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This itinerary is an exciting combination of our tour modules, including transfers and accommodation, but without flights. The tight itinerary is perfect for independent travellers happy to join different groups. Weekly departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons!
Day 1: Mon (or earlier) Sydney
Arrive in Sydney. You are met by our guide, transferred to your hotel and given a detailed briefing about the tour program and what to do in Sydney. The remainder of the day is at your own leisure.
Travelodge Wynyard
Day 2: Sydneysider Harbour Odyssey
Your day starts with a drive to Mrs Macquaries Point with some interpretations. Continue the tour via colourful Kings Cross to cosmopolitan Double Bay and elegant Vaucluse. Enjoy a stroll over the cliffs at South Head. At world famous Bondi Beach take in the surf scene followed by a side trip to Paddington with its terrace houses. Then via China Town and bustling Darling Harbour arrive at Sydney’s birthplace “The Rocks”.
(From here transfer to the harbour marina!)
After boarding your private motor cruiser enjoy a luncheon buffet in tranquil Lane Cove River with stunning views. Then cruise Port Jackson from the Harbour Bridge to North Harbour. At around 16:30 hrs we will drop you off again at Darling Harbour (return hotel transfer not included).
Travelodge Wynyard B, L
Day 3: Sydney - Blue Mountains
Commence your 3-day nature tour and travel to Olympic Park to take in the venues of the Sydney Games. Then observe the Australian fauna at Featherdale Wildlife Park. At picturesque Wentworth Falls enjoy the walk along the escarpment. A breathtaking journey on the Sceniscender cable-car bring you to a boardwalk in lush rainforest overlooking the famous sandstone formation “Three Sisters”. Continue along the steep cliffs to Govetts Leap, with breathtaking views into the Grose Valley and “Grand Canyon”. Then drive to your accommodation at Blackheath.
Redleaf Resort B, D
Day 4: Hunter Valley - Port Stephens
Today follow the ring road to Mt Banks, 1000 metres above sea level on top the Blue Mountains sandstone plateau. Then head across Colo River and through Wollomi National Park to
the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Visit two vineyards and taste some famous local wines. In late afternoon arrive at Port Stephens, a blue water paradise almost three times bigger than Sydney Harbour. Enjoy the walk up Tomaree’s Head to marvel at the view overlooking the bay, ocean and islands.
Marina Resort B, D
Day 5: Port Stephens – Sydney
After a hearty breakfast and a stroll along the waterfront at Nelson Bay board a cruise boat for a leisurely 2 hour dolphin cruise (depending on season, you can spot whales). In the afternoon explore the largest mobile sand dune system in the southern hemisphere by off-road vehicle, enjoy sandboarding and the endless ocean beach. Then its time to head south again on the freeway. Cross the mighty Hawkesbury River and arrive back at Sydney in late afternoon.
Travelodge Wynyard B
Day 6: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Ayers Rock/Olgas)
Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Central Australia. Meet your tour guide around lunchtime at Yulara Airport and drive to Ayers Rock Resort. Then head out to Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and explore the magnificent “Valley of the Winds” on a 1-2 hour walk (according to fitness). Drive to Uluru and enjoy the colourful sunset with a “champagne sundowner”.
Outback Pioneer Hotel B
Day 7: Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon)
Early morning its back to Ayers Rock for the sensual sunrise. Walk and drive along Uluru’s base to view Aboriginal cave paintings, then visit the award winning cultural centre for breakfast. In the afternoon depart the holiday resort and drive across red sand dunes and desert oaks to Watarrka National Park. Check in at the lodge and enjoy the sunset overlooking Carmichael Crack.
Kings Canyon Resort B, D
Day 8: Mereenie - Glen Helen Gorge
After a hearty breakfast drive to Kings Canyon for a 1-3 hour walk (according to fitness) over the rugged plateau to the domes of the “Lost City” and the oasis of the “Garden of Eden”. Then
travel on the Mereenie Loop Road past Gosse Bluff Crater and Mt Sonder to Glen Helen Gorge and the ancient Finke River. Tonight experience a delightful dinner at the lodge.
Glen Helen Lodge B, D
Day 9: MacDonnell Ranges - Alice Springs
Today walk into the rugged canyon of Ormiston Gorge. Continue the tour to Ellery Creek Big Hole. With luck you will discover rock wallabies on a stroll at Simpsons Gap. Arrive at Alice Springs by lunch time. A sightseeing tour to historic Telegraph Station is followed by a visit to ANZAC Hill and the Flying Doctor Service. Tour finishes at your hotel.
Aurora Alice Springs B
Day 10: Alice Springs - Cairns
For your last leg of this tour we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Our guide welcomes you and drives you to the hotel at Palm Cove.
Novotel Palm Cove B
Please note:
This program can be extended to 19 days (BOZ+) with a flight to Darwin, the addition of our 3-day tour “Magic of the Top End” plus two hotel nights. Please refer to MTE module on previous page and days in brackets below! |
Day 11 (17): Great Barrier Reef
Today you will be on a day trip without our tour guide. Board a sailing catamaran for a day tour to the Great Barrier Reef. A delicious luncheon buffet, snorkel gear, semi submersible and transfers are included.
Novotel Palm Cove B, L
Day 12 (15): Cooktown
Depart on our 2 day “Quinkan Rainforest Adventure”. Across the mountains and the Palmer River gold fields drive to Split Rock in Quinkan Country. View the 13,000 years old Aboriginal cave paintings. In the afternoon arrive at historic Cooktown. Take in the panorama from the lookout and continue to the rainforest lodge.
Mungumby Lodge B, D
Day 13 (16): Daintree National Park - Palm Cove
Today travel on the dusty Bloomfield Track across the Bloomfield River to arrive at Cape Tribulation with its towering trees and mangrove swamps. A boat cruise on Cooper Creek in dense rainforest gives you the chance to observe crocodiles and the colourful birdlife. Then across the mighty Daintree River by ferry. A brief side trip to Mossman Gorge and via Port Douglas travel along the Marlin Coast back to the Northern Beaches and Cairns.
Novotel Palm Cove B, L
Day 14 (18): Kuranda Village
In the morning transfer to the Skyrail Station. Take the cable car and glide over the treetops up to Kuranda, where our guide will meet you. From the railway station take a leisurely walk across town to the market place at the edge of the rainforest. The visit to the Pamagirri Aboriginal Centre including didgeridoo music, spear throwing and dreamtime dances is a highlight in the program. Later in the day return to Cairns by minibus (option: historic train!)
Novotel Palm Cove B
Day 15 (19): Palm Cove - Departure Day
The tour finishes after breakfast; we will pick you up and drive you to the airport. Departure assistance and end of our service. B
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Inclusions: Transport in mini coaches and offroad vehicles; different local driver-guides; twin share accommodation in 3* hotels/lodges (two nights in simple but scenic lodges with ensuite); 22 meals (28 BOZ+); admissions, activities/boat cruises according to program; national park fees.
Not included: Drinks; optional activities; flights; personal expenses
Departures: every Monday from Sydney (modules start on Tuesday)
Please note:
We reserve the right to change the routing in adverse weather conditions. If a published hotel is not available, we guarantee similar or better accommodation.
Important Information:
For more detailed itineraries please refer to individual tour modules on previous pages.
Should participants arrive in Sydney at an earlier date, they will be met accordingly; if they extend their holidays, they will be transferred to the airport on a later day! |
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