Escape To Australia - 18 Days

Day 1 : Arrive Adelaide

Your magical holiday Down Under begins today as you arrive into Adelaide this afternoon via Sydney. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax. Adelaide is a sophisticated city that has preserved its heritage and links with the past. Its an elegant, clean and gracious city close to some of the best metropolitan coastal beaches in Australia. There are close to 50 attractions in this city of which entry to more than half of them are FREE! Overnight in Adelaide.

Day 2 : Adelaide

Following breakfast this morning you are taken on a panoramic city tour. Visit the Gouger St Restaurant precinct and Adelaide Markets, Victoria Square and the King William St Boulevard, the North Terrace historical and Arts precinct, River Torrens with its delightful garden banks, the glorious Plane Tree Drive passing the Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Zoo, stop at St Peters Cathedral and a look at the Adelaide Oval, North Adelaides grand and stately homes, Trinity Church, a visit to Haighs Chocolate Factory (not on Sundays), The National Wine Centre (visit on Sundays only), Colonel Lights Lookout on Montefiore Hill affording spectacular views over Adelaide. Our tour ends in the afternoon at the Adelaide Central Bus Station. Make your way to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and soak in the ambience the city has to offer. Overnight in Adelaide.

Day 3 : Adelaide

This morning we take you to the fabulous Barossa Valley. Follow the Torrens River through the spectacular Torrens Gorge. Skirt Kangaroo Creek Reservoir and Millbrooke Reservoir, also Williamstown with its beautiful stone buildings, Lyndoch Bakery with the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries. Enjoy a complimentary coffee or tea and a German sampler plate of sweet treats. Visit the home of one of the worlds best known wine brands, Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre. Take an exclusive sensory wine experience and a chance to tour and taste wines from their extensive selection. Take in panoramic views over the Barossa Valley from Menglers Hill lookout. Enjoy a sumptuous 2 course lunch at Barossa Chateau. Travel through the old mill town of Woodside and the Adelaide Hills. Visit Australias oldest German settlement Hahndorf. Stroll under the Elm trees along Hahndorfs main street, see quaint cottages, craft shops and tea rooms, villages of Crafers, Stirling and Aldgate set amongst the lush greenness of the Adelaide Hills. Delightful village of Bridgewater with Bridgewater Mill and Waterwheel. We return back to the hotel later in the evening. Overnight in Adelaide.

Day 4 : Adelaide - Cairns

Post breakfast its time for you to be transferred to the airport for your flight out to Cairns. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax. Overnight in Cairns.

Day 5 : 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 6 : 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 7 : Cairns - Brisbane - Gold Coast

Following breakfast this morning its time to head to the airport to board your flight to Brisbane. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to the Gold Coast, an approximate 2 hrs drive. Check into your hotel and the rest of the day is free for you. Overnight in Gold Coast.

Day 8 : Gold Coast

This morning after breakfast its time for your transfer to Dreamworld!! Dreamworld spans 30 hectares and is filled with a variety of rides, shows and attractions. So many worlds in one, it is home to The Big 8 Thrill Rides. Dreamworld is made up of several themed lands. These lands have a collection of rides, animal exhibits, shows, food outlets and merchandise shops. Your transfer to take you back to the Hotel awaits you at the exit gate later this evening. Overnight in Gold Coast.

Day 9 : Gold Coast

Gold Coast is so famous for its Theme Parks and is rightly called the Disneyland of the South Pacific. This morning after breakfast you are escorted to the well loved and popular Seaworld. Here you spend the entire day enjoying yourself at the various shows and rides here. We strongly recommend you trying out the Dolphin Backstage Pass which we can help you book and this allows you get up close and personal with the dolphins and you can actually swim and pet the creatures too. Your transfer to take you back to the Hotel awaits you at the exit gate later this evening.

A brief rest at the hotel and by 18:00 hrs you are escorted for Australias only 4WDing Rainforest and Glow Worm Tour. Experience exciting night time 4WDing, local commentary on nocturnal flora and fauna, finished off with glow worms in their natural environment alongside secluded National Park Waterfall. Your fully guided experience from start to finish is all about getting you into the forest to experience something that many have not touring with personal guide. Evening supper at a local cafe is included where you can enjoy freshly baked cakes and biscuits. You are then escorted back to your hotel. Overnight in Gold Coast.

Day 10 : Gold Coast

Wake up to breakfast this morning following which you take back with you a taste of Tamborine just out of the Gold Coast. Discover mountain top forest wonderlands of vine clad vegetation in the cool shade of ancient tree species, waterfalls, insects and wildlife in sub-tropical rainforest. Distant city and coastal views make this World Heritage National Park one of Australias unique and most desirable locations to visit. Travel via Canungra and Tamborine Mountain. You then return back to your hotel later in the evening at around 17:00 hrs. Overnight in Gold Coast.

Day 11 : Gold coast - Melbourne

Following breakfast this morning its time to be escorted to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax. Later in the evening please make your own way to the departure point at Tramstop number 125, Normanby Road, near the corner of Clarendon Street, South Melbourne. You must arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. The Tram departs at 5.45pm. The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant cruises the scenic streets of Melbourne while you can enjoy the fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines, or make a selection from the fully stocked bar at a fully inclusive price. Enjoy a three course meal, all beverages from a bar service including tea, coffee and liqueurs in your 1.5 hours tram ride. Make your way back to the hotel on your own. Overnight in Melbourne.

Day 12 : Melbourne

A great city and has loads to do. Following breakfast this morning enjoy a full day trip out into Philip Island, the home of the Fairy Penguins. Depart the city and travel around Westernport Bay en route to Maru Koala and Animal Park. Pat a koala, feed kangaroos and even meet a gold possum. See the Nobbies rock formations overlooking one of the most treacherous expanses of water in the world, Bass Strait. Arrive at the world famous Penguin Parade and watch the nightly ritual of penguins marching up the sand to their nesting places. The Penguin Parade Viewing Platform is located in a high penguin traffic area and will place you in the best position to see the little penguins as they emerge from the ocean on their journey home. With a local ranger on hand providing informative commentary, you wont miss a moment of the wonderful spectacle. You will also have time to look around the educational centre and displays. Stop in Cowes for dinner (own expense) before heading back to Melbourne. Upon returning back to the city, relax at the hotel. Should time permit we recommend you taking a water taxi to the fabulous Al Fresco waterfront city and indulge at some of the best restaurants there. Overnight in Melbourne.

Day 13 : Melbourne

Wake up to breakfast this morning following which you have time to explore the city using the Inner circle tram that is free for all. Enjoy a one hour tour of the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). The MCG has been the scene of many great sporting events. An MCG Tour invites you to relive more than 150 years of sporting excellence on the grand stage of this magnificent stadium. You will visit the famous Long Room, MCG Library, CV Bill Lawry Indoor Cricket Centre.

Later visit the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Opened in 2000, Melbourne Aquarium is a total tourism facility that incorporates state of the art technology with a highly interactive educational and entertaining experience. There are four amazing worlds for your clients to discover and enjoy, including Antarctica featuring Australias only sub Antarctic penguins, the most bizarre marine animals and vibrant species in Weird and Wonderful, the journey from River to Reef, the stunning sea jellies, the colourful Coral Atoll and exotic freshwater animals such as turtles, frogs, snakes, eels, and Sharks Alive featuring huge sharks and the largest stingrays in the world.

Later in the afternoon visit the various shopping areas the city offers and is so famous for, the Grand Prix Circuit ground, the Eureka Skydeck or just spend time walking around and sponging in the various facets of this vibrant and arty city. Overnight in Melbourne.

Day 14 : Melbourne - 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 15 : 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 16 : 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 17 : 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 18 : 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.