Tripology

Commercial Flight

This evening, board your flight for Melbourne, Australia.

Commercial Flight

During your flight, cross the International Dateline.

Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Sightseeing

The afternoon is at leisure for you to begin exploring the “culture capital” of Australia.

Food and Dining

This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions.

Hotel

Stay at Saville on Russell (SF) or Hotel Sofitel (DLX).

Sightseeing

On a morning sightseeing tour, see the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, the Shrine of Remembrance, Parliament House and more. Take a drive over Westgate Bridge for panoramic views of vast Port Phillip Bay.

Sightseeing

The afternoon is free for shopping, a walk along the riverfront or perhaps join an optional excursion to see the Little Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. (B)

Commercial Flight

This morning board the flight to Ayers Rock, Uluru to the Aborigines.

Sightseeing

In the afternoon, head out for a visit to the Olgas, 36 red rock domes that dominate the western sky. There is time to explore the rock formations in Olga Gorge.

Food and Dining

Later, after sparkling wine at sunset, relish a barbecue dinner. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Desert Gardens Hotel (F).

Sightseeing

After an early start to watch the sunrise, tour the base of the Rock, learning of Aboriginal myths and legends.

Bus

Then head to Alice Springs, where the rest of the day is free. (B)

Rock Climbing

For the more energetic, there is an optional opportunity to climb to the top of the Rock.

Hotel

Stay at Alice Springs Resort (F).

Sightseeing

A full day free to relax and explore “the Alice” on your own.

Safari

You might want to join an optional Palm Valley Safari or an Aboriginal Cultural tour. (B)

Safari

This morning, visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Learn about some of Australia's unique desert animals and see the “Birds of Prey” display.

Commercial Flight

After the midday flight to Darwin, the rest of the day is free.

Sightseeing

You might want to visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, housing a marvelous collection of Aboriginal art. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Saville Park Suites (F).

National Parks

Travel via the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains into Kakadu National Park.

River or Barge Cruise

Next, board a Yellow Water Billabong cruise with a local guide.

Sightseeing

Stop to view Nourlangie Rock with its Aboriginal rock art. Finally, visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to view the informative displays before returning to Darwin. (B)

Commercial Flight

Take a morning flight to the tropical wonder­land of Cairns in Far North Queens­land.

Safari

This afternoon, visit the Cairns Wildlife Dome to get up close and personal with the native wildlife. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Cairns International (DLX).

Ocean Cruise

Board a catamaran for a day on the Great Barrier Reef. An expert marine biologist explains the variety of marine life seen from the underwater observa­tory, the sub-sea viewer and glass-bottom boat.

Relaxation

After a smorgasbord lunch, there is time to relax before cruising back to Cairns. (B,L)

Sightseeing

A full day at leisure in a tropical wonderland. Perhaps take an excursion over the rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway to Kuranda, or a trip to the rainforests of Daintree and Cape Tribulation. (B)

Commercial Flight

Transfer to nearby Cairns for the flight to Sydney, where you will spend the next four nights.

Sightseeing

With the balance of your day free, you can begin exploring Sydney and all the city has to offer. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Sheraton Four Points - harbor­view room (SF).

Sightseeing

Sightseeing today includes views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from Mrs. Macquarie’s chair. There is also a guided tour of the famous Opera House, nominated to be one of the new world wonders.

Ocean Cruise

Later, enjoy a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour, with a delicious lunch on board.

Relaxation

This afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring on your own, shop, simply relax.

Sightseeing

You might want to take in the Sydney Aquarium or the Sydney Wildlife World to see some of Australia’s unique animals. (B,L)

Sightseeing

Two full days at leisure in cosmopolitan Syd­ney. There are optional tours available, including an excursion to the Blue Moun­tains and Featherdale Wildlife Park, a visit to the Hunter Valley to taste fine Australian wine, and a tour to Canberra.

Shopping

You may want to do some last minute shopping or stroll through “The Rocks.” (B daily)

Trans­fer to the airport for your flight home. (B)