Sydney, Uluru & Great Barrier Reef

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Sydney.

Day 2 : International outbound flight

On-board your international outbound flight to Sydney.

Day 3 : Sydney

On arriving in Sydney you're met by an Audley representative and transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your long flight. If you do have some energy, or fancy a walk, we suggest ambling around the historic Rocks district, full of art galleries, heritage buildings, and cafes.

Day 4 : Sydney

Walk down to the relevant point in the harbour (usually King's Street Wharf 5 or Circular Quay Jetty 6) in time to meet your skipper and take in the sights of Sydney Harbour on board a catamaran cruise. It's a great, relaxed introduction to this city. On this two hour meander around Port Jackson Harbour, you'll get views of the Rocks, Darling Harbour, the striking Opera House and the Botanic Gardens. A buffet lunch of local seafood, salads, hot and cold dishes and desserts is included in the cruise. You'll be dropped off back on dry land afterwards.You have the rest of the day at leisure. We suggest climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge (affectionately nicknamed 'the coathanger', and not as strenuous as it looks). In the evening, we can arrange for you to see a performance at the Opera House.

Day 5 : Sydney

You have another day at leisure to enjoy Sydney. Take a stroll along the waterfront and through the Botanic Gardens, or you may like to explore further afield, taking a trip out to the Blue Mountains to go bushwalking or admire the striking Three Sisters sandstone rock formation. Located about an hour and a half from the city, you can take the train there and back or hire a car for the day.

Day 6 : Uluru/Ayers Rock

This morning you will make your way to the airport in time for your domestic flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Red Centre. The flight time is 3 hours and 40 minutes. On arriving you're met by an Audley representative and transferred to your nearby hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure. Relax by your hotel pool, or, if you're keen to get out exploring, we recommend circumnavigating Uluru on a base walk. A visit to the Cultural Centre within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, is also highly recommended: it gives you a glimpse into the cultural significance of Uluru and Kata Tjuta to the local Anangu people.

Day 7 : Uluru/Ayers Rock

You wake early this morning in time for the spectacle that is sunrise over the Kata Tjuta (Olgas) ranges. You'll enjoy this from a viewing platform, with a small group tour of only 12-16 passengers. Afterwards you'll be dropped off back at your hotel to relax for a few hours before being collected again for another desert experience: a guided visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Here your guide will explain the history and aboriginal significance of this iconic site as you walk amongst the folds of the rock. Notice how its reddish hue changes or deepens with the light. Later you'll watch sunset over Uluru, before being returned to your hotel.

Day 8 : Port Douglas

Your morning is spent at leisure. For those still keen to explore the desert, we can arrange a Harley Davidson ride. You're transferred back to the airport in time for your onward flight to Cairns in tropical north Queensland. Flight time is about two and a half hours. On arriving, you'll collect your hire car and make your way to the beach town of Palm Cove, just north of Cairns, and a half hour drive from the airport. Your flight will likely arrive in the evening, so tonight you'll relax in your hotel.

Day 9 : Port Douglas

Spend the day aboard your Reef Cruiser to snorkel the majestic Great Barrier Reef. Get lost in a vast underwater ecosystem, exploring the fragile reefs and swimming alongside the many fish it houses. You may even see a giant clam, Manta Ray, or reef shark prowling the waters! Lunch is included aboard the ship.

Day 10 : Port Douglas

Today you will be collected from your accommodation for a full day tour of the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Through your guide, you will learn of the ecological history of the rainforest, and how the local indigenous peoples of the area have lived symbiotically with the rainforests for tens of thousands of years. The tour will continue on to the famed Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. You will head back to your hotel in Port Douglas later this afternoon.

Day 11 : Port Douglas

Today is leisure to explore Port Douglas.

Day 12 : Atherton Tablelands

Today drive southwest to the Atherton Tablelands where you can enjoy two nights in the rainforest to spot bird life and go hiking.

Day 13 : Atherton Tablelands

Spend today at leisure exploring the region and perhaps taking in some of the area's waterfalls and walking trails, such as the routes around Lake Tinaroo. Alternatively, explore the Crystal Caves, a network of subterranean chambers filled with crystals, fossils and fluorescent minerals.

Day 14 : International return flight

This morning, return to Cairns Airport (a drive of 3 hours 40 minutes) and drop off your hire car before boarding your onward flight.

Day 15 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.