Highlights of Australia (15 days)

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Day 1: Join tour Melbourne; city tour

Joining the tour in Australia's second city today, there will be time to freshen up before we take a tour this afternoon of what is for many the country's most 'European' city. Green and gracious, Melbourne is filled with reminders of its colonial past, its leafy parks and gardens and stately architecture affording it a stylish gentility. In the tranquil Fitzroy Gardens (which incidentally were originally laid out in the form of the British Union Flag) we find Captain Cook's cottage, transported from its original location in Great Ayton, Yorkshire in 1934 and re-erected to mark Melbourne's centenary that same year. We'll pass the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens with its 10,000 different species of plants and flora, and make a visit to the nearby Shrine of Remembrance, a rather imposing edifice that seems to suggest some collaboration between the Romans and the Aztecs and stands amidst the open parkland of the Kings Domain. Dominating Melbourne's eastern horizon, the blue hue of the Dandenong Ranges promises visitors picturesque mountainside forests, cool fern gullies, charming villages and breathtaking views. Next we will visit the natural beauty and delightful birdlife of Sherbrooke Forest. Here you can look out for kookaburras and bell birds, colourful crimson rosellas and king parrots. You will have the opportunity to hand feed the colourful rosella birds inhabiting Sherbrooke Forest (seeds provided). You will enjoy the meandering drive that leads through lush forests of tall trees and hilltop villages and enjoy spectacular views of Melbourne from the Mt Dandenong Lookout. Your tour includes genuine Aussie billy tea with lamingtons and vegemite crackers before returning to our hotel later this afternoon. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Day 2: Full day in the Blue Dandenong Ranges – Puffing Billy – Healesville Sanctuary

Today we travel through the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, to the spectacular Dandenong Ranges 50kms from the centre of the city. Heavy rainfall and rich volcanic soil have created a lush paradise of thick vegetation and spectacular hills, with gullies crowded with creepers, tree ferns and soaring mountain ash. Bathed in a gentle blue haze, this region is peppered with gracious old houses and picturesque villages and at Belgrave we will join the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train and travel to Menzies Creek. Famed for its fine wines, we take the opportunity to stop for lunch at an award winning winery, before paying a visit to the nearby Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoying a natural bush land setting this presents us with a rare opportunity to see some of Australia's unique wildlife in close proximity. We will wander through the Australian bushland where we will meet the keepers who will inform you about many of the country's better known species, including the platypus, parrot, kangaroo, wombat and of course Australia's most famous ambassador, the koala. Returning to the city later today we have an opportunity to enjoy some of the cosmopolitan charm of one of Australia's most vibrant cities, where a dazzling choice of restaurants and bars reflect the diverse ethnic mix of this lovely city. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Drive to Warnambool via the Great Ocean Road

Travelling across the spectacular Westgate Bridge, we join the Great Ocean Road at Torquay, Victoria's famous coastal highway that hugs the scenic grandeur of nearly 300km of stunning coastline. Carved into the cliff-side, this breathtaking road offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in Australia, following the rugged, forested landscape to the town of Warnambool. Travelling through the popular seaside resorts of Anglesea and Lorne, we enjoy the scenery as we pass wide surf beaches, dramatic stretches of precipitous cliffs and idyllic coves where fern-shaded creeks join the sea. Pausing at the peaceful township of Apollo Bay, we take a walk along its beautiful beach, before crossing the scenic Otway Ranges to the Port Campbell National Park, an area of immense beauty featuring some of the most rugged and dangerous coastline in Victoria. The power of the ocean is very much in evidence at the towering limestone majesty of the 'Twelve Apostles', a row of great stone pillars carved out by the raging seas and rising some 65m above the turbulent waters below. This wild stretch of the coast is chillingly known as the 'Shipwreck Coast', and at Loch Ard Gorge we witness the scene of the dramatic shipwreck of the 'Loch Ard', an immigrant ship that had sailed form England in 1878 and which met an untimely end on the reefs off shore. Of the 53 people on board only 2 survived, the rest lying buried in the clifftop cemetery overlooking the gorge. From here we continue on to Warrnambool, our destination for the evening. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Drive to Adelaide; PM city tour

Driving through the old whaling and fishing ports of Port Fairy and Portland we continue heading west this morning, crossing the border from Victoria into South Australia as we make our way towards Adelaide. Following the Princes Highway we pass Mount Gambier and Kingston, arriving in spacious and elegant Adelaide. Enroute to the hotel we take a brief tour of this charming city, its well laid out streets affording it a distinctly European feel as we enjoy the contrasting blend of its historic Victorian architecture and unique landmarks. We will see imposing French-Gothic edifice of St Peter's Cathedral and Government House (Adelaide's oldest civic building), view the bronze statue of Colonel William Light, the man who originally designed the city, and then take in the splendours of the city's Art Gallery, Festival Centre and Casino. Touring along Memorial Drive we then meander besides the tranquil waters of the Torrens River to North Adelaide, passing classic bluestone and sandstone villas. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Free

Day in Adelaide

Today you can continue to explore the city and its environs at your leisure, or alternatively you may choose to join one of two optional tours available. The first explores the wildlife and natural beauty of Kangaroo Island, a short flight from Adelaide and the country's third largest island. Flying to Kingscote, we drive to Seal Bay National Park, to enjoy a unique walk amongst the resident sea lions, enjoying the remarkable experience of wandering amidst these fascinating marine mammals in their natural habitat. Continuing through the extraordinary scenery and landscapes of this unspoilt haven we then head for Vivonne Bay, to visit one of the Island's most beautiful bays, before continuing on to the magnificent Kelly Hill Caves, where we have a guided tour of limestone chambers formed approximately 140,000 years ago. After a two course lunch we journey to Flinders Chase National Park and visit Rocky River Homestead, where we have the chance to see some of Australia's native animals at close hand, including koalas and rare Cape Barron geese. Taking in historic Weir's Cove and Admiral's Arch, with its majestic views of the churning waters around the Casuarina Islets and their playful fur seals, we then head back to Kingscote for the return flight back to Adelaide, travelling via Parndana and the unspoilt countryside around the Kohinoor Hills. The second optional excursion visits Australia's largest and most famous wine producing area, the renowned Barossa Valley. Heading out of Adelaide via the Stuart Highway, you'll pass through the scenic Adelaide Hills and Mount Lofty Ranges before reaching Mengler's Hill. After morning tea at Lyndoch bakery we have an opportunity to visit and see how these world-renowned winemakers have learnt their craft, sampling for ourselves some of the country's finest wines at wolfbass winery. Originally settled by German and British émigrés, this region has it's own unique culture and boasts a number of charming villages such as Hahndorf and historic homesteads that evoke a true flavour of pioneer life. With a chance to spend some time visiting the villages, homesteads, craft shops and galleries that litter the area. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Fly to Alice Springs: PM Alice Springs Town Tour

Transferring to Adelaide's airport our journey then takes us across Australia's desert centre, to the historic town of Alice Springs. Founded in 1871, Alice Springs grew up as a communications outpost, enabling telegraph messages to be relayed across the continent and linking the country with the rest of the then expansive might of the British Empire. Originally nothing more than a shanty town, the arrival of the railway in 1929 saw Alice blossom and during the Second World War it became the centre for the Northern Territory's administrative government when the city of Darwin became a target of Japanese bombing raids. We will make a tour of some of the town's remarkable highlights, including the Old Telegraph Station and the original water hole – the Alice Spring. We'll also visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn how this marvellous facility operates to provide a 'mantle of safety' to the people of the outback, and call in at the School of the Air. This is the biggest classroom in the world, covering an astonishing 1.3 million square kilometres and for many of the children living in isolated outback communities it is the only classroom they know. The Alice Springs School of the Air was the first of its type, officially opening in 1951, and is a system unique to Australia. A range of interpretive displays demonstrates its important role in the education of these isolated communities and on school days you can even hear lessons being broadcast. We'll also journey up to the Anzac Hill lookout, to take in the panoramic view of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges, bathed in the glow of the late afternoon sun. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Drive to Kings Canyon

We will depart Alice Springs this morning and stop at a camel farm before arriving at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station. From here we will proceed to our exclusive Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge, set in a typical Central Australian bush environment among the Desert Oak trees. After settling in we will depart on a guided walk of to the rim of Kings Canyon. Later, gourmet Australian cuisine is served around the campfire under the stars of the southern sky (weather permitting). Sample delicacies such as camel, kangaroo and barramundi (fish). After dinner, enjoy the serenity of the outback with fellow guests as you relax around the campfire. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Walk in Kings Canyon; drive Uluru/Ayers Rock; visit Mount Olga

After breakfast today we join an exclusive tour of the grounds of the cattle station for a chance to spot wild camels, kangaroos and other wildlife. See ancient Aboriginal petro glyphs (rock engravings). Return to the lodge to freshen up before departing for Ayers Rock Resort. Ayres rock in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is one of the most sacred aboriginal sites in Australia. Today this remote desert setting is one of the most visited sites in the country, its sheer majesty and ever changing colours presenting one of natures most awesome spectacles. This afternoon we will visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Crafts Cooperative. Join a guided walk to the waterhole of Mutitjulu, viewing ancient cave paintings. Then join the guided Mala Walk and learn about the region's geology and flora. Visit Kantju Gorge, a sacred waterhole before watching the sunset over Uluru and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: AM Visit Uluru/Ayers Rock; PM fly to Cairns

This morning we will have an early rise and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before witnessing the Sunrise over Uluru. With the sun still climbing, we will travel to view the spectacular rock formations of Kata Tjuta and take a guided walk into the majestic Walpa (Olga) Gorge. A spectacular formation of 36 huge domes this landscape was believed to once have dwarfed the nearby Uluru and present us with quite an unbelievable wonder. You will marvel at the sheer walls that flank you as you enter the gorge. Later we will transfer to Ayers Rock airport for our flight to Cairns. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Catamaran to Michaelmas Cay

Cairns is the jumping off point for visits to one of the world's most amazing living phenomena on earth, the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches over 1200kms from Papua New Guinea to Queensland. Built up over thousands of years it is a rich underworld, formed from hundreds of species of living coral that present a spectacular garden of exotic marine life, where giant clams, colourful anenomes, and shellfish of all kinds share the waters with more varieties of tropical fish than the entire Atlantic Ocean. Today we sail by Catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a unique sand cay that is a protected sanctuary for more than 28,000 migratory sea birds of 14 different species, including sooty, common and crested terns. The waters off-shore are a haven for sweetlips, reef sharks, angel fish and colourful clown fish and we will take a ride in a semisubmersible to see something of the dazzling coral gardens and their abundant life at close hand. We'll also have an opportunity to enjoy some guided snorkelling with a marine biologist, gaining an even greater understanding of this unique reef, before enjoying a smorgasbord luncheon. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: AM Train to Kuranda; PM Skyrail to Caravonica Lakes; visit Tiapukai Cultural Park

This morning we transfer to Freshwater Station, to board the train for the scenic trip through the rainforest to Kuranda Station. Favoured by alternative lifestylers, Kuranda is something of a curiosity and we will have a little time to explore this unique mountain village on foot, perhaps enjoying a wander through its market. In the afternoon, we board the Skyrail, an enclosed cable car that descends through the rainforest canopy, taking in stunning views of the Coral Sea and Green Island below and the Caravonica Lakes at the base of the range. We then visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, dedicated to preserving and presenting authentic Aboriginal Culture with the aid of modern technology. The centre comprises three theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp which give meaningful insights to the Tjapukai Aboriginal people's rich and ancient culture and there will be an opportunity to view boomerang and didgeridoo displays, as well as Dreamtime stories and traditional dance. Included meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Fly to Sydney

This morning we transfer back to the airport and fly to Sydney, surely Australia's most vibrant, eclectic and best-known city. Located on the world's largest natural harbour, Sydney was first discovered by Captain Cook in 1770, who originally named it Port Jackson. Its more famous name came with the arrival of the first fleet of colonist from England in 1778, when Captain Arthur Phillip raised the Union Jack on the then 'virgin' territory of New South Wales and christened the new colony Sydney Cove. Life for these early settlers was hard in the extreme and survival was never a certain bet. The early 19th century saw Sydney's fortunes begin to grow and the colony saw an influx of settlers, bringing with it all trappings of civilised life; trade, poverty, crime, and even an outbreak of plague! Today it is a world-class city with one of the most impressive harbour fronts anywhere on earth, and possibly two of the planet's most iconic and famous landmarks – the Sydney Opera House and its Harbour Bridge. Included meals: Breakfast

Day 13: AM Sydney Harbour cruise; PM city tour, including Bondi Beach

This morning we take a magnificent cruise around Sydney Harbour, affording us some classic views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison and many of the intricate network of bays and inlets that dot the harbour before taking a city tour this afternoon, taking in Sydneys important historical and cultural landmarks, including the Rocks area, the heart of the original settlement where the First Fleet landed in 1788, inaugurating the European colonisation of Australia. We will view some of the early architecture amongst its renovated historic quarter, with its beautiful sandstone buildings made from the very rocks that gave the area its name. We will visit the remarkable Sydney Opera House, described by some as the Eighth Wonder of the World and take a tour of this most unique of settings. We'll also see St Mary's Cathedral, Parliament House, Darling Harbour and Chinatown, before paying a visit to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for some spectacular views across the harbour and its famous bridge. Continuing through the vibrant district of Kings Cross we then head for Bondi Beach, whose golden sands must rate as one of the most well-known on earth. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Full day excursion to the Blue Mountains – Featherdale

Travelling west today, we follow the trail of Australia's early explorers as we climb up into the Blue Mountains, part of the Great Dividing Range. This range derives its name from the distinctive blue haze caused by light striking droplets of eucalyptus oil evaporating from the gum trees and were once believed to be an insurmountable barrier to the expansion of the colonies. The Blue Mountains National Park covers an area of 247,021 hectares and supports an abundance of rare wildlife, flora and fauna, and during our day we will discover the 'Grand Canyon' of giant rock formations, deep tree studded valleys and cascading waterfalls. We'll also take in the magnificent isolated pillars of weathered limestone known as the 'The Three Sisters', as well as the panoramic vistas of the Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary and the Ruined Castle before returning to Sydney. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Tour ends Sydney

Included meals: Breakfast