Essence of Australia
Independent Tour
On this journey around Australia, you’ll see and experience some of the best experiences the country has to offer. Experience the unique vibe of cosmopolitan Melbourne, enjoy the varied wildlife on a visit to Kangaroo Island, then visit one of the most famous wine areas in Australia as you explore the vineyards of the Barossa Valley. Succumb to the stunning beauty of tropical north Queensland where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Experience Aboriginal traditions and ride over the rainforest canopy to the quaint village of Kuranda. Understand what makes Sydney the nation’s number one city as you explore the sights and cruise on the harbour.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the colourful Great Barrier Reef
- Witness sacred sights in Alice Springs including Uluru
- Cruise Sydney's stunning harbour and take in the sights including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3 & 4
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Day 5
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Day 6-9
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Day 10
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Day 11-12
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Day 13
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Day 14-15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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Day 21
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Day 22
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Day 23
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Day 24
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Day 25
Day 1 : Port Douglas
On arrival in Cairns you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Port Douglas for a four night stay.
Day 2 : Great Barrier Reef
A highlight today as you take a trip out to Agincourt Reef on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling equipment is included along with lunch and morning & afternoon tea.
Day 3 & 4 : Port Douglas
Two days to relax in this tropical haven. Explore the nearby Daintree Rainforest or quaint Kuranda and stroll along Four Mile Beach.
Day 5 : Airlie Beach
Transfer to Cairns to board the Spirit of Queensland for your train journey south to Airlie Beach for an overnight stay.
Day 6-9 : Hamilton Island
Take a ferry across to Hamilton Island for four nights stay. Perfectly situated on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, amongst Queensland’s 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island offers an experience like no other. Glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, fine food and wines and activities almost too numerous to mention. Enjoy free use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment and gym and sauna access.
Day 10 : Sydney
Fly to Sydney (not included) and on arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel for three nights stay. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring this wonderful city.
Day 11-12 : Sydney
Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Cruise under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. As well as a world famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24/7 fun. Lose yourself in the cobblestone culde-sacs of The Rocks on an included walking tour.
Day 13 : Melbourne
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne (not included). On arrival transfer to your downtown hotel for a three night stay.
Day 14-15 : Melbourne
Two days to explore this sophisticated city. Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. An included morning tour will showcase the major highlights, arcades and laneways that make this city unique.
Day 16 : Adelaide
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Adelaide (not included) where you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
Day 17 : Adelaide
The wine and festival capital of Australia, Adelaide is a place to experience the buzz, culture and convenience of a city without the frustrations. The city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a charming blend of historic buildings, wide streets, groovy shops and a huge variety of street cafes and restaurants. An included morning Foodie tour will heighten your taste buds.
Day 18 : The Ghan
Step aboard the legendary Ghan this afternoon. Relax in your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers in the Lounge car; enjoy the passing scenery as the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia merge into rugged mallee scrub and the Flinders Ranges disappear into the horizon. Lunch and dinner are served in the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
Day 19 : Alice Springs
Witness an unforgettable outback sunrise at an early morning stop in Marla which is located in the remote reaches of South Australia. Brunch will be served on board in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Enjoy the incredible outback scenery as the journey continues towards Alice Springs, arriving early afternoon. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 20 : Uluru
Travel through the McDonnell ranges and rugged landscapes to Uluru for a two night stay.
Day 21 : Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Travel to the sunrise viewing area near Uluru and watch the first sunlight of the day creep across the desert plains. Enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate as the morning sun slowly changes the colour of Uluru, then travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. This afternoon travel around the base of Uluru, walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole then view Aboriginal rock paintings before watching the sun set over the western horizon as the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned.
Day 22 : Darwin
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Darwin (not included) for a 3 night stay. Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks.
Day 23 : Litchfield National Park
Your full day tour takes you to Litchfield National Park, which contains Top End habitats including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades.
Day 24 : Darwin
Enjoy a final day exploring on your own
Day 25 : Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
