Classic Australia 12 Day from $2,010 USD

Travel Team > Australia – Independent Tours > Classic Australia 12 Day from $2,010 USD

Day 1: Sydney International Airport to City Hotel

Park Regis City Centre Sydney

Park Regis City Centre is an ideal hotel for leisure or a business stay. Located in the heart of Sydney, the hotel is close to Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, Pitt Street, the Queen Victoria Building and Town Hall. The best shopping, entertainment and sightseeing are all within walking distance. The hotel has 122 guest rooms ranging in style and size.

Accommodation: Park Regis City Centre Sydney; 3 nights

Day 2: Morning Sydney City Tour with Opera House

Sydney – set on the beautiful blue Sydney Harbour, this fast paced city of cosmopolitan character is one of the world’s most beautiful places. Colonial history, stunning architecture, superb waterways, gracious harbourside suburbs and friendly people epitomise the vibrancy of this spectacular city. Some highlights of your morning tour include a guided historic ‘Sydney Rock’ walking tour and a guided tour of Australia’s most famous building – the Sydney Opera House. You’ll also see Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach, affluent waterside suburbs, trendy hotspots and much more.

Day 3:  Harbour Explorer Hop On Hop Off Cruise Plus Zoo

When in Sydney do what the locals do and travel on the harbour highway. The Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer pass is the easy way for visitors to explore Sydney over 2 days visiting up to eleven famous harbour precincts including Darling Harbour, Circular Quay (The Rocks & Opera House), Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Luna Park, Manly, Fort Denison, Shark Island, Barangaroo, International Convention Centre Darling Harbour and Garden Island with full commentary. The round trip cruise is 60 – 90 minutes in duration with 30 – 45 minutes between vessels and you can stop off at any attraction and re-board the next Explorer with your two day ticket. Included in this pass is entry to Taronga Zoo and the Sky Safari Cable Car. Taronga Zoo is open from 9am – 5pm daily.

Day 4: Sydney Hotel to Sydney Airport

Duration              30 Minutes

Complimentary Transfer from Ayers Rock Airport to Ayers Rock Resort

Duration              10 Minutes

Outback Pioneer Hotel

If you are looking for traditional Aussie hospitality, you will find it at the Outback Pioneer Hotel. Taste Australia’s pioneering past, as you enjoy a beer at the do-it-yourself Outback BBQ. Swap stories of your day’s adventures, or sing along with the nightly entertainment. Alternatively, opt for the peace and quiet of the Bough House Restaurant over a buffet dinner. Combined with all the luxuries of the Resort, the Outback Pioneer Hotel is ideal for both couples and families who want to enjoy all that Ayers Rock (Uluru) has to offer.

With over 65 tours, local activities and attractions within the Resort and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, your days will be action-packed. Ride a camel across the dunes, hop on a Harley, or embark on a base walk of Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Accommodation: Outback Pioneer Hotel; 1 night

Uluru Sacred Sites and Sunset

Travel around the base of Uluru in the comfort of your coach as your Driver Guide provides commentary about the numerous sacred sites and features to be found at Uluru. Continue to the Kuniya Walk where your Driver Guide will escort you to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the area as your Driver Guide points out some native flora and explains the Aboriginal and European history of Uluru. Later visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Aboriginal culture and see Aboriginal arts and crafts. In the late afternoon we travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness the striking color changes of Uluru at sunset while enjoying nibbles and a complimentary glass of wine.

Day 5: Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta

Rise early this morning to travel to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku in Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park. 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.

Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon

Travel through spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon Resort by luxury coach. Pass through Curtin Springs and view Atila (Mt. Conner). After turning off the Lasseter Highway and onto Luritja Road your Driver/Guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations. Arrive at Kings Canyon Resort before dusk. You may have time to view the sun set behind Carmichaels Crag to finish off the day.

Kings Canyon Resort

Kings Canyon Resort is an oasis in the outback for travelers looking to explore the Red Centre from a well-appointed base, complete with pampering amenities and activities for everyone to enjoy. After exciting, fun-filled days hiking and sightseeing in the rugged terrain of Watarrka National Park, enjoy outstanding hotel facilities and relax in the comfort and convenience of your Kings Canyon hotel room.

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

Accommodation Kings Canyon Resort; 1 Night

Day 6: Kings Canyon Climb

In the cool of the morning join your Driver/Guide for a 3 hour guided climb to and around the rim of Kings Canyon. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Watarrka National Park and into the canyon itself. The rim walk is rocky and steep in places and is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the canyon floor, an easier shady walk that follows a trail between the two sheer walls of the canyon.

Duration              3 Hours

Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Travel through beautiful desert landscapes from Kings Canyon Resort to Alice Springs by luxury coach. Stop at Mt. Ebenezer Roadhouse for the opportunity to purchase afternoon tea (own expense). Take a wander through the Aboriginal Art Gallery to see some locally made craft. Continue on to Alice Springs along the Stuart Highway, as the sun sets in the west over the rugged plains.

Aurora Alice Springs

Aurora Alice Springs is the place to stay for that true Australian Outback holiday experience. The banks of the famous Todd River are on one side and the Todd Mall on the other. The 109 room property is the most centrally located hotel in Alice Springs, the only accommodation situated on the Todd Mall.

Duration: 1 Night

Accommodation: Aurora Alice Springs

Day 7: Alice Springs Hotel to Alice Springs Airport

Cairns Airport to Cairns City

Cairns Plaza Hotel

The 60 suite Cairns Plaza Hotel is located close to the city center and offers spectacular views across Trinity Bay. The hotel’s rooms are a mix of studio and apartments which all provide comfortable accommodation whether you come to Cairns for Business or Leisure. The hotel’s restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner every day of the week and offers casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

Meal Plan: Continental Breakfast

Accommodation: Cairns Plaza Hotel, 3 nights

Day 8: Quicksilver Cruises Outer Barrier Reef Cruise ex Cairns

For an experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver’s wave piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive (extra cost), snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (extra cost). Whichever way you choose; you’ll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

Day 9: Kuranda Classic Tour with Train Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Rainforestation

The Classic Kuranda Experience includes the main attractions of Kuranda, but gives you more free time to explore Kuranda. You will travel to Kuranda by scenic railway and then spend some free time in the village. Wander through the many shops and local markets, which offer a full range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts.

You will then be transferred to Rainforestation Nature Park, where you will enjoy a delicious Australian BBQ lunch, a guided tour of the rainforest on board an amphibious Army Duck, and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance performance, followed by the Dreamtime Walk. You will learn how to throw a boomerang, see a spear-throwing demonstrations, and learn about aboriginal culture.

A guided tour of the Koala and Wildlife Park will commence at the Cultural Centre. Your coach will then transfer you to Kuranda Skyrail Terminal for the 7.5 kilometre Skyrail Rainforest Cableway journey down the mountain. Your coach will then return you to your accommodation.

Day 10: Cairns City to Cairns Airport

Melbourne Domestic Airport to Melbourne City Hotel

Travelodge Southbank

Travelodge Hotel Southbank is ideally located in the heart of Melbourne’s Southbank precinct, right on the Yarra River and just a short stroll from downtown. The hotel is within easy walking distance to many attractions and is close to transport, shopping and dining. With 24 hour reception, friendly service and complimentary WIFI internet this hotel offers great value and access to everything this diverse city has to offer

Accommodation: Travelodge Southbank; 2 Nights

Day 11: Penguins and City

A fantastic combination of two tours; one introducing you to the fabulous city of Melbourne and the other, a popular Penguins tour to Phillip Island. It’s a long day of touring but well worth the experience! City tour highlights include a photo stop at St Patrick’s Cathedral, a visit to Fitzroy Gardens, a delightful guided walking tour through our favourite laneways and arcades and a visit to the Queen Victoria Markets (or the Royal Botanic Gardens on Monday and Wednesday). You will have free time for lunch (own expense) before joining the second part of your tour to witness the nightly ritual of the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. On the way, visit Churchill Island and Koala Conservation Centre where you can look for koalas in their natural habitat from tree top boardwalks.

Day 12: Melbourne City Hotel to Melbourne Airport

Duration              30 Minutes