Spirit of Australia

Spirit of Australia

Experience the true Spirit of Australia as you explore the vibrant city of Melbourne with its European flair and laid back café culture before heading for the country’s heart, the Red Centre. Learn about Aboriginal culture and the religious significance of Uluru Ayers Rock, explore Alice Springs and dine under a thousand stars before you head to one of the wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the rainforest and coral reefs before heading to cosmopolitan Sydney to explore its iconic landmarks.

What’s Included:

• Return flights
• Airport transfers
• 14 nights' accommodation

Highlights

• Experience the sunrise and sunset at Uluru
• Sounds of Sounds Dinner
• Explore Melbourne and Sydney
• Sail to a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef
• Explore tropical Kuranda and the rainforest

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne

Arriving into Melbourne, you will have a private transfer to your hotel. After checking in the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Melbourne

A morning sightseeing tour will introduce you to all the charms of Melbourne. Cross the West Gate Bridge for city views. See Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens, the historic shrine of remembrance and stroll along Southbank’s Waterfront Precinct. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Melbourne Free Day

Today is free for you to explore Melbourne on your own. Perhaps you’ll head for the Southbank district with its cafés and restaurants and Federation Square, or maybe go shopping in the quaint arcades and alleyways that Melbourne is famous for. If you fancy a day with a difference perhaps the Yarra Valley or penguin parade will be more to your liking. The choice is yours.

Day 4: Melbourne - Alice Springs

You will be transferred by shuttle from your hotel to Melbourne airport to check in for your flight to Alice Springs. Arrive in Alice Springs by midday and be transferred to your hotel.

Day 5: Alice Springs

Explore Alice Springs today. The morning is free for you to wander around this outback town before joining an afternoon sightseeing tour. You’ll see the Telegraph Station, established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Visit the School of the Air which educates children in remote areas by radio, see the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and then view the panorama of the town from the top of Anzac Hill.

Day 6: Alice Springs - Ayres Rock

Depart Alice Springs and visit a Camel Farm. Continue via the famous Stuart Highway to Ayers Rock Resort. In the afternoon ake a guided tour around the base of Uluru, visit the Mutitjulu waterhole and cultural centre. Late in the afternoon relax with a glass of wine while watching the spectacular sunset over Uluru.

Day 7: Uluru & Sounds of Silence Dinner

Rise early and enjoy a tea or coffee as the sun casts its first rays on Uluru. Later tour to the remarkable 36 dome rock formation of Kata Tjuta and walk through Walpa gorge. This evening, dine under the desert stars and savour Australian delicacies at the unique Sounds of Silence Dinner. Relax and let an astronomer guide you on a tour of the night sky.

Day 8: Ayres Rock - Cairns

A transfer is included to Ayers Rock airport for your flight (not included) to Cairns. On arrival in Cairns a shuttle transfer is included to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of your day is at your leisure.

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Port Douglas Marina to board your 30 metre luxury sailing catamaran, Wavedancer. Relax in the luxurious air-conditioned lounge with its fully licensed bar, or soak up the sun under the sails on the expansive deck. Your cruise is to Low Isles, an idyllic, unspoilt coral island that is a secluded tropical paradise. The white sandy beach and clear, calm lagoon waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. You will be transferred back to your hotel at the end of your cruise this afternoon.

Day 10: Kuranda & Tjapukai Aboriginal Park

Experience the contrast of the region’s oldest railway and the world’s most beautiful Cableway and learn of Aboriginal culture. Tjapukai is your first stop; meet your indigenous guide for the morning to explore all the attractions of Tjapukai including the Aboriginal village and the famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe.

After your included lunch board the Skyrail and glide across the rainforest canopy to the village of Kuranda. Explore the village with its colourful market, art and craft stores, butterfly and wildlife experiences, before returning to the station by the river in Kuranda. Board the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway and journey back through 15 hand cut tunnels and pristine rainforest and past spectacular waterfalls to Cairns.

Day 11: Cairns - Sydney

Enjoy a final glimpse of the sparkling blue seas and verdant jungle landscapes on a shuttle transfer from your hotel to Cairns Airport this morning. Fly from Cairns to Sydney and on arrival in Sydney, you will be transferred by shuttle service from the airport to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll around Darling Harbour or Circular Quay this evening.

Day 12: Sydney Sightseeing

There’s nowhere in the world quite like Sydney and on today’s included sightseeing you’ll understand why the Sydney-siders claim it’s the best place to live in the world. Sydney Harbour, reputedly one of the most beautiful in world, will not disappoint and the city that sits around it is one of fine weather, sunshine, glorious ocean beaches with a vibrant big city vibe. This tour is the quintessential introduction to Sydney, making its way around the city before heading out to Bondi Beach via the affluent eastern suburbs.

Later enjoy a cruise that shows you what public and private Sydney are really all about. Cruise over the Main Harbour attractions such as the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison before cruising the magnificent upper reaches of Middle Harbour where palatial waterfront homes, parks, beaches and marinas show Sydney life at its best. The cruise includes afternoon tea to enjoy while you are on the water. Make your way back to your hotel then enjoy the Sydney night scene.

Day 13: Sydney

Perhaps you’ll take to the ferries and explore Manley or visit Taronga Zoo, or maybe you’ll head out to the Hunter Valley or Blue Mountains. Whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the southern hemisphere’s best cuisine in Sydney’s varied eating places.

Day 14: Depart Sydney

After checking out of your hotel you will be transferred by shuttle service to Sydney airport for your flight home.