Day 1 Fly USA to Sydney

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day.

Day 3 Welcome to Sydney, Australia

Upon arrival into Sydney you will need to clear customs and make your way to the domestic terminal for your connecting flight to Adelaide.  Upon arrival, transfer by shuttle service to your hotel.

The capital of South Australia, Adelaide is nestled between the sea and hills. It is a graceful city of wide streets, elegant buildings and parkland. Adelaide is compact and easy to walk around. It is known for its refinement and has a charm and grace that shows in sophisticated wining and dining, and beautiful architecture that has been well preserved.  The state of South Australia is home to some of the freshest food and finest wines in Australia. Adelaide has a reputation for innovative, affordable cuisine which, when combined with local wines, is a memorable experience

Regardless of the season, the Adelaide Hills offer a welcome respite in country air. Investigate historic townships and enjoy heritage accommodation properties with stunning gardens. Adelaide has a great reputation for its art and culture. The Adelaide Festival of Arts and associated Fringe Festival generate a constant energy in the city. The Festival Centre on King William Road is the hub of opera, theatre and orchestra. For visual arts, the Art Gallery of South Australia is a must for its collection of Aboriginal works, Australian 19th century paintings and a collection of Rodins. Several galleries specialize in indigenous art and Melbourne Street is the place for antiques. 

Day 4 Drive Adelaide to the Barossa Valley

At your leisure (1-1/2hrs drive), but allow some time to take in some of the sights en route and perhaps stop for a tasting at one of the many wineries’ along the way! 

Premium wines, fine restaurants, magnificent old churches, wineries and cottages, traditional music, butchers and bakers, all in a peaceful rural setting where each season accentuates the beauty of the vineyards and the undulating hills. Whether here for business or pleasure, the memories will last a lifetime!

Day 5 Fly Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Drive back to Adelaide and return your rental car at the airport depot before boarding your flight to Kangaroo Island.

Depart from Adelaide airport for your short afternoon or evening flight to Kangaroo Island. On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.  This evening, you may join a nocturnal penguin tour (optional extra).

Day 6 Kangaroo Island

Begin your full day tour with the discovery of secluded Stokes Bay, en route to Parndana Wildlife Park.  From here we travel on to Seal Bay for a walk along the beach among a breeding colony of Australian Sea lions.  Next is a visit to Clifford's Honey Farm where you may enjoy an informative talk by the beekeeper followed by a tasting.  Our final stop is the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, a marvelous example of Australian bush ingenuity. A picnic lunch is provided in tranquil bush setting and overnight accommodation is included.  You will then return to the airport for your return journey to Adelaide. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Days 7-8 Ghan Train from Adelaide to Alice Springs

Transfer by shuttle service to the train station for your overnight train journey into the heart of the Australian outback.

A legendary journey on a legendary train.  The Ghan is internationally recognized as one of the world's most famous long distance luxury trains. Named after the Afghan camel drivers who did so much to open up the heart of Australia last century, this magnificent train is of great historical significance to the nation.

Its 1555 kilometer journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs takes 22 hours. And it’s truly a legendary experience to watch the vast Australian Outback unfold as you journey to the centre.

Day 8 Arrive Alice Springs

You will be met at the train station and transferred by shuttle service to your accommodation.

The central Australian capital of Alice Springs is a pleasant combination of heritage and modern facilities. Within easy reach are colorful outback culture, ancient Dreamtime lore and fabulous nature. Alice Springs is a perfect base for an outback holiday, giving easy access to many natural wonders: Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park, Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and the MacDonnell Ranges.

Day 9 Coach Alice Springs to Ayers Rock

An early start this morning as you depart from your hotel bound for Ayers Rock. This coach ride takes about four and a half hours and truly gives you a great appreciation of the Australian Outback.  You arrive in Ayers Rock in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Uluru (Ayers Rock), in the heart of the Red Centre, has a desert climate - mostly dry, with brilliant blue skies all year. Autumn and spring will give you sunny days with cloudless skies and crisp, cool nights which is the perfect kind of weather for exploring the sights by foot or in the comfort of a vehicle. Summer is the time when Central Australia is at its most vivid, with hot days and balmy nights. December to February are the hottest months -usually more that 35º-Celsius - so take a hat and sunscreen.

Tour - Kata Tjuta and Dunes

Leaving from your hotel mid-afternoon, the Discovery Ecotours guide will explain the nature of the desert and its development.  A short walk to the dune lookout puts one in touch with the environment and lets you delight in the spectacular panoramic view of Kata Tjuta (the Olga’s) - a very sacred place to the Aboriginal people.

Arriving at Walpa (Olga) Gorge, walk into this mystic place, to hear how it has evolved over millions of years. The scale of the walls and the wind far above, add a sense of mystery here. The sky deepens and the great domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s) flush red as the tour retires to the sunset viewing area to celebrate the fantastic color changes wrought by sunset with complimentary champagne. Sit back and absorb the desert solitude or relax and chat to your guide about Australia’s red center. The spectacle fades as you return to Yulara beneath a sky of brilliant stars. This afternoon tour is around 4 hour’s duration.

Day 10 Tour - Spirit of Uluru

This is a vehicle based tour around Uluru (Ayers Rock), providing the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise and absorb Uluru's natural history and deep significance to the Anangu people.  Short walks will bring you close to this wonderful and powerful place, viewing rock art, waterholes and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of Uluru.

There is time to amble, to absorb images and to gain an insight into Uluru's remarkable presence. The final step is to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre This is a small group tour (max 18) with Discovery Ecotours. Light breakfast included - morning tour duration of around 4 hours.

Days 11-12 Ghan Train from Alice Springs to Darwin

Make your way to the airport for your flight from Ayers Rock to Alice Springs. On arrival, make your way to the train station for the overnight Ghan Train to Darwin.

Join the Ghan Train for a legendary journey. The Ghan is internationally recognized as one of the world's most famous long distance trains. Named after the Afghan camel drivers who did so much to open up the heart of Australia last century, this magnificent train is of great historical significance to the nation.  The journey from Alice Springs to Darwin takes 24 hours - so relax and watch the vast Australian Outback unfold as you journey from the desert of the 'Red Centre' to the tropical 'Top End'.

Day 12 Arrive Darwin 

On arrival into Darwin, there is a coach transfer service to Darwin city. Darwin is a vibrant, tropical capital city perched on a deepwater port, offering a blend of cosmopolitan and city pleasures. It also acts as a gateway to key Top End natural and cultural attractions.  Darwin sits on a harbor twice the size of Sydney harbor and overlooks the Arafura Sea, offering an array of waterfront delights including superb dining, cruising, or wreck-diving.

This afternoon is at your leisure to explore Darwin, a very diverse community of about 80,000 people. Many interesting cultural museums and activities abound in and around the city to keep you busy.

Day 13 Tour - Kakadu & Arnhem Land

Travel via Adelaide River and the Marrakai Plains deep into Kakadu National Park.  Join a guided walk to view Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie.  After lunch, board the famous Yellow Water billabong cruise to observe the birdlife, and seek the saltwater crocodile. Visit Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Day 14 Tour - Kakadu & Arnhem Land

An early start to travel by 4WD vehicle into Arnhem Land and the Mikinj Valley. Travel through spectacular scenery, including sandstone outcrops, escarpments, floodplains and billabongs.  Hear of traditional land ownership, learn of bush skills, food gathering and preparation of ‘bush tucker’.  View Aboriginal rock art without fences or barriers.

Day 15 Tour - Kakadu & Arnhem Land

Today, stop at Ubirr with a short walk to view Aboriginal rock art. Join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River in search of saltwater crocodiles. With permission of the local people, will go ashore in Arnhem Land.  Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, and perhaps take an optional scenic flight (own expense) over the Arnhem Land Escarpment before returning to Darwin.

Day 16 Fly Darwin to Sydney

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival you will be transferred by shuttle service to your accommodation.

Sydney's sparkling harbor is the jewel in the city's crown. It's flanked by golden beaches and bush land, and is bisected by one of the most famous bridges in the world. Islands sprinkle its waters, and it's crisscrossed by all manner of craft, from water taxis and yachts to tour boats and ferries.

Day 17 At leisure, Sydney

At your leisure to explore the city of Sydney. It’s been said that Sydney never sleeps. In daylight hours the city buzzes with life and remains active long after workers have left their offices. All-night pubs, cutting-edge dance clubs, and gay reviews could keep you out until dawn. Fancy a late-night meal or a final coffee - that’s not a problem. Be seen on trendy Oxford Street from Darlinghurst to Paddington or try the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, Surry Hills, the quay or the Rocks. It’s too many choices, not too few, that make the decision hard!

During your stay ideally you should take a harbor cruise around one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, maybe take a short trip to one of the wildlife parks to see the unique animals (koalas and kangaroos) Australia has, climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge for some awesome views, and after all that, enjoy the great restaurants that Sydney has to offer. The local chefs take full advantage of the fresh seafood and produce.

Day 18 Fly Sydney to USA

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.