13D Inspiring Australia

Welcome to Tropical North Queensland! Join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception followed by a Welcome Dinner as you enjoy views across the Coral Sea and dine on modern Australian cuisine made using fresh North Queensland produce.

Embark on an exclusive journey with your indigenous guide to discover the Daintree and gain rich insight into the deep relationship the local Kuku Yalanji people have with their land. Learn about cultural traditions, bush foods and traditional medicine; experience traditional hunting techniques, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, see a mud crab. Enjoy lunch in the quaint township of Daintree Village, a community perched on the banks of the Daintree River and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today, explore tropical Cairns with either a reef or rainforest included choice option. For reef, board a Quicksilver wave piercing catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The friendly professional crew will take you to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Choose to snorkel (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible. A hot and cold tropical buffet is served before your return journey. Alternatively, if breath-taking rainforest views and exploring quaint a village calls to you, select a day in Kuranda on the Skyrail & Scenic Rail. Nestled in the mountaintop rainforest west of Cairns, is the charming “Village in the Rainforest” Kuranda. Your day begins with the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail journey. Sit back, relax and take in the spectacular views as you wind your way up to quaint village of Kuranda. There is plenty of time to explore, including the Heritage Markets which operate daily. Then it’s time to board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for your return journey, gliding silently over and through the rainforest, enjoying beautiful views along the way.

Fly from Cairns to the heart of the Red Centre, Uluru. Head to the domes of Kata Tjuta where you’ll join your Journey Director for a guided-walk through Walpa Gorge. The large, steep dome-like formations of Kata Tjuta are amazing to walk through and have great cultural significance for the Aṉangu people. Later this afternoon you will witness a spectacular Uluru sunset. Enjoy nibbles and sparkling wine while you watch Uluru change colour as the sun sets below the horizon.

Rise early to experience the renowned Field of Light, where 50,000 glass spheres in colours of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white, have been installed within sight of Uluru. Wander through the paths and then, from the dune-top, watch as the dawn creeps across the desert plain and lights up the Red Centre. After breakfast, take a walk around part of the base of Uluru and hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole. Then it’s off to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for an insight into the history of the local Anangu people. End your day with a local dining experience under the sparkling outback sky.

Start your day by experiencing the changing colours and magic of the sunrise over Uluru before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. Travel towards Kings Canyon and make a pitstop at Curtin Springs, home to the Severin family since 1956 when Peter Severin arrived with his young wife Dawn, their toddler son Ashley and 1,500 head of cattle! Sit down to a BBQ lunch and hear about the Severin family and the logistics of running a million-acre cattle property from one of the locals. After lunch continue onwards towards Kings Canyon.

Perfect for observing the changing colours of the landscape, embark on a sunrise 6km Rim Walk exploration of the spectacular Kings Canyon. As you venture around the rim, highlights include the domed ‘Lost City’, and the luscious ‘Garden of Eden’. If you’d prefer a more relaxed walk you can opt for a walk along the Creek Bed. Traverse more of the outback past the West MacDonnell Ranges, onwards towards Alice Springs. Be entertained with stories of the outback as you enjoy a Bush BBQ dinner under the stars.

Explore Alice Spring in your own style with an Included Choice option. Choose to visit the School of the Air to learn about outback schooling and the technology used to teach children in these remote areas. Alternatively, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn about how this organisation is saving lives in the outback. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney and spend the evening at leisure exploring this vibrant city.

Enjoy a Sydney sightseeing tour including a stroll along the coastal walk for incredible views over the Pacific Ocean and wild coastal cliffs. See more of the Harbour City with an Included Choice activity. Escape to a world long ago, before colonial settlement and be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth as you join an Aboriginal guide for a 90-minute leisurely walkabout through the Rocks District. Hear dreamtime stories passed down from Elders and discover how Aboriginal people existed by the harbour. Alternatively, for a different pace, say ‘cheers’ to your local guide and embark on a historic walking tour of some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of the Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts, and stories of Australia's first European settlement. Next, depart Sydney for the Hunter Valley wine region.

Spend the day exploring the amazing Hunter Valley Wine Region known for its good food, great wine and beautiful scenery. Indulge in exclusive private wine tastings at boutique vineyards and sit down to an exceptional tasting lunch. There will be time to explore cellar doors, a cheese shop, chocolatier, and more before spending the evening at leisure. You may choose to treat yourself to one of the dining options.

Return to Sydney in time to cruise magical Sydney Harbour. Cruise around the glistening harbour while you savour a delicious lunch with a strong focus on local produce and wines. Relax on the spacious deck as you sail past the harbour’s iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and small secluded coves surrounded by multi-million-dollar waterfront homes. The evening is free for you to explore and discover Sydney’s local restaurants.

Wake up to a day at leisure in the harbour city of Sydney. You may choose to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take the ferry to Manly Beach, or explore some of the lesser-known interesting pockets of Sydney to see how the locals live. In the late afternoon, join a VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House before a Celebration Dinner under the sails of the Opera House itself.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.