Essential Australia

Day 1 - Hello Sydney

Soak in the beauty and spirit of Sydney/Warrane, a city defined by its iconic harbor, relaxed outdoor lifestyle, and natural charm. This stunning city sits on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who have cared for this Country for tens of thousands of years.

Their deep spiritual connection to the harbor and surrounding landscape continues to shape the identity and cultural fabric of Sydney/Warrane today.

This evening we’ll come together for a welcome dinner and cruise on the Sydney harbor.

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Day 2 - Bridge Climb

This morning we’ll depart for a unique Bridge Climb with Indigenous Storytelling Experience

The 3 hour tour commences with a comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration, before you are led by one of BridgeClimb’s Indigenous Storytellers who will share facts and stories about the Aboriginal culture, languages and history of Sydney, on a guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The tour takes you along the top arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 meters above Sydney Harbour.

The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on the surroundings, with the opportunity to witness 360-degree views of Sydney including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour City surrounds. Upon conclusion, make your own way to your Sydney accommodation.

Note: A reasonable level of fitness is required, climbers must be able to walk and climb independently. You must have a blood-alcohol reading of below 0.05 in order to climb. Cameras, mobile phones and personal belongings can be stored at the BridgeClimb office during the climb. Pregnant climbers under 24 weeks only, or guests aged over 75 years, may climb by presenting BridgeClimb with a Certification of Fitness from their doctor.

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Day 3 - Wildlife & Blue Mountain

Enroute to the Blue Mountains we’ll visit Featherdale Wildlife Park with its unique flora and fauna. Here you will have the opportunity to see Australian native animals such as Kangaroos, Koalas, Possums, Emus and native birds. Featherdale provides a home to over 1,700 Australian native animals from more than 250 different species and serves as Australia’s largest native collection. Focusing solely on native animals, at Featherdale you will find the largest collection of koalas in New South Wales, 3 open space enclosures filled with kangaroos and wallabies, as well as loads of other iconic Australian animals, such as dingos, echidnas, wombats, bilbies, Tasmanian devils, reptiles and a stunning collection of birds from Australia and around the world.

Travel on to the Blue Mountains, named because of the blue haze caused by light rays striking dust particles and small droplets of moisture and eucalyptus oil in the atmosphere. The Blue Mountains are part of the Great Dividing Range which runs parallel to the East Coast of Australia for more than 4,000 kilometres from North Queensland to Victoria. See the world famous rock formation “The Three Sisters” and enjoy distant views of Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary and many other scenic delights.

Scenic Skyway: Suspended 270-metres above ancient ravines, the Skyway provides a unique thrill as breathtaking views are revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass cabin floor. For the less adventurous, seating and solid flooring is also available!

Scenic Cableway: The 545-metre journey gently descends into the Jamison Valley and also returns visitors to the top of the escarpment. The Cableway’s fully enclosed cabin provides a unique vantage point for viewing the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, Mt Solitary and Katoomba Falls.

Scenic Railway: The Railway experience descends 310 metres through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging into ancient rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor. Operating since 1945, the Scenic Railway has thrilled 25 million passengers; this is the fifth-generation train to ride the tracks since the Hammon family opened the attraction.

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Day 4 - Sydney Your Way

Today is your day to sleep in late, have breakfast at leisure, have a spa treatment or explore the city.

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Day 5 - Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock )

After breakfast, we’ll depart for the airport for our flight to Ayers Rock.

Uluru, the true Aboriginal name for what many people know as Ayers Rock, rises from the broad desert plain in the deep center of Australia, and it is one of the country’s most recognizable natural cultural sites. The famous “Rock” stands 348 meters high and is located 440 kilometers south-west of Alice Springs in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It is often a place where indigenous communities from around the nation meet to discuss matters of national importance. Forty kilometres to the west of Uluru is Kata Tjuta. This massive pile of rock domes dates back 500 million years. Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great Aboriginal cultural significance for the Aṉangu traditional landowners. Aṉangu have one of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures, and you are about to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Aṉangu. Aṉangu are the people of the central desert region of Australia, spanning over 200,000 kms in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. Aṉangu welcome you to Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Country to learn about their culture including the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the Dreamtime stories of the area.

This afternoon, we’ll travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way, stop at a look out for panoramic views the southern side of Kata Tjuta. Continue on before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. In the late afternoon travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness and photograph the striking color changes of Uluru at sunset whilst enjoying nibbles and a glass of wine.

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Day 6 - Uluru Sunrise & Illuminated Night

Uluru Sightseeing – Morning Sunrise and Base

We’ll depart just before sunrise this morning and travel to the sunrise viewing area to see the Red Centre come alight by the first rays of the morning sun. Watch the gradual rising sun change the colors of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel for breakfast.

Nothing can give a sense of its size except standing beneath the towering 348 meter wall of rock. As you tour the Rock’s base you will fully appreciate not only its size but also the way it appears to continually change. We’ll then, join our guide for an informative guided walk into Mutitjulu waterhole, view Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about flora, fauna and Aboriginal history. You can also visit the Cultural Centre where there is time to read the Tjukurpa (Aboriginal law) or purchase some locally made Aboriginal art.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on your own.

This evening, is a night at Field of Light

A Night at Field of Light experience begins in a remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. With Uluru as your backdrop enjoy canapés and chilled sparkling wine while viewing an unforgettable sunset. As darkness falls and the colored lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently sparkle to life, we’ll join our fellow travelers for a special three-course bush tucker inspired buffet. Our knowledgeable host will provide insights and background to the artist and light installation that awaits you. You’re invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of colored light, beckoning you to explore. Take a lasting look back at Field of Light from the raised viewing area as you enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port before finishing the evening.

Note: For the safety of guests and any possible encounter with Australian wildlife, long pants and enclosed shoes are strongly recommended as the experience involves walking up and down a sand dune and along an unsealed track.

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Day 7 - Uluru to Melbourne

This morning, we’ll leave Uluru behind to say hello to Melbourne.

There is a lot to love about Melbourne/Narrm – just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, the curves of Yarra River/Birrarung intertwines between skyscrapers and parklands. Melbourne/Narrm is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks, and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Melbourne never sits still. Its modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture, and ensure the skyline is constantly changing. The area around Melbourne, including the Yarra River/Birrarung, holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the Kulin people, who have cared for this region for over 40,000 years, with numerous sites of importance along the river and surrounding land.

After our arrival, we’ll meet our local guide for a half day City Sights Tour. We’ll discover Melbourne’s past and present. Travel through the central business district with its eclectic architecture, then past the Victorian Arts Centre. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and its imposing pyramid-style Shrine of Remembrance which dominates St. Kilda Road. Continue through fashionable Toorak Village to the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens with avenues of huge English Elms planted along gently contoured lawns, giving them a serene beauty all year round.

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Day 8 - Yarra Valley

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a full day tour to the Yarra Valley.

Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges is a life experience away, quality local food and wine, breathtaking scenery, romantic hideaways and indulgent adventures. The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of the world’s premier wine growing regions with over 80 sensational cellar doors, superb restaurants serving fresh regional produce, luxury accommodation and more. The Dandenong Ranges is a haven of hidden delights with scenic winding roads to quaint hilltop villages.

Today, we’ll enjoy a generous selection of wines from the La Boheme range, alongside King Valley Prosecco and a tailored Spritz range. Italian style appetizer platters. From La Boheme on to Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges, Victoria for Rochford Wines and lunch.

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Day 9 - Melbourne your way

Today is free to relax and explore on your own.

This evening, we’ll come together for our farewell dinner at one of Melbourne’s restaurants known for its innovative dishes.

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Day 10 - Farewell Australia

You’ll another day to explore, for last minute shopping or relaxation before we head to the airport for our later evening flight back to the U.S.

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