Nov 10, 2012 Sydney
On arrival into Sydney you will be transferred by coach from Sydney Airport to your hotel. This evening you will enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Old Sydney Holiday Inn (D)
Nov 11, 2012 Sydney - Cairns
This morning you will be transferred by coach to Sydney Airport for your onward flight to Cairns (airfare not included).
On arrival into Cairns you will be transferred by coach to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Cairns.
Tonight, get to know the local wildlife at the Carins Night Zoo.
(B,D) Accommodation: 3* hotel - Cairns
Nov 12, 2012 Great Barrier Reef
Today you will join the Great Adventures catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation, and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the Underwater Observatory and the semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). A buffet lunch and return coach transfers are included.
( L) Accommodation: 3* hotel - Cairns
Nov 13, 2012 Kuranda Rainforest Tour & Skyrail
Today travel to by coach to Freshwater Station where you will board the famous Kuranda Railway. Enjoy a breathtaking trip on one of the world's most scenic operational rail journeys. On arrival in Kuranda there is free time to take a stroll through the famous Kuranda Markets.
Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway which takes you above the canopy of the tropical rainforest. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and learn about this ancient culture through theatre, stage shows and demonstrations before your coach transfer back to the hotel.
(B) Accommodation: 3* hotel - Cairns
Nov 14, 2012 Eclipse day
Depart before dawn for to our specially selected and secluded east-facing beach. Our group has free access to the entire beach with perfect, unobstructed view of the Sun at dawn from the eastern shore. Our beach and special 4x4 busses offer full mobility on Eclipse morning for our best chance for last minute positioning success on eclipse morning. At the conclusion of the day you will be transferred to your hotel. Dinner this evening is at Ochre Restaurant.
(B,D) Accommodation: 3* hotel - Cairns
Nov 15, 2012 Cairns - Ayers Rock
This morning you will be transferred by coach to Cairns Airport for your onward flight. On arrival into Ayers Rock (flights to arrive prior to 1pm; airfare not included) you will be transferred by coach to your hotel for check in. This afternoon you will travel by coach to Kata Tjuta. Your driver/guide will escort you on a 2-3 hour walk through the Kata Tjuta domes to the Valley of the Winds Lookout. The walking path is rocky, and requires a good level of fitness. After the walk, take in a magnificent outback sunset over Kata Tjuta. Refresh yourself with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Travel to our exclusive venue to enjoy an Australian barbecue dinner. There is time for stargazing too (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Outback Pioneer, Ayers Rock (B, D)
Nov 16, 2012 Uluru - Kings Canyon
Rise early this morning and travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area to see the Red Centre set alight by the first rays of the sun. Enjoy a warming cup of tea or coffee and biscuits whilst the colours of Uluru gradually change as the sun rises on the horizon. Commence a base tour of Uluru, including a guided walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole.
View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the flora, fauna and Aboriginal history. Continue around the base of Uluru by coach and see various sacred sites. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where there is time to read the Tjukurpa (Aboriginal law).
Later we travel by coach through the desert scenery from Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon Resort. Pass through Curtin Springs and view Atila (Mt. Conner). After turning off the Lasseter Highway and onto Luritja Road your driver/guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations. Arrive at Kings Canyon Resort before dusk. You may have time to view the sun set behind Carmichaels Crag to finish off the day. Tonight, we we enjoy the true dark, Australian skies we hoped for. At the remote, Kings Canyon Resort, we are free from light polution, in a rustic, outback setting.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort (B,D)
Nov 17, 2012 Kings Canyon - Alice Springs
This morning join your driver/guide for a 3 hour guided climb to the rim of Kings Canyon for breathtaking views of Watarrka National Park (for those with a good level of fitness, supportive footwear essential). Alternatively, explore the canyon floor - an easier, shady walk.
Travel by coach to Alice Springs this afternoon.
Accommodation: Chifley Alice Springs Resort (B)
Nov 18, 2012 Alice Springs - Home
Today is yours at leisure until your coach transfer to Alice Springs Airport for your onward flight (Airfare not included)
Tour Concludes (B)
