10-28 March 2024 (19 days/18 nights)
Route: Melbourne – Red Center - Sydney – Brisbane – Gold Coast - Cairns (Great Barrier Reef)
Day 1
10 March, Sunday
Place: Melbourne
Itinerary:
Arriving to Australia, Melbourne. Individual transfer to a hotel. Have a rest after a long international flight.
Afternoon Melbourne city tour with a local guide. Enjoy a vibrant introduction to Australia’s cultural capital with this 3-hour tour of the city’s star attractions. Learn about the city’s colonial roots as you admire historic landmarks like the Town Hall and St Patrick’s Cathedral; browse the lively Queen Victoria Market; and stroll around Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne’s oldest park.
Day 2
11 March, Monday
Place: Melbourne
Itinerary:
Today we’ll visit Dandenong rangers National Park which is covered by the oldest forest on the planet appeared 100 mln years ago!
09:30 – 10:30 Driving to Belgrave Puffing Billy train station.
10:30 – 11:15 Tour check-in.
11:15 – 12:05 Riding iconic Puffing Billy train to travel through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Lakeside stations, with lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead.
12:05 – 12:30 Driving to a café.
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch at a local café (pay direct).
14:00 – 14:30 Driving to William Ricketts Sanctuary.
14:30 - 17:00 Walking through William Ricketts Sanctuary which is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People. Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, featuring 92 extraordinary sculptures of people and animals half-hidden in the natural environment, just waiting to be discovered.
17:00 – 19:00 Driving to Philip Island.
19:00 – 20:00 Tour check-in and find seats (it’s recommended to arrive 1 hour before the parade)
20:00 – 21:00 Penguin parade.
21:00 – 23:00 Driving back to Melbourne.
Day 3
12 March, Tuesday
Place: Melbourne – Yarra Valley – Melbourne
Itinerary:
11:00 – 12:00 Driving to Yarra Valley, world-famous wine region
12:00 – 17:00 Visiting of wineries, Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, cheesery. Lunch at one of wineries (included in the tour cost).
17:00 – 1:00 Coming back to Melbourne.
Day 4
13 March, Wednesday
Place: Melbourne – Great Ocean Road - Melbourne
Itinerary:
09:00 – 19:00 Today you will visit the iconic Australian attractions – Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles. Lunch at a local café.
The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 240-kilometre (150 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world's largest war memorial. Winding through varying terrain along the coast and providing access to several prominent landmarks, including the Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations, the road is an important tourist attraction in the region.
Day 5
14 March, Thursday
Place: Melbourne – Ayers Rock
Itinerary:
08:00 – 09:15 Breakfast and hotel check-out.
09:15 – 10:00 Transfer to airport. Van drop-off.
10:00 – 11:05 Domestic flight check-in and boarding.
11:05 – 12:35 Flight to Ayers Rock.
12:35 – 13:15 Luggage claim.
13:15 – 14:00 Transfer to a hotel.
At night we’ll have a dinner at Field of Light.
This exclusive dining experience combines the award-winning ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner under the outback sky with the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation.
With magnificent views of Uluru at sunset, a three-course bush tucker menu, premium selection of Australian wines and beers, fascinating star talk and a self-guided walk through the Field of Light art installation, your ‘A Night at Field of Light’ experience is complete.
Your evening begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon to the music of a didgeridoo, enjoy gourmet canapes and chilled sparkling wine.
As darkness falls and the coloured lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, join your table of fellow travellers for an exceptional three-course menu infused with bush tucker flavours. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen to our resident star talker decode the southern night sky.
Your host will provide insights to the art installation that awaits you, before you’re invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of coloured light, beckoning you to explore.
Day 6
15 March, Friday
Place: Ayers Rock
Itinerary:
Uluru Camel Tour in the morning
Breathe in the crisp morning air as you ride your friendly camel for one hour through the desert landscape as dawn breaks over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Watch the desert come to life and learn about the flora and fauna along the trail from your knowledgeable cameleer.
After your ride, enjoy our famous freshly baked beer bread damper with quandong jam and a cup of billy tea or coffee.
Tour duration approx. 2.5 hours
Tour departs 1 hour prior to sunrise.
Maximum weight limit 135kg
Seit Outback Australia in the afternoon
Walk between the mighty conglomerate rock walls into Walpa Gorge and hear how the 36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here.
Some of the adventures to experience include:
Changing colours on the domes of Kata Tjuta
Meandering through massive rock formations
Learning about the environment of central Australia
Absorbing the stunning landscapes of the Kata Tjuta region
Hearing the travels and tales of the explorers
Tour duration approx. 3 hours
Tour departs 4 1/2 hours prior to sunset.
Day 7
16 March, Saturday
Place: Ayers Rock – Kings Canyon – Alice Springs
Itinerary:
Travel to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station (included) along the way. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points.
Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor. After lunch (own expense), drive to Alice Springs.
Please Note: Please ensure you have a minimum of 3 litres of water with you for your walk. Comfortable walking shoes are required.
Day 8
17 March, Sunday
Place: Alice Springs - Sydney
Itinerary:
11:30 – 12:00 Transfer to the airport.
11:30 – 12:50 Domestic flight check-in and boarding
12:50 – 16:00 Flight to Sydney
16:00 – 16:30 Baggage claim.
16:30 – 17:30 Transfer to a hotel. Check-in.
17:30 – 18:30 Short rest.
18:30 – 19:00 Transfer to a wharf.
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner cruise. Enjoy a spectacular darling Harbor cruise having delicious dinner and drinks.
Day 9
18 March, Monday
Place: Sydney
Itinerary:
09:00 – 15:00 Private guided city tour around one of the largest Australian cities. You will see all iconic attractions like Opera House, Harbor Bridge and walk through The Rock suburb. Finally, you will visit Sydney Tower to observe 360-degree Sydney’s panorama.
15:00 till evening – relax on iconic Bondi beach. You are welcome to hike on Bondi to Bronte coastal walk. It’s easy and picturesque.
We recommend you visit a concert or ballet in Sydney Opera House at night. Please, buy tickets in advance.
Day 10
19 March, Tuesday
Place: Sydney – Blue Mountains - Sydney
Itinerary:
08:00 – 19:00 Experience the majestic World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains on a full-day tour from Sydney. Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Mountains and sites including the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Hop onboard the Scenic Railway at Scenic World to observe the spectacular panorama of this majestic place.
Then, we’ll visit Jenolan Caves - the largest, most spectacular and most famous caves in Australia.
Day 11
20 March, Wednesday
Place: Sydney
Itinerary:
09:00 – 09:30 Driving to the museum.
09:30 – 11:30 Madame Tussauds Museum.
11:30 – 13:30 Sea Life Aquarium. Encounter with underwater creatures of South Pacific.
13:30 – 15:00 Lunch at a local café (pay direct).
Free evening in Sydney.
Day 12
21 March, Thursday
Place: Sydney - Brisbane
Itinerary:
10:00 – 10:30 Transfer to domestic terminal.
10:30 – 11:35 Check-in and boarding to domestic flight.
11:35 – 13:05 Flight to Brisbane.
13:05 – 14:00 Luggage claim, picking up a new van, driving to a city center.
14:00 – 15:30 Lunch at a local café (pay direct).
15:30 – 19:30 Brisbane city tour with a local guide. Get a taste of Brisbane on a half-day guided tour of the places and architecture that characterize Queensland's capital city. Learn the history of this fast-growing cosmopolitan center.
19:30 Hotel check-in. Rest.
Day 13
22 March, Friday
Place: Brisbane – Sunshine Coast – Brisbane
Itinerary:
09:00 – 10:15 Transfer to Australian Zoo.
10:15 – 14:00 Australian Zoo provides a unique animal encounter. It is owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin, whose wildlife documentary series The Crocodile Hunter and his family’s new show Crikey! It's the Irwins made the zoo a popular tourist attraction. You will see the world-famous crocodile show and meet lots of Australian and African animals.
14:00 – 15:30 Lunch at a local café (pay direct).
15:30 – 16:45 Driving back to Brisbane.
16:45 – 17:30 Transfer to the pier to board M V Neptune.
17:30 – 19:00 River City Cruise is the original and best sightseeing cruise on the Brisbane River. During the 1.5 hour tour, you will be entertained by great easy listening music while taking advantage of the fantastic photo opportunities as we cruise past Brisbane’s most iconic sights including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Centre and the Story Bridge. Enjoy reasonably priced drinks from the bar and relax.
Day 14
23 March, Saturday
Place: Brisbane – Gold Coast
Itinerary:
Today you are relocating to Australian Mecca of surfers and sea lovers – Gold Coast. You will drive along famous Surfers Paradise Street and be entertained in one or two theme parks of your choice - Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild.
Day 15
24 March, Sunday
Place: Gold Coast
Itinerary:
Free day in Gold Coast. Visit theme parks or enjoy local beaches.
Day 16
25 March, Monday
Place: Gold Coast – Brisbane – Cairns - Palm Cove
Itinerary:
06:45 – 08:00 Transfer to Brisbane airport.
08:00 – 09:05 Domestic flight check-in and boarding.
09:05 – 11:25 Flight to Cairns.
11:25 – 12:00 Luggage claim.
12:00 – 12:30 Transfer to Palm Cove, the best beach area near Cairns.
Free day on the beach or in a pool. You are welcome to take a massage and/or SPA session. Relax and enjoy yourself.
Day 17
26 March, Tuesday
Place: Palm Cove – Great Barrier Reef – Palm Cove
Itinerary:
07:00 – 07:30 Driving to the pier.
07:30 – 08:00 Tour check-in and boarding
08:00 – 13:00 Today you will visit a unique Australian gem – Great Barrier Reef.
Swim among the fantastic marine life of the outer Great Barrier Reef on this full-day snorkel and scuba catamaran cruise. Visit three different dive sites on Agincourt Reef, where you can choose to scuba, snorkel or both. Introductory and certified scuba dives are available, and expert guides are on hand to provide instruction and point out highlights of the underwater world. Enjoy a total of 5 hours on the reef, breaking to recharge with a buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea.
1 diving is 80 AUD extra per person.
10-minute helicopter flight 100 AUD extra per person.
Please note that divers are required to complete a medical questionnaire.
Please note that divers over the age of 65 years for the introductory course or over 45 years for the PADI-certified course must have a Fit To Dive medical clearance. This can be provided by your GP before your trip.
Please note that medical conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes as well as certain prescription medications may exclude you from diving.
Day 18
27 March, Wednesday
Place: Palm Cove – Kuranda – Palm Cove
Itinerary:
08:30 – 18:00 Kuranda Village, Scenic Railway, Rainforestation Nature Park & Skyrail Cableway day tour.
On this full-day tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, you will get to discover Kuranda, a mountain village located near the city of Cairns. Here, you will have the chance to ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for unique views of one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. The tour will also include a trip aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, from which you will take a scenic ride dotted with waterfalls and unique landscapes.
Day 19
28 March, Thursday
Itinerary:
Take a domestic flight to Melbourne/Brisbane/Sydney to connect an international flight back home.
Thank you for spending these amazing days with us!
You are welcome to book a hotel on one of lush islands of Great Barrier Reef to chill out there as long as you wish. Please, contact us to discuss your further itinerary.
The cost per person within 10 people group is 9,440 AUD / 5,850 EUR
Included:
1. Accommodation:
1.1. 10-14 March, Melbourne Clarion Suites Gateway (4*) incl breakfasts (4 nights)
1.2. 14-16 March, Ayers Rock, Desert Gardens Hotel (4*) incl breakfasts (2 nights)
1.3. 16-17 March, Alice Springs, Desert Palms (4*) WITHOUT breakfasts (1 night)
1.4. 17-21 March, Sydney, Novotel City Centre (4*) incl breakfasts (4 nights)
1.5. 21-23 March, Brisbane, Royal On The Park (4.5*) incl breakfasts (2 nights)
1.6. 23-25 March, Gold Coast, Wyndham Resort Surfers Paradise (4*) incl breakfasts (2 nights)
1.7. 25-28 March, Palm Cove, Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa (5*) incl breakfasts (3 nights)
2. Transport and guide:
2.1. All transfers with a professional guide-driver according to the itinerary, incl petrol
2.2. Domestic flights: Melbourne – Ayers Rock, Alice Springs - Sydney – Brisbane – Cairns
3. Tours and admissions:
3.1. Melbourne: City tour
3.2. Melbourne: Puffing Billy train tickets
3.3. Penguin Parade on Philip Island
3.4. Melbourne: Yarra Valley tour, incl wine tasting at 3 wineries and lunch
3.5. Melbourne: Great Ocean Road tour
3.6. Ayers Rock: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park fee
3.7. Ayers Rock: 3-course dinner at Sounds of Silence restaurant incl Entrance to Field of Light exhibition, Outback canapes with chilled sparkling wine and drinks, Australian wine and beers, non-alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee and port, Didgeridoo performance, An engaging star talk, Self-guided walk through the illuminated Field of Light, and return transfer
3.8. Ayers Rock: Uluru Camel Tour in the morning
3.9. Ayers Rock: Seit Outback Australia to Kata Tjuta domes
3.10. Red center: Ayers Rock – Great Canyon – Alice Springs day tour
3.11. Sydney: Dinner cruise
3.12. Sydney: Sydney: City tour
3.13. Sydney: tour to Blue Mountains incl Scenic Railway and Jenolan Caves
3.14. Sydney: Admission to Madame Tussaud Museum and Sydney Sea Life Aquarium.
3.15. Brisbane: City tour
3.16. Sunshine Coast: Australian Zoo
3.17. Brisbane: River cruise.
3.18. Gold Coast: Admission to 4 theme parks Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Paradise Country.
3.19. Palm Cove: Cruise to Great Barrier Reef including snorkeling and lunch.
3.20. Palm Cove: Kuranda Village, Scenic Railway, Rainforestation Nature Park & Skyrail Cableway day tour
Not included:
1. International flights
2. Domestic flight from Cairns (if needed) to Melbourne/Brisbane/Sydney
3. Insurance
4. Australian visitor visa (if needed)
5. Meal except listed above
6. Extra activities