Ideal for the first-time visitor to Australia, this fantastic independent tour combines the 'big three' icons - namely Sydney, Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. Choose from three standards of accommodation, and enjoy included excursions to all the must-see highlights.
Highlights
- Sydney
- Blue Mountains
- Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Kings Canyon
- Alice Springs
- Cairns
- Great Barrier Reef
- Port Douglas
- Visit some of Sydney's leading attractions, and take the in the view from the summit of the Sydney Tower
- Enjoy an excursion to the picturesque Blue Mountains National Park to view the aweinspiring Three Sisters
- Make the pilgrimage to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and enjoy a unique 'Sounds of Silence' dinner served
- under the stars of the Outback
- Explore the mighty Kings Canyon on a guided walk to see its breathtaking oasis known as the
- Garden of Eden
- Two nights in the lively holiday resort of Cairns, the gateway to Tropical North Queensland
- Take a trip on Kuranda's Scenic Railway, and ride back to Cairns via the stunning Skyrail Cableway
- Travel by catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef, one of nature's greatest wonders
- Relax at the end of this amazing journey with two days in laid-back Port Douglas.
Departures: Daily.
Day 1: Arrive Sydney
This classic holiday down under starts in Sydney, perhaps Australia's most iconic destination and certainly at the top of many vistors' wish list. Transfer to your chosen hotel for a four-night stay and spend a leisurely day getting to know the city.
Standard: Mercure Sydney
Superior: Holiday Inn Darling Harbour
Deluxe: InterContinental Sydney
Day 2: Sydney
Sydney is packed with sights and attractions, and your Darling Harbour Experience Pass (included) is a great value way to explore. Visit the famous Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World, explore the harbour with a hop-on/hop-off cruise, and admire the views from the summit of the Sydney Tower.
Day 3: Blue Mountains
Join a tour to the picturesque Blue Mountains, where the haze rising from the eucalyptus trees appears blue over the verdant canyons. Follow the scenic drive to see the awe-inspiring Three Sisters rock formation towering abouve the Jamison Valley. Returning to Sydney, make a stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park where you can see kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, and other native creatures.
Day 4: Sydney
Full day at leisure for independent exploration or to complete your sightseeing of the attractions
included on your Darling Harbour Experience Pass.
Day 5: Sydney - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Transfer back to the airport to board your flight to the Red Centre, the heart of the Australian Outback, which holds a fascination for visitors from around the globe. On arrival, a complimentary shuttle will take you to your chosen hotel for a two-night stay.
Tonight, we've included the magical 'Sounds of Silence' dinner, truly an experience to remember. Listen to the haunting sound of the didgeridoo as the sunset silhouettes Uluru, then dine under the canopy of stars in the desert sky.
Standard: Outback Pioneer
Superior: Desert Gardens
Deluxe: Sails in the Desert
Day 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Enjoy a morning at leisure before your driver guide takes you closer to the great monolith of Uluru. Learn of the region's significance to the local Aborigines with a look around the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre before joining a guided walk to explore the base of Uluru and Mutitjulu Waterhole. Savour another glorious sunset from up-close to the Rock, over a glass of wine.
Day 7: Kata Tjuta - Kings Canyon
Rise early and admire the sunrise at Uluru before heading out to the marvellous domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) for a guided walk into Walpa Gorge. Later, your driver guide takes you onwards to mighty Kings Canyon.
Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort
Day 8: Kings Canyon - Alice Springs
Take an early morning guided walk to the rim of Kings Canyon for breathtaking views of its
fascinating rock formations, which include the Lost City and Garden of Eden. There is an easier
alternative walk along the shaded canyon floor which offers an entirely different perspective. This afternoon, travel by coach for an overnight stay in the Outback town of Alice Springs. Standard: Aurora Hotel
Superior: Chifley Alice Springs Resort
Deluxe: Crowne Plaza
Day 9: Alice Springs - Cairns
Transfer to the airport in Alice Springs to board your flight to Cairns, gateway to Tropical North
Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. On arrival, a shuttle transfer will take you for a two-night stay at your chosen hotel.
Standard: Discovery Cairns.
Superior: Rydges Esplanade Resort.
Deluxe: Shangri-La The Marina
Day 10: Cairns - Kuranda - Cairns
Today's full-day tour starts with a ride on the Scenic Railway up to the mountain village of Kuranda, to browse its colourful craft markets. Ride back on the Skyrail, the world's longest gondola cableway. Glide just metres above the rainforest canopy, and hopon/ hop-off as you wish for up-close exploration of this World Heritage forest. This afternoon, enjoy traditional dancing, craft demonstrations and a buffet lunch at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. (L)
Day 11: Great Barrier Reef - Port Douglas
This morning, transfer to the marina at Port Douglas to board a catamaran cruise to the outer edge of the iconic Great Barrier Reef. From Quicksilver's well-equipped pontoon, view the coral and multicoloured marine life from the underwater observatory, enjoy a buffet lunch and maybe even a spot of snorkelling. Back on dry land, transfer to your chosen hotel in Port Douglas, and check-in for a three-night stay.
Standard: Bay Villas
Superior: Sabaya Resort Port Douglas
Deluxe: Sea Temple Port Douglas
Days 12 & 13: Port Douglas
Conclude this wonderful Australian holiday with two full days at leisure in the laid-back beach resort of Port Douglas. Browse the boutiques along stylish Macrossan Street, or relax with a good book on the white sands of Four-Mile Beach. Alternatively, ask us about optional pre-bookable sightseeing activities.
Day 14: Port Douglas - Cairns
Time to say goodbye to the Tropical North. Tour ends with a transfer back to Cairns Airport.
Prices Include
- Return flights from London Heathrow in economy class (supplements may apply from UK regional airports) – included in ‘Tour & Flight’ prices only
- Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary – included in ‘Tour & Flight’ prices only
- 13 nights’ accommodation as specified
- Transfers and sightseeing as specified (excludes anything described as ‘optional’)
- Meals as specified (L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
