TRIP INCLUDES

• Roundtrip Coach Class trans-Pacific air on Air New Zealand
• All transfers
• Accommodation in hotels listed or similar, in twin-bedded rooms
• 2 lunches (L)
• Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in the itinerary, including admission charges where applicable
• All local taxes
• Portfolio of travel documents
• EXCLUSIVE complimentary Desert Gardens room upgrade
• Upgrade to Premium Class air available at nominal charge
  

DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this cosmopolitan city.

DAY 2 - SYDNEY
A city sightseeing tour shows you the highlights of Sydney. Take in views of the Rocks, Circular Quay, the world-famous Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Then stop at “The Gap” and Bondi Beach for photos and a stroll. Next, board a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour, and enjoy lovely off-shore views of the city. (L)

DAY - 3 SYDNEY
A full free day. You can explore on your own, shop or relax and enjoy views of the Harbour from a café or restaurant. You may want to take an optional excursion to the Blue Mountains and see some of Australia's unique wild­life at a wildlife park.

DAY 4 - SYDNEY / ADELAIDE
Fly to Adelaide. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore.

DAY 5 - ADELAIDE / THE GHAN
Late this morning, board the legendary Ghan train and travel in a comfortable private sleeping cabin (meals are included with Gold Kangaroo service only). Sit back, relax and admire the Outback vistas.

DAY 6 - THE GHAN / ALICE SPRINGS
Enjoy a scenic morning on The Ghan with a mid-afternoon arrival in Alice Springs. Your evening is free.

DAY 7 - ALICE SPRINGS
Your morning is free for independent activities. An optional early morning hot air balloon ride may be appealing. After some time at leisure in town, board your coach to see the most important sights of “The Alice.” Visit the School of the Air, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and much more.

DAY 8 - ALICE SPRINGS / AYERS ROCK
Journey through the "Red Centre" from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock, Uluru to the Aborigines. Stop at a camel farm en route to learn about the animal's role in Australia's history. Continue to Ayers Rock and visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can shop for locally produced handicrafts. Then on to see the Olgas, 36 giant red rock domes that dominate the Western sky. Take a walk into Olga Gorge, and see the unique rocks formations up close. Then travel to Ayers Rock and sip a glass of wine while watching a spectacular Outback sunset.

DAY 9 - AYERS ROCK / CAIRNS
An early start this morning as you head out to view the sunrise over Ayers Rock. Tour the base of the Rock and learn of its significance to the Aboriginal natives. See the Mutitjulu Waterhole and other sacred spots. This afternoon, board your flight to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. After transferring to your hotel, the balance of the day is free.

DAY 10 - BARRIER REEF EXCURSION
Board a luxury catamaran bound for the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy your day with rides in the semi-submersible, guided snorkeling tours or relaxing on board. (L)

DAY 11- CAIRNS
A full day at leisure. Spend time on the Esplanade and perhaps get in some last minute shopping. Optional sightseeing ideas include an excursion to Cape Tribulation and the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park or take a ride through the rainforest on the Skyrail Cable­way to the village of Kuranda. Return to Cairns via train.

DAY 12 - DEPART CAIRNS
Transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight home, arriving the same day.