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Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2008.
Day 1: Arrive Melbourne
On arrival at Melbourne Airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore cosmopolitan Melbourne. This evening you have the option to dine onboard the popular Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Overnight: Melbourne, Mercure Hotel Welcome (standard), Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure (superior) or Hotel Sofitel (first class) for 2 nights
Day 2: Great Ocean Road
Travel to Geelong, then join the Great Ocean Road for dramatic coastal scenery and journey to Port Campbell National Park. See the seaside resorts of Lorne and Apollo Bay, then view the Twelve Apostles, remains of London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck site. Return to Melbourne. (B)
Day 3: Melbourne—Adelaide
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Melbourne including the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance. See iconic Flinders Street Station, modern Federation Square and the Victorian Arts Centre Precinct. This afternoon you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Adelaide (flights to depart after 3:00pm, airfare not included). Overnight: Adelaide, Mercure Grosvenor Hotel (standard), Stamford Plaza (superior) or Hyatt Regency (first class) (B)
Day 4: Adelaide—Kangaroo Island
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis to board the ferry to Kangaroo Island. Walk among the nation’s third largest and most accessible colony of Australian Sea-Lions, as these creatures doze in the sun at the popular Seal Bay Conservation Park. Overnight: Kangaroo Island, Ozone Seafront Hotel (B,L)
Day 5: Kangaroo Island—Adelaide
Tour Kelly Hill Caves, the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch and see fur seals, within Flinders Chase National Park. This afternoon return to Adelaide. Overnight: Adelaide, Mercure Grosvenor Hotel (standard), Stamford Plaza (superior) or Hyatt Regency (first class) (B,L)
Day 6: Adelaide—Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)— Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Transfer to Adelaide Airport for your flight to Ayers Rock (flights to arrive prior to 1:00pm, airfare not included). On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Explore Kata Tjuta and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine watching the sunset over Uluru. Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Outback Pioneer Hotel (standard), Desert Gardens (superior) or Sails in the Desert (first class) (B)
Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock)—Kings Canyon
Rise early this morning to view the spectacle of sunrise over Uluru. There is the opportunity to climb to the summit (optional) and enjoy a guided tour of the base. This afternoon stop at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center, before traveling to Kings Canyon. Overnight: Kings Canyon, Kings Canyon Resort (standard, superior or first class) (B)
Day 8: Kings Canyon—Alice Springs
This morning, make the rocky climb to the rim of Kings Canyon. Or, you may wish to explore the Canyon floor. After lunch at Kings Canyon Resort (own expense) travel to Alice Springs. Overnight: Aurora Alice Springs (standard), Crowne Plaza (superior) or Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms (first class) for 2 nights (B)
Day 9: Palm Valley
Join a 4WD safari through the West MacDonnell Ranges into Palm Valley. See spectacular rock formations, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. (B,L)
Day 10: Alice Springs—Darwin
This morning, join a local Aboriginal guide and learn about their culture, laws and customs through stories and demonstrations. Later, visit the renowned Desert Park. You will be transferred to Alice Springs Airport for your flight to Darwin (flights to depart after 12:00pm, airfare not included). On arrival at Darwin Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Darwin, Travelodge Mirambeena Resort (standard), Saville Pandanas (superior) or Saville on the Esplanade (first class) (B)
Day 11: Kakadu
Travel deep into Kakadu National Park. Visit Nourlangie Rock to view Aboriginal rock art and join a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Overnight: Kakadu, Aurora Kakadu (standard) or Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (superior or first class) (B,L)
Day 12: Kakadu—Darwin
Join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River. Continue to Ubirr for a guided walk. Visit the Bowali Visitor Center before returning to Darwin. Overnight: Darwin, Travelodge Mirambeena Resort (standard), Saville Pandanas (superior) or Saville on the Esplanade (first class) (B,L)
Day 13: Darwin—Cairns
You will be transferred to Darwin Airport for your early morning flight to Cairns (airfare not included). On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Cairns, Mercure Harborside Hotel (standard), Novotel Oasis Resort (superior) or Cairns International (first class) for 3 nights
Day 14: Kuranda—Skyrail—Tjapukai
Join the famous Kuranda Railway and journey to the village of Kuranda. Free time in Kuranda to stroll through the famous Kuranda Markets. Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway. Visit the awardwinning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and learn about this ancient culture. Afternoon transfer to your hotel. (B)
Day 15: Great Barrier Reef
Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel along the reef and view the coral and fish from a semi-submersible vessel. A marine biologist will provide an informative presentation on this natural living wonder. Enjoy a buffet lunch onboard the pontoon. (B,L)
Day 16: Cairns—Sydney
You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney (airfare not included). On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Overnight: Sydney, Metro Hotel on Pitt (standard), Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbor (superior) or Sofitel Wentworth (first class) for 3 nights (B)
Day 17: Sydney City Sights—Harbor Cruise
Tour the sights of Sydney this morning, including the Opera House and Harbor Bridge, before taking a stroll along famous Bondi Beach. Enjoy a luncheon cruise on spectacular Sydney Harbor then tour the northern beaches region including a visit to Manly. (B,L)
Day 18: Sydney at Leisure
Today is at leisure to explore Sydney and enjoy the shopping, museums and sightseeing. Perhaps take an optional day tour to the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley. (B)
Day 19: Depart Sydney
Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward flight (flights anytime, airfare not included). (B)
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