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AUSTRALIA ESCORTED : 20 DAY THE ROCK & BARRIER REEF

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

  • See crocodiles at Australia Zoo
  • Stroll Rockhampton's Botanic Gardens
  • Tour the picturesque Atherton Tablelands
  • Ride the Scenic Railway in Kuranda
  • Explore the magnificent Great Barrier Reef
  • Visit a range of Aboriginal art sites
  • Learn about Aboriginal art at a workshop
  • Enjoy an Outback Barbecue at the base of Uluru
  • Learn about opal cutting and polishing
  • Visit the unique mining town of Coober Pedy
  • See Mt Conner, a mesa in the middle of the Central Australian desert
  • Experience the beauty of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (Olgas)

    Premier Accommodation

  • Two nights on Hamilton and Fraser islands
  • Two nights on tropical Dunk Island
  • APT EXCLUSIVE! Stay two nights at Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge

    Premier Dining

  • 19 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) and 14 dinners (D) including:
  • - Gourmet Welcome Dinner in Coffs Harbour
  • - Tropical lunch on Great Barrier Reef cruise
  • - Bush Tucker Talk and BBQ on Fraser Island

    Henderson Park Cattle Farm Stay

  • Stay overnight at a working cattle station, enjoying a night by the campfire and a delicious Australian BBQ dinner
  • Additional US $85 CDN $90 per person (min. 2 passengers)
  • Contact Us for further details

    Exclusive Offer! Extend your vacation in Australia's Top End

  • Why not extend your Australian adventure by adding a 5 Day tour of Australia's Top End to this itinerary?
  • Explore Darwin, Katherine, Litchfield and Kakadu national parks and much more
  • Contact Us for further touring information and ask our reservations team about combining these tours for a complete Australian outback experience!

    Tour Notes

  • Tour Operates in reverse direction, please refer to tour CACS
  • Days 1-12 by an APT Tour Director and Driver
  • Days 13-20 touring is escorted by a Driver/Guide
  • All flights referred to in the itinerary are at an additional cost and are not included in the above price
  • Land content only
  • Call (781) 837-1111 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8075289
    Tour OperatorCeltic Tours
    Duration
    20 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    Itinerary
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1SydneySydney, Coffs Harbour : Depart Sydney for the resort town of Coffs Harbour. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner with your Tour Director, Driver and traveling companions tonight.
    Stay: Coffs Harbour, Pacific Bay Resort
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    Day 2BrisbaneByron Bay, Brisbane : Travel to Byron Bay, famous for its bohemian lifestyle, unspoilt beaches and coastal scenery. Watch the surfers and maybe even see dolphins off the point. Cape Byron is the most easterly point on the Australian mainland and is an excellent place to watch the humpback whales which travel along the coastline (Aug.-Oct.). Cross over the Queensland border to its capital city, Brisbane. This evening, stay at the Royal on the Park, conveniently located in the heart of the city, close to all the attractions.
    Stay: Brisbane, Royal on the Park
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    Day 3Fraser IslandBrisbane, Fraser Island : After breakfast Visit Australia Zoo, home to over a thousand native and exotic animals and the adventurous Irwin family. Afterwards, continue north to the Sunshine Coast, famous for its golden beaches fringed with native bush. Arrive in Hervey Bay and join a cruise to magnificent World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.
    Two Night Stay: Fraser Island, award-winning Kingfisher Bay Resort
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    Day 4Fraser IslandFraser Island, Freedom of Choice Touring, Bush Tucker Talk and BBQ : Choose from a tour of Lake McKenzie and its surrounding rain forest; or join a whale or dolphin watching cruise (Aug.-Oct.) or Catamaran Cruise (Nov.-Jul.). Perhaps upgrade your Freedom Of Choice Touring to an adventure activity - a full-day 4WD Beach and Lakes Tour around this pristine island (additional expense, inquire for details). Later, join a park ranger for an exclusive Bush Tucker Talk before a delicious BBQ dinner.

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    Day 5RockhamptonRockhampton, Botanic Gardens : Return to the mainland this morning, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn on your way to Rockhampton. Explore the Botanic Gardens with its excellent specimens of palms, cycads and ferns.
    Stay: Rockhampton, Travelodge Hotel
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    Day 6Hamilton IslandHenderson Park, Mackay, Whitsunday Cruise to Hamilton Island : Visit Henderson Park Cattle Station, operated by a local family since 1908. Then cruise from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island.
    Two Night Stay: Hamilton Island Resort, Reef View Hotel, guaranteed Coral Sea View room
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    Day 7Hamilton IslandHamilton Island, Pre-Dinner Drinks, Dine Around Dinner : Spend your day at leisure, choosing from over 40 different activities offered on the island. Relax by one of the seven luxurious pools, visit the shops at the marina or take a day trip out to the pristine Whitehaven Beach (own expense). With a comfortable year-round temperature, be sure to enjoy your free time on this tropical island. In the evening enjoy pre-dinner drinks with your fellow travellers and crew.

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    Day 8Dunk IslandWhitsundays Cruise, Mission Beach, Dunk Island : Today, cruise through the Whitsunday Passage back to the mainland. Stop in Townsville, the centre for marine research of the Great Barrier Reef. From Mission Beach, cruise to Dunk Island, another beautiful tropical rain forest island. Tonight, enjoy dinner and unwind for a two night stay at this idyllic island resort.
    Two Night Stay: Dunk Island Resort, staying in a Garden Room
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    Day 9Dunk IslandAt Leisure on Dunk Island : Today has been left at leisure for you to relax at the resort or explore the nearby reef and rain forest. You could start the day with a rain forest walk and take in the spectacular views from the summit of Mt Kootaloo. Or perhaps you could discover the vibrant marine wonders of the Great Barrier Reef (own expense).

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    Day 10Port DouglasAtherton Tablelands, Port Douglas, Dine Around Dinner : Explore the lush Atherton Tablelands with its rich volcanic soil, high rainfall and spectacular waterfalls. Hop on a wildlife cruise at Lake Barrine, formed by volcanic processes and surrounded by lush rain forest. Afterwards, enjoy a short walk to beautiful Millaa Millaa Falls and marvel at the unusual Curtain Fig Tree. Travel to the Port Douglas and choose to dine at a selected local restaurant or enjoy dinner at the resort.
    Stay: NEW! Port Douglas, Rydges Sabaya Resort, in a luxurious Resort Pool View Room
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    Day 11Barrier Reef CruiseQuicksilver Barrier Reef Cruise, Freedom of Choice Touring : From Port Douglas, cruise aboard the "Wavepiercer" and go snorkeling on the reef, visit the Low Isles on the "Wavedancer" where you can experience an unspoilt coral island, or if you want a diving adventure take the "Silversonic" on a reef discovery. Enjoy a tropical lunch aboard your cruise today.
    Two Night Stay: NEW! Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel The Marina, staying in a Bayview Room
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    Day 12CairnsCairns and Kuranda : Journey aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway up to Rainforestation where you will see a performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers. Later ride the Kuranda Skyrail, and glide just feet above the rain forest canopy, passing waterfalls as you journey down the range.

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    Day 13Alice SpringsCairns, Alice Springs : Enjoy a morning at leisure to further explore Cairns. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Alice Springs (airfare not included).On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Tour Alice Springs including the Old Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and the School of the Air.
    Stay: Voyages Alice Springs Resort
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    Day 14HermannsburgFinke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg : Travel via the picturesque Western MacDonnell Ranges. Enter Finke Gorge National Park and travel the 4WD track that follows the ancient watercourse of the Finke River. View the rich red stone and admire the ancient Red Cabbage Palm unique to Palm Valley. Stop at historic Hermannsburg, founded by Lutheran missionaries and where the famous artist Albert Namatijra lived. Walk through the art gallery and learn about the history of some world-renowned Aboriginal artists. Continue onto Kings Creek Station traveling the remote Mereenie Loop Road past Gosse Bluff.
    Two Night Stay: APT EXCLUSIVE! Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge, luxury air-conditioned tented accommodation with ensuites
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    Day 15Kings CanyonWatarrka National Park, Kings Canyon : Enter Watarrka National Park located at the western end of the George Gill Range. Learn about the park on an escorted walk along the ridge of Kings Canyon that features ancient sandstone walls sculptured by the elements. A less demanding (but unescorted) walk along the creek bed is also available. Tour Kings Creek Station and learn about station life in an arid environment. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax. Optional scenic helicopter flights and escorted quad bike activities are available (own expense). Enjoy sunset drinks before dinner.

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    Day 16Walpa (Olga) GorgeUluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Walpa (Olga) Gorge : Marvel at the majestic Desert Oaks which border the roadside as you journey to Yulara. Travel to Kata Tjuta (Olgas), a series of domes weathered down to an intricate maze of valleys and hollows. You'll enjoy incredible panoramic views of the domes and wander into Walpa Gorge. Witness the sunset with drinks and nibbles before joining our special Outback Barbecue, dining in the shadow of Uluru. After the sun has set, marvel at the magnificent night sky - unlike anywhere else on earth.
    Two Night Stay: Yulara, Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel
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    Day 17Kantju GorgeUluru, Kantju Gorge, Dot Painting Workshop : Rise early this morning and enter the world famous Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for spectacular views of Uluru at sunrise. The more energetic may like to walk around the base of Uluru. Afterwards, learn about Uluru on a guided walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and sacred Kantju Gorge. You'll also visit the Uluru Cultural Centre. This afternoon join Aboriginal artists for a fun introductionto Aboriginal art. You can even join the artists and try your hand at traditional dot painting, the results of which are yours to take home.

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    Day 18Coober PedyMt Conner, Coober Pedy : Our route takes us past Atila (Mt Conner), a mesa in the middle of the Central Australian desert. Then we head to South Australia and the Opal mining capital of Coober Pedy. This evening learn about this precious gemstone at our opal cutting and polishing demonstration.
    Stay: Coober Pedy, Desert Cave Hotel, with some rooms underground
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    Day 19Coober PedyTown Tour, Coober Pedy : A local guide will join you this morning and lead a tour of this extremely unique town, where most of the population live and work underground. During your tour, visit the underground Church and see a working mine. Afterwards, join the Stuart Highway and head north back to Alice Springs.
    Stay: Voyages Alice Springs Resort
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    Day 20Alice SpringsAlice Springs : Enjoy breakfast then transfer to the airport for your flight.

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    Dates/Pricing
    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    December 17, 2009Quote
    January 21, 2010Quote
    February 18, 2010Quote
    February 25, 2010Quote
    March 11, 2010Quote
      
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