Itinerary

Day 1

most flights arrive in Melbourne early morning so unless you want to prepay accommodation for the previous night your check-in time would be at 1400.
We suggest: your driver/guide will pick you up after clearing customs and take you on a highlight tour of Melbourne. Stop for a light lunch or snack at the Botanical Garden and arrive at the hotel around 1300. Hopefully you room is ready, if not the wait will not be too long.
Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience, especially aboard the fleet of historical trams that have become the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. These glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining.
As they cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne, diners can enjoy the fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines or make a selection from the fully stocked bar at a fully inclusive price. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.
We have booked for the early dinner at 1745 which finish at 1915 and includes a 3 course meals and beverages. For an extra cost of AU$ 60.00 and if you prefer there is a later departure at 2035 finishing at 2330 and includes a 5 course meal and, of course, beverages. (D).Accommodation: Budget: Enterprise Standard: Victoria Hotel, First: Mantra on Little Bourke, Luxury: Crown

Day 2

A free day to explore Melbourne on your own. There's much to see and most attractions are within walking distance like the Art Centre, the Casino, shopping etc. (B)

Day 3

0615 Transfer to the airport for your flight to Alice Springs. Depart at 0840 arriving in Alice at 1005. Transfer to your accommodation of choice.
In the afternoon at 1400 an afternoon tour of Alice Springs. Tour the sights of ‘The Alice' including the School of the Air which provides an educational service for children living in remote areas. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn how this marvellous facility operates to provide a ‘mantle of safety' to the people of the outback. Visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre where you will see unique Central Australian reptiles such as the Perentie lizard and Thorny Devil. Conclude with a panoramic view of Alice Springs and the surrounding ranges from the top of Anzac Hill. Dinner in the evening at Red Ochre Restaurant located in Aurora Hotel. Accommodation: Budget: Diplomat Motel, Standard: Aurora First Class: Crowne Plaza,Luxury: Lasseters.

Day 4

Travel through the West MacDonnell and James Ranges. Stop at a camel farm for an optional camel ride (own expense) and later stop to view majestic Atila (Mt. Conner), before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. Travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Walk between the domes in Walpa Gorge, before travelling to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Watch the sun set and the changing colours of Uluru while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine.
Accommodation: Outback Pioneer Budget Rooms (L), Outback Pioneer Hotel (R), Desert Gardens Hotel (F) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (S), Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 5

This morning join the Uluru Sunrise, Climb and Base Tour (Y18) or for the non-climbers, the Uluru Sunrise and Guided Cultural Walk (Y41). Both tours include a visit to Mutitjulu Waterhole and the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight. Your flight departs Ayers Rock at 1430 arriving in Cairns at 1730. Transfer to your accommodation of choice.
Accommodation: Budget: Hides Hotel, Standard: Bay Village, First Class: Tradewinds, Luxury: Sebel.

Day 6

The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is yours to experience when you cruise to the multi-level reef activity platform with Great Adventures. Situated on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the spacious platform features undercover seating and tables to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, full bar facilities, a swimming enclosure for children, change rooms with freshwater showers, sundeck and scuba diving facilities with a semi-submerged platform. You will be able to snorkel and dive amongst some of the most spectacular coral gardens and marine life diversity on the Great Barrier Reef.
Or, if you choose to stay dry, you can still embrace the natural wonderland below in the underwater observatory and spacious air-conditoned semi-submersible vessel. (B/L)

Day 7

- Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway and enjoy commentary en route as it winds through 15 tunnels and over 40 bridges passing impressive Stoney Creek and Barron Falls. Wander through the village in the rainforest - Kuranda, and explore arts and crafts at the markets.
Visit the award winning Rainforestation Nature Park, travel deep into the rainforest on both land and water in an Army Duck. Meander through the Tropical Fruit Orchard. Be captivated by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers as they perform traditional dances in the rainforest amphitheatre.
Join your Pamagirri guide on a Dreamtime Walk - learn how to play a didgeridoo,see an amazing spear throwing demonstration and try your hand at boomerang throwing. Get up close to the animals in the Koala and Wildlife Park. Hand feed kangaroos, see crocodiles and dingoes. Cuddle a koala - (photo opportunity) charges apply.
Relax over a tropical bbq lunch featuring a hot buffet and a wide selection of salads, cheeses and fruits. This Kuranda tours highlight is gliding over the rainforest canopy aboard SkyRail Rainforest Cableway and enjoying a birds eye view of pristine World Heritage Rainforest, with stops at Barron Falls and Red Peak Stations. (B/L)

Day 8

Your naturalist guide will meet you at your accommodation and after introductions, we drive north along the scenic route to Mossman.
Lush farmland contrasts with seascape as we approach the majestic Daintree River. Time for a short morning tea break then it's all aboard for an informative river cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendor only the Daintree can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and wildlife, this is nature at its best.
We ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest intimately on our elevated National Park Boardwalk. Accurate interpretations of flora and fauna will be given with ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rate and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species within this particular habitat.
A delicious barbeque lunch with freshly prepared salads is served while you have the opportunity to hand feed kangaroo and enjoy a cold drink from the bar. Our tour does a little more. It takes us beyond Cape Tribulation along the 4WD Bloomfield Track to pristine Emmagen Creek and time for a refreshing rainforest stream swim.
Seek fish and turtles in the creek, butterflies and exotic birds in the trees and indulge in a feast of tropical fruit, a complimentary glass of wine and a cup of traditional Billy Tea, all of which enhance the tranquil surroundings.
At Cape Tribulation beach there is a little time to swim in the Coral Sea (seasonal) or stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographer's platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the "Rainforest meets the Reef".
After a short afternoon refresment stop, we cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and begin our homeward journey somewhat wiser for our "Total Rainforest Experience".(B/L)

Day 9

0500 - Yes, we know it's early but it has to be done. Transfer to the airport for departure at 0600 arriving Sydney at 0900. You are met by your driver/guide who will take you on a tour of Sydney before dropping you off at Circular Quay for a lunch cruise on Captain Cook Cruises. After the cruise ( 1415 ) you will be taken to your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon. (B/L)
Accommodation: Budget: Travelodge, Standard: Metro on Pitt, First Class: The Menzies, Luxury: Amora Jamison.

Day 10

A free day in Sydney to explorer on your own.

Day 11

Enjoy Australia's oldest wine region. Just 2 hours north of Sydney with over 70 regional wineries offering wines of international repute. The Hunter Valley region is especially noted for it's shiraz and semillion. A great day out, enjoying free wine tasting in a country atmosphere. Pick up from hotel around 0715, returning around 1800. (B/L)
This tour includes;
Free wine tasting at up to 6 wineries from large producers to excellent smaller boutique establishments.
Delicious lunch and, a drink at a traditional winery with some of the best views of the Hunter Valley. Vegetarian option available.
Cross the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and travel through leafy green North Shore of Sydney.
Cross the scenic Hawkesbury River - famous for it's superb oysters and spot the oyster farms.
Cheese factory visit and free tasting.
Step-by-step wine making tour.
Free fudge tasting and free tasting of the spicy "Kangaroo Kick" (when available) but be warned, they are rated 10+ on the hot scale.

Day 12

After breakfast this morning it is time for transfer to the airport and your departure.
Please note: this trip is completely flexible. You can add or subtract days, change the itinerary to your personal preferences and we'll work out the cost for you.Further information available at

Extra Information

Inclusions -

4 lunches, 2 dinners and 11 breakfast.

Extras -

This is the basic program. We can amend it to suit your requirements. Extend your stay or start from Melbourne or any other city.
The cost does not include airfares as they vary from day to day. A ballpark figure is AUD 1147.00. Cost of program:Budget accommodation: AUD 2637.00Standard accommodation: AUD 2964.00First class accommodation: AUD 3244.00Luxury accommodation: AUD 3729.00