The Essence of Australia (18 Days starting from $3,249)

The Essence of Australia

An 18-Day tour starting from $3,249

Length:	18 Days
Type:
Category:
Operator:	Collette
Tour Code:	3474

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About This Tour

Explore Australia from the tropical north to the Shipwreck Coast, to the dramatic Outback. Learn about the Aboriginal culture and traditions. Watch the sunset at Ayers Rock. Take a catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Stroll along the leafy canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Enjoy three nights at a Queensland beach resort. Travel the Great Ocean Road and take in the spectacular scenery. Explore Australia's wine country with tours and tastings. Discover Melbourne for two nights and enjoy the vibrant city and its culture. Enjoy a tour and a performance at the Sydney Opera House.

What's Included
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Sightseeing
Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
14 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(s), 10 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

PALM COVE Novotel
AYERS ROCK Sails in the Desert
ALICE SPRINGS Novotel
BAROSSA VALLEY Novotel
COONAWARRA Chardonnay Lodge
CANBERRA Novotel
SYDNEY The Menzies

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach

Day 1 and Day 2
Depart from Home
Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime in Australia. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.

Day 3
Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins today in the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Beaches of Queensland. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates.

Day 4
Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many different ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a rain forest walking tour, relax on the beaches, or just watch from the pier as the fish and sea turtles swim past. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour* are also available.

Day 5
Cairns
Experience the rain forest this morning from the treetops as you ride through the rain forest canopy. You’ll view waterfalls fabulous scenery, and diverse fauna. This afternoon, cruise the still waters of Hartley’s Lagoon, home to many of the regions saltwater crocs, before enjoying an authentic Aussie BBQ.

Day 6
Cairns - Ayers Rock
Today you fly to the heart of the Australian Outback, Ayers Rock. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes of the Olgas were created through a process of upheaval and erosion. They are renowned for their changing hues during different times of the day. During your exploration, you will learn about their significance to the Aboriginal culture, after which you view Ayers Rock change color as the sun sets.

Day 7
Ayers Rock - Alice Springs
Drive across the vast Outback and arrive in the central city of Alice Springs. Here, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour including the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill. Gain insight into the educational system in the Outback with a visit to the School of the Air - you may even see a class in session! ADVANTAGE SEASON INCLUSION: Tonight you will travel to dinner in style…aboard a camel! Enjoy a camel ride through the Outback, followed by a delightful Aussie-style dinner!

Day 8
Alice Springs
Discover the history and beliefs of the Aboriginal people this morning during the ‘Dreamtime Tour’. Your specialist guide, along with members of the Walpiri tribe in traditional dress, will teach you about their unique customs. Meet Aboriginal people at their camp and see various dreamtime stories depicted in paintings. A special experience is in store for you this afternoon as you will have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme. Supported by the Collette Foundation, Drum Atweme is a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, a delicious dinner in the bush allows you to experience the real Outback complete with entertainment under the stars.

Day 9
Alice Springs - Adelaide - Barossa Valley
Enjoy a leisurely morning before boarding your afternoon flight to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia and its 5th largest city. Upon arrival you transfer to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia''s most popular destinations – well known for breathtaking scenery and some of the world''s best wine production. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel which overlooks the vineyards of recognized wineries such as Jacobs Creek.

Day 10
Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley is Australia’s richest and best-known wine-making region. First settled by German immigrants more than a century ago, today some of the world’s finest wines are produced here. Enjoy tours and tastings at two of the area’s finest vineyards. ADVANTAGE SEASON INCLUSION: This evening you will be hosted at one of the local wineries. Prior to a delightful dinner, enjoy a wine tasting and demonstration to learn about their special wines.

Day 11
Barossa Valley - Coonawarra
Travel through the southern Australian countryside, stopping at Naracoorte Caves National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the archeological findings of southern Australia as you tour the fossil center and view the ‘megafauna’ that once thrived in the area. Continue to Coonawarra, another of Australia’s rich wine-making regions.

Day 12
Coonawarra - Melbourne
Drive along Great Ocean Road, one of the world''s most scenic. Pass through Port Campbell National Park, revealing the magic of the “12 Apostles,” a dramatic row of stone pillars rising from the ocean. Created from rock formed over 20 million years ago and softened by the erosion of limestone, the arches were originally caves in the cliffs that collapsed by the forces of nature. Also here, marvel at Loch Ard Gorge, the sight of one of Victoria''s most tragic shipwrecks, before arriving in Melbourne.

Day 13
Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne, boasting a vibrant arts and cultural scene and home to most of Australia''s major sporting events. A tour of Melbourne features the Shrine of Remembrance, Parliament House, and a visit to Fitzroy Royal Botanical Gardens. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Australia''s most cosmopolitan city. Stroll along the river, enjoy the great shopping, or just relax.

Day 14
Melbourne - Canberra
A drive across the countryside unveils the breathtaking snow-capped mountains that symbolize Australia’s capital, Canberra. Located in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounded by New South Wales, Canberra is modeled after Washington, DC. Upon arrival enjoy a panoramic city tour with a visit to Canberra''s war memorial as well as the National Museum of Australia which interactively celebrates the land, nation and people of the country. The evening is yours to explore the city''s shopping district and great eateries. An evening at leisure allows you to relax or explore the city of Canberra on your own.

Day 15
Canberra - Sydney
This morning you travel north to lively Sydney. Tonight, a perfect introduction to Sydney is in store as you view the city from one of her spectacular revolving restaurants.

Day 16
Sydney
Tour the fun-loving city of Sydney today. You will see Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world’s most perfectly designed buildings as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. An evening dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour will give you the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. Enjoy views of Sydney’s greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Opera House. Following the cruise, return to the Sydney Opera House to enjoy a captivating performance!

Day 17
Sydney
Today you visit Koala Park. Not only will you see koalas in their natural habitat, but you might also have the unique opportunity to pose for a photo with one of these cuddly creatures. You will also have the chance to feed the kangaroos and pet a wombat. Later, enjoy a fascinating opal presentation and learn how raw opals are transformed - from the dark mine shafts to your favorite jewelry store. This evening, enjoy a delightful farewell dinner while overlooking Darling Harbour.

Day 18
Sydney - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Sydney.

To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301. Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
2/2/2009 - 2/18/2009	$3,249

Know Before You Go... Due to changes in air schedules while on tour, the order of days in the itinerary may change. The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through the tour company. Due to early arrival times in some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate check-in. Upgrading your visit with the Outer Reef option is at an additional cost. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed with the exception of visits to wildlife parks. Passport & Visa Information* Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact. Time Zone Sydney, Australia is 14 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

Discover the beliefs and customs of the Aboriginal people during the 'Dreamtime Tour' in Alice Springs.

A wine tasting at a local Barossa Valley winery introduces the flavors of this major wine-producing region in South Australia.

Journey across the iconic Great Ocean Road, created from the rocky cliffs and bluffs along Victoria's southwest coast.

An evening dinner cruise on sydney Harbour will give you a different perspective of this beautiful city.

Know Before You Go...

Due to changes in air schedules while on tour, the order of days in the itinerary may change.
The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through the tour company.
Due to early arrival times in some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate check-in.
*Upgrading your visit with the Outer Reef option is at an additional cost.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed with the exception of visits to wildlife parks.

Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Time Zone
Sydney, Australia is 14 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.