Australian Explorer

Day 2: Sydney - Morning Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb, Afternoon Harbor Cruise
Fill up this morning with a hearty breakfast because you will need energy for your exhilarating climb all the way to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Come and feel the thrill of making your way over the catwalk to the Pylon and then setting out across the arch on your way to the summit. Before you lies a spectacular 360 degree view of one of the greatest harbors and one of the greatest cities. In the afternoon you will be engulfed by the beauty and magic of Sydney as you 'cruise like a local' aboard Calypso, a 52-foot Motor Yacht. Cruise the foreshores of Sydney Harbor past the world famous, iconic landmarks including the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House before dropping anchor in a secluded cove, where you'll have lunch. You will have the opportunity to go for a swim, kayak into the beach, try your luck fishing or just relax on the expansive sunbeds soaking up the Sydney sunshine.  (B, L) Accommodations at the Observatory Hotel.

Day 3: Sydney - Full day Blue Mountains Adventure
After breakfast you will be met at your hotel to enjoy a full day private charter tour to the Blue Mountains. On your adventure to witness the amazing Blue Mountains you will experience Aboriginal culture, the magnificent scenery and wildlife of the mountains, all in a luxury 7-seater customized 4WD.

 Along the way your guide will share with you commentary of the area that surrounds Sydney as you pass through, before stopping at award-winning Muru Mittigar Cultural Center, to experience an array of Aboriginal customs and traditions. Your aboriginal guide from Muru Mittigar will introduce you to the customs, history and stories of indigenous Australians, while showing you a range of traditional tools, instruments and foods. Try your hand at boomerang throwing or hear the unique sounds of the didgeridoo. You will also have morning tea here, trying some of the traditional bush foods with Wattleseed pikelets (pancakes), damper bread and native jams.

 Then continue the journey up into the mountains, stopping at secluded lookouts over the Blue Mountains and Megalong Valley, avoiding the tourist traps, and providing uninterrupted views of the Three Sisters, the Jamison, Megalong and Grose River Valleys with its stunning gorges and escarpments. A leisurely lunch is served in the tranquil Megalong Valley, providing more opportunities to take in the amazing views of the escarpments and valleys. Before returning to Sydney, there are more opportunities to take in the vistas of the Blue Mountains, and with a stop at Euroka Clearing in the Lower Blue Mountains National Park, the best place to see some native wildlife up close.  (B, L) Accommodations at the Observatory Hotel.

Day 4: Ayers Rock - Morning flight to Ayers Rock, Afternoon Kata Tjuta Explorer
Tour Today after enjoying breakfast you will be transferred to the Domestic Airport for your flight to Ayers Rock. Your guide will meet you in the arrivals hall near the baggage claim area, for private vehicle transfer to your hotel. After settling into your hotel you will be privately transferred for an afternoon exploring the stunning Kata Tjuta, or known as The Olgas, that will include dinner in the desert. Kata Tjuta is a very sacred place to the Aboriginal people. Your expert guide will walk you through Walpa (Olga) Gorge - a very mystic place - describing the geology and Aboriginal plant use of the area and you will hear how it has evolved over millions of years. (B, D) Accommodations at the Sails in the Desert Hotel.

Day 5: Ayers Rock - Sunrise and tour of Uluru, Scenic Helicopter Flight, Evening Sunset Motorcycle Ride
Arise early today to depart one hour prior to sunrise to enjoy a picnic breakfast and view the sunrise over Uluru - a spectacular sight worth the lack of sleep! A series of short guided walks take you to areas of special interest at the base of Uluru where Aboriginal art will be viewed and culture and creation time stories explained. Then you will visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to view Aboriginal artworks. Your guide will transfer you back to your accommodations for a short rest. Next you will hop aboard for an unforgettable helicopter flight. Search for wild camels at low level on this extended flight to Lake Amadeus, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Ayers Rock Resort. You will be set down at your hotel on conclusion of your scenic flight tour. In the evening you will be whisked away for an Ayers Rock Sunset motorcycle tour. Watch the sun set over Uluru whilst enjoying a glass of champagne. (B) Accommodations at the Sails in the Desert Hotel.

Day 6: Ayers Rock to Cairns - Morning Camel Ride, Afternoon flight to Cairns
Today after an early breakfast you will be transferred to enjoy a camel ride amongst the red sand dunes to watch the sunrise. After the ride, enjoy billy tea at the camel depot. After the camel riding experience you will be returned to your hotel to pack up your belongings. You will then be privately transferred to the Domestic Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon your arrival you will be met by your guide for private vehicle transfer to your hotel. (B) Accommodations at the Sebel Reef House.

Day 7: Cairns - Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight, Afternoon free
In the morning you will be transferred for a morning in the sky. Enjoy a 60 minute scenic flight at Mareeba on the Tablelands in a colorful hot air balloon. Following your flight there will be a tropical champagne breakfast with Australian cuisine. After returning to your accommodations you have the rest of the day free for whatever you desire. (B) Accommodations at the Sebel Reef House.

Day 8: Cairns - Sailing and Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef
Today you will spend the day sailing the great wide open. You will be privately transferred to your high performance sailing catamaran for a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage Site. Learn to sail or simply enjoy the sunshine on the way out. At the reef, enjoy a guided snorkeling tour. You will depart ship in Port Douglas to then be transferred back to your accommodations. (B, L) Accommodations at the Sebel Reef House.

Day 9: Cairns - White Water Rafting
After breakfast you will travel south to the headwaters of the Tully River to experience the thrill and exhilaration of continuous whitewater on a class 4 river. Spend five hours rafting down river through world heritage rainforest over 45 rapids under the guidance of an experienced, fully trained river guide. (B, L) Accommodations at the Sebel Reef House.

Day 10: Cairns - Return Flight Home
After breakfast, you will be driven to the Cairns Airport to catch your return flight home. (B)