Day 1. Depart London
Head to London Heathrow for your flight to Perth. Your tour starts now, with our friendly company representative on hand three hours prior to departure to assist you. Enjoy a brief transit stop in Dubai en-route.
Day 2. Arrive Perth, Transfer to Fremantle
On arrival at Perth Airport today, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the colourful port city of Fremantle. After time at leisure to settle in and familiarise yourself with your surrounds, enjoy a memorable Welcome Reception this evening. This provides an opportunity to meet your Travelmarvel Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Three Nights: Fremantle, The Esplanade Hotel
Day 3. Perth, Swan River Cruise
This morning you’ll travel by coach into Perth, the sun-blessed capital of Western Australia. During a guided sightseeing tour discover some of the city’s many highlights, including the untouched bushland, Botanic Gardens and walkways of beautiful Kings Park. Like a Local - afterwards, return to Fremantle on a leisurely cruise along the picturesque Swan River. Located at the mouth of the Swan River, Fremantle is famous for its wonderful beaches, as well as its well-preserved colonial architecture. B
Day 4. Fremantle at Leisure
With today at leisure, perhaps visit the Western Australian Maritime Museum, discover the port’s many historic buildings or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Fremantle Markets. Alternatively, you may wish to join one of the two available optional experiences. On the first, take a cruise to the historic Swan Valley Wine Region and enjoy a tasting of some premium local wines. Or perhaps spend the day on beautiful Rottnest Island - Western Australia’s premier island destination (both at own expense). B
Day 5. Fremantle, Perth, Alice Springs
Leaving Fremantle following breakfast this morning, transfer back to Perth Airport for the flight to the red heart of Australia, Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Nestled between the MacDonnell Ranges, this iconic Outback town is the geographical centre of Australia made famous by its rich pioneering history and enchanting ancient indigenous culture.
Two Nights: Chifley Alice Springs Resort B
Day 6. Alice Springs
Early this morning, you may like to take an awe-inspiring balloon flight over the desert at sunrise (own expense), before joining the rest of the group to enjoy panoramic views of the town and surrounding MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill. Like a Local - enjoy the remainder of the morning at leisure before visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air. This evening, perhaps take a camel ride at sunset (own expense). B
Day 7. Alice Springs, Kata Tjuta, Uluru (Ayers Rock)
The Australian Outback comes to life today as you travel through rugged landscapes to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Discovered by explorers in 1872, Uluru is one of Australia’s most famous and sacred sites. Like a Local - visit the rock domes and peaks of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and walk to Walpa Gorge, then enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sunset over Uluru. Tonight, there is the opportunity to join a unique optional experience - the Sounds of Silence Dinner - where you’ll dine on Australian delicacies whilst seated under the canopy of the desert night (own expense).
Ayers Rock Resort, Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge B
Day 8. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Cairns
Like a Local - this morning, marvel at the magnificent sunrise over Uluru and take a guided tour around the base of this famous monolith, viewing ancient caves and fascinating indigenous rock art sites. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a dramatic change of scenery as you fly from the heart of Australia’s Red Centre to the sparkling blue waters and lush green rainforests of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. Special Stay - enjoy a four-night escape at the Pullman Cairns International in a stylish room with mountain views. After time to settle in, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Four Nights: Pullman Cairns International B
Day 9. Great Barrier Reef
Like a Local - experience a real tour highlight today as you cruise from Cairns by fast catamaran to Reef Magic’s exclusive reef activity platform and enjoy five hours amidst the colourful coral and marine life. While you’re here, snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, walk through the underwater observatory, join a guided tour on the semi-submersible or glass bottom boat, or simply relax on the spacious sundeck, before enjoying a lunch of local specialities on board. On return to the mainland, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. BL
Day 10. Cairns at Leisure
Today is yours to relax and explore Cairns at leisure, or you may like to join one of a number of optional experiences. Perhaps take a hot air balloon flight over the Cairns Highlands; Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over a Tropical Rainforest canopy in Kuranda; discover the Daintree River region where the rainforest meets the reef at World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation; or feel the powerful spirit of indigenous Australia on a mysterious journey into the ancient Tjapukai culture by night (all at own expense). B
Day 11. Cairns at Leisure
Enjoy a further day at leisure in Cairns. You may wish embark on an optional excursion or simply relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. B
Day 12. Cairns, Melbourne
Departing Cairns today, fly south to the city of Melbourne. With its cutting-edge designs and heritage architecture, spacious parks and diverse village-like suburbs, fabulous arts and world-class sporting action, you’ll quickly understand why Victoria’s vibrant capital is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world.
Three Nights: Melbourne, Radisson on Flagstaff B
Day 13. Melbourne
Today, explore the city’s highlights on a sightseeing tour, including Cook’s Cottage, Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at leisure. Or you may wish to join an enchanting optional experience to witness the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island (own expense). B
Day 14. Melbourne at Leisure
Today is completely free for you to explore Melbourne at leisure. You may wish to take a sightseeing cruise on the Yarra River to enjoy unique views of the Melbourne skyline; discover the breathtaking coastal scenery, native flora and fauna, and intriguing towns along the Great Ocean Road on a full-day tour; or enjoy a memorable dinner aboard the historic Colonial Tramcar Restaurant (all at own expense). B
Day 15. Melbourne, Sydney
After one last morning to take in the sights, fly to Sydney. Special Stay - transfer to your hotel, just steps from Darling Harbour. Wrapped around a spectacular harbour, this glamorous city is home to the instantly recognisable icons of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Four Nights: Sydney, Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour B
Day 16. Sydney
Discover a selection of Sydney’s most incredible sights on a guided city tour this morning. Like a Local - during the day you’ll also take to the water for a relaxing cruise on Sydney Harbour, then step inside the Sydney Opera House for an enchanting guided tour. A Taste of Sydney - your day culminates with a traditional fish ‘n’ chip dinner on Bondi Beach this evening. B, FD
Day 17. Sydney at Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure. Alternatively, you may like to head to the Blue Mountains National Park; or savour fine wines and explore the stunning gardens in the Hunter Valley (both at own expense). B
Day 18. Sydney at Leisure
Appreciate a further day at leisure, or perhaps join one of our optional experiences. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Sydney’s famous coast and waterways aboard a seaplane; or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge to discover the scale and grandeur of this inspiring global icon (both at own expense). This evening enjoy a Farewell Drink and Dinner. B, FD
Day 19. Depart Sydney
Following a day at leisure, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK. B
Day 20. Arrive London