Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne, 3 nights.

Day 2: Melbourne City Sights

Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne including the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional tour to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade. (B)

Day 3: Melbourne "Free Time"
Enjoy a day at leisure in cosmopolitan Melbourne. Perhaps join an optional tour and ride on Puffing Billy followed by wine tasting in the Yarra Valley or tour along the famous Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. (B)

Day 4: Melbourne - Alice Springs

You will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your early morning flight to Alice Springs. Enjoy a tour of this unique outback town. Visit the historic Telegraph Station, the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote outback and the School of the Air. Tonight we travel to a genuine Aussie outback homestead, Ooraminna, to discover true Australian hospitality and enjoy a barbecue dinner with the Hayes family. We'll hear about their family story of five generations living on the land.
Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs. (B,HD)

Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Depart early for Uluru (Ayers Rock) travelling through the MacDonnell and James Ranges. Visit a camel farm where you can try your hand riding 'a ship of the desert' (own expense). We'll pause to view majestic Atila (Mt. Conner) before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the resort. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while watching sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the viewing area known as the 'sunset strip'.
Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights. (B)

AYERS ROCK UPGRADE
Upgrade to a guaranteed Rock View Room at Desert Gardens Hotel. Book early - limited space - strictly subject to availability.

Day 6: : Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

Rise early to view Uluru at sunrise. There is the opportunity to climb to the summit. Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, visit the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. This afternoon travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of red conglomerate rock will amaze you. Take a walk through Walpa Gorge following the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes. We'll celebrate the glorious sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. (B)

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns

This morning enjoy free time at Ayers Rock Resort. 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.
Hotel: Hilton Hotel, Cairns, 3 nights. (B)

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the colourful coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible vessel. Snorkelling gear is INCLUDED (extra charge for scuba). Enjoy a reef education presentation on this living wonder and a tropical buffet lunch on board the pontoon. Return to Cairns late afternoon. (B,L)

Day 9: Cairns "Free Time"

Today is at leisure in Cairns. Relax by the hotel pool or go shopping. You may like to join an optional tour to Kuranda including a scenic rail journey on the Kuranda Train and ride the Skyrail Cableway above the canopy of the rainforest or try hot air ballooning over the Atherton Tablelands. (B)

Day 10: Cairns-Sydney

This morning encounter unique Australian animals at the Cairns Wildlife Dome. You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Old Sydney Holiday Inn, Sydney, 3 nights. (B)

Day 11: Sydney Sights & Harbor Cruise

This morning tour Sydney - visit the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach, with time to stroll along the beach, then return to the city for a Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise. Then why not visit the historic Rocks area at Circular Quay, which dates back to the time of the early settlers or walk around to the Opera House concourse and watch the world go by as you relax in a cafe. (B,L)

Day 12: Sydney "Free Time"

Explore the beautiful harbour city of Sydney further today. Perhaps take an optional tour to the Blue Mountains to see the spectacular Three Sisters or enjoy some wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. (B)

Day 13: Depart Sydney

You will be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)