20-DAY BEST OF AUSTRALIA INDEPENDENT TOUR

Visit Melbourne, Kangaroo Island, the Red Centre, Kakadu, Cairns & Sydney.

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Day 1: Arrive Melbourne: You will be met on arrival at Melbourne Airport and transferred to your hotel by luxury car (flights anytime). The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: All Seasons Premier Swanston (standard), Stamford Plaza (first class) or Hotel Sofitel (deluxe), Melbourne, 3 nights.

Day 2: Great Ocean Road: Travel to Geelong, then join the Great Ocean Road for dramatic coastal scenery and journey to Port Campbell National Park. See the seaside resorts of Lorne and Apollo Bay, then view the Twelve Apostles, remains of London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck site. (B)

Day 3: City Sights – Tramcar: Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne including the Fitzroy Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of Melbourne. Tonight dine on-board the famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, a 1927 tram converted to an award-winning first class restaurant. (BD)

Day 4: Melbourne – Adelaide – Kangaroo Island: You will be transferred by taxi to Melbourne Airport for an early flight to Adelaide (flights to arrive prior to 8.30am). Fly to Kangaroo Island (airfare included) and enjoy a full-day 4WD wildlife tour. Visit Flinders Chase National Park and Seal Bay.Overnight: Ozone Seafront Hotel (standard and first class) or Kangaroo Island Lodge (deluxe), Kangaroo Island. (L)

Day 5: Adelaide: After a hearty breakfast, depart Kangaroo Island for your return flight to Adelaide (airfare included). On arrival in Adelaide you will travel to the Barossa Valley and sample an extensive range of wines.Overnight: Holiday Inn (standard), Stamford Plaza (first class) or Hyatt Regency (deluxe), Adelaide. (BL)

Day 6: Adelaide – Ayers Rock: You will be transferred by taxi to Adelaide Airport for your flight to Ayers Rock (flights to arrive prior to 1.30pm). On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Explore the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and enjoy a glass of wine watching sunset over Ayers Rock (Uluru).Overnight: Outback Pioneer Hotel (standard), Desert Gardens Hotel (first class) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (deluxe), Ayers Rock Resort. (B)

Day 7: Ayers Rock – Kings Canyon: Rise early this morning to view the spectacle of sunrise over Ayers Rock. There is the opportunity to climb to the summit (optional) and enjoy a guided tour of the base. This afternoon stop at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, before traveling to Kings Canyon Resort.Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort – Rangeview Rooms (standard and first class) or Spa Rooms (deluxe). (B)

Day 8: Kings Canyon – Alice Springs: This morning make the rocky climb to the rim of Kings Canyon. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the Canyon floor. After lunch at Kings Canyon Resort (own expense) travel to Alice Springs.Overnight: Mercure Inn Diplomat (standard), Alice Springs Resort (first class) or Rydges Plaza (deluxe), Alice Springs, 2 nights. (B)

Day 9: Palm Valley: Today join a 4WD safari through the West MacDonnell Ranges into Palm Valley. See spectacular rock forms, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. (BL)

Day 10: Alice Springs – Darwin: This morning join a local Aboriginal guide and learn about 'bush tucker' and boomerang throwing. You will be transferred to Alice Springs Airport for your flight to Darwin (flights to depart after 12.00pm). You will be met on arrival at Darwin Airport and transferred to your hotel by luxury car.Overnight: Holiday Inn (standard), Rydges Plaza (first class) or Saville Park Suites (deluxe), Darwin. (B)

Day 11: Kakadu: Travel deep into Kakadu National Park. Visit Nourlangie Rock and cruise onthe famous Yellow Water Billabong.Overnight: Kakadu Resort (standard) or Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (first class and deluxe), Kakadu. (BL)

Day 12: Kakadu – Darwin: Join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River. Continue to Ubirr for a guided walk. Later, visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, before returning to Darwin.Overnight: Holiday Inn (standard), Rydges Plaza (first class) or Saville Park Suites (deluxe), Darwin. (BL)

Day 13: Darwin – Cairns: You will be transferred by taxi to Darwin Airport for your early morning flight to Cairns. You will be met on arrival at Cairns Airport and transferred to your hotel by luxury car.Overnight: Rydges Plaza (standard), The Oasis Resort (first class) or Cairns International (deluxe), Cairns, 3 nights.

Day 14: Kuranda – Skyrail – Tjapukai: Join the Kuranda train and journey to Kuranda, with time to stroll through the famous Kuranda Markets. Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway.  Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. (B)

Day 15: Great Barrier Reef: Cruise on the Great Adventures high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel along the reef and view the coral and fish from a semi-submersible vessel. A marine biologist will provide an informative presentation on this natural living wonder. (BL) AT

Day 16: Cairns – Sydney: You will be transferred by taxi to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney (flights anytime). You will be met on arrival at Sydney Airport and transferred to your hotel by luxury car. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore.   Optional: Perhaps join an optional guided walk to gain an insight into Sydney's Aboriginal heritage (please request at time of booking, price details at right).Overnight: Parkroyal Darling Harbour (standard), All Seasons Premier Menzies – guaranteed Deluxe Rooms (first class) or Hotel Inter-Continental – guaranteed Harbor View Rooms (deluxe), Sydney, 3 nights. (B)

Day 17: City Sights – Cruise: This morning enjoy a city sights tour of Sydney. Cross the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and visit the well known surf beach of Manly. Afternoon at leisure. This evening board the John Cadman II for a dinner cruise on spectacular Sydney Harbour. (BD)

Day 18: Sydney at leisure: Today is at leisure to explore Sydney. Perhaps take an optional tour to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley. (B)

Day 19: Depart Sydney: Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred by taxi to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward flight (flights anytime). (B)