This itinerary combines the best of Australia’s city and outback. Starting in Sydney you will discover many of Sydney's unique suburbs and historical centers and also enjoy some of the best views Sydney has to offer. Travel west beyond the suburban sprawl of Sydney into the rugged beauty of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. See magnificent steep valleys, canyons and the Three Sisters on the Skyway. Enjoy a walk among the native bush and visit an Australian wildlife park with an opportunity to touch a cuddly koala and feed kangaroos. See wombats, dingoes and other unique Australian animals in this natural setting. Journey to the Hunter Valley Wine Country. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Hawkesbury River, taste wines, and enjoy a dolphin cruise on the sheltered waters of Port Stephen. There's even time for a swim if you feel like it! Spend a night under the stars in the Australian outback (Jowalbinna) and a night in Cooktown at a comfortable resort. Spend time with aboriginals and explore the amazing rock art in this area. After two days in the desert you may very well be ready to turn your attention to Cairns and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, one of the most magnificent reefs in the world. From your accommodation, you will be taken to the Great Barrier Reef - rated one of the seven natural wonders of the world, where you board your catamaran for the evening. It is here where you will spend the day with many opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and even the chance to learn how to dive onboard! What better way to spend your last couple nights in Australia; than visiting the famous Ayers Rock at sunrise and sunset. Enjoy a bush dinner on your last evening here while you reflect on your travels over the last couple of weeks. As your time in Australia comes to an end you have the option of continuing to travel through the South Pacific, or returning home. NOTE: Tour does not include domestic airfare, which can be worked into your international ticket. You may also wish to speak to your travel agent about the Australian Air Pass with Qantas.

Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.28 million. It is the state capital of New South Wales, and the site of the first British colony in Australia, established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet from Britain. Located on Australia's south-east coast, the city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city's nickname, "the Harbour City". It is noted for the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets.

Includes airport transfer to city/hotel with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

Upon check in at your hotel you will be provided with your welcome package. In the package you will receive a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, vouchers for each service, supplier contact list as well as various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting.

You will be picked up by shared coach and taken on an afternoon tour, which captures the essence of Sydney. Discover the major Sydney highlights including the Botanic Gardens before wandering along Bondi Beach. See the city's downtown precincts, the historic Rocks area, vibrant Kings Cross, sandy white eastern beaches and affluent harbourside suburbs in just one afternoon.

A unique Sydney hotel offering chic accommodation in the heart of Sydney, Vibe Hotel Sydney (4*) exudes the style of this fantastic city. You will love the convenience of staying in this vibrant location and in the heart of all the action. The hotel is perfectly positioned for you to easily discover Sydney’s vibrant CBD fringe villages of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Chinatown and the Sydney entertainment precinct offering live theatre and music year round. Sydney’s premier tourist destinations like Sydney Centrepoint Tower, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, The Rocks and Circular Quay are only minutes away so you may want to stay just a little bit longer…and enjoy the vibe!

Overnight at Vibe (4*).

There are so many things to do in Sydney it may be hard deciding what to choose. We would recommend some of the following attractions: Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower + Oz Trek, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales which also houses an Aboriginal Art exhibition. You can also choose to take a half day city sights tour, a one hour Majestic Harbour Cruise (which operates daily at 10:30 or 15:00) or the Sydney Opera House Essential Tour (1 hr, operates daily between 09:00 and 17:00). All are included in the SmartVisit free pass card. Ask your Travel Consultant if you would like to purchase this card.

Overnight at Vibe (4*).

Captain Cook's Sydney Harbour Explorer has 4 stops around Sydney Harbour, with the option to get off and explore and simply rejoin throughout the day. Cruises depart regularly throughout the day and you can combine your cruise with entry to Taronga Zoo or the Aquarium. (shared service, all day ticket , dep. jetty # 6 Circular Quay 9h45-16h45, approx. every 45 mins)

There are so many things to do in Sydney it may be hard deciding what to choose. We would recommend some of the following attractions: Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower + Oz Trek, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales which also houses an Aboriginal Art exhibition. You can also choose to take a half day city sights tour, a one hour Majestic Harbour Cruise (which operates daily at 10:30 or 15:00) or the Sydney Opera House Essential Tour (1 hr, operates daily between 09:00 and 17:00). All are included in the SmartVisit free pass card. Ask your Travel Consultant if you would like to purchase this card.

Overnight at Vibe (4*).

Discover a tempting combination of breathtaking nature, romantic accommodation, fine restaurants and indulgent shopping within two hours of Sydney, in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Listed National Park. Breathe the fresh mountain air and relax, as you marvel at a majestic landscape of waterfalls and awe-inspiring sandstone escarpments. Indulge at restaurants renowned for their creative use of fresh, local produce. Unwind with a rejuvenating day spa treatment.

Visit the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens on this ultimate, absolutely unforgettable Grand Circuit tour by air-conditioned mini-coach. This fantastic Ecotour begins at your hotel & the historical Rocks area of old Sydney. Heading westwards across the coastal plain we make our way to the Great Dividing Range of Australia. It is here we leave the ‘average’ Blue Mountains tourist behind & enter the National Park to unlock a piece of Australia you would never have known existed. We visit an ancient Aboriginal site & outstanding lookouts; examine rock formations & the unusual plants & wildlife that abound the area. From the quaint little village of Leura we skirt around Cliff Drive to Katoomba where you will find yourself looking out over the magnificent Jamieson Valley (Australia’s Grand Canyon) & the Three Sisters. You can enjoy a delicious barbeque lunch including a selection of fine Australian wines with a cheese platter under the canopy of the Australian bush.

The Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa (4*) is nestled on the edge of the magnificent Jamison Valley, overlooking world heritage listed wilderness, is set amidst two acres of English style gardens. Superbly located on the cliff tops and promising spectacular views, the resort offers 85 boutique rooms themed in lavish pink, green or lilac. The resort features Darley's fine dining restaurant boasting modern Australian cuisine and a more casual dining option, Tre Sorelle Restaurant. At dusk, sit back at Lilianfels and sip champagne while you enjoy a fiery sunset that reflects off sandstone cliffs and plunging gorges. Surrender to the ultimate pampering pleasure at the Blue Mountains spa retreat, which is a revitalizing haven for your body and soul.

Overnight at Lilianfels Blue Mountains (4*).

Hunter Valley is located north of Sydney and is known as "Wine Country". World class vineyards and picturesque countryside vie for attention with the awe inspiring wilderness in Barrington Tops and the spectacular lake and coast line of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle. From beautiful art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours & hot air ballooning, there are a myriad of things to do.

Depart this morning at 08:00am for the Hunter Valley wine country. Enroute visit a wildlife park to pat and photograph koalas, kangaroos and many other favourite native Australian animals. Stop for a memorable lunch at Brooklyn village, overlooking the Hawkesbury River. Late afternoon arrive into Hunter wine country where you'll enjoy tasting superb Hunter wines before arriving at your hotel in the vineyards.

Nestled in the heart of New South Wales Hunter Valley wine country, Peppers Guest House is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooks beautiful vineyards. The hotel offers 48 deluxe guestrooms that are tastefully furnished and facilitated with an array of contemporary amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can dine at the onsite Chez Pok Restaurant, which serves delicious modern Australian cuisine with French, Asian and Italian influences and herbs picked from the retreat's own garden. You can also unwind at the cozy bar with your favorite drink. During your free time, take advantage of the hotel’s tennis court, swimming pool, spa, solarium and sauna.

Overnight at Peppers Guest House (4*).

You will depart today for Port Stephens by private air-conditoned mini-coach. In your 4WD cross Stockton sand dunes onto the 40 km (25 mile) beachfront. See the unbelievable dunes and dig for pipis. Enjoy delicious lunch overlooking the marina at Port Stephens. This afternoon join an unforgettable 1.5 hour dolphin watch cruise on the sheltered waters of Port Stephens. There's even time for a swim if you feel like it! Return to Sydney at approximately 6.30pm. This is a magical holiday and wildlife experience in the wine country and blue water paradise of Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.

You will depart the Hunter Valley region today and drive back to Sydney by air-conditioned coach.

A unique Sydney hotel offering chic accommodation in the heart of Sydney, Vibe Hotel Sydney (4*) exudes the style of this fantastic city. You will love the convenience of staying in this vibrant location and in the heart of all the action. The hotel is perfectly positioned for you to easily discover Sydney’s vibrant CBD fringe villages of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Chinatown and the Sydney entertainment precinct offering live theatre and music year round. Sydney’s premier tourist destinations like Sydney Centrepoint Tower, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, The Rocks and Circular Quay are only minutes away so you may want to stay just a little bit longer…and enjoy the vibe!

Overnight at Vibe (4*).

Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Includes airport transfer to city/hotel with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

Travel between Ayers Rock airport to hotel and vice versa. Wait times may vary but approximately 20minutes.

You will be picked up from your hotel by coach along with fellow travellers. We will visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative, dedicated to interpreting Anangu culture and law. Travel to the waterhole of Mutitjulu for a guided walk, viewing ancient cave paintings and learning about the Aboriginal legends of Kuniya Tjukurpa (Python Dreaming). Join the guided Mala Walk to learn the story of the Mala (Hare Wallaby) people who once lived at Uluru. See painted caves and learn of the region’s geology and flora. As you tour the base of Uluru, visit Kantju Gorge, a waterhole and old hunting ground. Late in the day, watch the sunset over Uluru, admire the ever-changing colours of the monolith while the sun sinks below the horizon. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and canapés as the dusk deepens into night.

Desert Gardens (4*) is set amongst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs, the rooms at Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel feature the unique flora of the Central Australian Desert. Shaded walkways lead to spacious poolside rooms and some of the new deluxe rooms even offer spectacular views of Uluru. Under the private veranda or courtyard of your room, experience what is arguably Australia’s best sunset. When the sun has gone down, dine at White Gums Restaurant and savour Australian native delicacies or feast on the flavours of the a la carte Arnguli Grill.

Overnight at Desert Gardens (4*).

You will be picked up from your Ayers Rock hotel one hour before sunrise by an expert naturalist guide. On this small group tour you enjoy sunrise, a restaurant breakfast overlooking Uluru and the Liru Walk with Aboriginal guides. On the famous Liru Walk you will retrace the path of the Liru Ancestors through the bushland near Uluru. Hear the tragic fate of Lungkata (Blue Tongue Lizard Man), who is still lying at the base of Uluru. See demonstrations of ancient bush skills such as making kiti (bush glue), making fire without matches and carving wooden tools with only a sharpened stone. Learn to hold and throw a spear.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Here is an unforgettable evening, eating beautifully prepared food under the Outback sky by the Sounds of Silence Dinner. A special location is chosen where you are escorted to shortly before sundown. A lone didgeridoo echoes across the desert as you enjoy champagne and canapés. While the sun sets in a blaze of reds and oranges, and well into the starlit night, you feast on array of the Northern Territory's culinary delights, including barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile, bush salads, and classic Australian desserts. Attention then turns to some of the world's best stargazing, with the assistance of the resident astronomer. As you wind down, coffee or tea are served. In winter, guests gather around a campfire to savour a special treat of hot mulled wine.

Overnight at Desert Gardens (4*).

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

Travel between Ayers Rock airport to hotel and vice versa. Wait times may vary but approximately 20minutes.

Transfer between Cairns airport and your city hotel with private vehicle and driver.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Located in the heart of the city, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns overlooks Trinity Bay and the departure point for the Great Barrier Reef. The hotel features 128 rooms and suites, all with spa baths and private garden balconies. Enjoy innovative and award winning Thai fusion cuisine in the exquisite setting of Tamarind, or any of 10 other restaurants and bars. Other facilities include a gymnasium, spa and rooftop swimming pool.

Overnight at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino (5*).

Cooktown is the northernmost town on the east coast of Australia, located at the mouth of the Endeavour River, on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. In the Guugu Yimithirr the name for the region is, Gan.gaarr, which means "(place of the) rock crystals." Quartz crystals were used in various Aboriginal ceremonies and are found in the vicinity, they were traded as far south as Mossman, to the north of Cairns.

Depart Cairns and cross the Daintree River by cable ferry before an interpretive World Heritage Rainforest walk. We’ll visit the conservation base of the Australian Rainforest Foundation and contribute to a tree planting program to increase cassowary habitat and reduce our carbon footprint. Continue north along the 4WD Bloomfield Track, crossing creeks and mountain ranges. Meet the Walker Family, Aboriginal women who share their traditional knowledge of bush tucker and medicine at the spectacular Bloomfield Falls, and join them for a picnic lunch at a picturesque riverside site. Stop at the Lion's Den, a classic outback pub, and visit mysterious Black Mountain. In Australia’s most historic frontier outpost, Cooktown, relive journeys of exploration and a rollicking goldrush. Accommodation – Sovereign Resort, Cooktown

The Sovereign Resort is a luxurious resort style Hotel - your perfect place to relax and unwind after pioneering Cooktown and the Outback. With rich, warm country hospitality, in fine colonial style, the Sovereign provides home comforts, that even the most intrepid explorer should not go without. Originally constructed in 1874, at the port end of Charlotte Street, The Sovereign Resort in now transformed into a comfortable resort style hotel. There is a beautiful free form swimming pool set amidst award winning landscaped tropical gardens. Resort facilities include an a la carte restaurant - the Balcony Restaurant, The Quarterdeck Cocktail Bar and The Café Bar. Accommodation is AAA Tourism 4 star rated. Cooktown is the gateway to Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. The Resort is centrally located to all historic sights, wharf and all amenities. Game fishing, reef fishing, diving and snorkelling on the local reefs are rated with the best in world.

Overnight at The Sovereign Resort (4*).

Laura is a rural town in the Mid North - Southern Flinders Ranges region of South Australia, 12 km north of Gladstone on the Main North Road and 40 km east of Port Pirie. It is famous as the home of Golden North Ice Cream which has been manufactured in the town since 1923 (the factory being the biggest employer in the District), and was a boyhood home of poet C.J. Dennis, whose first poem was published in the Laura Standard newspaper.

Depart Cooktown and travel west into the savannah. A 4WD track will take you into Jowalbinna, the epicentre of “Quinkan” Rock Art for outback hospitality. You’ll be inspired by this afternoon’s rock art walk. This body of work is rated by UNESCO as one of the top ten rock art regions in the world. Your guide will explain the significance of these artworks, the traditional lifestyle of the Aboriginal people and the conservation initiatives to preserve these national treasures. Later relax with a refreshing swim in a bush creek or simply enjoy the peace of this remote outback location. In the evening relax by the campfire.

Jowalbinna is a pleasant five hour drive from Cairns. A two night stay is recommended. Accommodation is in comfortable cabins with share facilities or camp in picturesque natural campsites. Cafe meals are available.

Overnight at Jowalbinna Rock Art Camp.

Rise to the morning chorus of Kookaburras and Blue-faced Honeyeaters, two of over fifty bird species here. Enjoy breakfast in the bush and choose to throw a boomerang, take a self guided walk or paint your own canvas.

Depart Jowalbinna and head through the outback landscape to visit the Quinkan Regional Cultural Centre. Cross the Great Dividing Range and leave the termite mounds and beef cattle country to descend the rainforest clad mountains. Meet the coast once again, returning to Port Douglas or Cairns.

Located in the heart of the city, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns overlooks Trinity Bay and the departure point for the Great Barrier Reef. The hotel features 128 rooms and suites, all with spa baths and private garden balconies. Enjoy innovative and award winning Thai fusion cuisine in the exquisite setting of Tamarind, or any of 10 other restaurants and bars. Other facilities include a gymnasium, spa and rooftop swimming pool.

Overnight at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino (5*).

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching 3,000 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN has labelled it one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The Queensland National Trust has named it a state icon of Queensland. A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the impact of human use, such as overfishing and tourism.

You will be transferred back to Cairns by hi-speed air-conditioned catamaran and private car.

Spend the day in the sun snorkelling and diving at your leisure. Your time onboard Reef Encounter will be spent scuba diving or snorkelling at the many different reefs and locations on the Great Barrier Reef that we travel to and from.

Reef Encounter is a 35 metre luxury vessel designed for the utmost stability & comfort at sea. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout & features spacious decks as well as roomy dining & recreation areas to dine and relax in. The large easy access water platform allows hassle free scuba diving and snorkelling. The vessel also features staterooms which have double or twin beds, all with private bathrooms.

Overnight at Reef Encounter (4*).

Spend the day in the sun snorkelling and diving at your leisure. Your time onboard Reef Encounter will be spent scuba diving or snorkelling at the many different reefs and locations on the Great Barrier Reef that we travel to and from.

Overnight at Reef Encounter (4*).

You will be transferred back to Cairns by hi-speed air-conditioned catamaran and private car.