Spectacular Australia with the Historic Ghan Train

Your hotel room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 3pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.

Today’s sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, then drive past the lush Botanic Gardens. You’ll discover the city’s differing architectural influences as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Before returning to your hotel, indulge in a special high tea featuring mouth-watering treats, specialty teas, coffee, and a glass of champagne.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. Dine at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene or walk along Chapel and Brunswich Streets, famous for great shopping.

Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian devil. As the second oldest of Australia’s state capitals, Hobart has a wild convict past and a rich history still evident in its beautifully restored Georgian buildings and colonial cottages. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

Today, fly via Melbourne to South Australia’s capital city. Adelaide is home to world-class art, live music, major festivals, must-try restaurants, and sits at the gateway to amazing wineries. Upon arrival, take a brief orientation tour along the wide, tree-lined streets, and well-manicured gardens. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Early this morning, depart Adelaide and travel by motorcoach and ferry to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park and Flinders Chase National Park, a sanctuary for native Australian animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Stop for a walk on Remarkable Rocks, with stunning views of the sea. Next, visit Admirals Arch, a unique rock formation and home to a colony of New Zealand fur seals. Return to Adelaide late this evening.

Mid-day departure on the Ghan train for an overnight journey and a unique perspective of the Outback.

Today, travel through the heart of the Outback. Keep a lookout for red kangaroos, dingoes, camels, and feral horses, known as “Brumbies.” Visit the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological spectacle of some 36 brilliant domes. Tonight, [LF] dinner is served under the sparkling Outback sky.

For an unforgettable experience, you may choose to rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. Later, travel to Alice Springs for your flight to Darwin.

NOTE:
Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Alice Springs to Darwin.

Enjoy an orientation tour of the capital of the Northern Territory. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracey in 1974. Visit the splendid Botanic Gardens, beautiful East Point and spend time at the fascinating Darwin Museum. Tonight, you may wish to join the optional dinner cruise in Darwin Harbour.

Journey to Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest national park and a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Site. The park is home to exceptional natural beauty and a unique biodome. Take a scenic cruise and then explore ancient Aboriginal rock petroglyphs at Nourlangie Rock and learn more about the history of the area at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Return to Darwin late this evening.

Today, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Check-in to your Cairns hotel for a 3-night stay. Cairns is known for its mild winters, great nightlife and plenty of fun things to see and do. Why not explore the Cairns Night Markets whose vendors sell a vast array of souvenirs, delicious foods, and the work of local artisans and designers.

NOTE:
Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Darwin to Cairns.

Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a brilliant kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure.

A full day at leisure.

This morning, enjoy a special visit to the Koala Gardens. Afterward, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. Sydney is home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taronga Zoo.

Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House and travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s botanic gardens for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor and Harbour Bridge. Next, visit world-famous Bondi Beach with time to explore on your own. Return to Sydney and enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour to see some of the city’s best views.

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a festive farewell dinner.

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.