SHORTLIST

Inspiring Australia - Summer 2021

From the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Centre of the Outback, Australia boasts a plethora of extraordinary natural wonders. This immersive journey is a showcase of vast tropical rainforests, otherworldly rock formations and ancient indigenous culture. Listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo at a hosted starlit dinner in Uluṟu and take in the iconic sights of Sydney aboard a yacht.

Tour details

Tour Provider	Luxury Gold
Price From	$10,845
Number of Days	13
Start Location	Cairns, Australia
End Location	Sydney, Australia
Age Range	Avg. 50+
Group Size	10 to 30
Tour Style	Luxury
Tour Themes	No specific theme
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Itinerary Open all

Welcome to Cairns.

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the evening meet your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner at the Reef House Restaurant, where you will enjoy a meal made from seasonal ingredients as you overlook the crystal-clear water of the Coral Sea.(Dinner with Wine)

The Ancient Daintree Rainforest and Indigenous Culture.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Daintree National Park is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent. Join your Local Expert for a fascinating exploration into this ancient rainforest and learn about the close relationship the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people have with their land. Lunch is served in the quaint Daintree village. Return to your hotel, where you have the evening at your leisure.(Breakfast / Lunch)

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

Visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a place of great ecological value and beauty. Experience its magic as you cruise out to the Outer Reef to enjoy the day relaxing onboard, or take to the water to discover spectacular coral formations and a world of unique marine creatures, as you snorkel around underwater gardens. Lunch is served outdoors on the pontoon.(Breakfast / Lunch)

Into the Outback.

Depart the holiday hotspot of Cairns, flying to Uluru, the heart of Australia. The domes of Kata Tjuta are your first stop. Join your Travelling Concierge for a guided walk deep through whistling Walpa Gorge, tracing the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta’s ancient rocky domes. In the late afternoon, venture into the spiritual midst of Uluru in time to enjoy sparkling wine and a spectacular sunset.(Breakfast)

Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa.

Experience the renowned Field of Light – 50,000 hand-crafted glass spheres of coloured light – a magical sight to behold. Wander through the paths and then, from the dune-top, watch as the dawn creeps across the desert plain and lights up Uluru. Later, spend time at the base of Uluru’s red slopes, embracing the timeless stories of the Anangu people, whose rock art you’ll have the opportunity to view. Visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole, home to the Anangu’s wanampi, an ancestral water snake. Then venture to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you’ll learn about the strong connection shared over millennia between the Anangu and this ancient land. Explore the Tjukurpa Tunnel and read about the history and flora and fauna of the park. This evening meet the magical stars of the Southern Hemisphere at the sensational Sounds of Silence Dinner.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Spectacular Sunrise.

Witness a mesmerising sunrise over Uluru before returning to your hotel for breakfast. From here you’ll travel towards Kings Canyon. Your next stop is Curtin Springs Station. Learn about the legacy of the Severin family and their wrangling heritage and then kick back in true Aussie-style at a barbecue lunch. Continue to your destination, Kings Canyon Resort.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Desert and Canyons.

Perfect for observing the changing colours of the landscape, today you're off on a sunrise 6km rim walk exploration of spectacular Kings Canyon. Highlights include the domed ‘Lost City’, and the luscious ‘Garden of Eden’. If you’d prefer a more relaxed walk, you can explore the boulder-strewn Canyon Creek Bed, getting up close to the native plants and birdlife that call this part of the world home. Afterwards you’re travelling past the vast outback landscape towards Alice Springs at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges. Join your Alice Springs hosts this evening for a barbecue dinner around a campfire.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Alice Springs to Sydney.

Spend some time at the School of the Air to learn about the technology used to teach children in these remote areas, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this organisation is saving lives in the outback. Later, you’ll fly to Sydney, where you have a free evening to explore this vibrant city.(Breakfast)

Blue Mountains National Park.

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blue Mountains National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes. See the Three Sisters rock formations, marvel at Bridal Veil Falls and embark on a peaceful wilderness walk. Enjoy lunch at your leisure, before arriving at your hotel. Later meet your fellow travellers for a delicious dinner made from spectacular local produce.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Hunter Valley Wine Country.

Take in vistas of pristine landscapes, as you travel north towards the Hunter Valley for a day of fine cuisine and wine. On arrival, you'll enjoy a private wine tasting at one of the region’s renowned wineries, followed by an exquisite tasting lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure at your boutique hotel, perhaps opting for a massage at the spa? Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine / Dinner with Wine)

Set sail on Sydney Harbour.

Prepare for a day of sailing on iconic Sydney Harbour. Join a skilled crew for a sailing experience on Sydney Harbour and take in views of Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the secluded coves surrounded by multimillion-dollar mansions. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps dining at one of the city’s popular restaurants?(Breakfast)

Sydney Sightseeing and the Opera House.

With your Travelling Conceirge, see the city’s beachside Eastern Suburbs and take a stroll along the scenic coastal path. In the afternoon, enjoy a VIP tour of the famous Sydney Opera House, before enjoying a Celebration Dinner at Peter Gilmore’s iconic Bennelong Restaurant, set in the sails of the Sydney Opera House.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Farewell Sydney.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travellers and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.(Breakfast)

Inclusions

Inclusive Luxury Gold Services
You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Luxury Gold is proud to offer various modes of transportation, from luxury coach to Outback Luxury 4WD coach and more, so that you always travel in comfort and experience your journey and destination in the best possible and most appropriate way.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates, on Days 4 and 8 for your required internal-holiday flights that have been booked separately and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight.