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DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CAIRNS
On arrival in Cairns airport you will be transferred by coach transfer to your Cairns accommodation by Trip Shuttle operated by Exemplar Coaches.

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

DAY 2: OCEAN SPIRIT CRUISES (L)
A Quicksilver representative will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to check in for your cruise at the Great Adventures counter. At 8.00am board your Ocean Spirit vessel at Marlin Marina Cairns to commence a full day cruise to Michaelmas Cay.

Travel aboard a 32 metre luxury sailing catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, which is a picturesque vegetated Sand Cay encircled by a superb fringing reef. The Cay is a National Park and a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. Lunch is included.

Enjoy four hours on the Reef where you can choose from a range of activities including snorkelling, semisubmersible tours and guided beach walks. One Introductory Dive is included. Cruise concludes at approximately 5.00pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

DAY 3: NAUTILUS AVIATION (L)
Board your Down Under Cruise and Dive vessel at Cairns Marina, 1 Spence Street, to commence a full day Evolution Reef Cruise – Get High package. Check in commences at 07.30am at the Reef Fleet Terminal. Travel by high speed luxury vessel to enjoy five hours of snorkelling at two outer Great Barrier Reef locations.

Enjoy a guided snorkelling tour with snorkel equipment and flotation devices included, full use of the indoor and outdoor facilities onboard, and a 10 minute scenic helicopter flight with Nautilus Aviation. Lunch is included. Cruise concludes at approximately 4.30pm at Cairns Marina.

DAY 4: BILLY TEA SAFARIS (L)
Your naturalist guide will meet you at your accommodation and after introductions, drive north along the scenic route to Mossman. Lush farmland contrasts with seascape as you approach the majestic Daintree River.

It is time for a short morning tea break then its ‘all aboard’ for an informative river cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and wildlife. This is nature at its best! Ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of the World Heritage Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest intimately on an elevated National Park Boardwalk. Accurate interpretations of flora and fauna will be given with ample time for photographs and questions as you search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species within this particular habitat.

A delicious barbecue lunch with freshly prepared salads (dietary requirements catered for with prior notice) is served while you have the opportunity to hand feed a kangaroo and enjoy a cold drink from the bar (own cost). Travel beyond Cape Tribulation along the 7kms of the 4WD Bloomfield Track to pristine Emmagen Creek and take time for a refreshing rainforest fresh water swim. Seek fish and turtles in the creek, butterflies and exotic birds in the trees and indulge in a taste testing of tropical fruit, a cup of traditional Billy Tea and damper.

At Cape Tribulation Beach there is time to stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographers’ platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the ‘Rainforest meets the Reef’ (no swimming at Cape Tribulation Beach due to dangerous hazards). Cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and begin your homeward journey somewhat wiser for your ‘Total Rainforest Experience’.

DAY 5: CAIRNS – AYERS ROCK
This morning Trip Shuttle operated by Exemplar Coaches will transport you back to Cairns airport for your departure flight to Ayers Rock.

On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.

Travel around the base of Uluru in comfort and learn about the numerous sacred sites and geographical features to be found at Uluru.

Continue to Mutitjulu Waterhole to view Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the native flora and fauna of the area. Visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

In the late afternoon continue travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset while enjoying canapés and a complimentary glass of wine.

Continue to our exclusive venue to enjoy an Australian barbecue dinner with a variety of Australian meats and salads with sparkling wine. There is time for stargazing too (weather permitting).

DAY 6: EXPLORING ULURU AND KATA TJUTA
Rise early this morning to travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area. Watch the first rays of the sun set the Red Centre alight while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee. Then travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.

This evening an unforgettable experience awaits you at ‘A Night at Field of Light’. Begin with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru as the backdrop, whilst guests enjoy canapés and chilled sparkling wine to the sounds of a didgeridoo as the sun slowly sets. As darkness gradually falls and the coloured lights of the 50,000 glass spheres come to life guests enjoy local Indigenous performance, welcoming them to this unique country, before being invited to join their fellow travellers at their dinner table for a special three-course bush tucker inspired buffet menu.

A knowledgeable guide will provide insights and background to the monumental installation and guests are invited to immerse themselves and walk through Field of Light.

After dinner guests are welcomed back at the dune viewing area to enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port whilst viewing the illuminated installation in the darkness.

DAY 7: DEPART AYERS ROCK – MELBOURNE
This morning transfer back to Ayers Rock Airport with AAT Kings for your departure flight to Melbourne.

On arrival at Melbourne airport you will be transferred by coach to your Melbourne accommodation by Trip Shuttle (operated by Airport Con-X-ion).

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

DAY 8: AAT KINGS – GREAT OCEAN ROAD & TWELVE APOSTLES
An AAT Kings coach will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to the corner of Flinders and Russell Street at Federation Square, the departure point of your tour. At 8.00am join your coach to commence a full day tour to the Great Ocean Road.

Take a breath and enjoy a relaxed and unhindered view of The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge all before lunch beating the traditional afternoon rush. En route let us take you on a journey inland, reaching Port Campbell National Park to marvel at the iconic limestone stack in the morning.

Witness a fabulous spectacle of massive natural erosion and the contrasts between rugged coast and verdant rainforest living side by side. See the amazing Twelve Apostles – limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean and visit the Information Centre.

Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the scenery from various viewing platforms. See Loch Ard Gorge and be swept away by the romantic and tragic story of love and lives lost aboard the Loch Ard.

Explore Port Campbell National Park then continue beyond Port Campbell to the remnants of London Bridge. Discover the tragic history of over 50 ships wrecked along this rugged coastline. View the popular coastal townships of Apollo Bay and Lorne – a surfer’s haven and retreat. See many fern filled gullies and river inlets on your journey. Travel the length of the Great Ocean Road passing towering limestone cliffs, sweeping white beaches and stunning rainforest scenery. The Great Ocean Road is truly one of the world’s greatest scenic coastal drives.

See the spectacular night lights of Melbourne as you cross the West Gate Bridge on your way back to Melbourne.

Tour concludes at approximately 8.0pm at Federation Square before hotel drop-offs commence.

DAY 9: AAT KINGS – MELBOURNE LANEWAYS, ARCADES & CITY TOUR
An AAT Kings coach will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to the corner of Flinders and Russell Street at Federation Square, the departure point of your tour. At 8.20am join your coach to commence a morning tour of Melbourne.

Discover Melbourne’s famous laneways and arcades on foot with a local guide. See Federation Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and Flinders Street Station before arriving at Degraves Street, a popular pedestrian laneway.

Explore the heritage Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, the oldest surviving arcade in Australia coach to further explore the city. See Parliament House, the State Library, Queen Victoria Markets, Law Courts Precinct and the famous Melbourne hook turn. Travel past Melbourne’s Sports and Entertainment district, home to some of the biggest domestic and international sporting events including the Australian Open. Drive along the Australian Grand Prix track and see the GP Pit stop. View the pretty tree lined streets and Terrace homes, Botanical Gardens and see the Shine of Remembrance.

Stop at the MCG with the chance to see some sporting stars during training before returning to Federation Square.

Tour concludes at approximately 11.45am at Federation Square. The afternoon is at your leisure.

DAY 10: MELBOURNE – SYDNEY
Today Trip Shuttle (operated by Airport Con-X-ion) will transport you back to Melbourne airport for your departure flight to Sydney.

On arrival at Sydney airport you will be transferred by coach to your Sydney accommodation by Trip Shuttle Operated by Royale.

You are then free to spend the rest of day exploring Sydney at your own pace.

DAY 11: BLUE MOUNTAINS AND AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE
Discover the spectacular Blue Mountains and see native wildlife whilst you explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. This rugged and beautiful region forms part of the Great Dividing Range, linking tropical north to temperate south, while dividing coastal cities from the vast Outback. Enjoy a stop at Echo Point and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation and have an opportunity to visit the Waradah Aboriginal Centre and hear the ancient Aboriginal legends of this impressive rock formation (own expense).

Arrive at Scenic World and join the optional Blue Mountain rides – Scenic Railway, Cableway or Skyway (own expense). These rides are a great way to see the steep valleys, canyons and Three Sisters rock formation.

Discover Leura village where you will have free time for lunch or the chance to wander the streets. Next, we enjoy an afternoon encounter at Featherdale Park and have your photo taken with a cuddly koala, see kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and cute little fairy penguins.

Our last stop will be at Homebush Bay, the venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Here, you have the opportunity to catch your river cruise vessel back to Sydney and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Parramatta River (own expense). If you do not wish to join the ferry, the coach will arrive in Sydney at approximately 5.45pm. Hotel drop offs to most city hotels are available; your Driver guide will ask you at the end of the day where you would like to be dropped off.

DAY 12: BOTANY BAY & ROCKS WALKING TOUR
Spend the morning at leisure before joining AAT Kings on your half day tour. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Botany Bay and The Rocks, two significant locations that tell the story of how modern Australia was formed and see impressive views of the city.

Travel across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point and stop for spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline. Head East towards the Sydney Cricket Ground before arriving at La Perouse, a historical headland suburb where Captain Cook first landed in 1770. From this vantage point see Botany Bay and the protected beaches where the English and French naval ships arrived on the shores of this land. See the historical buildings and learn how the Aboriginal people were impacted.

Return to The Rocks area and discover the birthplace of modern Australia on a guided walking tour. Wander the cobbled laneways and learn the rich history of the area from a British colony of convicts and sailors to a thriving entertainment precinct. Once the tour concludes, choose to stay and enjoy the area or return to your hotel.

DAY 13: SYDNEY
Full day is free to explore Sydney on your own.

DAY 14: DEPART SYDNEY
This morning Trip Shuttle Operated by Royale will transport you back to Sydney airport for your departure.

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