Essential Australia: Sydney, Rock, Reef, Melbourne

A beautiful hotel with a stunning 1800's sandstone facade, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is an intimate, boutique-style property. Once home to the Fairfax newspaper empire and the prestigious Bank of New South Wales, this accommodation offers a location near Sydney Opera House and major shopping precincts. There is a wide array of upscale facilities, including on-site dining at the recently refurbished restaurant and a modern health club. The staff ensures that your stay at this accommodation in Sydney is both comfortable and unforgettable.

Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you'll visit the historic Rocks area and hear early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. See the shopping heart of the city, QVB, Centre point.

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 on to famous Bondi Beach. Visit the beachfront promenade, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and Sydney's best panoramic view at Dover Heights.

Return to Sydney via Double Bay, Kings Cross and Mrs Macquarie's Point for a final magical viewpoint over the harbour before returning to the city centre.

Passengers can join our optional harbour lunch cruises, seaplane tours or return directly to their hotels.

The designated harbour lunch cruise drop-off point is Darling Harbour (adjacent to the aquarium).

Treat yourself to Sydney Harbour's most sensational Cruise Like a Local Luncheon Cruise. A unique, four hour cruise experience. Enjoy the company of a small group aboard a 52 foot motor yacht. Your personal captain and host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbour and its foreshore as you take in the sites of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a 3 course BBQ lunch with regional wines, local beers and 5-star service. Immerse yourself in all the activities that a private vessel offers including, swimming, fishing and kayaking - or sit back, relax on the expansive sunbed and do nothing at all.

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region.

7.00- 7.30AM Depart from the hotel with AEA Luxury Tours. Our first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill a working farm also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure.

From Calmsley Hill we continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. We will visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus our guests will enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by their guide.

Continuing on we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can't help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos.

We then make our way around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Hydro Majestic. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. We enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea/coffee. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you'll know why it's one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you're not mesmerised by the dancing waves of water spray, you'll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. We then stop briefly to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens our last stop, where we enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4.30 - 5.00pm.

In Australia's Red Centre, the five star Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience. Against a canvas of neutral tones and textures, the mystery, colour and wisdom of the local indigenous Anangu people is interwoven into every facet of Sails in the Desert's modern design. Discover the passion behind Aboriginal art at Sails in the Desert's Mulgara Gallery. Then be lulled into complete relaxation by one of the Red Ochre Spa's package treatments.

Sails in the Desert hotel features an expansive gumtree lined heated swimming pool and a diversity of modern dining, bar and lounge options. Awaken your taste buds with Mayu's signature dining experience, relax and feast in the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant or let time tick by as you enjoy cocktails, music and culinary temptations in the Walpa Lobby Bar. Choose Sails in the Desert for an outback holiday with a unique style and modern luxury.

Travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment. Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that makeup Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Your guide will return you to your hotel in time for those joining Sounds of Silence or Tali Wiru dinner or Field of Lights.

Entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence offers the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours - an evening of dining under the sparkling outback sky.
The Sounds of Silence experience begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of a didgeridoo and join your table of fellow travelers for an unforgettable dining experience.
The attentive staff will keep your glass full with a quality selection of Australian wine and beer while first course is served. As the night sky twinkles to life, help yourself to a bush tucker inspired buffet that incorporates native bush ingredients.
Settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. Locate the Southern Cross, the signs of the zodiac, the Milky Way, as well as planets and galaxies that are visible due to the exceptional clarity of the atmosphere.
As you wind down after a delicious dinner, you are offered a choice of tea, coffee or port. In winter, guests gather around a campfire to savour a special treat of hot mulled wine.

This is a once in a lifetime exclusive invitation to visit the remote Pitjantjatjara Lands of Central Australia for a cultural immersion experience exploring the Aboriginal Songlines (stories) of the creation ancestors. Journey by 4WD deep into the desert to meet your Anangu hosts, the Traditional Owners of Cave Hill, at the site of the Seven Sisters Tjukurpa (creation stories). This is an Indigenous cultural experience that will provide you with an insight into everyday Aboriginal life. The highlight of the tour is the magnificent cave paintings -- the most significant art site in Central Australia -- where the creation story of the Seven Sisters is graphically illustrated. Climb to the top of the hill above the cave to take in the view, which presents a 360 degrees panorama taking in Uluru and the imposing Musgrave Ranges.

Experience the tranquility of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Watch the amazing transformation of colours and life as the desert awakens with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. In the company of an expert guide, Desert Awakenings is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region.
Watch the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view and enjoy a traditional Aussie breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, tea, coffee and homemade damper with golden syrup in the open air. After breakfast, the guide will explain the natural history of the region, and as the daylight reveals the myriad of animal tracks in the sand an insight into what activity took place during the night.
Once the sun is up, enjoy a guided tour at the base of Uluru. First stop is Kuniya where you will take a short walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole. A visit here will help appreciate its cathedral like proportions and why it is such a powerful and spiritual place for visitors and Anangu (local Aboriginal people) alike. The guide will explain some of the rock paintings and stories from the creation period as told by the Anangu people. Next stop is the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging place of learning where the local lore of the Anangu is explained in detail. Return to your Ayers Rock Resort hotel.

Shantara Resort Port Douglas offers adult only boutique accommodation which is suited for couples or the independent traveler who are looking to unwind in a tranquil and tropical ambience. Resort features include the Shantara Day Spa, gym, 2 swimming pools, undercover BBQ area, free secure car parking and elevators. Shantara is a short stroll to Four Mile Beach and cosmopolitan Macrossan Street with its array of restaurants, cafes and shops. The Shantara team offers personalised service and peace and tranquility, in the heart of Port Douglas. If arriving outside regular reception hours (Mon to Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm), arrangements must be made prior to arrival directly with the Resort.

Join your coach transfer to the wharf this morning and board the vessel to enjoy a full day reef and island cruise to Low Isles. Sail to and explore this protected coral cay, with white sandy beaches and coconut palms, surrounded by coral gardens and the Coral Sea. Sailaway moors in the sheltered blue lagoon for five hours. Just relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour, take a trip on the glass bottom boat or laze on the deck after a buffet lunch. Later, enjoy sailing back to the mainland.

Your naturalist guide will meet you at your accommodation and after introductions all round we then drive north along the scenic route via Mossman to Cape Tribulation.

Lush farmland contrasts with seascape as we approach the majestic Daintree River. Time for a short morning tea break then its 'all aboard' for an informative river cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and wildlife, this is nature at its best!

We ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest intimately on our elevated National Park Boardwalk. Accurate interpretations of flora and fauna will be given with ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species within this habitat.

A delicious barbecue lunch with freshly prepared salads (dietary requirements catered for with prior notice) is served while you can hand feed Wallabies and enjoy a cold drink from the bar (own cost). Our tour does a little more, it takes you beyond Cape Tribulation along 7klms of the 4WD Bloomfield Track too pristine Emmagen Creek and time for a refreshing rainforest fresh water swim. Seek fish and turtles in the creek, butterflies and exotic birds in the trees and indulge in a taste testing of tropical fruit, a cup of traditional Billy Tea, and damper all of which enhance the tranquil surroundings.

At Cape Tribulation Beach, there is a little time to stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographers' platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef. (There is no swimming at Cape Tribulation Beach due to dangerous Hazards)

After a short afternoon refreshment stop at the Daintree Ice-creamery (own cost), we cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and begin our homeward journey somewhat wiser for our 'Total Rainforest Experience'.

The Crown Promenade Hotel is located in the heart of the action in Melbourne's vibrant Southbank entertainment precinct and it is directly linked to the exciting Crown Entertainment Complex. The hotel is close to the Central Business District, the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and the city's most famous arts and sporting facilities. The hotel features spacious rooms with fantastic views overlooking Port Phillip Bay or the Melbourne Central Business District and Yarra River.

Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told of, and ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. Join this indulgent afternoon walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover artisanal and specialty retailers, that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways. Soak in the city via all your senses, and engage with passionate creatives. There is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.

Walk through natural bushland to meet wild koalas, then learn about each one's history and social life from your Wildlife Guide and Koala Researcher. Help remove Boneseed (a weed) and make a difference to koala habitat. Join wild mobs of Kangaroos on the plains and in open forests. Their natural instinct is to flee humans, but with care you often get close enough to take photographs and observe their complex social life. While you walk, help your Guide record sightings of all native wildlife.

The natural environments you visit are also home to parrots, fairy-wrens, emus, honeyeaters, possums, wallabies and lizards. Your Wildlife Guide will help you understand them, and teach you how to find and enjoy them without disturbing their natural behaviour - techniques that will be useful to you wherever you go. A substantial picnic lunch is included.

Dinner is at the local Pub, a real Aussie experience!

See some of the world's most spectacular coastal scenery. Follow the Great Ocean Road to the surging surf coast, and walk in the magnificent rainforests of the Otway National Park. Your Wildlife Guide will explain the formation of these mighty forests. Travel through Port Campbell National Park, looking out for echidnas, wallabies, lizards and colourful birds which make their home in the coastal heathlands. Linger a while to take in some of nature's handiwork at the Twelve Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge. Hear stories about the terrible shipwrecks of the past.

This morning have one last look at the coast in the dramatic morning light before returning to Melbourne across the vast grasslands of the Western Plains. Created by intense volcanic activity over the past 2 million years, the 7000 volcanoes of the Western Plains are now extinct but the resultant savannah is pasture to a rich wool growing area - a wonderful example of Australia's great range lands. Stop en route to drive to the top of an extinct volcano with spectacular views across the plains. From the summit you see some of the hundreds of volcanic lakes scattered across the plains. Later you pass Lake Corangamite, the largest permanent lake in Australia, often covered with prolific birdlife. Return to Melbourne in the late afternoon.

The Crown Promenade Hotel is located in the heart of the action in Melbourne's vibrant Southbank entertainment precinct and it is directly linked to the exciting Crown Entertainment Complex. The hotel is close to the Central Business District, the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and the city's most famous arts and sporting facilities. The hotel features spacious rooms with fantastic views overlooking Port Phillip Bay or the Melbourne Central Business District and Yarra River.