Sunday 26 June

Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch - Sydney

Today, our tour members fly from their homes to Sydney.  On arrival we are met and transferred by coach to our Sydney Hotel for an overnight stay.

Monday 27 June

Sydney – Ayers Rock (B)

This morning, we return to Sydney Airport to join the flight to one of the great natural wonders of the world, Ayers Rock where we are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, for a 2 night stay.

Tuesday 28 June

Ayers Rock (B,D)

Today, we tour the world famous monolith Uluru (Ayers Rock) which stands 348m high.  This world heritage site combines natural wonders with Aboriginal culture.  To the west of Uluru, we also visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a massive pile of 36 weathered rock domes estimated to be as old as 500 million years.  This evening, we enjoy an unforgettable sunset at Ayers Rock over drinks.  A stunning desert panorama.

Wednesday 29 June

Ayers Rock – Alice Springs (B,D)

Leaving Uluru, we travel through spectacular desert scenery.  Travelling along the Lasseter Highway, we pass through Curtain Springs, a working cattle station with a roadhouse.  We view Atila (Mt. Connor) before we continue north and visit a camel farm – there is time for a ride (optional) for the more adventurous.  Look for the brilliant colours of the MacDonnell Ranges as we approach Alice Springs where we stay for 2 nights at the Aurora Alice Springs Hotel.  Before settling into our accommodation, we visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Thursday 30 June

Alice Springs (B)

Lying in the heart of central Australia, this famous outback town is celebrated for both the natural beauty of the surrounding areas as much as for the extraordinary people who have shaped its history.  Today, we tour the sights of “The Alice”.  This will be followed by a visit to the renowned Desert Park where we can enjoy its many attractions including the Nocturnal House and the Nature Theatre.

Friday 01 July

Alice Springs – Tennant Creek (B,D)

Before leaving Alice, we visit the School Of The Air. We then join the Stuart Highway for the journey north to Tennant Creek. Not to be missed en route are the Devils Marbles, thought to be millions of years old, giant boulders strewn across the landscape, particularly beautiful around sunset.  Tennant Creek is the hub of the Barkly Tablelands, a region of vast grassy plains and home to cattle stations the size of some world countries.

Saturday 02 July

Tennant Creek– Katherine (B,L,D)

We continue our journey north through the Barkly Tablelands and its wide warm blue skies. A compulsory stop is at the outback Daly Waters Pub, made famous for its walls that have an amazing collection of memorabilia.  Our ‘shout’ for drinks and a meat pie!  We continue north to Mataranka Thermal Springs where the crystal clear water of the thermal pool is surrounded by lush tropical forest (take your togs). Our overnight stop is at Katherine.

Sunday 03 July

Katherine – Kakadu (B,L,D)

We leave Katherine and head to the Kakadu National Park, 20,000 square kilometres of spectacular scenery and brilliant wildlife.  One of the highlights today is the Yellow Water Billabong Cruise where we see freshwater crocodiles and the prolific wildlife that abounds in the region. Our cruise quietly immerses us in the wonder and beauty of this wetland habitat. We visit the Warradjana Cultural Centre and after lunch we see the Nourangie Rock and Jabiru. Our overnight stay is at the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn.

Monday 04 July

Kakadu – Darwin (B,L)

This morning, we view the Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and then join the Guluyambi cruise along the spectacular East Alligator River that separates Kakadu from Arnhem Land. We learn about the mythology of this rich Aboriginal homeland and the river’s abundant food chain as well as the methods of hunting and gathering by the local Aboriginal people. Later this afternoon, we continue on to Darwin for a 3 night stay at Novotel Atrium Hotel.

Tuesday 05 July

Darwin (B,D)

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and home to a diverse population of over 100,000.  Darwin’s warm tropical climate and moderating sea breezes mean that an outdoor lifestyle can be enjoyed all year round.  We enjoy a morning tour of the city and surrounds.  In the evening we join a dinner cruise on the harbour which hopefully presents us with fantastic views of the fiery sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Wednesday 06 July

Darwin (B)

A free day today.  Suggestions – explore Darwin city at your own pace on the city ‘hop on, hop off buses’, or a gentle walk of Darwin’s historical and cultural sights, or the delights of the botanic and orchid gardens.  A must see is Aquascene, right in the heart of the city, where hundreds of fish arrive daily from the ocean at high tide to be fed by hand.  Or maybe just spend some time relaxing by the hotel pool.

Thursday 07 July

Darwin – Litchfield National Park – Katherine Gorge Cruise – Katherine (B,L,D)

We leave Darwin this morning and travel to the tranquil wilderness area of Litchfield National Park, with its picturesque waterfalls, plunge pools and unusual magnetic termite mounds.  See beautiful Wangi and Florence Falls before continuing on to Katherine where we enjoy a guided cruise through spectacular Katherine Gorge. Marvel at the sheer colourful walls while the guide explains the history and geology of the area.

Friday 08 July

Katherine – Lake Argyle – Ord River – Kununurra (B,D)

A great day – cross the border into Western Australia and journey into the ranges before arriving at Lake Argyle, which holds nearly 20 times more water than Sydney harbour.  You will enjoy the exciting cruise on the Ord River to Kununurra – wonderful peaceful river scenery followed by the colourful sunset on arrival at our accommodation.

Saturday 09 July

Kununurra – Halls Creek (B,L,D)

We continue our travels and visit the largest world producer of diamonds, the Argyle Diamond Mine for a guided tour.  Continue on to Halls Creek, the home of Western Australia’s Gold Rush in the 1800’s.  We visit the fascinating rock formation of ‘china wall’ and the ghost town of Old Halls Creek located 15kms from the current location of the town.

Sunday 10 July

Halls Creek – Fitzroy Crossing (B,D)

We head to Geikie Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges in The Kimberleys,  for one of the highlight of the west – a spectacular boat trip.  With our local guide, cruise through the striking coloured walls with its abundance of birdlife, crocodiles and rare aquatic creatures. Our overnight stay is at Fitzroy Crossing, a small settlement that services the nearby stations and, as its name implies, the crossing point for the Fitzroy River.

Monday 11 July

Fitzroy Crossing – Broome (B,D)

We journey into truly majestic country to Windjana Gorge, a special place rich in natural beauty and aboriginal legends. The 3.5km gorge cuts through the Napier Range, part of the ancient barrier reef. We visit Derby and see the massive boab prison tree, used as a prison cell in the early days. We then continue on to Broome, the Kimberleys most southerly town on the magnificent coastline, for a 2 night stay at Mercure Inn Continental Broome.

Tuesday 12 July

Broome (B,D)

Broome is a town where the outback adjoins the tropical coastline. This morning we tour the historic features of this former pearling capital, see Chinatown, Streeters Jetty, where pearlers once unloaded their harvest.  A visit to Cable Beach to see the sun setting over the Indian Ocean is an unforgettable sight.

Wednesday 13 July

Broome – Perth (B)

This morning, it is time to farewell our coach captain and the North as we transfer to the airport to join the  flight to Perth.  On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a 3 night stay at Novotel Perth Langley.

Thursday 14 July

Perth (B)

Welcome to Perth, Western Australia’s capital, with its Mediterranean climate, warm sunny blue skies, magnificent waterways, relaxed lifestyle, fabulous beaches and coastline.  This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Perth.

Friday 15 July

Perth (B,D)

Morning Swan River cruise to Fremantle.  See the homes on famous Millionaire’s Row and huge yachting marinas.  At Fremantle, stroll through the fascinating coastal town.

This evening, we gather for our farewell dinner together.

Saturday 16 July

Perth – Auckland (B)

This morning, we return to Perth Airport to commence our homeward journey. Arrival into Auckland will be late evening.