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17 Days The Best of Australia

from £1870pp

From the arid desert surrounding Uluru to the lush forests of Kakadu National Park, this extensive tour shows the huge variety which Australia has to offer.


		Day
		1

Arrive Sydney – Scenic Harbour Flight

Private transfer from the airport to your chosen hotel for four nights. Depending on your arrival time in Sydney, you may choose to go heli-sightseeing either today or on day four, which is your day at leisure. You’ll be transferred from your hotel to the heliport to discover ‘The Most Beautiful City in the World’ from above. Sweep over the harbour and view the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House, city skyscrapers and colourful sailing boats.
Standard: Mercure Sydney
Superior: The Menzies Sydney
Deluxe: InterContinental Sydney (Harbour View Room)


		Day
		2

Sydney Tour & Harbour Cruise

Today’s sightseeing starts as you travel north over the Harbour Bridge to the northern beaches. Stop at Milson’s Point for panoramic views of the Bridge and skyline and enjoy a stroll under the Norfolk Pines in Manly, a wonderful seaside resort. Return to the city in time for a fabulous luncheon cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour. The afternoon’s sightseeing will include the Rocks, Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach and awesome views of the Opera House from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. (L)


		Day
		3

The Blue Mountains

Travel to the picturesque Blue Mountains National Park, and take in the views from the scenic Cliff Drive. At Echo Point, witness the spectacular Three Sisters rock formation towering over the Jamison Valley. Enjoy a ride on the Scenic Skyway or Scenic Railway (own expense) before continuing to the Featherdale Wildlife Park, where there will be an opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos, walk through rainforest aviaries, see crocodiles and cuddle a koala before returning to Sydney.


		Day
		4

Sydney

Explore Sydney at leisure. If you didn’t have time on your arrival day for the heli-sightseeing, then now’s the time to enjoy your 20-minute scenic flight. Alternatively, if you need some inspiration, visit here for some ideas of the other touring options available.


		Day
		5

Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

A private transfer will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to the Red Centre. On arrival, transfer by shuttle to your chosen accommodation for the next two nights. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a wonderful ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner; experience the romance of the desert, with the sun setting behind the domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), the haunting sounds of didgeridoos and a sumptuous Northern Territory feast of barramundi, kangaroo and emu – plus some of the world’s finest stargazing. (D)
Standard: Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel
Superior: Voyages Desert Gardens Deluxe: Voyages Sails in the Desert


		Day
		6

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Today, we’ve included a special touring pass to really make the most of your day at Uluru. Rise early to view the spectacular sunrise over Uluru before enjoying a visit to the Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, guided walks through the Olga Gorges and at the base of Uluru, and late afternoon sightseeing to watch the last rays of the sun setting over Ayers Rock - simply breathtaking.


		Day
		7

Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Darwin

A shuttle transfer will be waiting to take you to the airport for your early morning departure to the tropical city of Darwin (via Alice Springs). Enjoy a private transfer to your overnight hotel, and enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to discover this modern 20th-century city, set on a magnificent harbour.
Standard: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort
Superior: Novotel Atrium Deluxe: Saville on the Esplanade Darwin (One Bedroom Suite)


		Day
		8

Darwin to Kakadu

An early start to travel into World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, then join a guided boat cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, keeping a look out for saltwater crocodiles, birdlife and beautiful waterlilies. After lunch, travel to the ancient rock-art site at Nourlangie. (L)
Standard & Superior: Aurora Kakadu Resort Deluxe: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn


		Day
		9

Kakadu – Darwin

Time for an optional morning flight over the Arnhem Land Escarpment (own expense). Travel to Ubirr where you can only be in awe as you admire this 20,000-year-old rock-art site. Enjoy views of the surrounding Nardab floodplains before joining Aboriginal guides for a cruise on the East Alligator River and, by special permission, a short walk into Arnhem Land. Return to Darwin for an overnight stay at your chosen hotel.
(Dec-Apr: Ubirr, East Alligator River and Arnhem Land are subject to seasonal conditions and may be substituted for alternative touring.) (L)
Standard: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort
Superior: Novotel Atrium
Deluxe: Saville on the Esplanade Darwin (One Bedroom Suite)


		Day
		10

Darwin to Cairns

A private transfer will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to the vibrant resort town of Cairns, one of the main gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. Met on arrival, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to your chosen hotel for three nights. Standard: Discovery Resort Cairns
Superior: Rydges Esplanade Deluxe: Shangri-La Cairns


		Day
		11

Kuranda & Skyrail

Experience the contrast of the region’s oldest and most picturesque railway and the world’s most beautiful cableway. Sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views as you journey through 15 hand-cut tunnels and past spectacular waterfalls en-route to Kuranda. Once aboard the Skyrail, you’ll be amazed as you glide silently just metres above the rainforest canopy in your six-person cabin. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where, after lunch, there will be time to explore its movie theatres, stage shows and craft demonstrations. You can also take in a memorable performance by the famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe! (L)


		Day
		12

Cairns - Optional Sightseeing

Today we have a number of options for you to select from, depending on your level of adventure!
Option One - Ballooning: Enjoy a spectacular early morning 30-minute balloon ride followed by a tropical breakfast with sparkling wine. The flight gently floats above the tips of the blue gums and paper bark trees allowing you to spot kangaroos, bird life and local fauna.
Option Two - Rafting: Experience Australia’s best one day rafting adventure; travel south to the mighty Tully River for up to five hours of rafting through more than 45 rapids. Includes a delightful riverside barbecue lunch.
Option Three - Cruising: The Frankland Islands are a short open-water cruise from the mainland. Altogether a different experience to the Outer Barrier Reef, here you can enjoy leisurely island walks exploring the rainforest, surrounding rock pools and reef-flats. Alternatively, snorkelling and reef viewing are easily accessed from the beach. A delicious barbecue lunch under the shade of a canopy amongst the trees is included.
Option One (B), Options Two and Three (L)


		Day
		13

Cairns – Coral Princess Cruise

Join the Coral Princess for your departure to the Great Barrier Reef. Afternoon stops at Thetford Reef and Sudbury Cay give you the opportunity to explore some of the most impressive parts of the coral reef, whilst the evening provides you with delicious food and wine as the sun sets on the aquamarine waters. (LD)
Standard: Cabin Superior:Stateroom Deluxe: Deluxe Stateroom


		Day
		14

Thetford Reef –Dunk Island

Enjoy a full morning on the Great Barrier Reef, where you can join the marine biologist and view the coral from the glass-bottom boat. In the afternoon, you will cruise to Dunk Island, a beautiful tropical island resort, where you may join the naturalist on a guided rainforest walk. (BLD)


		Day
		15

Dunk Island – Pelorus Island

Cruise the Family group of tropical rainforest islands, before navigating the Hinchinbrook Channel. At lunchtime, drop anchor at Pelorus Island, which is exclusive to Coral Princess guests, where you will enjoy a delicious beach barbecue. (BLD)


		Day
		16

Palm Islands – Townsville

Cruise Halifax Bay, passing Magnetic Island then on to Townsville. On arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your hotel for a final overnight stay. (B)
Standard: Mercure Inn
Superior: Seagulls Resort (Resort Room)
Deluxe: Seagulls Resort (Deluxe Room)


		Day
		17

Depart Townsville

Your private transfer awaits to take you back to the airport for your onward flight.

Tour Prices
Price per person, in £'s from	Standard		Superior		Deluxe
Day of departure	Twin	Single	Twin	Single	Twin	Single
01 Jan 08-15 Jan 08 16 Jan 08-31 Mar 08 01 Apr 08-30 Apr 08 01 May 08-31 May 08 01 Jun 08-30 Jun 08 01 Jul 08-30 Sep 08 01 Oct 08-31 Oct 08 01 Nov 08-30 Nov 08 01 Dec 08-17 Dec 08 18 Dec 08- 25 Jan 09 26 Jan 09-31 Mar 09	1870 1870 1956 1956 1966 2018 1999 1999 1956 1956 1956	2763 2763 2900 2900 2920 3024 2986 2986 2900 2900 2900	2101 2101 2190 2218 2218 2255 2274 2227 2190 2190 2208	3163 3163 3293 3350 3350 3425 3463 3368 3293 3293 3331	2632 2693 2777 2777 2777 2796 2873 2859 2835 2757 2835	4193 4314 4437 4437 4437 4474 4629 4601 4551 4396 4551
Supplements apply over Christmas and New Year periods in Sydney and 30Jul08-08Aug08 in Darwin. Details on request.