Australia in a nutshell - 13 days escorted Tour

Ask our expert Steve Cooper about the Australia in a nutshell - 13 days escorted Tour

Day1. Melbourne

After your arrival and welcome to Melbourne, you transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to discover the charms of this cosmopolitan city of sport and culture. Take a stroll through one of the numerous shopping arcades, explore a world-class art gallery, sit by the Yarra River, visit the renowned Crown casino or just find a cafe to relax and watch the world pass by. You may choose to venture further, to the bustling seaside suburb of St Kilda for a coffee or an ice cream.
Three Night Stay: Melbourne – Mercure Welcome Hotel (Standard), Swanston HotelMelbourne Grand Mercure (First-Class), Sofitel Melbourne (Deluxe).

Day 2. Melbourne City Sights Tour.

The many sights of the city, with its wide boulevards and historic buildings, are a joy to explore.  Visit upmarket boutiques that line the Paris end of Collins St, the Gothic spires of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Victorian opulence of the Princess and Regent theatres. The World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square are a must-see, and a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, a colourful experience. Explore the lush Fitzroy Gardens before visiting the bustling Queen Victoria Market and visit Phillip Island, a delightful place that is home to the world famous Little Penguins.

Day 3. Melbourne, Great Ocean Road.

Today’s excursion takes you along Victoria’s famous scenic Great Ocean Road, that winds along 185 miles of some of Australia’s most stunning coastal scenery. The journey will take you past what seems, an endless panorama of spectacular cliffs that plunge to the blue sea below, contrasting with the Ottawa Ranges rising high above the land. The journey ends at Port Campbell National Park where you can view the Twelve Apostles.

Day 4. Melbourne, Alice Springs.

This morning you transfer to the airport for a morning flight north, to Alice Springs (the airfare is not included). After lunch you can enjoy a tour of Alice Springs and sample what life is like in Australia’s Red Centre. The Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and the School of the Air is worth visiting. This service was started by the Rev. John Flynn in the 1920s and is still today, a much needed and appreciated service.
Stay: Alice Springs – All Seasons Oasis (Standard), Crowne Plaza (First-Class), Alice Springs Resort (Deluxe).

Day 5. Camel Farm, Cultural Centre, Base Tour, Sunset Drinks at Uluru (Ayers Rock).

En-route to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you visit a camel farm, where you can take a camel ride (additional cost).  You then pass Atila (Mt Conner) on the way to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative. After this you travel to Mutitjulu waterhole for a guided walk. Join the Mala Walk around Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit sacred Kantju Gorge. As you marvel at the setting sun at Uluru, enjoy a glass of complimentary wine.
Two Night Stay: Ayers Rock Resort – Outback Pioneer Hotel (Standard), Desert Gardens (First-Class), Sails in the Desert (Deluxe).

Day 6. Uluru Sunrise, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Walpa (Olga) Gorge.

Rise early to enjoy the magnificent spectacle of sunrise over Uluru, before travelling to Kata Tjuta. This dramatic geological wonder comprises 36 rocks that were once a single rock the size of Uluru. Here, you can take a guided walk into Walpa Gorge and through a fascinating commentary, learn about the unique flora, fauna and geology of the area. Tonight, you might like to dine under the desert stars at the Sounds of Silence dinner and sample Australian delicacies or if you prefer, why not join in a delicious Outback BBQ dinner ( additional cost for both).

Day 7. Ayers Rock Resort, Tropical Cairns.

This morning, you transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns (airfare not included). After a warm welcome, you transfer to your accommodation for a three-night stay. The afternoon is free for you to relax, visit the lush Botanic Gardens, stroll and The Esplanade window shop or have a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
Three Night Stay: Cairns – Hotel Cairns (Standard), Novotel Oasis Resort (First-Class), Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina (Deluxe).

Day 8. Great Barrier Reef Full Day Cruise.

Today’s highlight is a full day cruise to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Here you can swim and snorkel in the clear blue waters, or if you prefer, join the semi-submersible viewer for an underwater adventure, to see the colourful coral and marine life. A buffet lunch of hot and cold dishes, fresh seafood, salads and tropical fruit is available.

Day 9. Skyrail Cableway, Pamagirri Dancers, Kuranda Scenic Railway.

The exhilarating  day includes a ride on the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway that passes over the rainforest canopy. A corroboree performed by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, will give you a taste of local Aboriginal culture and you may even be able to cuddle a koala. Experience rainforest landscapes on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, as the train winds its way by Barron Falls, down to Cairns.

Day 10. Cairns, Sydney.

Leave Cairns for your flight to Sydney (airfare not included). On arrival, you will be  welcomed and then transferred to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Three Night Stay: Sydney – Menzies Hotel (Standard), Novotel Darling Harbour (First-Class), Sofitel Sydney (Deluxe).

Day 11. City Sights, Beaches and Lunch Cruise.

This morning is free to explore Sydney’s fascinating sights at leisure. Perhaps you would like to catch a ferry to famous Manly Beach, or shop in one of the city’s beautiful arcades. Alternatively you could discover the processes involved in mining for Australian opals and other unique gemstones, or take a stroll down to the Rocks area, (all at own expense). This afternoon, you can join a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour, then take in the city sights including Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world famous Opera House, where you will wonder at the sweeping waterfront views.

Day 12. Blue Mountains, Koalas.

Today’s excursion is to the Blue Mountains, a short drive from Sydney. Visit a wildlife park to learn about the animals, native to the area and take the opportunity to ride the scenic cableway (own expense).

Day 13. Depart Sydney.

The morning is at leisure, before you transfer to the airport.

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