This itinerary combines the best of Australia’s Rock and Rainforest using premium hotels (4* +). Starting in Sydney you will discover many of Sydney's unique suburbs and historical centers and also enjoy some of the best views Sydney has to offer! Australia’s biggest rock, Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it is commonly know, makes the Red Centre of Australia its home. Fly out to the middle of Australia where you spend two nights discovering Australia’s desert. To fully appreciate the vastness of this area you will take part in two tours; one sunset tour where you venture out to the Olgas, an area some individuals find even more fascinating than Uluru, and a sunrise tour the following morning. After two days in the desert you may very well be ready to turn your attention to Cairns and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, one of the most magnificent reefs in the world. From your Cairns accommodation, enjoy a full day excursion into Daintree National Park with a stop at the gorgeous Cape Tribulation beach. Enjoy a tropical feast in the middle of the enchanting rainforest and explore the mysteries of time, rare indigenous Aboriginal culture as well as local history and customs. To experience this magical evening is to step outside the world for a moment. Set sail aboard a five star catamaran and enjoy a reef experience - a day to remember. Cay is a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. Ask us about the optional overnight aboard the Ocean Freedom - if you have the time for it, it is the best way to experience this natural wonder of the world. As your time in Cairns comes to an end you have the option of continuing to travel through the South Pacific, or returning home.

NOTE: Tour does not include domestic airfare, which can be worked into your international ticket. You may also wish to speak to your travel agent about the Australian Air Pass with Qantas.

Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.28 million. It is the state capital of New South Wales, and the site of the first British colony in Australia, established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet from Britain. Located on Australia's south-east coast, the city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city's nickname, "the Harbour City". It is noted for the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets.

Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

Upon check in at your hotel you will be provided with your welcome package. In the package you will receive a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, vouchers for each service, supplier contact list as well as various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting.

The Swissotel Sydney (5*) is unquestionably one of the city's finest hotels and promises a truly memorable visit to Australia's most enticing city. Located above Myers, one of Australia's most iconic department stores, the hotel is centrally positioned amongst Sydney's prime tourist, shopping and entertainment districts. The 359 hotel rooms and suites reflect a contemporary and sophisticated style, with breathtaking skyline views of the city. Modern Australian cuisine is served at JPB restaurant, complemented by fine wine from the restaurant's extensive wine cellar. Guests staying at Swissotel are invited to retreat to the sanctuary of Amrita Spa and access to the latest in cardio equipment, as well as the use of the 15-meter outdoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms.

Overnight at Swissotel (5*).

Head out on an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney City sights tour. Visit the historic Rocks area and hear early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House & Harbour Bridge. See the shopping heart of the city, QVB, Centrepoint. Visit Sydney's trendy new district, Oxford Street. Travel through elegant Paddington, with its terrace houses, before arriving at the Pacific Ocean. See the superb "coast cliff walk" around Tamarama and Bronte. Travel to famous Bondi Beach and visit the beachfront promenade, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers & Sydney's best panoramic view. Return to Sydney via Double Bay, Kings Cross & city centre. Shared tour.

There are so many things to do in Sydney it may be hard deciding what to choose. We would recommend some of the following attractions: Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower + Oz Trek, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales which also houses an Aboriginal Art exhibition. You can also choose to take a half day city sights tour, a one hour Majestic Harbour Cruise (which operates daily at 10:30 or 15:00) or the Sydney Opera House Essential Tour (1 hr, operates daily between 09:00 and 17:00). All are included in the SmartVisit free pass card. Ask your Travel Consultant if you would like to purchase this card.

Overnight at Swissotel (5*).

This fantastic Ecotour begins at your hotel and the historical Rocks area of old Sydney. Heading westwards across the coastal plain, we make our way to the Great Dividing Range of Australia. Leave the ‘average’ Blue Mountains tourist behind and enter the National Park to unlock a piece of Australia you would never have known existed. Visit an ancient Aboriginal site and outstanding lookout, examine rock formations and the unusual plants and wildlife that abound in the area. From the quaint little village of Laura, skirt around Cliff Drive to Katoomba to gaze out over magnificent Jamieson Valley (Australia’s Grand Canyon) and the Three Sisters. Enjoy a delicious barbeque lunch, including a selection of fine Australian wines with a cheese platter, under the canopy of the Australian bush.

Overnight at Swissotel (5*).

Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

Shared transfer from Ayers Rock airport to hotels and vice versa. Wait times may vary, but average 20 minutes.

Pick up from your hotel by coach along with fellow travellers. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative, dedicated to interpreting Anangu culture and law. Travel to the waterhole of Mutitjulu for a guided walk, viewing ancient cave paintings and learning about the Aboriginal legends of Kuniya Tjukurpa (Python Dreaming). Join the guided Mala Walk to learn the story of the Mala, Hare Wallaby, people who once lived at Uluru. See painted caves and learn of the region’s geology and flora. As you tour the base of Uluru, visit Kantju Gorge, a waterhole and old hunting ground. Late in the day, watch the sunset over Uluru, admire the ever-changing colours of the monolith while the sun sinks below the horizon. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and canapés as the dusk deepens into night.

Desert Gardens (4.5*) is set amongst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs, the rooms at Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel feature the unique flora of the Central Australian Desert. Shaded walkways lead to spacious poolside rooms and some of the new deluxe rooms even offer spectacular views of Uluru. Under the private veranda or courtyard of your room, experience what is arguably Australia’s best sunset. When the sun has gone down, dine at White Gums Restaurant and savour Australian native delicacies or feast on the flavours of the a la carte Arnguli Grill.

Overnight at Desert Gardens (4.5*).

Rise early and travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park by shared coach, with fellow travellers. Enjoy a revitalising cup of tea or coffee as you witness Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise, and see the desert come to life. With the sun climbing in the morning sky, travel to the western section of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the immense 36 rock domes of Kata Tjuta. Enjoy a guided walk into Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Marvel at the sheer walls that flank you as you enter the gorge. Learn of the domes’ formation and of the wildlife of the region. Some of the plants you will see here are so rare that they are only found among these rocky domes.

An unforgettable evening of beautifully prepared food under the Outback sky - the Sounds of Silence Dinner. You are escorted to a specially chosen location shortly before sundown and a lone didgeridoo echoes across the desert as you enjoy champagne and canapés. While the sun sets in a blaze of reds and oranges, and well into the starlit night, you feast on an array of the Northern Territory's culinary delights, including barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile, bush salads, and classic Australian desserts. Attention then turns to some of the world's best stargazing, with the assistance of the resident astronomer. As you wind down, coffee or tea are served. In winter, guests gather around a campfire to savour a special treat of hot mulled wine.

Overnight at Desert Gardens (4.5*).

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

Shared transfer from Ayers Rock airport to hotels and vice versa. Wait times may vary, but average 20 minutes.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Private transfer between Cairns airport and your hotel, or vice versa.

The Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, one of the most distinguished hotels in Cairns, sets the standard for contemporary luxury and service in one of Australia’s most beautiful seaside destinations.Cairns' premier hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, provides a haven of unsurpassed luxury in a tropical city setting. The hotel is magnificently positioned within the cosmopolitan Pier complex, overlooking the Marlin Marina and the Coral Sea. Shangri-La's special blend of service and attention to detail, combined with the ultra-chic guestrooms, make for memorable stays, and guests aspiring to return. It is a fresh modern hotel with appealing decor, offering all the creature comforts that well travelled guests anticipate. The spectacular waterfront location is renowned as Cairns’ premier dining precinct, hosting some of Cairns’ most acclaimed restaurants and bars.

Overnight at Shangri La Hotel, The Marin (5*).

Cruise the Daintree River and learn a little about this wildlife environment, habitat for birds, tree snakes, unique plants, and of course the elusive estuarine crocodile. Morning tea included. Experience the world-class rainforest interpretive centre including the new Aerial Walkway and climb the unique Rainforest Tower, giving you access to the rainforest canopy and magnificent views. With special access at a private rainforest lodge, enjoy a short walk along a delightful rainforest creek before a delicious tropical lunch. Walk on the world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef. After winding through the rainforest of the Alexandra Range, enjoy a spectacular lookout over the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island and beyond to the Coral Sea. Cross the mighty Daintree River by cable ferry - one of the last of its kind!

Overnight at Shangri La Hotel, The Marin (5*).

Today’s visit to the Great Barrier Reef with Great Adventures, starts with a catamaran cruise to the reef where you spend three hours at an outer reef pontoon. The tour includes a coral reef viewing tour in a semi submersible, a reef education presentation, morning tea, a buffet lunch and more. An unforgettable day on the reef that will leave you with lasting impressions of this unique environment. Snorkel and dive, visit the underwater observatory and cruise in a semi-sub, or just relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch.

Overnight at Shangri La Hotel, The Marin (5*).

Private transfer between Cairns airport and your hotel, or vice versa.

Depart from Cairns international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.