This itinerary combines the best of Australia and caters to the whole family with the family oriented hotels we have specifically chosen to include on this itinerary. Starting in Cairns, enjoy a catamaran cruise around the Great Barrier Reef - one of the most magnificent reefs in the world. Set Sail aboard a five star catamaran and enjoy a reef experience - a day to remember.

From your Cairns accommodation, travel two hours into the Australian highlands where your tree-top cottage awaits. Enjoy living in a unique pole & timber tree-house in Rose Gum Wilderness Retreat's cool tropical climate. Wonder at the spectacular rainforest and mountain scenery and explore the walking tracks through the 230 acre property. Escape to total privacy with no sign of civilisation (not even another tree-house). Be amazed by the abundant wildlife including over 160 bird species.

Australia’s biggest rock, Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it is commonly known, makes the Red Centre of Australia its home. You will fly out to the middle of Australia where you will discover this wonder. To fully appreciate the vastness of this area you will need to experience the sunset and sunrise. Explore the mysteries of time, rare indigenous Aboriginal culture, local history and customs in this area. Enjoy dinner under the stars in the Australian outback with your family. This magical evening is to step outside the world for a moment.

Fly to Sydney and spend two nights exploring Sydney's unique suburbs and historical centers. Enjoy a full day adventure by 4WD into the Blue Mountains and visit a wildlife sanctuary. Experience a one in a lifetime journey into the Taronga Zoo with its Roar and Snore Package. Spend a night under the stars in permanent tents set up in the middle of the zoo with views of the Sydney harbour from the front door of your tent! Take two behind the scenes tours into the zoo where the normal public does not normally have access to. An unforgettable experience that the whole family will enjoy!

Finish this epic tour in Melbourne. Watch the famous Penguin's Parade and enjoy the dramatic scenery of wild cliff tops and shipwrecks.

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 Qantus.

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.

Private transfer between Cairns airport and your hotel, or vice versa.

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

Ideally situated on Cairns' stunning waterfront with amazing views over the marina, The Sebel Harbour Lights (4.5*) offers fully self-contained apartments with furnished balconies that make the most of the stunning views of the marina, Marlin Parade or parklands. Boasting a central location in the heart of Cairns, take advantage of easy access to the major shopping areas, restaurants and attractions of Cairns as well as first class facilities which include an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and spa pool.

Overnight at The Sebel Harbour Lights (4.5*).

Established in 1980, Cairns Tropical Zoo is the largest and most diverse wildlife attraction in Tropical North Queensland and is set amidst six hectares of tropically landscaped gardens. Locally owned and operated, the zoo is home to hundreds of native and exotic species, many of which are indigenous to the Northern wet tropics. Cairns Tropical Zoo has broken the mould of traditional zoos by creating opportunities for you to interact with our animals. There are numerous opportunities during the day to get close, touch, feel and make some new animal friends. The zoo’s philosophy is that personal interaction with animals encourages a greater understanding of native wildlife and promotes the need to preserve their natural habitats. You will have the chance to hold a Koala Bear for a $16 extra fee.

Spend the day exploring Cairns at your own pace. The city of Cairns has recently been renovated to enhance its image and provide a relaxing place for tourists and Cairns locals to congregate and have fun. Cairns Esplanade, once a huge grassy park, now features a world-class facility incorporating an outdoor amphitheatre, a large sandy swimming lagoon, grassy picnic areas, walking tracks, free public barbeques, children's playground, shops and restaurants, an environmental interpretation centre and a Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruise departure terminal. But Cairns is only really the hub to the attractions of Far North Queensland.

Overnight at The Sebel Harbour Lights (4.5*).

Join fellow travellers on a memorable tour of the famous Great Barrier Reef. Michaelmas Cay is a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. The Cay is a protected seabird sanctuary playing host to over 20,000 migratory seabirds ... one of the most important nesting sights in the Southern Hemisphere. Set Sail aboard a five star catamaran and enjoy a reef experience - a day to remember .

Overnight at The Sebel Harbour Lights (4.5*).

You will be picked up by private car and English speaking driver and transfer between Cairns and Atherton Tablelands.

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat(4*) is 230 acres of pure paradise situated just ten minutes from Lake Eacham in the Cairns Highlands. The treehouses sit in elevated rainforest surroundings looking out over Wooroonooran National Park. All luxurious pole and timber treehouses are totally private and feature large spas, cosy fireplaces and balconies with stunning mountain views. There are pristine rainforest streams to explore, nine kilometres of walking tracks and abundant bird life with over 160 species recorded. Guided bird watching is available. A complimentary breakfast hamper is also included. This cool tropical mountain retreat offers peace and relaxation and with its eastern outlook, guests are rewarded with fabulous moon and sun rises over the mountains. They are ideal for the romantic hideaway or the family holiday.

Overnight at Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat(4*).

Spend the day enjoying the pristine wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands. Kilometres of walking tracks are onsite leading to a pristine rainforest creek, a charming waterfall and giant trees such as rose gums. The tracks vary in grade from easy to average and in duration from 40 minutes to 90 minutes. Speak to the hotel staff for excursions out to Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine, Malanda Falls, Undara Lava tubes, Milla Milla Falls, Mungalli Creek Cheese Factory, or Mount Hypipamee Crater National Park. If you would rather relax, enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you from your private Tree-Top cottage.

Overnight at Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat(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.

You will be picked up by private car and English speaking Driver and transfer between your lodge in the Atherton Tablelands to Cairns.

Private transfer between Cairns airport and your hotel, or vice versa.

Shared transfer from Ayers Rock airport to hotels and vice versa. Wait times may vary, but average 20 minutes.

An unforgettable evening of beautifully prepared food under the Outback sky - the Sounds of Silence Dinner. You are escorted to a specially chosen location shortly before sundown and 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 an 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.

Desert Gardens (4.5*) 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 (4.5*).

A peaceful one hour camel ride through stunning sand dune country with the awe inspiring back drop of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Take in the cool morning air and watch as the rising sun lights Uluru and surrounding plains while skilled cameleers describe the flora and fauna. Enjoy billy tea and freshly baked beer bread after the ride. Please note the camel max weight is 95kg. Please also note children under the age of 5 are not able to participate.

Pick up from your hotel by coach along with fellow travellers. 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.

Overnight at Desert Gardens (4.5*).

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.

Shared transfer from Ayers Rock airport to hotels and vice versa. Wait times may vary, but average 20 minutes.

Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

Set majestically on the eastern shore of Circular Quay, the Quay Grand Suites Sydney (5*) is set in the midst of Sydney's key attractions including Sydney Harbour, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Opera House. Each apartment is designed to take full advantage of the spectacular views. The hotel also offers two unique dining and entertainment options - Quadrant Restaurant offers an imaginative Australian and Mediterranean menu and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alternatively ECQ Bar is an ideal spot to catch up with friends at the end of a busy day, or to simply relax over a quiet drink, coffee or light meal. Both offer spectacular harbor views and five-star service. Also, the hotel has spa and pool as well.

Overnight at Quay Grand Suites Sydney (5*).

A shared luxury 4WD tour to the Blue Mountains. Meet Australia’s unique native animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park. A great photo opportunity, where you will come in close contact with Australian animals. Experience an off road Adventure as you descend a deep canyon. Enjoy a remote stop along the way in this World Heritage area, and breathe in the essence of the Australian eucalyptus while your friendly Guide explains the unique qualities of the Aussie bush. Then you visit the Mt. Tomah Botanic Gardens - home to Australia’s largest collection of cool climate plants and the ‘Dinosaur Age’ Wollemi Pine. The journey continues along the scenic Bells Line Road with views over Grose Canyon, with its towering sandstone walls. The afternoon will be spent in Glenbrook National Park with a close up experience with wild Kangaroos and the many varieties of bird that inhabit this area.

Overnight at Quay Grand Suites Sydney (5*).

You will be picked up by private car and driver and transfer between Sydney and the Taronga Zoo.

Get up close and personal with some of the zoo's friendliest creatures this evening. Bring your camera as there are great photo opportunities!

Taronga Zoo's unique accommodation experience, Roar & Snore, has been re-launched. You can now spend the night camping out with the animals, in the comfort of purpose built safari tents, while looking out over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The chance to preview this unforgettable experience is truly once in a lifetime opportunity. The ‘new' Roar & Snore is now a fully hosted experience which includes architecturally designed tents, a sumptuous roast feast, drinks in the main tent, up-close animal encounters and the only opportunity to camp overnight with the views of Sydney Harbour and the city on one side and lions, leopards and Meerkats on the other.

Overnight at Taronga Zoo Roar & Snore.

The Roar and Snore package offers 2 exclusive experiences today. Explore areas that the normal public does not have access to so close up! After your intimate encounters with the animals, spend the rest of your day exploring the Taronga Zoo.

You will be picked up by private car and driver and transfer between Sydney and the Taronga Zoo.

Overnight at Quay Grand Suites Sydney (5*).

Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia, and is located around Port Phillip Bay in the south-east. The city is often referred to as Australia's 'sporting and cultural capital' and it is home to many of the nation's most significant cultural and sporting events and institutions. Melbourne is notable for its mix of Victorian and contemporary architecture, its extensive tram network and Victorian parks and gardens, as well as its diverse, multicultural society.

Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

Take a private airport transfer in Melbourne with a private vehicle and driver.

Positioned in an unrivalled location in the very heart of Melbourne's CBD and city, The Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure is a 4.5 star hotel on Swanston Street surrounded by the city's most popular business and shopping precincts, theatres, galleries, bars and restaurants.  With vibrant Bourke St Mall right on your doorstep, other attractions like Federation Square, Southbank, Her Majesty’s and Regent Theatres, Queen Victoria Markets and Melbourne Central Shopping Complex are just a short stroll away.  In addition, a quick tram ride will take you to all major sporting venues including the MCG and Etihad Stadium plus the city’s cosmopolitan shopping and entertainment hotspots such as St Kilda, Chapel St, Bridge Rd and Brunswick St.

Overnight at The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure .

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

You will be picked up by mini-coach and taken southeast of the city through the rich Gippsland coastal region. Visit a boutique winery overlooking Westernport Bay hearing colourful stories about explorers, sealers and whalers who settled this region. Phillip Island is known as the wildlife island. Walk amongst the treetops at the Koala Conservation Centre to see a protected koala company. Walk with your guide in nature reserve bushland and wetlands. The walk provides the opportunity to see wallabies and a range of bird life in the wild. Penguins come ashore each evening at dusk from their ocean feeding grounds. The large penguin colony enters the beach in groups and “walk and talk” loudly as they work their way into the dunes where their burrow nests are situated. Boardwalks enable you to gain close contact with the penguins in the dune area. Enjoy a fish and chip dinner at the Jetty Restaurant in the township of Cowes at Phillip Island.

Overnight at The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure .

You will be picked up by shared mini-coach and taken on a tour today with other travellers. As we leave the stretching suburbs, Port Phillip Bay can be seen from the top of Westgate Bridge. Enter the volcanic western plains of Victoria where European settlers forged their way as far as the Otway Ranges, establishing large sheep properties and homesteads. Head into Geelong and the picturesque waterfront overlooking Corio Bay. See the port that was the centre of trade during the famous goldrush era in the 19th century. Cross rich sheep and dairy farmland to the cool temperate rainforests of the Otway Ranges National Park. Enjoy a cafe styled lunch at Port Campbell while you breathe the fresh clear air that rises from the southern oceans. A short drive will take you to the Shipwreck Coast bringing tales of heroes and follies, as many ships have floundered along this wild coastline. View the 12 Apostles ocean rock formations from a coastal boardwalk. Visit the shipwreck site of "Loch Ard" where two survivors struggled ashore amidst the wreckage.

Overnight at The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure .

Take a private airport transfer in Melbourne with a private vehicle and driver.

Depart from Melbourne international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.