Inspiring Australia

Inspiring Australia

From the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Centre of the Outback, Australia boasts a plethora of extraordinary natural wonders. This exclusive Luxury Gold journey is a showcase of vast tropical rainforests, otherworldly rock formations and ancient indigenous culture. Snorkel across the underwater gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo at a hosted starlit dinner in Uluṟu and take in the iconic sights of Sydney aboard an America’s Cup yacht. Mother Nature reveals her most flamboyant colours on this majestic itinerary.

What's Included:

• Travelling Concierge
• Luxury Gold’s air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, onboard restroom and and complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy while travelling
• Personal radio headsets
• Local Expert
• Hotel and restaurant tips are included
• All taxes and porterage charges at hotels
• Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi
• Private airport transfers between the airport and your Insight tour hotels

Day 1: Cairns

On arrival at the airport, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the evening meet your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner overlooking the crystal-clear water of the Coral Sea and savour award-winning local cuisine, made from seasonal ingredients.

Day 2: The Ancient Daintree Rainforest and Indigenous Culture

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Daintree National Park is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent. Join your Local Expert for an exclusive exploration into this ancient rainforest and learn about the close relationship the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people have with their land. Lunch is served in a tranquil setting in the heart of the rainforest. Return to your hotel, where you have the evening at your leisure.

Day 3: Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a place of great ecological value and beauty. Experience its magic on a private cruise that will take you to three secluded outer-reef dive sights. Take to the water and discover spectacular coral formations and a world of unique marine creatures, as you snorkel around underwater gardens. Lunch is served on board in air-conditioned comfort.

Day 4: Into the Outback

In the morning fly from the coast to Alice Springs, the Red Centre of Australia and the heartland of some of the indigenous Aboriginal people. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant; then join your Local Expert for a town tour. As the sun sets over the otherworldly landscapes of the Outback, prepare for a traditional dinner in the wilderness, set beneath the Milky Way.

Day 5: Craters and Canyons

Travel to the Henbury Meteorite Conservation Reserve, which was formed when a meteor hit the earth's surface 4,700 years ago. Explore the twelve visible craters and marvel at the unusual plant life growing in the area. In the afternoon, join your Local Expert for a walk along the Creek Bed of Kings Canyon. Enjoy dinner and wine served at Carmichael's Restaurant.

Day 6: Spectacular Sunrise and Sunset

Rise with the sun and embark on an envigorating 6 kilometre Rim Walk at Kings Canyon. Alternatively, choose a more leisurely stroll along the creek bed? Your journey continues to Curtin Springs, a vast family-owned farm that is home to 4,000 head of cattle! Learn about local life from a resident, as you enjoy a BBQ lunch. Finish your travels today in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park just in time for a spectacular sunset with canapes and wine.

Day 7: Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa

Wake up to an impressive sunrise over Kata Tjuṯa and Uluṟu. Then it’s off to the Uluṟu – Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Centre for breakfast and an insight into the history of the local Anangu people. Then walk through the Walpa Gorge to see the domes of Kata Tjuṯa, also known as the Olgas. This afternoon take a walk around the base of Uluṟu and hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, an historical water source for the area. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Highlight Dinner inspired by local native ingredients, at Ikari Restaurant.

Day 8: Sydney Harbour

Experience the magic of sunrise over Uluṟu, before enjoying breakfast at your hotel. Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps a Bespoke Experience of a helicopter flight over Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa? In the afternoon, fly to thrilling Sydney, check into your harbour-side hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 9: Blue Mountains National Park

Travel to the UNESCO World heritage Site of Blue Mountains National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes. See the Three Sisters rock formations, marvel at Bridal Veil Falls and embark on a peaceful wilderness walk. Enjoy lunch at your leisure, before arriving at your hotel. Later meet your fellow travellers for a delicious dinner made from local produce.

Day 10: Hunter Valley Wine Country

Take in vistas of pristine landscapes, as you travel north toward Hunter Valley for a day of fine cuisine and wine. On arrival, you’re hosted for a private wine tasting at one of the region’s renowned wineries, followed by an exquisite tasting lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure at your boutique hotel, perhaps opting for a massage at the spa? Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.

Day 11: Sydney Harbour

Prepare for a day of sailing on iconic Sydney Harbour. Join the skilled sailing crew of a luxury yacht and take in views of Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the secluded coves surrounded by multimillion-dollar mansions. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps dining at one of the city’s popular restaurants?

Day 12: Sydney Sightseeing and the Opera House

With a Local Expert, see the city’s beachside Eastern Suburbs and take a stroll along the scenic coastal path. In the afternoon, join your Travelling Concierge for a VIP tour of the famous Sydney Opera House, before enjoying a Celebration Dinner at Peter Gilmore’s iconic Bennelong Restaurant, set in the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Day 13: Home

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travellers and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.