15 Day Discover Australia - DISCAU
Independent Touring - Departs Daily
Highlights
Sydney city sights Luxury 4WD tour to the Blue Mountains Great Barrier Reef day cruise Rainforest Skyrail & Kuranda Railway Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Uluru (Ayers Rock) guided tour Sounds of Silence - dine under the stars at Uluru Barossa Valley Wine tour Guided touring on Kangaroo Island Melbourne city sights Luxury penguin parade tour Historic Melbourne tramcar dinner
Price Includes
Centrally-located hotels in key locations with your choice of preferred accommodation Coach transfers to and from your hotel Sightseeing as specified 9 meals: 1 breakfast (B), 5 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)
Day 1: Arrive Sydney
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Sydney, Menzies Sydney (standard), The Grace Hotel (first class) or Sydney Harbor Marriott (deluxe) for 3 nights
Day 2: Sydney City Sightseeing
You will have a chance to get an overview of the city and surroundings as you view the Opera House, Botanic Gardens and Conservatorium of Music. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for a view of the city and harbor. Continue through Darling Harbor and the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Rose Bay, known for their cosmopolitan cafe society, designer shopping and Rodeo Drive ambience. Then, on to The Gap for spectacular ocean views. Arrive at Bondi Beach where you will see the famous Bondi Lifesavers. Enjoy a short stop here then continue back to Sydney via trendy Paddington.
Day 3: Blue Mountains Wilderness 4WD Tour
Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will pick you up this morning in a luxury-touring vehicle. Experience the magnificent World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, only 90 minutes west of Sydney. Enjoy a buffet barbeque lunch complimented by Australian Wines and continue on to the Three Sisters. This afternoon, you'll seek out the many kangaroos that roam the area. On your return to Sydney, pass by the Olympics 2000 site en route to your hotel. (L)
Day 4: Sydney-Cairns
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Cairns (flight not included). On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel where you relax by the pool or enjoy the shopping opportunities along the Esplanade. Overnight: Cairns, Cairns Colonial Club (standard), Novotel Oasis (first class) or Shangri-La, The Marina (deluxe) for 3 nights
Day 5: Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Journey up the scenic Marlin Coast to charming Port Douglas. Enjoy a full-day cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard a luxurious 120-foot catamaran. Moor at a special pontoon on Agincourt Reef. Scuba dive, snorkel, view the underwater observatory or ride in the semi-submersible viewer (diving, own expense). Cruise includes lunch, water sports, and an informative talk by a marine biologist. (L)
Day 6: Kuranda Railway, Skyrail Gondola & Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Board the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway for a breathtaking journey to Kuranda, nestled in the rainforest with attractive shops and galleries. Return to Cairns via the Skyrail Gondola, traveling over 9 miles of rainforest canopy. Then visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a buffet lunch followed by a dance performance by local Aborigines. Return to your hotel late afternoon. (L)
Day 7: Cairns-Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This morning you will be met and transferred for your onward flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) (flight not included). Your eco tour of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) begins in the early afternoon. Journey through Walpa Gorge and hear about the geological surroundings. Tonight, experience the romance of the desert as the sun sets over Uluru, the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo, sumptuous Outback fare and the starfilled heavens in the "Sounds of Silence" dinner. After a feast of Northern Territory delights, you can dream away under a canopy of stars as a resident astronomer points out a plethora of constellations in the vast skies of the Outback. Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Outback Pioneer (standard), Desert Gardens (first class) or Sails in the Desert (deluxe) for 2 nights (D)
Day 8: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Enjoy a picnic breakfast while watching the sun rise over Uluru. Then you will have a choice of either walking the base of Uluru with your guide (6.5 miles) while hearing about Aboriginal creation stories and learning about the fauna and flora of the region. Or, gain the "Spirit of Uluru" with a combination of short walks to cultural significant waterholes and rock art features of Uluru followed by a visit to the Uluru & Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. The rest of the day is at leisure. We suggest a helicopter flight over this unique monolith at sunset. (B)
Day 9: Uluru (Ayers Rock)-Adelaide
A shuttle will transfer you to Ayers Rock airport to connect with your onward flight to Adelaide (flight not included), where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Adelaide, Mercure Grosvenor Hotel (standard), Oaks Embassy (first class) or Hyatt Regency Adelaide (deluxe) for 3 nights Optional: You can choose to stay in one of the boutique North Adelaide Heritage Apartments. Please ask for details and prices.
Day 10: Barossa Valley Wine Tour
In a luxury vehicle, travel from Adelaide to the picturesque Barossa Valley. Enjoy premium wine tastings and a gourmet lunch in peaceful settings. Whether you prefer red or white, sweet or dry, you will visit wineries appropriate to your palate. (L)
Day 11: Adelaide-Kangaroo Island
Travel by coach to Cape Jervis and board the ferry to Kangaroo Island-a haven for a variety of wildlife, birdlife and native wildflowers (seasonal). At Seal Bay you will be escorted along the beach to view an Australian Sea Lion colony basking on the shore. After lunch in a secluded bush setting, take a bushwalk to see the many species of birds and wallabies in their natural habitat. At dusk, watch as the wildlife emerge from the bush to graze on the open pastures. Overnight: Kangaroo Island (L)
Day 12: Kangaroo Island-Adelaide-Melbourne
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Adelaide arriving at around 11:00am. From there, fly to Melbourne (flight not included) where you will be met and escorted to your choice of accommodation. This evening, dine aboard a magnificently-restored tramcar as it trundles the streets of Melbourne. Overnight: Melbourne, Ibis Melbourne (standard), Novotel Melbourne On Collins (first class) or Langham Hotel (deluxe) for 3 nights (D)
Day 13: Melbourne City Sights
Discover the charm of Melbourne. Throughout your morning you will see Captain Cook's Cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens and Albert Park, home to the Australian Grand Prix, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance and see the Southbank waterfront precinct. See some of the city's architecture including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Princess and Regent theatres. Your tour concludes approximately midday and the remainder of your day is at leisure (hotel transfers not included).
Day 14: Phillip Island Penguins Tour
Travel out of Melbourne and past beautiful landscapes before crossing to Phillip Island. Walk among the treetops at the Koala Conservation Center and see wild koalas within touching distance! Travel to the Nobbies for magnificent views over Mornington Peninsula and Bass Strait. Offshore are Seal Rocks and the largest Australian Fur Seal colony. Continue on to the Penguin Parade where each evening at dusk, Little Penguins arrive in groups on the beach after a day of fishing. Witness this fascinating event from an exclusive viewing platform and boardwalk. Enjoy dinner before returning to Melbourne late evening. (D)
Day 15: Depart Melbourne
This morning you'll be met and transferred to Melbourne airport for your onward flight (flight not included).
Departures: Daily.
Highlights
Price Includes
Day 1: Arrive Sydney
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Sydney, Menzies Sydney (standard), The Grace Hotel (first class) or Sydney Harbor Marriott (deluxe) for 3 nights
Day 2: Sydney City Sightseeing
You will have a chance to get an overview of the city and surroundings as you view the Opera House, Botanic Gardens and Conservatorium of Music. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for a view of the city and harbor. Continue through Darling Harbor and the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Rose Bay, known for their cosmopolitan cafe society, designer shopping and Rodeo Drive ambience. Then, on to The Gap for spectacular ocean views. Arrive at Bondi Beach where you will see the famous Bondi Lifesavers. Enjoy a short stop here then continue back to Sydney via trendy Paddington.
Day 3: Blue Mountains Wilderness 4WD Tour
Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will pick you up this morning in a luxury-touring vehicle. Experience the magnificent World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, only 90 minutes west of Sydney. Enjoy a buffet barbeque lunch complimented by Australian Wines and continue on to the Three Sisters. This afternoon, you'll seek out the many kangaroos that roam the area. On your return to Sydney, pass by the Olympics 2000 site en route to your hotel. (L)
Day 4: Sydney-Cairns
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Cairns (flight not included). On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel where you relax by the pool or enjoy the shopping opportunities along the Esplanade. Overnight: Cairns, Cairns Colonial Club (standard), Novotel Oasis (first class) or Shangri-La, The Marina (deluxe) for 3 nights
Day 5: Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Journey up the scenic Marlin Coast to charming Port Douglas. Enjoy a full-day cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard a luxurious 120-foot catamaran. Moor at a special pontoon on Agincourt Reef. Scuba dive, snorkel, view the underwater observatory or ride in the semi-submersible viewer (diving, own expense). Cruise includes lunch, water sports, and an informative talk by a marine biologist. (L)
Day 6: Kuranda Railway, Skyrail Gondola & Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Board the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway for a breathtaking journey to Kuranda, nestled in the rainforest with attractive shops and galleries. Return to Cairns via the Skyrail Gondola, traveling over 9 miles of rainforest canopy. Then visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a buffet lunch followed by a dance performance by local Aborigines. Return to your hotel late afternoon. (L)
Day 7: Cairns-Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This morning you will be met and transferred for your onward flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) (flight not included). Your eco tour of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) begins in the early afternoon. Journey through Walpa Gorge and hear about the geological surroundings. Tonight, experience the romance of the desert as the sun sets over Uluru, the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo, sumptuous Outback fare and the starfilled heavens in the "Sounds of Silence" dinner. After a feast of Northern Territory delights, you can dream away under a canopy of stars as a resident astronomer points out a plethora of constellations in the vast skies of the Outback. Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Outback Pioneer (standard), Desert Gardens (first class) or Sails in the Desert (deluxe) for 2 nights (D)
Day 8: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Enjoy a picnic breakfast while watching the sun rise over Uluru. Then you will have a choice of either walking the base of Uluru with your guide (6.5 miles) while hearing about Aboriginal creation stories and learning about the fauna and flora of the region. Or, gain the "Spirit of Uluru" with a combination of short walks to cultural significant waterholes and rock art features of Uluru followed by a visit to the Uluru & Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. The rest of the day is at leisure. We suggest a helicopter flight over this unique monolith at sunset. (B)
Day 9: Uluru (Ayers Rock)-Adelaide
A shuttle will transfer you to Ayers Rock airport to connect with your onward flight to Adelaide (flight not included), where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Adelaide, Mercure Grosvenor Hotel (standard), Oaks Embassy (first class) or Hyatt Regency Adelaide (deluxe) for 3 nights Optional: You can choose to stay in one of the boutique North Adelaide Heritage Apartments. Please ask for details and prices.
Day 10: Barossa Valley Wine Tour
In a luxury vehicle, travel from Adelaide to the picturesque Barossa Valley. Enjoy premium wine tastings and a gourmet lunch in peaceful settings. Whether you prefer red or white, sweet or dry, you will visit wineries appropriate to your palate. (L)
Day 11: Adelaide-Kangaroo Island
Travel by coach to Cape Jervis and board the ferry to Kangaroo Island-a haven for a variety of wildlife, birdlife and native wildflowers (seasonal). At Seal Bay you will be escorted along the beach to view an Australian Sea Lion colony basking on the shore. After lunch in a secluded bush setting, take a bushwalk to see the many species of birds and wallabies in their natural habitat. At dusk, watch as the wildlife emerge from the bush to graze on the open pastures. Overnight: Kangaroo Island (L)
Day 12: Kangaroo Island-Adelaide-Melbourne
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Adelaide arriving at around 11:00am. From there, fly to Melbourne (flight not included) where you will be met and escorted to your choice of accommodation. This evening, dine aboard a magnificently-restored tramcar as it trundles the streets of Melbourne. Overnight: Melbourne, Ibis Melbourne (standard), Novotel Melbourne On Collins (first class) or Langham Hotel (deluxe) for 3 nights (D)
Day 13: Melbourne City Sights
Discover the charm of Melbourne. Throughout your morning you will see Captain Cook's Cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens and Albert Park, home to the Australian Grand Prix, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance and see the Southbank waterfront precinct. See some of the city's architecture including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Princess and Regent theatres. Your tour concludes approximately midday and the remainder of your day is at leisure (hotel transfers not included).
Day 14: Phillip Island Penguins Tour
Travel out of Melbourne and past beautiful landscapes before crossing to Phillip Island. Walk among the treetops at the Koala Conservation Center and see wild koalas within touching distance! Travel to the Nobbies for magnificent views over Mornington Peninsula and Bass Strait. Offshore are Seal Rocks and the largest Australian Fur Seal colony. Continue on to the Penguin Parade where each evening at dusk, Little Penguins arrive in groups on the beach after a day of fishing. Witness this fascinating event from an exclusive viewing platform and boardwalk. Enjoy dinner before returning to Melbourne late evening. (D)
Day 15: Depart Melbourne
This morning you'll be met and transferred to Melbourne airport for your onward flight (flight not included).
Departures: Daily.
Call (203) 702-1467 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8158750
- Wholesaler
- Qantas Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2009
- Destination
- Australia
- Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Note: Flights not included. Itinerary valid until 31 March 2010. Please inquire for details beyond this date. Prices based on low season. Seasonal surcharges apply for other dates. All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change.
