Day 1 Sun: Arrive Melbourne
On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel, the SAVILLE ON RUSSELL. This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.

Day 2 Mon: 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. Overnight at the SAVILLE ON RUSSELL. (B)

Day 3 Tue: Melbourne ‘Free Time’
Enjoy a day at leisure in cosmopolitan Melbourne. Perhaps join an optional tour and ride on Puffing Billy followed by wine tastings in the Yarra Valley or tour along the famous Great Ocean Road. Overnight at the SAVILLE ON RUSSELL. (B)

Day 4 Wed: 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, where sometimes we are able to listen to the children taking lessons on air. Enjoy panoramic views of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill. Overnight at the ALICE SPRINGS RESORT.

Day 5 Thu: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Depart early for Uluru (Ayers Rock) travelling south through the MacDonnell and James Ranges. Visit a camel farm where you can try your hand riding ‘a ship of the desert’ (own expense). Pause to view majestic Atila (Mt. Conner) before arriving at the DESERT GARDENS HOTEL, AYERS ROCK RESORT. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at Ayers Rock Resort. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while watching sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the viewing area known as the ‘sunset strip’. The subtle colour changes are truly amazing. (B)

Day 6 Fri: Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
Rise early to view Uluru at sunrise. There is the opportunity to climb to the summit (optional). 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 domes. After sunset with complimentary wine, enjoy a delicious Australian barbecue dinner and stargazing. Overnight at the DESERT GARDENS HOTEL, AYERS ROCK RESORT. (B HD)

Day 7 Sat: 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, where you will check in to your hotel, the CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL. This afternoon encounter unique Australian animals at the Cairns Wildlife Dome. (B)

Day 8 Sun: Great Barrier Reef
Cruise on the Great Adventures high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the coral and 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. Overnight at the CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL. (BL)

Day 9 Mon: Cairns ‘Free Time’
Today is at leisure in Cairns to 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, Skyrail Cableway ride above the canopy of the rainforest and visit the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Overnight at the CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL. (B)

Day 10 Tue: Cairns – Sydney
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 FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, DARLING HARBOUR. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 11 Wed: Sydney Sights & Cruise
This morning tour Sydney and see 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. This afternoon you have the opportunity to learn about Australia’s national gemstone – the opal. Then why not visit the historic Rocks area at Circular Quay, which dates back to the time of the early settlers. Overnight at the FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, DARLING HARBOUR. (BL)

Day 12 Thu: 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. Overnight at the FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, DARLING HARBOUR. (B)

Day 13 Fri: Depart Sydney
You will be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)

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