Enjoy the freedom of Independent Touring and discover Australia’s delights. Enjoy extended stays in Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney, with ample time to explore the iconic attractions. You’ll also stay three nights in the Red Centre, for a taste of Aboriginal culture.
Day 1. Melbourne
On arrival in Melbourne, you will be welcomed by a dedicated APT representative and then transferred to your hotel. The remainder of today is then at leisure to relax or explore the charms of this cosmopolitan city on your own. Perhaps take a stroll through one of the city’s many exclusive shopping arcades, visit renowned Crown Casino, explore a world-class art gallery, sit by the Yarra River on Southbank or just relax in a café and watch the world go by. Alternatively, venture further afield and walk along Melbourne’s lovely suburban beaches or explore the vibrant and bustling seaside suburb of St Kilda (all activities today are at own expense).
Day 2. Melbourne City Sights Tour
Today, enjoy time to discover the delights of Melbourne, with its wide boulevards and historic buildings. View the upmarket shops of the Paris end of Collins St, the Gothic spires of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Victorian opulence of the Princess and Regent theatres. Then, see the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Buildings, Federation Square and stroll through the stunning floral displays at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Later, we explore the lush Fitzroy Gardens before visiting the Queen Victoria Market, which is an epicurean’s delight and a great place to pick up some souvenirs. In the afternoon, our journey takes us to Phillip Island, home to the world-famous Little Penguins who, each evening, perform the fascinating spectacle of emerging from the surf and making their way to their burrow. Return to Melbourne late this evening.
Day 3. Melbourne at leisure
Today is at leisure to discover Melbourne with its maze of lane ways housing a selection of shops, galleries and restaurants. Perhaps wander to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and uncover the city’s sporting culture or visit the National Gallery of Victoria. Alternatively book onto one of APT’s other Melbourne Day Tours (all activities today are at own expense).
Day 4. Melbourne, Fly to Alice Springs
Today a morning flight takes us to Alice Springs (airfare not included), the gateway to Central Australia. This afternoon enjoy an Alice Springs town tour and get a taste of what life is like in Australia’s Red Centre. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and the School of the Air. Started by the Rev. John Flynn in the 1920s, the Flying Doctors provide a much-needed medical service to the remote Outback.
Day 5. Camel Farm, Cultural Centre, Base Tour, Sunset Drinks at Uluru (Ayers Rock)
On the way to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park today, we’ll visit a camel farm and perhaps ride a camel (at your own expense). Later, we visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative before travelling to Mutitjulu waterhole for a guided walk. Join the Mala Walk around Uluru and visit sacred Kantju Gorge. Tonight enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while witnessing the sun set over Uluru.
Day 6. Uluru Sunrise, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Walpa (Olga) Gorge
Rise early and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as the sun casts its first rays on Uluru. Then travel to Kata Tjuta, 36 dramatic rock formations that were once a single rock the size of Uluru. Here, take a guided walk into Walpa Gorge and hear the fascinating commentary that will teach us about the area’s unique flora, fauna and geology. Tonight, perhaps dine on Australian delicacies under the desert stars at the Sounds of Silence dinner or indulge in a delicious Outback BBQ dinner (both at your own expense).
Day 7. Ayers Rock, Fly to Cairns
Today provides a change of scenery as we say goodbye to the Red Centre and fly to the lush green tropical city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef (airfare not included). The afternoon is free for us to begin discovering all this city has to offer. Perhaps take a stroll through local boutique shops, enjoy the sunshine and wander along The Esplanade or have a coffee and simply watch the world go by.
Day 8. Great Barrier Reef Experience
Today is sure to be a highlight as we enjoy a full day’s cruise to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Choose to swim and snorkel in the warm, clear blue waters to witness the Great Barrier Reef’s stunning marine life up close. Also, board a semi-submersible viewer for an underwater adventure amid the colourful coral and marine life. Enjoy a buffet lunch of hot and cold dishes, fresh seafood, salads and fruit.
Day 9. Cairns at leisure
The beautiful city of Cairns awaits our discovery today. Stroll along the Esplanade, enjoy a meal at one of the many cafés and restaurants, do some shopping or perhaps book another of APT’s day tours of the surrounding region. Cairns enjoys a scenic coastal foreshore and a verdant rainforest backdrop, so you may like to take the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, north of Cairns, for breathtaking aerial views. You will literally glide just feet above the rainforest canopy as you journey to the pretty village of Kuranda before, returning to Cairns via the Kuranda Scenic Railway (all activities today are own expense).
Day 10. Cairns, Fly to Sydney
Farewell Cairns today as we fly down the east coast of Australia to Sydney (airfare not included). On arrival, the rest of the day is free to begin discovering the harbour city.
Day 11. City Sights, Beaches, Luncheon Cruise
This morning is free to explore Sydney’s beautiful sights. Perhaps discover the processes involved in mining for Australian opals and
other unique gemstones, take a stroll down to The Rocks area, catch a ferry to famous Manly Beach or perhaps go shopping in one of the city’s beautiful arcades (all at own expense). This afternoon, join a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour, before taking in the city sights including Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy sweeping waterfront views from the famous steps of the Sydney Opera House.
Day 12. Sydney at leisure
Today spend the day at leisure in Sydney. Perhaps join one of APT’s exciting sightseeing tours to some of greater Sydney’s special attractions such as the famous wine region of the Hunter Valley or the Blue Mountains. Part of the Great Dividing Range, the Blue Mountains consist of craggy mountains, deep wooded valleys and rock formations. Delight in the rugged beauty and charm of this intoxicating region (all activities today are at your own expense).
Day 13. Depart Sydney
After a relaxing morning at leisure, we will be transferred to the airport for our onward flight.
