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.

Day 1
Sydney
Take a pre-arranged shared transfer from Sydney airport to city hotel with Sunbus. 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. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). 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. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Ideally situated, Wynyard is adjacent to the railway station. The Travelodge Wynyard Hotel is next to Sydney's wonderful attractions, restaurants and great shopping. All 270 rooms at the hotel are well furnished and comfortably equipped with several modern amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. Enjoy a wide range of modern Australian cuisine in the relaxed setting of Amber Restaurant. With great cocktails, the bar is a great place for a night cap or to meet and relax before heading out for a night on the town. Travelodge Wynyard is an affordable hotel with friendly staff always ready to provide guests with the very best service. 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.

Day 2
Sydney
Enjoy a shared walking tour of the Rocks, which is sure to be one of the highlights of your Sydney experience. In 1788 a fleet of 11 British ships safely moored in Sydney Cove after an eight month voyage from Portsmouth, England. So began the exciting saga of the exiles in an alien land. Sydney's humble beginnings were that of a penal colony, inhabited by 1,300 disoriented convict rabble, military and their families and the indispensable government officials. Today, The Rocks Village is still a lively part of Sydney, nestled as it is beneath the dominance of Sydney's Harbour Bridge. The ambience of The Rocks is enhanced by the preservation of the historic buildings and streets of nineteenth century Sydney. After the tour concludes you have the rest of the day to enjoy a harbourside lunch and do your own exploring of Sydney's magnificent harbour. (shared service, 10h30-12 weekdays; 11h30-13h) Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). 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 Magestic 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 Kensington Tours Travel Consultant if you would like to purchase this card. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 3
Sydney
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) Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). 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 Magestic 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 Kensington Tours Travel Consultant if you would like to purchase this card. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 4
Sydney - Blue Mountains
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. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Palais Royale is an ideal romantic escape destination. Professional staff will assist in providing your every need, as we understand that it is the small things that are so important. Come and see the 'best kept secret in the Blue Mountains'. Guests are welcomed into the luxurious Royale Lounge on arrival With 3 separate lounge areas, each with it's own theme and atmosphere, guests are encouraged to relax. Original leadlight windows feature along with a fireplace and artworks. 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.

Day 5
Blue Mountains - Hunter Valley
Enjoy breakfast (not included in tour price). 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. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). 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. 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.

Day 6
Hunter Valley - Sydney
You will depart today for Port Stephens by private air-condioned 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. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). You will depart the Hunter Valley region today and drive back to Sydney by air-conditioned coach. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 7
Sydney - Cairns
Take a pre-arranged shared transfer from Sydney airport to city hotel with Sunbus. Transfer between Cairns airport and your city hotel with private vehicle and driver. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Hides Hotel (3*) Cairns offers affordable accommodation right in the heart of the city. Located a short walk from the Casino, Reef Terminal, Esplanade & Kuranda Railway Station. With public transport outside the door steps. 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.

Day 8
Cairns - Cooktown
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 Lions 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 Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). 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. 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.

Day 9
Cooktown - Laura
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. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). 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. 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 Icecream 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.

Day 10
Laura - Cairns
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. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). 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. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 11
Great Barrier Reef
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. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Reef Encounter is a 35 metre luxury catamaran 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. 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.

Day 12
Great Barrier Reef - Cairns
The magic begins each day when the reef awakens. Perhaps an early morning dive, a revitalising swim or relaxing hot tub visit. Breakfast is served to your suite. All personal options are available. The Reef has a personality of its own and our resident experts, our crew, are on hand to provide whatever assistance is required in and out of the water. Personal dive/snorkel guides will assist with fitting of fins and dive/snorkel gear, providing ourguests with an aquatic adventure remembered for a lifetime Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). You will be transfered back to Cairns by hi-speed air-conditioned catamaran and private car. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 13
Cairns - Ayers Rock
Transfer between Cairns airport and your city hotel with private vehicle and driver. You will be transfered from Ayers Rock airport to your hotel with private car and driver. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). 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. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Voyages Lost Camel Hotel (3*)offers contemporary 3 ½ star accommodation. The lobby features contemporary furnishings, bright open spaces, and an intimate café and bar. At the heart of the hotel is an inviting pool and deck, where guests soak up the sun and relax in between tours. At the end of the day, relax in the lobby's bar and lounge, where a plasma screen plays anything from CNN to music videos. 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.

Day 14
Ayers Rock
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 lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in 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. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 15
Ayers Rock
You will be transfered from Ayers Rock airport to your hotel with private car and driver. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.