Australia & The Ghan

DAYS 1-3 - LONDON TO CAIRNS Palm Cove Beach, Cairns We depart London Heathrow for an overnight flight to Dubai, continuing via Sydney to Cairns. We arrive early morning on Day 3 with a leisurely day ahead, spending the next three nights at the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. DAY 4 - KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY Kuranda Scenic Railway Today we travel on the wonderful 125-year old Kuranda Scenic Railway. Our journey takes us into the rainforest and above the Barron River Gorge to Kuranda. On arrival we take a trip on a World War II amphibious military transport unit, or 'Army Duck', through World Heritage Rainforest, with the Duck Captain pointing out the different flora, fauna, birds and reptiles which we pass on our journey. After enjoying lunch, we experience an Aboriginal 'corroboree' with songs and dance, following the path of the Dreamtime Walk through traditional legend. DAY 5 - GREAT BARRIER REEF Great Barrier Reef A real highlight of our holiday is today's Quicksilver Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system which is home to thousands of species and stretches over 1,800 miles. A large covered pontoon is our base for the day, where we enjoy lunch and explore the reef. Snorkelling is the best way to view the exquisite coral and vibrant fish close up, but our base also has a semi-submersible vessel to take non- swimmers for a cruise along the reef wall. The underwater observatory is a superb window into this extraordinary world! DAY 6 - TO ULURU Uluru We leave Cairns today and fly to the desert to Uluru. Ayers Rock, the world's largest monolith, rises majestically more than 1,142 feet out of the flat desert floor. We begin at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre with a guided tour around this sacred site, which holds great spiritual significance to local Anangu people. Later, as the sun sets, we watch this giant rock change colour and enjoy a magical dinner under the stars. The incredible 'Sounds of Silence' experience includes canapés and sparkling wine as the sun sets over Uluru, followed by a three-course dinner with a bush-inspired menu including kangaroo, crocodile, barramundi and quandong. After dinner, a 'star talker' will decode the southern night sky and point out signs of the zodiac and the planets and galaxies visible due to the clarity of the atmosphere. We spend two nights at the Desert Gardens Hotel in the Ayers Rock Resort. DAY 7 - AYERS ROCK The Olgas This morning we enjoy a 'Sunrise & Olgas' tour. This circular group of 36 red rocky domes cover a large area and are as mystical as Uluru. Your afternoon is free to spend at leisure in Ayers Rock Resort, an ideal opportunity to relax by the pool. DAYS 8-9 - ALICE SPRINGS & THE GHAN The Ghan Today we enjoy a free morning before travelling by coach to Alice Springs, for a night at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. On Day 9 we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air. We join The Ghan for our epic rail journey travelling from Alice Springs to Adelaide. The Ghan has long been a tradition for train travel between Alice Springs and Adelaide and is often referred to as the ultimate journey through the heart of this mighty continent, taking passengers on what is undoubtedly one of the world's greatest rail journeys. Named after the Afghan drivers of the camel 'trains', The Ghan is a mode of transport, a sightseeing trip and a hotel, all in one. We travel in Gold Service, with all of our meals included during the journey, which are served in the Restaurant Car. The meals are freshly prepared by the on-board chefs and menus feature a selection of Australian and international cuisine. Gold Service passengers also have access to the on-board Gold Lounge. All drinks for Gold Service passengers, including beers, wines and spirits, are included during your time on The Ghan. DAY 10 - TO ADELAIDE Adelaide We travel to Adelaide across the barren landscape of the Red Centre. We leave The Ghan for a three night stay at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel and enjoy a city tour of colonial highlights including Government House and the Parliament building. DAYS 11-13 - BAROSSA VALLEY AND THE OVERLAND Barossa Eden Valley We explore the vineyards of the Barossa Valley by coach today, with the chance to taste some superb wines. On Day 12 you are free to explore at leisure or take an optional excursion (payable locally) to Kangaroo Island. On Day 13 we leave Adelaide and journey to Melbourne, Australia's 'Garden State', on board The Overland. We check into Melbourne's Crown Promenade Hotel for a four-night stay. DAYS 14-16 - MELBOURNE AND PHILLIP ISLAND The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Our city tour today includes the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Parliament House. In the afternoon we join the Puffing Billy steam train for a journey through the rainforest and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges. On Day 15 we travel along one of the world's most scenic roads, the Great Ocean Road, to the Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach and the Otway Rainforest. On Day 16 you are free until mid-afternoon, when we head by coach to Phillip Island, named after Governor Arthur Phillip, which forms a natural breakwater for the shallow waters of Western Port Bay. Here we visit the Koala Conservation Centre. At sunset, overlooking the beach from the viewing platforms, you will encounter a wonderful spectacle of the wild fairy penguins emerging from the sea and crossing the sand to their burrows in the dunes (numbers vary depending on the season). DAYS 17-18 - TO SYDNEY Sydney Harbour We leave Melbourne today on the CountryLink XTP, travelling through Victoria and New South Wales to Sydney. We spend four nights at the Amora Jamison. We take a cruise around stunning Sydney harbour on Day 18, taking in marvellous views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. DAYS 19-20 - THE BLUE MOUNTAINS AND SYDNEY Zig-Zag Railway, the Blue Mountains Today we take the train towards the Blue Mountains. Our tour of this area includes the Three Sisters rock formation, a cable car trip and a journey on the Katoomba Scenic Railway. On Day 20 you have a free day to explore Sydney. DAYS 21-22 - RETURN TO LONDON Flying home You are free for some last-minute sightseeing today before we catch an evening flight via Dubai to London Heathrow, arriving early on Day 22.