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Australia

Independent Touring

Australian Discovery

Experience the highlights of Australia with this fantastic 9 night independent vacation with sightseeing.

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INCLUSIONS

• Nine nights accommodation, choice of hotel grade
• Knowledgeable driver/guide
• Touring as specified
• Airport transfers
• 12 meals: 9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 1 Dinner

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Sydney
On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the historic Rocks area and Circular Quay. Why not take a walk to the Opera House and watch the world go by as you relax in a café along the concourse.
Hotel: Park Regis City Centre (standard), The Grace Hotel (superior), InterContinental, City View Room (first class) or InterContinental, Harbour View Room (deluxe), Sydney, 3 nights.

Day 2: City Sights - Harbour Cruise
Visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Travel to Sydney’s world-famous Bondi Beach. Stop at some of Sydney’s prominent landmarks for photo opportunities, including the Gap at South Head and Seaforth with views of Middle Harbour & the Spit Bridge. Visit Milsons Point for a close-up view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch while cruising on Sydney Harbour and later discover the northern beaches including Manly. B L

Day 3: Blue Mountains
Visit the award-winning Featherdale Wildlife Park and pat a cuddly koala. See our amazing Australian animals including kangaroos, crocodiles, goannas and possums. In Katoomba take a gentle bushwalk to Govetts Leap with breathtaking views from the lookouts. See the Three Sisters rock formation and enjoy views of the Jamison Valley. Ride the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway or the Skyway with its electro-sceni glass floor or quietly glide out of the valley aboard the Cableway (rides at own expense). B

Day 4: Sydney - Alice Springs
This morning you will be transferred to Sydney Airport for your flight to Alice Springs. On arrival in Alice Springs you will be transferred to your hotel. See the sights of Alice Springs including the historic Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn how this marvellous facility operates to provide a ‘mantle of safety’ to the people of the outback. Stop at the School of the Air, which provides an educational service for children living in remote areas. We conclude with panoramic views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill.
Hotel: Aurora Alice Springs (standard), Crowne Plaza (superior) or Chifley Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms (first class or deluxe), Alice Springs. B

Day 5: Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm where you may like to take an optional ride. This afternoon travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk through the domes to Walpa Gorge. Enjoy sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine followed by an Aussie barbecue under the stars.
Hotel: Outback Pioneer Hotel (standard), Desert Gardens Hotel (superior) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (first class or deluxe), Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights. B HD

Day 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. There is the opportunity for those wishing to climb to the summit of Uluru to do so. Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Visit the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, before returning to the Resort. This afternoon travel through desert plains to mysterious Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Enjoy a 2-3 hour walk through the domes to the Valley of the Winds lookout. After sunset with complimentary wine, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner. B

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns
You will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the tropical city of Cairns or do some shopping.
Hotel: Rydges Esplanade (standard), Novotel Oasis Cairns (superior), Hilton Hotel (first class) or Pullman Reef Hotel & Casino (deluxe), Cairns, 3 nights. B

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef
Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up-close (equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical lunch on board the pontoon at Norman Reef before returning to Cairns late afternoon. B L

Day 9: Kuranda - Skyrail - Tjapukai
Board the Kuranda train for a historic journey taking you through the scenic countryside behind Cairns. Arrive at the cultural rainforest village of Kuranda with time to wander through the various stalls of the Kuranda Markets. Later, board the Skyrail Cableway that takes you above the canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park. Visit the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience the History, Creative and Dance Theatres where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. B

Day 10: Depart Cairns
You will be transferred to Cairns Airport to connect with your onward flight. B

Price per person twin share from:
Standard Hotels: $2635
Superior Hotels: $2799
First Class Plus Hotels: $3355
Deluxe Hotels: $3635