14-DAY CIRCLE AUSTRALIA INDEPENDENT PACKAGE

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DAY TO DAY ITINERARY: Tour can be modified

Day 1 Fly USA to Melbourne (Via Sydney)

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line
The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180^th meridian line (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day, traveling west takes the traveler forward.     

Day 3 Welcome to Melbourne, Australia
On arrival into Melbourne you will need to clear customs and make your way through the main arrivals hall where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

At first glance, Melbourne may resemble any other modern city with its skyline full of concrete & glass. However, if you look a little closer, you'll find the real Melbourne, a city of unique charm.

There are the clanging trams (street cars), swanky boutiques, friendly taxi drivers, Australian Rules Football, fickle weather and 'BYO's', by the hundred (restaurants to which you bring your own liquor or wine). Add to this, Melbourne's traditional virtues of tree lined boulevards, glorious parks, elegant buildings & imposing Victorian Banks & Churches, and of course the giant Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll have some idea of the city.

Melbourne has become a polyglot society with a huge diversity of cultures, Italian, Greek, East European, Middle Eastern & Asian. This diversity is reflected in the food styles, the lifestyle, & even the language spoken in the street.

Day 4 Tour - Savannah Walkabout
A one day cultural and nature tour where you may see and learn about native animals and plants both in the famous open-range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary on the Western Plains and in the bush lands of Brisbane Ranges National Park.  We search for kangaroos, koalas, birdlife and discover a rich Aboriginal heritage.                     

Departing from your city hotel, we travel the short distance to the western plains of Victoria - one of the largest volcanic plains on earth.  Open grasslands stretch in all directions with the occasional extinct volcano or ancient mountain range rising steeply out of the plain.  There is a distinctly 'Australian' feel about the region.       Our first stop is Serendip Sanctuary, an open range reservation for rare and endangered indigenous wildlife of the Western Plains.  Run by the National Parks Service, Serendip plays a pivotal role in the conservation of some of Australia's rarest birds, including the Bustard, Brolga and Cape Barren Goose.  Seek out the large free-range mobs of our tallest kangaroo, the Eastern-grey and family groups of the world's second largest bird, the Emu.  We have a bush lunch before traveling to the Brisbane Ranges National Park, to walk a wide Savannah of grass, bush and wetlands searching for kangaroos and koalas.  The park has a large population of wild Koalas and we very rarely miss out on sighting a number of these delightful creatures, we also visit places of importance to the Aboriginal people of the region.

Day 5 At leisure, Melbourne
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria and a cultural hub, is known for the good things in life - fashion, food, entertainment and sport. This is a city of style, architecture, trams, theatres and art. The influence of decades of immigration from all over the world has made Melbourne a paradise for those who love food and wine. Whole streets are dedicated to food, whether it be Indian, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, or a host of other styles. You can't miss the world-class wines either. You’ll barely meet a visitor who hasn’t fallen in love with Melbourne. Rattling trams, parklands singing with blackbirds, stately architecture and palm trees - it’s like northern Europe on the Mediterranean.

Tour - Colonial Tramcar restaurant
Tonight, dine in style aboard the unique Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Enjoy fine Australian cuisine and wines as you travel around the city aboard this specially renovated Tramcar.  The tracks take you all over the Melbourne area past the city centre and into the more exclusive suburbs Melbourne is known for. 

Day 6 Fly Melbourne to Ayers Rock (one stop)
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation.

Uluru (Ayers Rock), in the heart of the Red Centre, has a desert climate - mostly dry, with brilliant blue skies all year. Autumn and spring will give you sunny days with cloudless skies and crisp, cool nights. Great weather for exploring the sights by foot or in the comfort of a vehicle. Summer is the time when Central Australia is at its most vivid, with hot days and balmy nights. December to February are the hottest months - usually more that 35º Celsius - so take a hat and sunscreen.

Tour - Kata Tjuta and Dunes
Leaving from your hotel mid-afternoon, the Discovery Ecotours guide will explain the nature of the desert and its development.  A short walk to the dune lookout puts one in touch with the environment and lets you delight in the spectacular panoramic view of Kata Tjuta (the Olga’s) - a very sacred place to the Aboriginal people.

Arriving at Walpa (Olga) Gorge, walk into this mystic place, to hear how it has evolved over millions of years. The scale of the walls and the wind far above, add a sense of mystery here. The sky deepens and the great domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s) flush red as the tour retires to the sunset viewing area to celebrate the fantastic color changes wrought by sunset with complimentary champagne. Sit back and absorb the desert solitude or relax and chat to your guide about Australia’s red center. The spectacle fades as you return to Yulara beneath a sky of brilliant stars. This afternoon tour is around 4 hour’s duration.

Day 7 Tour - Spirit of Uluru
This is a vehicle based tour around Uluru (Ayers Rock), providing the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise and absorb Uluru's natural history and deep significance to the Anangu people.  Short walks will bring you close to this wonderful and powerful place, viewing rock art, waterholes and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of Uluru.

There is time to amble, to absorb images and to gain an insight into Uluru's remarkable presence. The final step is to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre This is a small group tour (max 18) with Discovery Ecotours. Light breakfast included - morning tour duration of around 4 hours. 

Tour - Sounds of Silence
Tonight is an outback dining experience to remember, with Desert Oaks framing the view, the sounds of the didgeridoo, the taste of outback cuisine, the 'sounds of silence' and the Milky Way.

Depart from your hotel around 45 minutes prior to sunset (reconfirm tour with your hotel for accurate time).  Journey into the desert and see the brilliant outback sunset over Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Enjoy a three course meal prepared before we dim the lanterns and listen to the sounds of the great outback.  Look up to see the brilliant southern skies, the Milky Way gleaming amongst stars and constellations.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 50 in order to preserve the fragile outdoor sites.  Excursion includes transfers, pre-dinner drinks (local beer, wine & soft drinks), Canapés, BBQ Buffet, Dessert, tea, coffee & port.

Day 8 Fly Ayers Rock to Cairns
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The heart of the tropical north, Cairns offers great access to reef and islands and is a perfect base for exploring the wider region. With 600 day tours departing the city daily there is plenty to do.

Day 9 Tour - Great Barrier Reef cruise
This morning, transfer to the wharf for your full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.  You will have four hours at the reef site, to explore what makes the Great Barrier Reef one of the wonders of the world.  The trip has been designed with the water enthusiast or novice alike - snorkel gear and instruction is provided for all guests, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible vessel, just one meter underwater.   Introductory and certified dives are run in conjunction with snorkeling day trips at an additional cost, and guided snorkel trips with a marine biologist are also available for a nominal fee. A tempting hot and cold buffet lunch is included, as well as morning and afternoon tea on board.

Days 10-11 At leisure, Cairns
Cairns is the gateway to Tropical Far North Queensland, a region of contrasts and surprises.  It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, palm-fringed isolated beaches, Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands, World Heritage listed rainforests and the sun burnt outback. This dynamic area serves as a diverse hub for many attractions and activities of the Tropical North. Apart from the major tourism attractions of the Reef & Rainforest, there are many adventure sports such as white water rafting and bungee jumping, as well as other activities such as golf and trail riding. The choice is yours, we can either pre-arrange something for you or the concierge at your accommodation can make some suggestions.

Day 12 Tour - Hot Air Ballooning
You are collected from your Cairns or Palm Cove hotel prior to dawn and transferred to the departure point - Mareeba.  Watch the crew prepare your balloon as the sun gently rises to unveil the surrounding beauty.  After the flight, come back to earth with a champagne breakfast - muffins, tropical fruits, tea, coffee, juices and Australian champagne.

Day 12 Fly Cairns to Sydney
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Sunny, sexy, sophisticated - Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's much more to offer.

Sydney's sparkling harbor is the jewel in the city's crown. It's flanked by golden beaches and bush land, and is bisected by one of the most famous bridges in the world. Islands sprinkle its waters, and it's crisscrossed by all manner of craft, from water taxis and yachts to tour boats and ferries.

Day 13 Tour - Sydney half day city tour
Sydney truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its spectacular harbor setting, fascinating convict history, bustling downtown area and an exciting blend of architecture, ranging from convict built early colonial style reflecting our heritage, through to the world famous Sydney Opera House.

This is a very special small-group tour designed to give you a feel for this great city by showing you more than just the normal must-see 'tourist sites' Because we only use small luxury mini-vans, we will get behind the scenes to some fascinating city and suburban areas.  Your driver is a very experienced private guide able to answer questions and discuss things of interest, with the knowledge and flexibility to cater for most interests.

You will be collected late morning from your hotel to see the highlights of downtown Sydney before venturing into some of the exclusive harbor-side residential areas where we stop for a 2 course lunch at the Vaucluse House Tea Rooms. Vaucluse House is one of Australia’s most historic houses and was home to the father of the Australian Constitution. From lunch we continue our sightseeing including the famous areas of Bondi Beach and Paddington before returning to the city to commence a leisurely cruise of magnificent Sydney Harbour aboard a sailing catamaran.  Your cruise ends at Circular Quay and Darling Harbour by 5pm, from where you make your own way to your hotel.

Day 14 At leisure, Sydney
At your leisure to explore the city of Sydney. It’s been said that Sydney never sleeps. In daylight hours the city buzzes with life and remains active long after workers have left their offices. All-night pubs, cutting-edge dance clubs, and gay reviews could keep you out until dawn. Fancy a late-night meal or a final coffee - that’s not a problem. Be seen on trendy Oxford Street from Darlinghurst to Paddington or try the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, Surry Hills, the quay or the Rocks. It’s too many choices, not too few, that make the decision hard!

During your stay ideally you should take a harbour cruise around one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, maybe take a short trip to one of the wildlife parks to see the unique animals (koalas and kangaroos) Australia has, climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge for some awesome views, and after all that, enjoy the great restaurants that Sydney has to offer. The local chefs take full advantage of the fresh seafood and produce. 

Day 15 Fly Sydney to USA
You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

DEPARTURES: Daily

PRICES: From $3895.00 per person. Based on double occupancy room. Taxes extra

HOTELS: Choices  from Standard, Superior or Deluxe