Best of Australia Tour

Day 1

Melbourne

Upon arrival into Melbourne Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel – the rest of the day can be spent at leisure, giving you chance to explore the sights of the city. Please note, there is no restriction on the time you can arrive into Melbourne today.

Overnight: Mercure Hotel or Crowne Plaza

Day 2

Great Ocean Road

Travel along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, where you can then drive through the picturesque tree-fern gullies of Otway National Park to view the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck and the natural rock formation known as London Bridge. These iconic landmarks are world-renowned and make the Great Ocean Road one of the most famous routes in the world.

Overnight: Mercure Hotel or Crowne Plaza (Breakfast included)

Day 3

Melbourne

Spend today seeing the sights in Melbourne, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Fitzroy Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance. Also see some of the cities architecture, including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Princess and Regent Theatres. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Adelaide.

Overnight: The Chifley on South Terrace or Stamford Plaza (Breakfast included)

Day 4

Kangaroo Island

Take the scenic drive to Cape Jervis where you’ll board a ferry to the charming Kangaroo Island, a location brimming with amazing wildlife and gorgeous vistas. Your first stop of the day is at Clifford’s Honey Farm which is followed by a walk to the nation’s most accessible sea lion colony at Seal Bay Conservation Park with a local guide. You’ll be treated to a Birds of Prey free-fight show and then have the opportunity to see the pelicans being fed at Kingscote.

Overnight: Aurora Ozone Hotel (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 5

Kangaroo Island

Today sees you visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and later the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where you’ll be able to feed the kangaroos. Spend some time at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where you can explore the wildlife, including koalas, bats, possums and echidnas. Afterwards, head to Flinders Chase National Park to marvel at the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, and observe a colony of New Zealand fur seals. You will return to Adelaide late evening.

Overnight: The Chifley on South Terrace or Stamford Plaza (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 6

Alice Springs

You’ll be transferred to Adelaide Airport for your early morning flight to Alice Springs, where you’ll be transferred to the hotel upon arrival. Spend some time touring the sights, including the historic Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. There will be time to stop at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre then the chance to see the amazing panoramic views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton or Chifley Alice Springs Resort (Breakfast included)

Day 7

West MacDonnell Ranges

Journey through the outback scenery and explore the wild landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges, with your first stop being Angkerle (Standley Chasm). Here, you can walk along the watercourse to witness the amazing flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating geology at Ellery Creek Big Hole. There will be time to explore the Ochre Pits and learn about how the Aboriginal people have used ochre for medicinal and magical purposes, before heading to Ormiston Gorge where you will enjoy lunch and a glass of wine at Glen Helen Homestead. Finish the day with a trip to the awe-inspiring Simpsons Gap where you can walk through the gap to the waterhole, watching out for the rare black-footed rock wallaby. Watch as the afternoon sun reflects off the MacDonnell Ranges before returning to Alice Springs.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton or Chifley Alice Springs Resort (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 8

Ayers Rock

Venture south through the MacDonnell and James Ranges. You’ll visit Uluru in the late afternoon to watch the sunset cast beautiful colours over this iconic attraction, coupled with a glass of sparkling wine and canapés. Continue to an exclusive venue for a traditional BBQ dinner then watch the stars in this breath-taking location (weather permitting).

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel or Sails in the Desert Hotel (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 9

Kings Canyon

Today sees you drive through sandhill country into Watarrka National Park, making a rocky climb with a local guide to the rim of Kings Canyon. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor for an easier walk.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel or Sails in the Desert Hotel (Breakfast included)

Day 10

Darwin

Watch the sunrise at Uluru, as the first rays of light are cast over the desert plains. Afterwards, transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your afternoon flight to Darwin where you’ll be transferred to your hotel upon arrival for a free day to explore as you choose.

Overnight: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort or Mantra on the Esplanade (Breakfast included)

Day 11

Kakadu National Park

Journey via the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains into Kakadu National Park, stopping en-route at Nourlangie to view the Aboriginal rock art. Afterwards, board a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong with a local guide to spot the amazing birdlife and crocodiles.

Overnight: Aurora Kakadu or Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 12

Darwin

Join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River in search of saltwater crocodiles, then continue on to Ubirr for a guided walk to see the native Aboriginal rock art and visit the Bowali Visitor Centre.

Overnight: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort or Mantra on the Esplanade (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 13

Cairns

Transfer to Darwin Airport for your flight to Cairns then transfer to your hotel upon arrival. As today is spent at leisure, there is no restriction on the timing of this flight.

Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton or Hilton Hotel (Breakfast included)

Day 14

Great Barrier Reef

This morning, board a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef where you’ll spend the day admiring the amazing surrounding views. You’ll see a fantastic range of tropical marine life from an underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft, and there will also be the opportunity to go snorkelling to witness this phenomenal underwater world up close (equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before heading back to Cairns.

Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton or Hilton Hotel (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 15

Tjapukai/Kuranda

Today you’ll visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park then take an exhilarating trip over the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Cableway on your way to Kuranda. Afterwards, board the famous Kuranda train and make your way to Freshwater Station where the journey concludes.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton or Hilton Hotel (Breakfast included)

Day 16

Sydney

Transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney, then transfer to the hotel upon arrival. As today is spent at leisure, there is no restriction on the timing of this flight. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy the delights of Sydney at your leisure.

Overnight: Vibe Hotel or Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (Breakfast included)

Day 17

Sydney

In the morning, cross the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and stop off at Milsons Point to photograph the amazing city skyline. Head to Manly surf beach then embark on a Sydney Harbour cruise where you’ll be treated to a delicious buffet lunch. Afterwards, visit the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and Kings Cross. End the day with a visit to the famous Bondi Beach to dip your toes in the cool Ocean and take a stroll before returning to the city.

Overnight: Vibe Hotel or Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 18

Sydney

Today is a free day for you to relax and explore the city at your own pace. You could visit the historic Rocks district, go shopping for souvenirs or people-watch at one of the many cafés in the city.

Overnight: Vibe Hotel or Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (Breakfast included)

Day 19

Sydney

Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning – you’ll be transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight.

(Breakfast included)