18 day Essence of Australia
Highlights
Sydney • Blue Mountains • Adelaide •
Barossa Valley • Kangaroo Island • Uluru
(Ayers Rock) • Palm Cove • Great Barrier Reef
• Private transfers with accommodation in
five-star hotels and some of Australia's finest
and most exclusive lodges
• See magnificent Sydney Harbour laid out
beneath you on a thrilling seaplane ride
• Enjoy a self-drive to the Blue Mountains and
stay on an exclusive nature reserve
• Two indulgent nights at a boutique vineyard
retreat in the heart of the Barossa Valley
• Visit the natural wilderness of Kangaroo Island,
and enjoy wildlife-spotting on 4WD safaris
• Fly to the Red Centre to sleep in a luxury tent
in the shadow of Ayers Rock
• Take a hot-air balloon ride above the tropical
rainforest of North Queensland
• Travel out to the Great Barrier Reef by
catamaran and return by helicopter
Day 1: Arrive Sydney
On arrival into Sydney Airport, a private transfer will
be waiting to whisk you to the luxurious Shangri-La
Hotel for a three-night stay. Overnight: Shangri-La
Hotel Sydney (Deluxe Opera House Room) - page 57
Day 2: Sydney
Today, you have a full day free to explore Sydney. If
you would like to tailor your trip, we're happy to
book optional activities on your behalf.
Day 3: Sydney
Fly by seaplane to the Ku Ring Gai Chase National
Park to the place where the Hawkesbury River meets
the Tasman Sea. Spend the afternoon lazing over a
delightful lunch at Cottage Point, and enjoying the
phenomenal views of this complex systems of
creeks, headlands and waterways.
Day 3: Sydney - Blue Mountains
Today, you'll collect a full-size rental car and drive
inland to the Blue Mountains for an unforgettable
two-night stay at the brand-new Emirates Wolgan
Valley Resort & Spa, which is already being hailed as
one of Australia's most exclusive destinations. (D)
Overnight: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa
Day 5: Blue Mountains
After a good night's sleep in your deluxe suite,
refresh with a dip in your private pool before
making your choice from the many activities on
offer - horse-riding across the meadow, hiking the
reserve's creeks or mountain biking on well-marked
trails. All meals are included at Emirates Wolgan
Valley, and this evening promises an exceptional
dining experience. (BLD)
Day 6: Blue Mountains - Sydney
Drive back to Sydney via the Western Highway, and
maybe stop in Katoomba to view the magnificent
rock formation known as the Three Sisters. (B)
Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel Sydney (Deluxe Opera
House Room) - page 57
Day 7: Sydney - BarossaValley
Take a private transfer back to Sydney Airport for
your short flight to Adelaide. On arrival, you'll be
driven directly to the Barossa Valley for a two-night
stay at a luxury vineyard boutique retreat famed for
its cuisine. Overnight: The Louise (Vineyard Suite) -
page 146
Day 8: BarossaValley
Barossa Valley is renowned as one of Australia's
premium wine producing areas, and you have a day
at leisure to explore some of the 70 or so cellar
doors open for wine tasting. (B)
Day 9: BarossaValley - Adelaide
You'll be met at your hotel today by a driver who
will escort you through the gentle countryside of the
Barossa to Adelaide, known as the 'City of
Churches'. (B) Overnight: InterContinental Adelaide
(River View Room) - page 146
Day 10: Adelaide - Kangaroo Island
Transfer this morning to Adelaide Airport for the
short flight over to Kangaroo Island and the
exclusive Southern Ocean Lodge. Offering perhaps
the ultimate in luxury accommodation within
Australia, Southern Ocean Lodge has a rugged
clifftop location with sweeping ocean views and
sumptuous suites. (D) Overnight: Southern Ocean
Lodge (Flinders Suite) - page 149
Day 11: Kangaroo Island
Your choice of included touring activities available
includes a visit Seal Bay to see one of the nation's
largest colonies of Australian sea lions, a 4WD safari
tour or exploring the rock formations of Flinders
Chase National Park. (BLD)
Day 12: Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
Either enjoy a leisurely morning or explore Kangaroo
Island a little further. Later, transfer to the airport for
the flight back to Adelaide. (B) Overnight:
InterContinental Adelaide (River View Room)
Day 13: Adelaide - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Transfer back to Adelaide Airport for your flight to
the Red Centre and the amazing Longitude 131, a
luxury wilderness camp that almost defies
description. Spend the next two nights in a luxury
safari tent with uninterrupted views of the mighty
Uluru. (D) Overnight: Longitude 131 (Luxury Safari
Tent) - page 121
Day 14: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Explore Uluru and its surrounding region on a varied
daily programme of rewarding small group tours
learning of the desert eco-system and indigenous
culture from friendly guides. This evening, perhaps
dine out under the stars at Table 131 or enjoy a
four-course dinner in the Dune House. (BLD)
Day 15: Ayers Rock - Palm Cove
Today you fly to Cairns and the lush rainforests of
Tropical North Queensland. Transfer to your colonial
beachfront accommodation in Palm Cove, your base
for the next three nights. (B) Overnight: Sebel Reef
House (Verandah Spa Room) - page 99
Day 16: Great Barrier Reef
Watch the sun rise over the forested Cairns
Highlands from your hot-air balloon, a serene
experience. After breakfast and a glass of sparkling
wine, transfer to Port Douglas to board a catamaran
cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy diving,
snorkelling and coral viewing from the underwater
observatory, before enjoying a unique aerial
perspective over the Reef on a thrilling helicopter
ride back to Cairns. (BL)
Day 17: Palm Cove
After a busy day previously, today you're free to
explore all the treasures of Palm Cove, with its
delightful beach and thriving cafe society.
Day 18: Palm Cove - Cairns
Your tour concludes today with a private 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
• 17 nights’ accommodation as specified
• Private transfers throughout, and small group
sightseeing as specified (excludes anything
described as ‘optional’)
• Meals as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch,
D = Dinner)
