Australian Explorer - 11 or 14 Days

• Tour Sydney, Cairns and Melbourne

• Cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour and tour the iconic Sydney Opera House

• Take a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

• Ride the Kuranada Scenic Railway

• Tour the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Departure Dates

2012

May 30

July 4

September 15

October 10, 17, 31

November 7, 14, 28

December 26

2013

January 23

February 6, 13, 20

March 6, 13, 27

Price Includes

- 10 or 13 nights accommodation as shown

- 16 Meals (10 Breakfasts,  2 Lunches,  4 Dinners)

 - Tours of Sydney, Cairns and Melbourne

- Cruise on the Sydney Harbour and tour the iconic Sydney Opera House

- Great Barrier Reef cruise

- Kuranda Scenic Railway

- Tour the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock)

- Professional tour driver & Tour Director

  (main itinerary only - not included on Adelaide extension options)

 Not Included

- Flights to/from Australia*

   Day 4 - Sydney to Cairns

  Day 7 - Cairns to Ayers Rock

  Day 9 - Alice Springs to Melbourne

  Day 9 - Alice Springs to Adelaide (if taking non-rail extension package)

- Gratuities for driver/tour director

* We can arrange these flights for you, please call for prices and timings.

Day 1 Arrive Sydney

Arrive in Sydney and be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director for a delicious welcome dinner. Overnight at the Amora Hotel Jamison. Meals included: dinner.

Day 2 Sydney Sights

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a guided city tour. Discover famous sights such as tranquil Hyde Park and incredible Bondi Beach. Then board a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour, viewing the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House up close. Later, step inside the Sydney Opera House during a guided tour. Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 3 Sydney (free day)

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy Australia's vibrant harbour city at your own pace. You might like to take an optional sightseeing tour to the Hunter Valley, or perhaps visit the Blue Mountains (both at own expense). Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 4 Sydney to Cairns*

This morning fly from Sydney to the tropical city of Cairns (airfare not included). On arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to discover this tropical getaway for yourself. Overnight at the Sebel Cairns in a Deluxe Waterfront room (3 night stay). Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 Great Barrier Reef Cruise

After breakfast, take a guided cruise out to the World Heritagelisted Great Barrier Reef, specifically Moore Reef. View the colourful coral and diverse range of marine life through the glass bottom of your boat. While out on the reef you have the option to go for a snorkel or a swim, and experience you'll never forget. Afterwards visit your boat's underwater observatory before enjoying a tropical lunch of local specialities. Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 6 Kuranda & Wildlife Excursion

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Cairns. Then ride the scenic Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over lush rainforest to Kuranda. In Kuranda, visit a wildlife park, then take in the scenery aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns. Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 7 Cairns to Uluru (Ayers Rock)*

Enjoy a dramatic change of scenery today as you fly from the sparkling blue waters and green forests of tropical north Queensland to the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Uluru (airfare not included). On arrival, tour Uluru's base, viewing ancient caves and traditional Aboriginal rock art. Walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and see Aboriginal artists at work at the Maruku Arts and Crafts Gallery. Tonight at the Sounds of Silence dinner, dine under the stars then hear an astronomer talk about the outback night sky. Overnight at the Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens Hotel. Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 8 Uluru to Alice Springs

This morning, visit stunning Kata Tjuta and walk to majestic Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Then re-board your coach and travel to Alice Springs. Overnight at the Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs. Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 9 Alice Springs to Melbourne* (or Adelaide)

This morning after breakfast join a tour of Alice Springs, visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and Anzac Hill for views over 'The Alice'. You will then board a flight to Melbourne (airfare not included). On arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour before tonight's indulgent dinner aboard the iconic Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Overnight at the Melbourne on Collins. Meals included: breakfast & dinner. Alternatively - after breakfast today join the Adelaide & The Ghan Extension package, see right for details.

Day 10 Melbourne (free day)

Today is yours at leisure to enjoy the delights of Melbourne. You might like to take an optional tour to see the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island or join a tour along the famous Great Ocean Road (both at own expense). Overnight at the Melbourne on Collins. Meals included: breakfast.

Day 11 Depart Melbourne

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight home. Meals included: breakfast.

Tour Extension - Adelaide & The Ghan

Why not enhance your journey with this optional extension?

This includes an overnight journey aboard the famed Ghan train from Alice Springs to Adelaide, and two nights to discover the pretty city of Adelaide. Or for those who wish to visit Adelaide, but would prefer to travel by air, there is the option to fly to Adelaide.

(Please note this extension package operates independently without a Tour Director).

Day 9 Alice Springs to Adelaide

Board The Ghan or flight* Enjoy a tour of Alice Springs and visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Anzac Hill. Later, board The Ghan train for an overnight journey to Adelaide. Alternatively, fly to Adelaide (airfare not included). Overnight aboard The Ghan (or for those that fly, stay at The Sebel Playford Adelaide). Meals included: breakfast.

Day 10 Adelaide

Those travelling aboard The Ghan will arrive in Adelaide early in the afternoon. Enjoy a day at leisure. Overnight at The Sebel Playford Adelaide. Meals included: breakfast.

Day 11 Adelaide (free day)

Enjoy a day free day to further explore the 'City of Churches', perhaps take an optional day excursion to Kangaroo Island or visit the famous Barossa Valley (both at own expense). Overnight at The Sebel Playford Adelaide. Meals included: breakfast

Day 12 Adelaide to Melbourne*

Built around the Yarra River, Melbourne is Australia's cultural heart and boasts world-class events and fabulous arts. After a short flight from Adelaide (airfare not included) head to the forests and villages of the Dandenong Ranges. Enjoy views of the city and Port Phillip Bay from Mt Dandenong and listen for kookaburras, Rosella's and parrots. Overnight at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Meals included: breakfast.

Day 13 Melbourne (free day)

A free day to relax or explore Melbourne's creative mix of buildings at Federation Square, ride on the free City Circle Tram or take a walk along Southbank. Alternatively, take an optional excursion and discover regional Victoria (own expense). Overnight at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Meals included: breakfast.

Day 14 Depart Melbourne

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight home. Meals included: breakfast.

This tour is operated by APT (Australia Pacific Tours)