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Australian Highlights 2013

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Bondi BeachKangaroos in the outbackMelbourneUluru, Northern Territory
Bondi Beach
Kangaroos in the outback
Melbourne
Uluru, Northern Territory
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1 to Day 2

    DEPART CANADA

    You will fly over the international date line on your way to Melbourne, Australia.

  • Day 3

    ARRIVE MELBOURNE (3 NIGHTS)

    On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). This evening enjoy a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow traveling companions.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: Crowne Plaza (MD)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 4

    MELBOURNE SIGHSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne including the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 5

    MELBOURNE FREE TIME

    Enjoy a free day in Melbourne. Consider an excursion to the Dandenong Ranges and ride through the magnificent rainforest on Puffing Billy, Australia’s oldest operating steam train, followed by wine tasting in the Yarra Valley. Or travel along the famous Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Perhaps visit Phillip Island to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade on Summerland Beach where the Little Penguins march up the sand to their nesting places.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 6

    MELBOURNE - ALICE SPRINGS

    You will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your early morning flight to Alice Springs. On arrival, visit the School of the Air, which provides an educational facility for children living in remote areas. You are invited to join the Heaslip family for afternoon tea at Bond Springs Station, nestled in the MacDonnell Ranges, west of Alice Springs. You’ll hear about their life working on their 585 square mile cattle grazing property.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 7

    ALICE SPRINGS - ULURU (AYERS ROCK) (2 NIGHTS)

    Before departing Alice Springs you’ll visit the historic Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn from a Local Expert how this marvelous facility operates to provide a mantle of safety to the people of the outback. Travel through the West MacDonnell and James Ranges then pause to view majestic Atila (Mt. Conner) before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. In the late afternoon we travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness and photograph the striking color changes of Uluru at sunset while enjoying a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 8

    KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS)

    Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. Watch the first rays of the sun set the Red Centre alight. Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. This afternoon travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of red conglomerate rock will amaze you. Take a walk through Walpa Gorge following the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes. Celebrate the glorious sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 9

    ULURU (AYERS ROCK) - CAIRNS (3 NIGHTS)

    This morning enjoy free time at Ayers Rock Resort before transferring to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Hilton (D)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 10

    GREAT BARRIER REEF

    Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the colorful coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible vessel. Snorkeling gear is included (extra charge for scuba). Enjoy a reef education presentation on this living wonder with a Local Expert and a tropical buffet Highlight Lunch on board the pontoon. Return to Cairns in the late afternoon.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

  • Day 11

    CAIRNS FREE TIME

    Today is free for you to make the most of Cairns. Relax by the hotel pool or go shopping. You may like to join an optional tour to Kuranda including a scenic rail journey on the Kuranda Train and ride the Skyrail Cableway above the canopy of the rainforest or try hot air ballooning over the Atherton Tablelands.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 12

    CAIRNS - SYDNEY (3 NIGHTS)

    This morning encounter unique Australian animals at the Cairns Wildlife Dome. You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening is free for you to explore this exciting city. Perhaps take a stroll down to Circular Quay to view the panorama of the sparkling harbor surrounded by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour (MD)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 13

    SYDNEY SIGHTSEEING AND HARBOR CRUISE

    This morning see the sights of Sydney. Visit the Sydney Opera House for a tour with a Local Expert. See the Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair and Kings Cross. Our destination is famous Bondi Beach for an iconic Australian experience. You’ll be greeted by a local surf lifesaver before a Be My Guest lunch at an Aussie institution, the Returned Servicemen’s Club, with its views over the Pacific Ocean. Your host will take you on an exclusive tour through Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving club to learn about the history of Bondi and surf lifesaving. When you return to the city you’ll cruise on the glistening water of Sydney Harbour and then have the opportunity to learn about Australia’s national gemstone – the opal. Then why not visit the historic Rocks area at Circular Quay, which dates back to the time of the early settlers.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest lunch)

  • Day 14

    SYDNEY FREE TIME

    Explore the beautiful harbor city of Sydney further today. Perhaps take an optional tour to the Blue Mountains. Celebrate this evening at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and new-found friends.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

  • Day 15

    SYDNEY - CANADA

    Say goodbye to your fellow travelers as you are transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Be My Guest Feel the sand between your toes when you visit Bondi Beach for lunch at an Aussie institution with views over the Pacific Ocean.
  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
  • Local Expert Learn how the Royal Flying Doctor Service provides a ‘mantle of safety’ to the people of the outback, discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and journey through the Sydney Opera House with Local Experts.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • MelbourneSee the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Shrine of Remembrance.
  • Alice SpringsVisit the Telegraph Station, Royal flying Doctor Service and School of the Air.
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock)Experience sunset and sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock).
  • Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)View the 36 domes of conglomerate rock at sunset.
  • Great Barrier ReefGet up close to the colorful coral and tropical fish.
  • CairnsA free day to relax or go sightseeing in this tropical city.
  • SydneyView the Harbour Bridge and Opera House on a harbor cruise.

Dining

  • 12 hot buffet breakfasts

  • 2 Lunches including:

  • Highlight Lunch on the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Be My Guest lunch in Sydney.
  • Welcome Reception with your Travel Director in Melbourne.

  • Afternoon tea in Alice Springs.
  • 2 evening meals including:

  • 1 two or three-course dinner.
  • Farewell Dinner in Sydney.

Travel Highlights

  • Airport transfers are provided as indicated in the itinerary.
  • First Class hotel accommodation, which includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and restroom onboard.
  • Escorted by one of Trafalgars top professional Travel Directors.
  • A stylish wallet, travel documents, keepsake booklet and map.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
  • These prices are LAND-ONLY and are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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