An Australian Journey with Sydney City Stay

Depart the UK on your overnight flight.

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Relax in the evening at your hotel.

This morning you will experience the beautiful sights of Melbourne. Hear about its wonderful history, famous buildings, sensational shopping, great sporting centres, and universities. Stopping to explore the Fitzroy Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance. As you travel over the Westgate Bridge, you’ll drive along the Grand Prix track and admire the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, St Paul's Cathedral, the Arts Centre, Crown Casino and Port Phillip Bay. Return back to your hotel and enjoy this afternoon at leisure before joining your group for dinner this evening.

Head South of Melbourne to the Pristine white beaches on Philip Island. On your journey you will encounter iconic wildlife and stunning scenic views. Start the day off with a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve and learn about the importance of the conservation work done by Phillip Island Nature Parks in protecting and supporting mammals such as Koalas, Possums, Wallabies. The Phillip Island Nature Parks is part of the UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Reserve and encompass wildlife sanctuaries, wetlands, woodlands and breathtaking coastlines which are protected and managed by our world-renowned environmental and research programs. Then continue to the Phillip Island Parade Visitors Centre and learn about the life cycle of the little penguins and learn of the environmental and conservation initiatives in place to ensure the wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remains protected. Join your Penguin Parade Tour. Each night at sunset, the world's smallest penguins, the Little Penguins, emerge from the sea and waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows. This is a truly memorable natural wildlife experience. Experience the wonder of Little Penguins coming ashore after a day's fishing at sea. The elevated boardwalks and viewing stands allow you to enjoy all the penguin action' without disturbing them or their burrow homes.

With a day at leisure, you can spend some time exploring the most stylish and fashionable city in Australia at your own pace with its maze of hidden laneways and independent cafes, shops, and bars.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at the hotel lobby. Board your coach and depart Melbourne to travel along the incredibly scenic Great Ocean Road, a route stretching 250km of Australia’s windswept south-west coast, where a plethora of visual treats await. Saunter amongst a verdant play-ground for adventure lovers, winding through Otway National Park’s vast hinterlands and thundering waterfalls, before retreating to the coast to feast your eyes on a mind-blowing collection of solitary rock formations in Port Campbell National Park. Rising elegantly from the crashing waves of the ocean, marvel at the 8 remaining limestone structures of the 12 Apostles, and take a short drive to the charming sheltered cove of Loch Ard Gorge and later, London Bridge’s freestanding natural arch which resembles its namesake.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at the hotel lobby. Departing Warrnambool early, start your journey to Adelaide along the Limestone Coast and into South Australia, enjoying wildlife sightings and natural landscapes along the way. Drive past the historic fishing town of Port Fairy and continue to Mt Gambier, the heart of the Limestone Coast and the second largest town in South Australia. Then on to Robe before reaching Adelaide.

Take a day at leisure to explore this remarkable city at your own pace.

Today you’ll tour tour delightful city, which is surrounded by parklands with a blend of historic buildings, wide streets, cafes and restaurants. Drive past Adelaide's cultural precinct - North Terrace, the National Wine Centre, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and the beautiful Botanic Park, home to the Bicentennial Conservatory and the Adelaide Zoo. Continue through historic North Adelaide, where you'll see tree-lined streets, mansions and historic buildings. Stop and visit the iconic St Peters Cathedral or the newly developed Adelaide Oval then travel through the city's east on the way to the Haigh's Chocolates Visitor Centre for a factory tour and tastings of this famous South Australian chocolate. Return to the city via the South Parklands, West Terrace and North Terrace. Visit also the seaside town of Glenelg.

Depart for your flight to Alice Springs. On arrival in Alice Springs, enjoy a Town Tour which includes 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 marvelous facility operates to provide a 'Mantle of Safety' to the people of the 'Outback'. Finish the tour with panoramic views of Alice Springs and the ranges from the top of Anzac Hill. You will then travel to your hotel and check in.

Board your private coach and travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. While travelling through this remote country, learn about the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna such as the Perentie monitor lizard, the thorny devil, and the red kangaroo. Also, hear about the traditional customs and beliefs of the local Aboriginals. On arrival in Ayers Rock, you will have some free time before check-in to explore or grab a bite for lunch at the hotel if you wish. Enjoy a leisurely drive to Kata Tjuta for one of our favourite sunset experiences in Central Australia. Along the way, your Guide will explain the geological and cultural history of the area. Marvel at the unique flora and admire the view of the central valley of the domes of Kata Tjuta while you take in a magnificent outback sunset and relax with canapés and Australian wines. Returning to your hotel after Sunset.

Today is a very early morning start to experience the Uluru Sunrise & Field of Light. You will be picked up at the hotel by your coach to be taken the very short distance to the exclusive Field of Light location. With just enough time for some background commentary on the internationally renowned artist Bruce Monroe, you will arrive to see his latest artistic endeavour. Arriving in complete darkness, you will be able to enjoy the 50,000 globes of light in the desert, before making your way up the hill to the Field of Light sunrise viewing platform. Enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate as the sun starts to creep light throughout the sky and then watch in awe as it pops up in the distance behind Uluru, flooding the landscape, including Kata Tjuta behind you, with light. As the natural light brightens the landscape, the Field of Light will dim for the day. Enjoy some amazing photos from this unique raised location that allows you to view both Kata Tjuta and Uluru in all their natural glory. After the tour, transfer to straight to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns.

Walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal to join your Ocean Spirit Cruises’ Michaelmas Cay Cruise. Set sail aboard the beautiful 32 metre sailing catamaran, Ocean Spirit, to experience Michaelmas Cay’s unique reef environment - a pristine sand cay surrounded by fringing reef and a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. Your cruise will combine motor and sailing, depending on the day’s conditions. Enjoy all of the included activities – snorkel in the cay’s protected shallow waters, cruise in the semi-sub for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation and observe the island bird life. Throughout the day, the “beach buggy shuttle” will transfer you between Ocean Spirit and the beach. To protect this renowned bird sanctuary, access on the cay is limited to the roped beach area. If you prefer a more leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef, relax on the beach or onboard Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks. Your cruise includes morning & afternoon teas, Hot and cold buffet lunch, Snorkel equipment, Use of lycra suit, Semi-submarine or glass bottom boat Reef Discovery tour with commentary (depending on availability), Informative ecological presentations by qualified Marine Biologists & Environmental Management Charge.

After breakfast transfer to Freshwater Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class. Travelling in authentic timber carriages, some of which are up to 100 years old, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery while you wind through the World Heritage listed rainforest. Upon arrival in Kuranda, it's time to explore this fascinating village. This afternoon Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. Your Skyrail experience should take approximately 1 and a half hours and includes spending time at the two rainforest mid-stations. Allow 20 minutes for each station, to enjoy Ranger guided boardwalk tours and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts, and historical displays.

Today is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city with a laid-back, outdoor lifestyle, the city centre is a short walk away where you could visit the Cairns Aquarium, Art Gallery, or the Esplanade Lagoon.

Fly to Sydney, on arrival you will have some time to relax.

After breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at the hotel lobby for your Sydney Full Day Tour. Tour through the historic Rocks area. Enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Continue on to Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral, Parliament House and the Art Gallery. Stop at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a magnificent luncheon cruise on the famous Sydney Harbour travelling aboard Magistic Cruises. Visit The Gap and enjoy stunning views. Stop at the world-famous Bondi Beach and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Return to Sydney, travelling through Paddington and the exclusive Eastern suburbs.

After breakfast, travel to the spectacular Blue Mountains and see the native wildlife whilst you explore UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park. First stop is Scenic World, where you can enjoy 360 degree views of the Jamison Valley. Then our next stop is Echo Point, which is perched on the edge of a 170 metre cliff face. Echo Point has views stretching across to the Three Sisters - a trio of rocky pinnacles. Here you'll learn about the Aboriginal dreamtime legend of the Three Sisters. Next is a stop at the picturesque and quaint town of Leura. This beautiful town will take you back in time and is famous for its antique stores and of course its Candy Store which is stocked floor to ceiling with more than 1,000 unusual sweets gathered from all over the world. You'll stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park, one of Australia's largest private collections of Australian native animals and bird life. Situated on seven acres of natural bush setting, here you'll be able to hand feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus or enjoy a face-to-face encounter with one of the friendly koalas. On your way back to Sydney, stop at the Sydney Olympic Park, home to the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Take a day to relax in Sydney, explore, head to one of the beaches or get some last-minute souvenirs. Before joining your group for dinner as you say goodbye to Australia.

Enjoy this time to explore Sydney at your own pace.