Day 1: ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE
Arrive in Melbourne, and then gather tonight for a cocktail
reception and welcome dinner.
Day 2: MELBOURNE / “Aussie Living”
Explore Melbourne today, viewing St. Paul’s Cathedral and the
beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Then depart for the Barber family
sheep farm in Coliban Park to learn about one of Australia’s most
important industries. Enjoy morning tea followed by a sheep-shearing
demonstration. You may also plant an Australian native
tree, and then embark on a drive around the property to spot
kangaroos in their natural environment.
Day 3: THE OUTBACK / Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Fly via Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
for an overnight in the heart of the
Australian Outback. Gaze in wonder at
fabled Uluru, its surface alive with the
colors of the setting sun. Enjoy sparkling
wine and canapés, followed by an authentic Australian barbecue.
Then turn your gaze to the night sky, as a local expert takes you on a
tour of the spectacular southern stars.
Day 4: THE OUTBACK / Tropical Getaway
This morning, take a guided walk around Uluru and hear some of
the legends that feature the monolith. Meet your indigenous guide
and learn how the traditional owners of the land survived in the arid
Outback. Afterward, fly to Cairns, leaving behind the desert, and
transfer to Port Douglas. Gather with fellow guests this evening for
dinner.
Day 5: GREAT BARRIER REEF / The Spectacular Sea
Cruise to the Low Isles and spend a full day exploring one of earth’s
most incredible “living” sites, the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the
colors and beauty of the coral and fish while swimming, snorkeling
or observing from a glass-bottom boat, while a marine biologist
offers guidance and answers questions. Spend the evening at leisure
back at your resort.
Day 6: DAINTREE RAINFOREST / Tribal Paths
This morning, head north toward Daintree Rainforest. Joined by
a local indigenous guide, follow rainforest paths that have been
travelled for centuries by the Kuku Yalanji people, who have
generously granted us access to their tribal lands. Set out on a
wildlife cruise on the Daintree River with an expert guide, keeping
on the lookout for “salties” — Australia’s infamous saltwater
crocodiles. Explore the small township of Daintree before returning
to your resort for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 7: SYDNEY / The True Blue City
Bid farewell to the Coral Sea and the tropics
as you take off for Sydney late this morning,
arriving in the afternoon. Mix with the
locals tonight over a casual dinner in a pub
in the famous Rocks area of Sydney.
Day 8: SYDNEY / The Harbourside
One of Australia’s iconic sights takes center stage today when you visit
Sydney Opera House on a personally guided tour. Then board a cruiser
on Sydney Harbour for a view of some of this extraordinary city’s
landmark sites, including Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Luna Park
and Sydney’s waterfront mansions. Following the cruise, cross the harbour
to the Taronga Zoo, where you may get up close and personal with
Australia’s charming native fauna.
Day 9: SYDNEY / Sydney at Leisure
Spend your last day exploring on your own. Ask your Tour Director
for some suggestions, or go wherever inspiration leads. Gather for a
farewell dinner tonight.
Day 10: DEPART SYDNEY
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.