a renowned wine-producing region northeast of Adelaide, in South Australia. The area encompasses towns such as Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa, and an array of high-profile wineries offering tours and cellar-door tastings.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island lies off the mainland of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide. Over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves, home to native wildlife like sea lions, koalas and diverse bird species.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, an Australian resort town on Queensland's Whitsunday Coast, is a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a town on the Coral Sea in the tropical far north of Queensland, Australia. It's known for its beach resorts and as a base for visits to both the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest reef system, and Daintree National Park, home to biodiverse rainforest.
Darwin
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to famous Kakadu National Park. Its popular waterfront area has several beaches and green areas like Bicentennial Park.
Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is a World Heritage Site located in the north west coastal region of Western Australia along the East Indian Ocean. It's Australia's largest fringing coral reef and the only large reef positioned very close to a landmass.
Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide. It’s a popular gateway for exploring the Red Centre, the country's interior desert region.

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