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Australia | Experience the Land Down Under in Melbourne, Adelaide, Ayers Rock and Cairns

Sample Itinerary

Destinations

Melbourne, Adelaide, Ayers Rock and Cairns

Trip Duration

10 nights / 11 days

Travel across Australia as you enjoy a wealth of experiences, including enticing cities, touring the rugged landscape of the Outback and exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Below is just a sample of the immersive itineraries our Destination Specialists can create. Click on the experiences links in the itinerary to see other curated excursion choices offered by Journese. Our Destination Specialists are happy to book our hotels and excursions highlighted in the itinerary below or let them know if you would like something customized. And, feel free to offer our non-hyperlinked suggestions to your clients to further explore the destination.

Itinerary

Day 1: USA / Melbourne |

Board your overnight flight for your journey to Melbourne, Australia, while in transit, you will cross the International Date Line. Upon arrival in Melbourne, transfer by private vehicle to a Deluxe room at The Westin Melbourne for three nights. Then, enjoy the Progressive Degustation Walk, for wine and food lovers alike, embark on an early evening walk to discover three unique restaurants where you will learn menu secrets and cellar influences along with wine and food tastings.

Day 2: Melbourne |

Embark on a full-day excursion along the Great Ocean Roadand discover the roaring surf, white sand beaches, rocky outcrops and towering cliffs. View koalas as you stroll the eucalyptus forest then enjoy a stop for lunch in Apollo Bay with time for shopping, or a swim in the bay. Following a visit to the Great Otway National Park, an ancient forest with towering trees, head to Port Campbell National Park. Here, you'll relish the spectacular views of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the collapsed London Bridge.

Day 3: Melbourne |

A delightful day awaits on the Phillip Island VIP Experience, where you begin with an encounter with koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre. Arrive at Nobbies for incredible coastal views, rocky outcrops and abundant marine life including Australia's largest population of fur seals. Complete your experience at the Penguin Parade Visitors Centre and learn about the penguins life, then at dusk watch the penguins parade as they battle the surf and make their way to their dune burrows.

Day 4: Melbourne / Adelaide |

This morning, fly to Adelaide, and enjoy your private transfer to Hilton Adelaide for two comfortable nights in a King deluxe room with daily breakfast. In the afternoon, embark on an Essence of Adelaide Excursion to explore this charming city. A personalized guide will describe the heritage and history as you visit the heart of the city with it's distinctive squares and gardens, North Terrace, the Jam Factory, Tandanya - The National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, the Central Market and the National Wine Centre.

Days 5 - 6: Adelaide / Ayers Rock |

A fantastic day of adventure awaits as you enjoy a full-day Kangaroo Island Highlights. Begin with a scenic trip to Cape Jervis to board SeaLink's ferry for a short crossing to Kangaroo Island. Upon arrival, travel to Seal Bay for a walk on the beach amongst friendly Seal Lions, then savor a two-course lunch at Vivonne Bay followed by a visit to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. You'll then spend the afternoon at Flinders Chase National Park, renowned as a sanctuary for kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and echidnas. Marvel in the rugged coastline and Admirals Arch, where a boardwalk takes you down the cliff face to reveal the spectacular rock archway and safe haven for New Zealand fur seals. You'll then return to Kingsote Airport for the return journey to Adelaide. The following day, relax on your flight to Ayer's Rock.

Day 6: Ayers Rock |

Upon arrival in Ayers Rock, enjoy your complimentary transfers and check-in to your Terrace room at Sails in the Desert for two comfortable nights. Begin with an authentic experience on the Cave Hill Excursion, where you will venture deep into the desert of the Pitjantjatjara lands and past Mount Conner. Be greeted upon arrival at Cave Hill by a Anangu host at the site of the Seven Sisters Tjukurpa (creation time) to hear the stories and view cave paintings where the creation history is illustrated. Then, climb to the top of Cave Hill for panoramic views of the countryside.

Days 7 - 8: Ayers Rock / Cairns |

An early morning walking tour, explore a truly spiritual place on the Kata-Tjuta Excursion in Walpa Gorge. Marvel at the majesty of these sandstone formations, explore the diverse environment and the formation of the park's famed 36 domes. In the evening, enjoy the Sounds of Silence Dinner Event, toast the sunset over Uluru rock as you are amazed by the incredible views. Savor canapes, a gourmet BBQ dinner, dessert and beverages, followed by some of the world's best star gazing with the guidance of the resident astronomer. The following day depart for Cairns.

Days 8 - 9: Cairns

Upon arrival in Cairns, board your private transfers to the Hilton Cairns where you will enjoy three nights in Spa King room with a delicious daily breakfast. The following day, embark on an aboriginal journey as you enjoy Kuranda Gold Class Excursion. Start the day with a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and discover this ancient culture through theaters, stage shows, craft demonstrations and the famous Tjapukai dancers. Then, hop on the Sky Rail for incredible sights on the way to Kuranda, a charming town at the top of the mountain. Explore the area before departing for the Kuranda Station to board the railway in the Gold Cabin, compete with snacks and cocktails on your journey.

Days 10 - 11: Cairns / USA |

An incredible underwater journey awaits on the Outer Reef Experience. Reef Magic Cruises offers a spectacular experience beginning with a fast ferry ride out the outer Great Barrier Reef, where you will spend the day on the Marine World Pontoon. Then, discover the most diverse marine life with a variety of included options, from snorkeling for both non-swimmer to advanced swimmers, glass bottom boat riders, marine biologist presentations, fish feeding demonstrations and a relaxing sun deck. Savor a sumptuous seafood and vegetarian buffet lunch, and you also have the option to add on additional activities including scuba diving for novice or certified divers, Helmet Diving and Helicopter Rides. The following day, depart on your private transfer for you comfortable flight home and beginning planning your next Aussie vacation.

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