Aussie Outback - 10 Days

Day 1 : Arrive Cairns

Your magical holiday Down Under begins today as you arrive into Cairns this morning via Sydney. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax. Overnight in Cairns.

Day 2 : Cairns

The day begins very early this morning around 05:00 hrs as you are escorted for a ride of your life on board the Hot Air Balloon. Experience the fun and unique sensation of being in a Hot Air Balloon, flying gently high above the Atherton Tablelands. The balloon takes off from Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn, spend 30 minutes floating in your Hot Air Balloon, time to really breathe in the wide-open spaces. Its just like a balloon festival, every day!

Later you will depart Cairns for Green Island an area where one of the Natural Wonders of the World is housed - the ONLY wonder that can be seen from the Moon!! - The Great Barrier Reef. Green Island is a beautiful coral cay on Australias Great Barrier Reef. Green Island is a Marine National Park with unique rainforests, surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life. Lunch is on own. Enjoy the Fish feeding display. You will depart Green Island for Cairns at evening. The rest of the evening is free for you. Overnight in Cairns.

Day 3 : Cairns

Wake up to breakfast this morning following which you are taken to visit the rainforests of Kuranda and the aboriginal experience at Tjapukai. Your driver will meet you at your hotel and check you in for your tour using your Kuranda Boarding Pass. The pass includes a detailed itinerary, pre-allocated preferential Kuranda Scenic Railway seating, map of Kuranda, and discounted entry into selected Kuranda attractions. On arrival, meet your Indigenous guide who will show you through the remainder of the park, including bush food demonstrations, didgeridoo demonstrations, movie theatres, fire making and the famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. At the scheduled time board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Once aboard, you will be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest. There are 2 stations enroute where you can alight and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts. Upon arrival in Kuranda Village, you have 2 hours free time to do your own exploring, the Kuranda Boarding Pass offers discounted entry into many of the Kuranda Attractions a detailed map of Kuranda including key points of interest. Later avoid the ticketing lines and board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Barron Gorge on your journey to Freshwater Station. Disembark at Fresh water Station where our coaches are waiting to return you to your accommodation. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax and unwind. Overnight in Cairns.

Day 4 : Cairns - Ayers Rock

Its time to head to the airport this morning following breakfast to board your flight to the heart of the Aussie Outback - to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and after a brief rest its time to head to the park. Be swept off your feet on a Kata Tjuta (Olgas) tour.

Travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) where your Driver/Guide will explain the geological history of these giant domes. Your Driver/Guide will then escort you on a 2-3 hour walk in the valley between the massive red conglomerate rocks. The walking path is rocky and requires a good level of fitness. Marvel at the unique flora and fauna that has survived in this harsh environment. When you reach the Valley of the Winds Lookout, take some time to gaze out over the central valley of Kata Tjuta. Then take in a magnificent outback sunset at Kata Tjuta while you enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine after which you return back to the hotel. Overnight in Ayers Rock.

Day 5 : Ayers Rock

The day is free for you today to explore this mysterious little town. We however strongly recommend that you start the day early to watch the first rays of dawn set the rock alight. We promise you that the experience is magical and very different from the sunset you experienced the night before. Overnight in Ayers Rock.

Day 6 : Ayers Rock - Sydney

Breakfast this morning is followed by your transfer to the airport in order to board your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and the rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore and enjoy the city. Sydney is a great place to chill out in and have loads of fun. Later in the evening let the city romance you and remind you why it is the most spectacular harbour in the world. The Sydney Showboat is Australias most luxurious authentic paddle wheeler, renowned for its famous dinner cruise and show. Since 1987, over 4 million happy guests have enjoyed our spectacular dinner cruise and show experience. For all of their guests, the expression THATS ENTERTAINMENT has come alive on board the Sydney Showboat with the dazzling nightly show - The Voyage of Love. The Showboat follies, in the tradition of the leading shows of Paris, have caused a revolution on the high seas! The experience is comparable to any of the leading Sydney restaurants with dinner cruise offering a restaurant dining experience that includes an innovative 3 course dinner menu. Enjoy the show and the meal. The Harbor turns magical in the night with all the illuminations etc and is a grand way to end the day. Later upon termination of the cruise make your way back to the hotel. Overnight in Sydney.

Day 7 : Sydney - Blue Mountains - Sydney

Following breakfast this morning get ready to discover the spectacular Blue Mountains and see native wildlife whilst you explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Youll take in spectacular views of Megalong Valley before arriving at Echo Point, perched on the edge of a 170 metre cliff face. Echo Point has views stretching across to the Three Sisters - a trio of rocky pinnacles. Here youll learn about the Aboriginal dreamtime legend of the Three Sisters. Next is our lunch stop at the picturesque and quaint town of Leura. This beautiful town will take you back in time and is famous for its antique stores and of course its Candy Store which is stocked floor to ceiling with more than 1000 unusual sweets gathered from all over the world. Next we stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park, one of Australias largest private collections of Australian native animals and bird life. Situated on seven acres of natural bush setting, here youll be able to hand feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus or enjoy a face-to-face encounter with one of the friendly koalas. On our way back to Sydney, our route takes us via Sydney Olympic Park, the site of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. You will see the grand stadiums that are still used for more than 5000 events each year. You will be later dropped off at your hotel. Overnight in Sydney.

Day 8 : Sydney

Armed with your combo pass today, post breakfast, its time for you to explore the city further. Enjoy exploring some of Sydneys most loved attractions, including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye or Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary.

This pass allows you to visit your choice of 3 of the following Attractions: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary and Madame Tussauds Sydney. Nowhere else in the world will you find a larger collection of Australian aquatic life than at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, with over 11,500 animals. You will find an extensive collection of huge sharks and rays, and the worlds first all natural seal sanctuary. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo showcases Australias unique and bizarre flora and fauna. Take a walk on the wild side and jump into Wallaby cliffs with the Yellow-footed rock wallabies, or meet one of Australias icons, the koala. Allow yourself to be completely immersed within this world class exhibit, where animals will be living within their natural habitats and ecosystems. Sydney Tower Eye takes you to the highest point above Sydney for breathtaking 360 degree views of our beautiful harbour city. Rub shoulders with over 70 stars on display at Madame Tussauds Sydney including some of Australias most loved Aussie personalities. See the wonders of the deep at Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary with a myriad of marine life on 3 levels.

You can plan your day leisurely so that nothing is missed. It is recommended to fit in a visit to the Opera House (on own) and also do the Discovery Bridgeclimb first thing in the morning (can be prebooked). For those not doing the Bridgeclimb, you could also spend time at Bondi Beach and later enjoy a coffee cruise along the harbor. Overnight in Sydney

Day 9 : Sydney - Hunter Valley - Sydney

Post breakfast this morning you are picked up and are driven to the fabulous Hunter Valley. Youll head out over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and through the leafy North Shore suburbs, heading to the beautiful Hunter Valley. Today youre going to taste some of the finest wines this country has to offer, amid the stunning landscape of the Hunter Valley. Much of the lush countryside is under vine, providing stunning views. There are extensive plantings of traditional varieties across the valley, including Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. First stop is Hope Estate wines. Next we enjoy a wine tasting experience at world renowned Lindemans, then visit Hunter Resort and enjoy a presentation on how the winery operates, a truly informative and educational experience. A delicious luncheon is accompanied by wine tastings - your two-course lunch will be complimented with specially chosen wines. Have the opportunity to visit Bluetongue Brewery, home of Bluetongue Beer and perhaps try a tasting paddle of the available varieties (own expense). Further tastings include a visit to McGuigans Winery, be sure to taste their Australian wines. Our last stop will take you to Hunter Valley Gardens, a quaint little township within the Hunter Valley. Have free time to explore the many hidden delights in the garden village. Before returning to Sydney, treat yourself to afternoon tea and some of the Hunters best homemade produce (own expense). We arrive into Sydney in the evening. The rest of the evening is then free for you to relax and enjoy Sydney by night. Overnight in Sydney.

Day 10 : Departure

Your tryst Down Under comes to an end today as you are escorted to the airport to board your flight back home. Hope you have had a fabulous holiday.