Unforgettable Australian Experience

An independent APT tour on which you’ll enjoy extended stays in Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney. You’ll also visit the Red Centre for a taste of aboriginal culture. This is the perfect way to see Australia’s sights at your own pace.

Day 1 London (Heathrow)/Singapore/Melbourne: Departure from the UK with Qantas for an overnight flight to Singapore and onward overnight flight to Melbourne.

Day 3 Melbourne: On arrival at Mebourne airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the charms of this cosmopolitan city on your own. Perhaps take a stroll through one of the city’s many shopping arcades, explore a world-class art gallery, sit by the Yarra River on Southbank or just find a café and sip coffee as the world goes by. Alternatively, you may like to venture outside the city centre and head for the bustling seaside suburb of St Kilda for an ice cream.

Day 4 Melbourne: This morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Melbourne. View the upmarket shops of Collins Street, the Gothic spires of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Victorian opulence of the Princess and Regent theatres. See the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Buildings, Federation Square and stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Explore the lush Fitzroy Gardens before visiting the bustling Queen Victoria Market. In the afternoon, journey to Phillip Island, home to the world-famous Little Penguins.

Day 5 Melbourne: Travel along Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road to view the Twelve Apostles. This famous scenic road winds 185 miles, past some of Australia’s most stunning seaside scenery. On one side, watch a never-ending panorama of spectacular cliff sides, plunging into blue waters, while on the other see the lush foliage of the Otway Ranges rising high over the land.

Day 6 Melbourne/Alice Springs: Morning flight to Alice Springs. This afternoon enjoy an Alice Springs town tour and get a taste of what life is like in Australia’s Red Centre. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and the School of the Air.

Day 7 Alice Springs/Uluru (Ayers Rock): On the way to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, visit a camel farm and take an optional camel ride (own expense). Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative then travel to Mutitjulu waterhole for a guided walk. Join the Mala Walk around Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit sacred Kantju Gorge. Tonight enjoy a glass of complimentary wine as you admire the sunset at Uluru.

Day 8 Uluru (Ayers Rock): Rise early and watch as the sun casts its first rays on Uluru. Then travel to Kata Tjuta, 36 dramatic rock formations that were once a single rock the size of Uluru. Here, take a guided walk into Walpa Gorge and learn about the area’s unique flora, fauna and geology. Tonight, you may like the option to dine on Australian delicacies under the desert stars at the Sounds of Silence dinner or perhaps indulge in a delicious Outback BBQ dinner (own expense).

Day 9 Uluru (Ayers Rock)/Cairns: This morning, transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through the lush Botanic Gardens, wander the shops along The Esplanade or have a coffee and watch the locals.

Day 10 Cairns: Enjoy a full day cruise to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Swim and snorkel in the warm, clear blue waters, or perhaps board the semi-submersible viewer for an underwater adventure amid the colourful coral and marine life.

Day 11 Cairns: Ride the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over the rainforest canopy. For a taste of local Aboriginal culture see a corroboree performed by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers and perhaps cuddle a koala. Join the Kuranda Scenic Railway and see rainforest landscapes as the train winds its way past Barron Falls, down to Cairns.

Day 12 Cairns/Sydney: Transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival the rest of the day is at leisure to explore.

Day 13 Sydney: Morning free to see the beautiful sights. Perhaps take a stroll down to the Rocks area, catch a ferry to famous Manly Beach or go shopping. This afternoon, join a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. After your cruise, take in the city sights including Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy sweeping waterfront views from the famous Opera House steps.

Day 14 Sydney: Today, tour the Blue Mountains, a short drive out of Sydney. Here we visit a wildlife park to learn about the animal’s native to this area. Take the opportunity to ride the scenic cableway (own expense).

Day 15 Sydney/Singapore or Bangkok/London (Heathrow): After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight with Qantas via Singapore or Bangkok and onward to London.

Day 16 London (Heathrow): Arrival back in the UK.

Tour number: 1806 (ITB13)
Departures: Daily.
Sightseeing: As outlined with APT.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch also included on days 10 and 13.
Extensions: Available. Please ask for prices.
Tour price includes: Prices shown are per person, are for guidance only and include international flights with Qantas from London Heathrow to Melbourne (via Singapore) and return from Sydney (via Singapore or Bangkok), onward internal flights throughout the tour with various airlines, transfers and bronze graded accommodation as stated.

Please ask for prices with either silver or gold grade hotels.