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

On arrival into Sydney you will need to clear customs and make your way through the main arrivals hall from where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Sydney - Australia's premier city is the oldest settlement in Australia, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, you would have to die and go to heaven before you see a more spectacular setting for a city. It's a vital, self-regarding metropolis, exuding both a devil-may-care urbanity and a slavish obsession with global fads.  The Sydney area was the ancestral home of the Daruk tribe, whose territory extended from Botany Bay to Pittwater.

There are some 2000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the Sydney area, and many of Sydney's suburbs have Aboriginal names. The city of Sydney began life as a penal colony in 1788 and for the next 60 years received the unwanted, persecuted and criminal elements of British society. Despite its brutal beginnings, the city's mixture of pragmatic egalitarianism and plain indifference has transformed it into a thriving multicultural society. Sydney now attracts the majority of Australia's immigrants and the city's predominantly Anglo-Irish heritage has been revitalized by large influxes of Italian, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Day 4 Tour - Blue Mountains full day tour

On today’s Blue Mountains excursion, we stop at a Wildlife Park, where you have the opportunity to have your photo taken with a koala, and to see Australian animals and reptiles, such as crocodiles, kangaroos, goannas and possums.  At the Blue Mountains National Park, enjoy a stroll through the bush, a visit to historic Katoomba, and time an optional ride on the world's steepest railway, the Skyway Cable Car or the Sceniscender Cable Car (rides at own expense).

 

See scenic echo point, and learn about the 'blue haze' effect, giving the region its name.  There are excellent photo opportunities of the Three Sisters rock formation, and spectacular views of Jamison and Megalong valleys, with a return to the city via Sydney's Olympic Site.   Lunch is included today.

Day 5 At leisure, Sydney

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 6 Fly Sydney to Ayers Rock

You will be met at your hotel and transferred by shuttle to the airport for your flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation via the courtesy airport shuttle bus.

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 (Olga’s) flush red as the tour retires to the sunset viewing area to celebrate the fantastic colour 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 centre. The spectacle fades as you return to Yulara beneath a sky of brilliant stars. This afternoon tour is around 4 hours’ duration.

Day 7 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.

Day 8 Fly Ayers Rock to Alice Springs

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns.  Upon arrival you will be transferred by shuttle service to your hotel.

The central Australian capital of Alice Springs is a pleasant combination of heritage and modern facilities. Within easy reach are colourful 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 Tour - Dreamtime and Bushtucker half day tour

Journey into the surrounding native area of Alice Springs to meet a trained guide who will introduce you to Traditional Aboriginal People, still 'Living their Culture'. Be introduced to topics such as Dreamtime and spiritual beliefs, bush survival, and the marriage and social system.  Sample a witchetty grub, or some kangaroo tail, as you learn about bushtucker, hunting and gathering and weaponry all of which will be presented for your interest in an easily comprehensible manner.

Gain full understanding of this fascinating culture, past and present, and learn how the Aboriginal people fit into today's society.  There is also a rare opportunity to meet and interact firsthand with traditional Elders, men, women, and children from the Walpiri tribe.

This is a cultural learning experience, second to none.  A rare opportunity to experience traditional Aboriginal culture in a sensitive, non-commercial environment.

Days 9-10 Ghan Train from Alice Springs to Darwin

You will be transferred to the train station for your journey to Australia’s Top End.  Join the Ghan Train for a legendary journey on a legendary train.  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 our 'Red Centre' to the tropical 'Top End'. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 10 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 11 Tour - Kakadu & Arnhem Land

You will be picked up from your hotel prior to your tour departure. 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 12 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 13 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.

Day 14 Fly Darwin to Cairns

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cairns.  Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

The heart of the tropical north, Cairns offers great access to reef and islands and is a perfect base for exploring the wider region. With 600 day tours departing the city daily there is plenty to do.

Day 15 Tour - Great Barrier Reef day cruise

This morning, transfer to the wharf for your full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.  You will have four hours at the reef site, to explore what makes the Great Barrier Reef one of the wonders of the world.  The day trip has been designed with the water enthusiast or novice alike - snorkel gear and instruction is provided for all guests, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible vessel, just one meter underwater.   Introductory and certified dives are run in conjunction with snorkeling day trips at an additional cost, and guided snorkel trips with a marine biologist are also available for a nominal fee. A tempting hot and cold buffet lunch is included, as well as morning and afternoon tea on board

Day 16 At leisure, Cairns

The Cairns & Northern Beaches is the centre of one of Australia's most unique & beautiful areas. "Tropical North Queensland" offers a huge range of activities for the visitor. Rent a car for the day & take a drive north along the spectacular Cook Highway between Cairns & Port Douglas. You'll pass mostly deserted, unspoiled, palm fringed beaches, one after another. In the Port Douglas/Mossman area, visit the Mossman River Gorge National Park, or take a 4WD Safari into the Daintree & Cape Tribulation areas, Australia's largest expanse of coastal rainforest.

Inland from Cairns is the scenic Atherton Tablelands. Take the Kennedy Highway beyond Kuranda & visit the volcanic crater lakes; Lake Echam & Lake Barrine. Drive down the winding Gillies Highway to Gordonvale for some classic Aussie bush scenery; mist covered mountains, rainforest clad valleys, sugarcane plantations. Other worthwhile National Parks to visit within a 50-mile drive of Cairns include the Babinda Boulders, Crystal Cascades, Josephene Falls & Milla Milla Falls. If you decide to stay in Cairns itself for the day, you should visit the Cairns Aquarium and the downtown shopping area. 

By night, Cairns has a wonderful range of restaurants, with seafood being the specialty of the area. Whatever your interests, the Cairns area has something to offer everyone.

Day 17 Fly Cairns to USA (Via Sydney)

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight to Sydney before connecting to your international flight back to the USA.