DAY 3  ARRIVE MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MELBOURNE CITY SIGHTS TOUR

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DAY 4  FULL DAY BLUE DANDENONG RANGES, PUFFING BILLY, HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

(B/L)            Today, travel through the eastern suburbs of Melbourne to the spectacular Dandenong Ranges. View spectacular scenery as we wind our way past open vistas of flowers and berry farms in gorgeous valleys, steep banks of ferns and warm-hearted villages. At Belgrave join the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train and travel through spectacular scenery to Menzies Creek. Continue on to an award winning winery for lunch. Visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary where you will wander through the Australian bushland and meet the keepers who will inform you about our unique wildlife. See the platypus, parrots, kangaroos, wombats and of course Australia's most famous ambassador, the koala.

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DAYS 5 MELBOURNE TO WARRNAMBOOL VIA THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD (rental car)

(B)          This morning, pick up rental car. Travel across the spectacular Westgate Bridge to Geelong, Victoria's largest provincial city. Join the Great Ocean Road at Torquay and explore this magnificent road carved into the cliffside offering some of the most spectacular coastal views in Australia. Travelling through the popular seaside resorts of Anglesea and Lorne, enjoy the scenery as you pass wide surf beaches, dramatic stretches of precipitous cliffs and idyllic coves where fern-shaded creeks join the sea. Take time at the peaceful township of Apollo Bay to enjoy a walk along a beautiful beach. After crossing the beautiful Otway Ranges, arrive at the Port Campbell National Park, an area of immense beauty featuring some of the most rugged and dangerous coastline in Victoria. See the power of the ocean at work at the Twelve Apostles, a row of great stone pillars, and the remains of London Bridge. Behold the marvel of nature, which is Loch Ard Gorge, the scene of the dramatic shipwreck of the "Loch Ard" with only two survivors over 100 years ago. Continue on to Warrnambool.

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DAY 6 WARRNAMBOOL TO ADELAIDE (rental car)

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DAY 7 FULL DAY KANGAROO ISLAND TOUR (air)

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DAY 8  ADELAIDE TO ALICE SPRINGS VIA THE GHAN OUTBACK TRAIN

(B, D)          This morning transfer to the railway station to board the famous Ghan Train. Originally, The Ghan followed the trail of the explorer John McDouall Stuart and The Afghan camel trains along the base of the Flinders Ranges. In 1980, a new and less trouble-prone track was opened 100 kilometres to the west. Never-the less, The Ghan today, travels through much the same terrain and provides travellers with a taste of the history and romance of the original. During the first part of the journey, you will see the harsh, yet hauntingly beautiful, Red Centre. The sight of the rugged Stuart Ranges announces that your Ghan adventure is on it's way. Then, once past Port Augusta, and under the canopy of darkness, the landscape changes, such that you wake next morning to a complete contrast: rich and beautiful pastoral lands of southern Australia, nearing your destination. (The Ghan departs only on a Monday and Thursday)

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DAY 9 ALICE SPRINGS TOWN TOUR

(B)             This morning your rail journey will conclude in Alice Springs. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. This afternoon you will be taken on a tour of this historic town. This remarkable tour of the town of Alice Springs covers many of the most interesting highlights. These include the original water hole - the Alice Spring - at the historic Old Telegraph Station. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and learn how this marvellous facility operates to provide a "Mantle of Safety" to people of the outback. See how routine medical clinics are provided to isolated outback areas. We call in at the School of the Air. This is the biggest classroom in the world at 1.3 million square kilometres. For children living in isolated communities around the territory, it is the only classroom they know. The Alice Springs School of the Air was the first of its type, officially opening in 1951 and is a system used only in Australia. Interpretive displays demonstrate the important role it has in the Outback and on school days you can hear lessons being broadcast. Take in the panoramic view of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill lookout.

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DAY 10 ALICE SPRINGS TO AYERS ROCK (coach) - THE OLGAS - SOUNDS OF SILENCE DINNER

(B, D)        This morning board your coach for your 5 hour transfer to Ayers Rock. This afternoon, visit Mt Olga to view the spectacular rock formations and be dwarfed by these 36 huge, mysterious domes. This is part of the Uluru National Park, a region now given back to the Aboriginal people and leased back to the nation. This evening enjoy the "Sounds of Silence" - the quietest restaurant on earth. You will be transferred to a desert dune where you will sip champagne and listen to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo as you watch a magnificent sunset over Kata Tjuta. When the sun has finally set, lanterns are lit and a delicious Northern Territory gourmet barbecue is served. After dinner the lights go down revealing a star filled sky, clearer and brighter than most city dwellers will ever see. The resident Astronomer will then introduce you to the magnificent constellations, stars and planets that make up the skies of the Southern Hemisphere.

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DAY 11  ABORIGINAL CULTURE TOUR (LIRU TOUR)-AYERS ROCK TO CAIRNS (air)

(B)         Breakfast in the early morning light with panoramic view of Uluru from the magnificent Uluru Cultural Centre restaurant. After breakfast browse the Cultural Centre's Aboriginal art galleries, shops and interpretative displays, before joining your Aboriginal guides on the Liru Tour. This tour is a walk of discovery along a path to Uluru following the track of the ancestral Liru. Hear the ancient Tjukurpa of the Western Brown Snake, the Liru. Watch demonstrations of traditional bush skills such as how to make adhesive resin from spinifex grass, a multi-purpose spearthrower from the mulga tree and a water carrying bowl from the inner bark of the bloodwood tree. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival in Cairns you will be met and assisted with transfer to your hotel at lovely Palm Cove beach. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

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DAY 12 FULL DAY MICHAELMAS CAY AND GREAT BARRIER REEF WORLD HERITAGE PARK

(B, L)         Today sail by Catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a unique sand cay which is a protected sanctuary for more than 28,000 migratory sea birds of 14 species. The surrounding outer reef is a spectacular garden of exotic marine life, magnificent coral and giant clams, boasting more varieties of tropical fish than the entire Atlantic Ocean. Ride a semi-submersible vessel for coral viewing, enjoy guided snorkel tours from the beach accompanied by a marine biologist, and a smorgasbord luncheon.

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DAY 13 KURANDA SCENIC RAIL - SKYRAIL - TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK

(B)        This morning transfer to Freshwater Station, to board the scenic Kuranda Rail and journey through breathtaking scenery before arriving at picturesque Kuranda Station. Free time to enjoy this unique mountain village, which is populated by alternative lifestylers. (Market days are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday). This afternoon board Skyrail, an enclosed cable car which takes you skimming across the rainforest canopy taking in breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and Green Island, to Caravonica Lakes at the base of the range. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and enter a magical, mystical world. For the first time an entire park has been dedicated to preserving and presenting authentic Aboriginal Culture with the aid of modern technology. Enjoy 3 theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp which is combined to give you a complete and meaningful glimpse of the Tjapukai Aboriginal people's rich and ancient culture. Return to your hotel late afternoon.

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DAY 14    CAIRNS TO SYDNEY (air)

(B)        This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney transfer to your hotel.

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DAY 15 SYDNEY CITY SIGHTS - OPERA HOUSE - HARBOUR CRUISE

(B)        This morning enjoy a city sights tour visiting the historical Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia's first European settlement. Observe examples of early architecture and the beautiful sandstone buildings, made out of the same rocks, which gave this area its name. Visit the Sydney Opera House, described as the Eighth Wonder of the World for a guided tour. See St Mary's Cathedral, Parliament House, Darling Harbour and Chinatown. Visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair for splendid views over this magnificent harbour and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Continue on your coach tour through cosmopolitan Kings Cross, Rushcutters Bay and Double Bay. Visit Watson's Bay for spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean before stopping at the world famous Bondi Beach. This afternoon return to Circular Quay for your afternoon cruise on magnificent Sydney Harbour. See spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, million dollar mansions and the bays and inlets that dot the harbour.

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DAY 16 FULL DAY BLUE MOUNTAINS

(B, L)        This morning board your coach to travel west of Sydney to follow the trail of Australia's early explorers as we climb the Blue Mountains. These are aptly named by the distinctive blue haze, caused by light striking droplets of eucalyptus oil evaporating from the gum trees. The Blue Mountains National Park covers an area of 247,021 hectares, abundant in rare wildlife, flora and fauna. Discover the "Grand Canyon" of giant rock formations, geological history, deep tree studded valleys and cascading waterfalls. View the world famous rock formation "The Three Sisters" and panoramic views of the Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary and the Ruined Castle. Lunch is included today.

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DAY 17 DEPART AUSTRALIA

(B)        This morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

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END OF SERVICES

All prices USD per person on a twin share basis valid from 1 April 02 to 31 March 03
2 Pax USD2750 per person twin share using 4 star hotels. 2 Pax USD2605 per person twin share using 3-4 star hotels.
NOTE: Passengers must be able to self drive (rental car) from Melbourne to Adelaide Days 5/6. Remainder of the touring is on a seat-in-coach basis using scheduled day tours.
COSTS INCLUDE: Agents Commission @ 15% Accommodation in 3-4 or 4 star hotels with private facilities All transfers and touring by sole use chartered coach with experienced driver/guide First class sleeper Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs with all meals Kangaroo Island air & land tour Meals only as indicated by (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner Entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary Airport arrival and departure assistance Hotel porterage Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST) @ 10% Welcome kit and documentation upon arrival One free overseas tour escort as indicated by + 1	COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE: International and domestic Australia airfares (AYQ-CNS, CNS-SYD) Meals other than those indicated by (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner Items of a personal nature i.e. telephone calls, liquor, laundry, beverages with meals etc. Pre registration if early arrival in Melbourne Use of hotel rooms before / after normal check in / out times Optional touring Airport porterage Credit card payment charges Any other services not indicated in the itinerary