16 Day Exploring Australia

Arrive today in Melbourne, a Victorian city with an energetic modern vibe. This evening, get together with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Get to know Melbourne on a tour that features the historic Fitzroy Gardens. Later, you may join an optional tour to Phillip Island, the home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. Protected and studied by rangers, hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. At the interpretation centre, you have a chance to learn about the lives of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area.

Fly to Adelaide and explore this lovely coastal city before proceeding to the Barossa Valley, Australia’s most famous wine region. Renowned among connoisseurs, the valley’s award-winning winemakers attract visitors from around the world. Tonight, enjoy a scenic dinner overlooking the vineyards.

Set out for the 19th-century Hutton Vale Farm, an 8th generation working farm and winery set on 2,000 acres of picturesque countryside. Caretakers John and Jan Angas will welcome you and share their family’s story that extends back to the founding of Australia. Tour the farm’s historic buildings, see their livestock and one of the many vineyards before partaking in some tea and homemade specialities. Perhaps you’ll give their sweet crisp Riesling a try. Next, travel to the Seppeltsfield winery for a private tour, followed by a tasting of their world-class wines. Quench your palate with varietals ranging from fruit-forward Chardonnays to earthy Pinot Noirs.

A short flight will take you from Adelaide to Alice Springs in the Australian Outback. After some leisure time this afternoon, savour a memorable bush dinner set against the desert backdrop.

Come to know the history and culture of the Walpiri Aboriginal people during a "Dreamtime Tour.” A specialist guide shares Aboriginal creation stories and explains everyday life. Visit the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill, with amazing panoramas of the area. Next, gain insight into the educational system in the Outback at the School of the Air.

Traverse the “Red Centre” as you drive to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock). This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through the process of upheaval and erosion. Prepare for a truly majestic sunset as you witness the changing colours of Uluru whilst enjoying a champagne toast.

Set off in the cool of the morning for Kata Tjuta and the base of “The Rock” to learn about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Later, fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.

Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rainforest canopy. There are two stops where you may get off and experience the forest floor’s diversity of plants, birds and animals from specially designed boardwalks. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the tropical surroundings.

Board a catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to explore the fascinating underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Choose how you want to spend your day in paradise by making your time on the reef as educational or as laid back as you like. Perhaps you will relax and independently explore the pristine shores of this tiny island located on the outer reef. Or maybe you are a bit more adventurous and choose to snorkel; revealing a wealth of vibrant sea life. You also have the opportunity to meet with a marine biologist during an informative presentation. Or you may opt to join an expert for a beach and heritage trail walk along the island.

This morning, explore the town at your own pace or simply relax. Later, set out for Hartley’s Croc Farm. Get up close and personal with crocodiles in their natural habitat! Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands; home to birds, reptiles and wallabies. You may meet some of the local koalas and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these arboreal herbivores. Then, take an exciting cruise on the lagoon and watch for crocodiles before enjoying an authentic Aussie barbecue.

After a leisurely morning, fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. This is where British settlers first dropped anchor in 1788.

See where the original English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney. Highlights of the tour include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst. Discover the world’s most fascinating architectural sights as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then you are in for a unique experience as you learn first-hand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.

Today, it’s your choice! Travel to the stunning Blue Mountains of New South Wales (UNESCO) and come to know its countless geological wonders – see the Three Sisters sandstone rock formations, the region’s most notable attraction, as well as sandstone plateaus, rich valleys, river gorges and endless pristine wilderness -OR- further experience Sydney at your own pace with a Sydney cruise pass; travel by high-speed boat to a variety of spots on Sydney Harbour, visit the famous beach resorts of Manly and Watson’s Bay, historic Fort Denison or Taronga Zoo; and hop off to explore places of interest…or stay on and relax during a narrated cruise.

Enjoy a day at leisure. Perhaps you will explore more of Sydney’s fascinating attractions, do some shopping or find yourself relaxing at a local café. This evening, say farewell to Sydney and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbour showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.

You depart for home with wonderful memories of this inspiring country.