Sydney - Ayers Rock - Great Barrier Reef Vacation Package

The Blue Mountains

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. 

At 7.00- 7.30AM depart from your hotel by coach and travel directly to the Blue Mountains with your first stop of the day at Calmsley Hill, a working farm that is also a home for Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy morning tea with time afterwards to wander at leisure and enjoy the wildlife that lives here. 

From Calmsley Hill continue to the Blue Mountains and visit an outlook points for stunning views of the Jamison Valley. 

Continuing on, arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous 'Three Sisters' rock formations.

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.  

Your coach then makes its way around the mountain valleys towards the village of Blackheath and your lunch venue the Hydro Majestic. 

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of dramatic lookout points. Once you see the view from Govetts Leap you’ll know why it’s one of the most famous views in Australia, with a magnificent waterfall that drops nearly 600 ft to the base of the cliff. If you’re not mesmerised by the dancing waves of water spray it produces, you’ll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. 

Next stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens our last stop, where we enjoy the sweeping views of Sydney in the distance before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4.30 - 5.00pm.

The 'Three Sisters', Blue Mountains.

Govetts Leap, Blue Mountains.

Meeting a kangaroo with a sweet tooth.

Eating Out in Sydney

Downtown cafes and restaurants in places like 'The Rocks' and 'Darling Harbor" have some great eateries. But for a better opportunity to mix with the locals and to enjoy food the way they do, don't confine yourself to downtown. Take an Uber out to Ashfield (20-minutes) for some of the best Chinese you’ll ever enjoy, and at bargain prices. Or even closer is Leichhardt, the Italian area where you get the best Italian food in Australia, some would claim the world. Or maybe Portuguese food at the suburb of Petershem. Whatever your taste, Sydney prides itself as the food capital of Australia and out of town places like Newtown, Enmore and Marrickville offer a more alternative side to Sydney great food scene.

Indigo Cafe in the stylish Sydney suburb of Double Bay.

If your serious about your food, you'll enjoy this article from local publication Insider Guides Australia.

" Australia is a multicultural nation, and nowhere is this more evident than in our food culture. Sydney is home to a large number of nationalities, which, luckily for us, show off their national talents through the delicious form of food.

Deciding where to eat out in Sydney can be tough, with almost every international taste catered for. You should have no trouble finding a travel favourite or food from back home. The city tends to have different cuisines cluster together in areas. As a brief outline, Haymarket is the city’s Chinatown, while the nearby Liverpool St in the CBD houses the Spanish Quarter. A little further out of the city, the suburb of Leichhardt will provide an array of Italian restaurants, while Lakemba serves up great Lebanese.

There are also plenty of options to suit the student budget. Chinatown and local pubs are often a good bet, offering cheap lunch deals and dinner specials. Serving both food and alcohol, pubs are the great location to bridge the gap between eating out and staying out, and Sydney is known for its vast amount of pubs – there are usually over 10 to each suburb! For those wanting to party, there are plenty of popular nightclubs, bars and dancing spots to be found in the nightlife districts of Oxford St in Darlinghurst and Kings Cross.

But nightlife in Sydney is not just about drinking, contrary to what some local students might say. The increase in late night eateries and dessert bars around Sydney and the outer suburbs means you can now head out after 10 pm and find a quiet place to unwind.

CBD

FOOD

Avoid the constant temptation of fast food in the CBD by heading to Chinatown for some of the best food that this city has to offer! Don’t expect just Chinese cuisine either; this is the area for Malaysian, Japanese, Taiwanese and more. The best dumpling houses can be found tucked away in arcades.

NIGHTLIFE

Don’t be put off by the bars lining George St. Instead, check out the alleyways and hidden entries of the CBD. Thanks to a small bar revival, with a little investigation you can find amazing bars tucked away in the CBD. Highlights include Grandma’s Bar, a replica of your grandmother’s lounge room tucked under a guitar store that serves cocktails in cute teacups, the Baxter Inn and GoodGod Small Club, a ‘danceteria’, with DJs every night of the week and cocktails named after Chevy Chase!

EAST SYDNEY

FOOD

Not only does Sydney’s east offer an array of enticing food options, but these are also some of the loveliest beachside spots to dine at. Bondi is your best bet for a wide variety of choices – if you’re after a fancy night out (with fantastic views) check out Bondi Icebergs. Closer to the city, Darlinghurst is a good place to for cool bars and nightclubs – check out the little bars on Stanley St then head up to Oxford St for a night of dancing.

NIGHTLIFE

After eating delicious food and gazing out to sea, a drink is in order. Again, Bondi Icebergs is an excellent choice for a classy cocktail and B-grade celebrity spotting. For a more unusual tipple, check out Rum Diaries (which is just as it sounds, a rum bar) or for live music, make a visit to Bondi’s Beach Road Hotel, which features great beers on tap and a gig or DJ every night!

NORTH SYDNEY

FOOD

The north of Sydney is lucky enough to have a food option that stays open 24 hours and has good food! Maisy’s Café on Military Road in Neutral Bay is the perfect option for late-night dining. If you’re keeping more regular hours, check out the North Sydney Hotel for some of the best pub food that side of the bridge.

NIGHTLIFE

North Sydney’s nightlife, long ago a bit of a dead zone, has recently taken off with venues like Hugo’s Manly, Newport Arms Hotel and the Rag and Famish stepping up their game to offer bars and nightspots to rival Sydney’s inner city.

INNER WEST 

FOOD

If you’re in the mood for Thai, Newtown’s King St will answer your prayers. Almost every second store is home to a Thai restaurant. The tricky part is finding your favourite!. If Thai won’t hit the spot check out the more unusual cuisines on offer – Na Zdrowie on Glebe Point Road offers amazing Polish food (and a vodka list longer than any you’ll ever have seen!)

NIGHTLIFE

The inner west’s nightlife is dominated by pubs. Newtown’s Courthouse, Enmore’s Sly Fox and Glebe’s AB Hotel are consistently popular and serve good cold beer for reasonable prices. If you’re after something a bit fancier, check out one of the many new small bars – from Corridor in Newtown, to Enmore’s Midnight Special and Glebe’s The Little Guy.

WESTERN SYDNEY

FOOD

Parramatta is home to an exciting mix of cuisines, boasting over 180 restaurants cafés and bars. Go to Church St for modern outdoor dining, George St for beer gardens and cool cafés and Harris Park for some of the best Indian restaurants in Australia.

NIGHTLIFE

There are plenty of great pubs in the area such as the Albion Hotel and the Roxy Hotel. The latter was developed into a massive entertainment complex, and it receives world class acts on a regular basis. The Parramatta Leagues Club is also an interesting place to check out. It houses various restaurants and bars as well as the Parramatta Eels NRL (Rugby League) club.

Places like Bondi Beach and Manly Beach are internationally known icons of the Sydney beach scene and well worth a visit. But if you have a day to spare, nothing compares to Sydney's Northern Beaches. It takes over an hour to get there and it's not all highway; the locals don't want a highway because they say it will ruin their special corner of the world. When you get there you'll see why!

So make an early start, cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and head north to beaches with names like Avalon, Balgowlah, Bilgola, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Whale Beach and the northernmost of them all, Palm Beach. 

Two things to be aware of. It gets very busy on weekends during the Australian summer and these are all serious surf beaches, so if the surf is up, only competent and confident swimmers should be in the water. Plus surfers of course, because this is where some of Australia's best big-wave surf is found. 

It's a great day out. There's excellent cafes and walking trails to enjoy and the sheer beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Our favorite - Whale Beach.

The surfs up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

See inside the world’s most recognisable sails on The Essential Tour at the Sydney Opera House. Experience this miracle of architecture and engineering. A work of art that came into existence against impossible odds, to become one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world. 

The Opera House guide will take you on an engrossing journey, in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns. Like the fascinating story of the architect Jørn Utzon who designed the building. At one stage, because of massive cost overruns and the technical problems of building the roof, he was fired from the job, but years later, when the true genius of his design was fully appreciated, all was forgiven and he was made an honorary Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) and given the Keys to the City of Sydney.

You’ll also visit one of the major venues – where live performance are presented every day. Some 1,500 performances, in every genre you can imagine, are staged each year to audiences of around 1.5 million. You will be inspired! 

As well as the Opera House visit you might like to visit one of the world class museums found in the city. These include the Art Gallery of New South Wales (modern art), the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and the Nicholson Museum (antiquities). All are worth visiting, as is the Australian National Maritime Museum. History buffs will particularly enjoy the Hyde Park Barracks and their displays about the early settlers in Australia.

The Australia National Maritime Museum, Sydney

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

The Sydney Opera House.

Floating in a refreshing, natural plunge pool in the middle of the desert is one of Outback Australia's most memorable experiences, and a great way to cool off after a bike ride through the desert. Just 11 miles from Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive is Simpsons Gap, a spectacular gorge with a permanent waterhole at its base. You can drive there, but it's much more fun to bike it along the sealed Simpsons Gap Bike Path.

This sealed winding bike path starts at Flynn’s Grave passing through the scrub, flora and fauna landscapes to the entrance of the Simpson’s Gap picnic area and walk. The path is set inside the West MacDonnell National Park, in which you can see, hear, breathe and smell the rawness of Central Australia. Riding a bike on this path gives you a close up encounter with the unique habitat and wide open space. This is also a great opportunity to see some Central Australian wildlife in its natural environment.

Make sure you fuel up with water and any bike accessories you may need at the Trail Station Wifi Café before setting out on this epic ride. We also serve locally roasted barista coffee, home made delights (including our infamous vanilla slice) and cold drinks.

For a smooth ride and maximum enjoyment, we recommend hiring a premium or ultimate bike.

The gorge makes for a spectacular scenic bike ride with the refreshing waterhole at the end to cool.

Biking is the perfect way to take in all of the National parks beauty.

The sealed bike path is perfect for both experienced and amateur cyclists.

Alice Springs Desert Park

The Alice Springs Desert Park presents and interprets the Australian desert environment and its inhabitants and contributes to the conservation of Australia's desert flora and fauna. 

The Park site is also of significant cultural importance to the local Aboriginal Arrernte people and includes parts of the Akngwelye Artnwere and Yeperenye Altyerre (Wild Dog and Caterpillar dreaming stories). 

What you will experience here is a sensitive and realistic insight into Aboriginal culture through their displays and interpretation of the traditional use of plants and animals. Regular liaison with local indigenous groups means that the traditional custodians of the park site have developed a strong sense of pride and ownership in the attraction. 

In the space of just a few hours visitors can discover how the desert comes alive. Visitors can take an easy walking trail through desert habitats and discover Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland Habitat. You'll see free-flying birds of prey & see rare and endangered animals. Get up close to kangaroos, walk through aviaries, see snakes and animals that normally only make an appearance after dark and marvel at delicate desert wildflowers. 

For an after-dark adventure we recommend a guided nocturnal tour (AUD$44) to see rare and endangered animals by spotlight.

The entrance to the desert park, one of the top destinations when visiting Alice Springs.

Learning about the Aboriginal culture, like how to throw a boomerang.

The desert garden offers information about what kinds of pants and animals make their home in the outback/desert.

Hiking on a desert trail is a fantastic way to see the landscape.

Watching birds of prey and learning how they hunt and survive in the desert conditions.

The park is part safari and part history museum and offers diverse scenery from sand country to desert rivers.

The guided 'after dark tour' bring the scebery to life with lights and highlights rare and endangered animals.

This one day 4WD safari travels through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Hermannsburg, an Aboriginal community and historic precinct which is renowned for its Aboriginal art collection and the works of Albert Namatjira. Either morning or afternoon tea is provided in Hermannsburg. 

Travel down the bed of the Finke River, one of oldest water courses in the world, into Palm Valley. See spectacular rock forms, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. 

Some plants such as the cycad and 'Livistonia Mariae' (cabbage palm) are known world-wide as relic plants and are unique to Central Australia. 

Visit the spectacular rock formation known as the Ampitheatre. Enjoy a picnic lunch within the Finke Gorge National Park. 

On the return journey, relax and enjoy the changing colours of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges in the afternoon light.

The perfect way to travel to the remote area in 4 wheel drive vehicles made for touring the region.

The amazing rock formations alongside the Finke river bed.

The historic cabbage palms grow to huge heights in this perfect habitat near the riverbed.

Travelling by 4 wheel drive allows for easy access up the river bed, over sandy terrains and rocky surfaces.

Palm valley with its bright hues, water, palms and rock formations makes for stunning scenic photography.

A painting by renown Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira who loved painting the magnificent scenery of palm Valley.

Morning or afternoon tea served in the small aboriginal township of Hermannsburg.

HOT AIR BALLOONING ALICE SPRINGS

Experience an hour of that breathtaking feeling when floating silently above the Outback as the sun slowly rises over the desert on this awe-inspiring ballooning adventure. 

Journey to the launch site in the cool predawn darkness, and begin your ascent just as the morning light begins to illuminate the rugged McDonnell Ranges. 

Float gently across the vast expanse of the Australian Outback – keeping an eye out for native wildlife including the iconic red kangaroo – and gain an appreciation of the remoteness of the area as you glide across the landscape. 

Your flight is followed, upon landing, by a sparkling wine breakfast with a variety of individually packaged savory and sweet breakfast foods before you are returned to your accommodation. 

It is recommended to wear bush suitable clothes, long pants, sturdy footwear, a hat. Between April - October, and a warm jacket is essential.

Flying off at dawn with the spectacular red sky of sunrise, be sure to have your camera ready.

Landing an hour later with blue sky highlighting the beautiful outback landscape.

The view from the hot air balloon over the outback changes from  the rugged McDonell ranges to flat outback grasslands and desert.

Native plants and landscape make the most amazing views and if you're lucky some native wildlife may be spotted, like the iconic red kangaroo.

The sun rising over the McDonell Ranges, the view from the air is the very best way to see how far the immense ranges stretch.

Landing on soft grass after an hours trip over diverse and stunning landscape.

The perfect way to end a magnificent journey, a sparkling wine breakfast.

Kings Canyon and Outback Panorama.

We selected this activity option because we think it's one of the best "Red Centre' experiences to be enjoyed. 

Travel by coach from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station (included) along the way. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The circuit walk takes approximately 3-hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor. After lunch (own expense) at Kings Canyon Resort, return to Ayers Rock.

Kings Canyon is a small settlement located within the 274 square mile Watarrka National Park, roughly halfway between Alice Springs & Uluru / Ayers Rock. It's been home to the Luritja Aboriginal people for more than 20,000 years and during your visit there will be opportunities to learn about their role in shaping the area and to see some of the 600 species of native plants and animals that live here.

This description of the walk, by Amanda at Travel Outback Australia, provides an excellent summary of her experience of walking the Kings Canyon Rim.

"The Rim Walk is 4-miles in length, and suitable for relatively fit walkers who are able to take on an initial climb up about a thousand (1000) steps to the top of the Canyon. It be completed in about three to four hours depending on how often you stop to admire the extraordinary scenery.

Even though I’ve done this walk hundreds of times, it’s still one of my very favourites.

What to Expect

As you begin to climb upwards you get a sense of what a very special experience you are about to have. That first look into the Canyon inspires you to keep going even though you’re not at the top yet. This first part of the walk is an ascent of 1000 steps, with several places to stop and rest (and pinch yourself at the amazing scenery along the way)!

There is no denying that some people will find the climb very tough. However, if you take it slow and easy, you’ll find that the rest of the walk is a pretty easy going once you’ve got to the top!

It’s not long before you go through Priscilla’s Crack made famous by the 1994 movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Once through here, you come to the first lookout and an awesome view across the north wall to the south wall of the canyon.

You may have heard of the Lost City; here at the canyon it is best described as a series of sandstone domes which somewhat resembles the structure you might have found in an ancient city.

No matter what you think or imagine you’ll find the views magical. I guarantee they will leave you spellbound.

From the Lost City you continue to wander through the domes and can choose to follow the path out to Cotterill’s Lookout, so named after one of the first tour operators to the area, or continue on the Garden of Eden via one of the most striking staircases you’ll see in the outback.

This is a really interesting side track which wends its way along the steep sandstone banks of Kings Creek to a permanent waterhole from which the overflow spills out into the floor of the canyon.

On your return from the waterhole you’ll climb up out of the Garden of Eden using almost a mirror image of the staircase used on your way down and continue on your way around the mouth of the canyon until you get to the south wall.

If you walk down past the cliff safety sign and parallel to the edge you’ll come to a spot that is great for taking a photo back along the cliff edge to the waterfall.

Once you leave the south wall you are past half way and heading back towards the car park, but wait!

There are still plenty of sights to see along the way.

You’ll be surprised at how many plants are growing out of what seems like stone, and if you read our signs you will find a wealth of information to help you understand just how this can happen.

It’s pretty well all downhill from here but you’ll still see some great scenery until at the end of a ridge line you will start the final descent towards the car park."

We can arrange overnight accommodation at Kings Canyon.

Alice Springs and Uluru / Ayers Rock, a 4 hour drive away, are located in the very heart of the Australian Outback. It's call "The Red Centre"

As one visitor put it "Dry, hot, red and empty!" All of which gives it a stunning beauty and grandeur of its own.

You can fly into Alice Springs from Sydney or Melbourne. It's the perfect base to access the Outback's natural wonders.

Not far away from Alice Springs are the ancient MacDonnell Ranges, stretching out for 130 miles on both sides of the town and providing beautiful scenery for bushwalking, camping and four-wheel-driving. Head southwest and take in Watarrka National Park. The Park covers nearly 300 square miles and is home to Kings Canyon.

Alice Springs is rich in heritage and historical sights and has a wealth of touring experiences on offer. Visit the famous Alice Springs Desert Park, Anzac Hill, the Telegraph Station and the Old Ghan Train. Glimpse the Outback lifestyle by visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air.

From Alice Springs you can explore Outback Australia by rental car. Start and end in Alice Springs, travel via Kings Canyon through to Uluru / Ayers Rock and return. A great 3 or 4 day Australian driving experiences. 

Uluru / Ayers Rock, is the world's second largest monolith, surpassed in size only by Mount Augustus (Burringurrah) in Western Australia. This massive sandstone giant lies in the heart of the "Red Centre" and is sacred to indigenous Australians. It's thought to have started forming around 550 million years ago. It lies within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which also includes the 36 red-rock domes of the Kata Tjuta (colloquially “The Olgas”) formation. 

If you enjoy driving, the open spaces, peace and quiet, stunning scenery, interesting wildlife and you have a sense of adventure, we can help you prepare a self-drive Outback vacation that will provide memories that will last a lifetime. 

Also ask us about the famous Ghan train journey from Alice Springs to Darwin in the north, or for a real remote driving experience, the 2-day trip on the Stuart "Highway" to Darwin. 

Alice Springs is situated in Central Australia, an arid environment consisting of several different deserts and stunning scenery.

Hiring a 4 wheel drive vehicle is a fantastic way to get around and view the area within a day.

Bush walks are a plenty through the McDonell Ranges and a great way to see the native pants and rock formations of the ranges.

Camping in Watarrka National park is one way not to miss the spectacular sunrises over the 'Red Centre' upon waking at dawn.

The 'rim walk' of Kings Canyon allows the scale of Watarrka National park to be seen.

The spectacular view from Kings Canyon looking out over Watarrka National park.

The iconic Ayers rock is a must see for any trip to the Northern Territory.

The Olgas/Kata Tjuta are a group of domed shaped rock formations part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National park.

The Ghan train, the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, promises to access parts of Australia no other mode of transportation can.

Stuart Highway, more a road than a highway links the 'Red Centre' up to Darwin through stunning outback scenery.

Get your bus transfer from the resort to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and then cycle around the base of Uluru with bikes from Outback Cycling at your own pace and in your own time. The 9-mile self-guided cycle journey is easily achieved in under three hours with plenty of time to stop and explore the beauty of the spiritual and unique wonder of the world: Uluru. 

You'll experience a personal connection to the sacred Aboriginal land whilst stopping to observe historic rock art and wondrous waterholes. 

Bicycle hire is available from Outback Cycling's mobile bike shop at the Uluru Cultural Centre. With options for everyone, the whole family can ride around the base of Uluru, getting you up close to the amazing sandstone monolith! 

Uluru Kata-Tjuta Cultural Centre where you get your tickets for the bus express out to the trail around the base.

The Uluru express takes you from the Cultural centre to the start of the trail where you'll get on the bikes.

There's a range of bicycles available for all ages and sizes.

The track around the base brings you right up close to the historic rock.

An opportunity for some fantastic photos with the magnificent rock formations in the background.

The Sounds of Silence experience is a mystical and inspiring experience that everyone visiting this region should experience. You dine under the canopy of the desert night, while your very own storyteller shares tales as told in the stars. 

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. 

Your Sounds of Silence experience begins with canapés 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 for an unforgettable dining experience and an introduction to Aboriginal culture with a traditional dance performance under the outback sky. 

As the night sky twinkles to life, help yourself to a bush tucker (food). It's an inspired buffet that in addition to food found on menus we are all familiar with, also includes native bush ingredients such as crocodile, kangaroo, barramundi and quandong. 

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. After dinner, enjoy dessert with a glass of port, tea or coffee.

Mostly however, as the title suggests, marvel at the sounds of silence that surround you in a place that seems a million miles from anywhere on earth!. 

Begin the evening with canapes and sparkling wine mingling with the other diners.

The viewing platform allows for stunning views over the outback and photos of Ayers rock.

Dinner is served under the night sky on the desert sand and what an amazing backdrop!!

One of the favorite parts of the evening is the Aboriginal dancing performance.

As dusk falls during dinner the stars come to life ready for the resident star talker.

Enjoy music in the form of the native didgeridoo whilst choosing food from the buffet.

The delicious food on offer including native bush ingredients for those that are curious to try.

The Great Barrier Reef, accessible from both Cairns and Port Douglas, is Australia's most famous World Heritage site. It's the largest living thing on Earth, and is even visible from outer space. This 2,000 mile-long ecosystem comprises thousands of reefs and hundreds of coral islands. It's home to countless species of colourful fish, molluscs and starfish, including turtles, dolphins and sharks, giant clam, seahorse, sea snakes and stingray. There is great concern about the future of The Reef. Two recent and consecutive years of what they call "bleaching events" have damaged large tracts of the reef and today, as a result of bleaching and other environmental threats, roughly 30% of the total reef has sustained serious damage. 

Visitors who take a full day cruise out to the reef will be inspired by the passion and commitment of the people they will meet who will talk about the past and future of the reef and share what they are doing to help find a way to bring the reef back to full health. The day is a powerful combination of education, reinforced by the sheer beauty of what you will see when you snorkel or dive and see just what is under threat here, a threat that has implications not just for the reef itself, but for the whole world.

A day cruise of the Great Barrier Reef is more than often the highlight to visitors exploring Australia.

The reef is home to so many different types of coral and marine life, its well worth the visit.

The reefs and islands off Cairns are some of the world's best places to see marine turtles in their natural

habitat, Fitzroy Island being one of the best.

Snorkeling cruises are a great way to see the reef without needing to dive.

Port Douglas Outer Great Barrier Cruise is a very popular dive and snorkel spot.

Daintree Walkabout

Start your day with a hotel pick-up commencing from Cairns at 7am. 

Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Gorge Walk: After arriving at Mossman Gorge, you will be treated to a guided rainforest walk along private, easy graded tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over cool rainforest streams. Your experienced interpretive Indigenous guides demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush tucker sources, share their dreamtime legends, explain the history of cave paintings and provide an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationships within this unique tropical environment. 

After your 1.5hr walk, enjoy tea, damper and question time with your guide. 

Mossman: Your driver/guide will point out the highlights of Australia’s most northern sugar town. 

Lunch: Daintree Tea House is your lunch venue today where you enjoy their specialty Barramundi lunch (alternate options available). 

Daintree River Cruise: Enjoy a fascinating hour cruising through this wildlife environment, which is home to birds, tree snakes, unique plants and the estuarine crocodile - a great photo opportunity. Enjoy afternoon tea after your cruise. 

Port Douglas: Enjoy a short tour of the historical town of Port Douglas. Then continue back to Cairns.

The Daintree canopy broad walk takes you right into lush rain forest.

The Mossman Gorge with its waterhole perfect for cooling off after walking through the rain forest.

Kuranda Rail, Skyrail & Tjapukai ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK. 

After being picked up at your hotel, proceed by coach to your first stop for the day.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park: On arrival, meet your Indigenous guide who will provide a fascinating introduction to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where you will learn about and experience the world's oldest living culture, dating back over 40,000 years. 

It's an interactive experience, so you might even like to learn how to throw a boomerang. You'll also gain an understanding of aboriginal forest foods and hunting techniques. 

The Tjapukai Dance Troupe has performed to acclaim all around the world and their performance will be one of the highlights of your visit.

Leave your car or the tour bus at the beginning of the Tjapukai Center to explore the culture within the rainforest.

Tjapukai offers a hands on experience to learning about Aboriginal culture.

Painting a boomerang in the aboriginal style to take with you as a reminder of your visit.

Learning how to throw a boomerang.

The dance troupe entertains with ancient stories acted out in music and dance.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: A short distance from Tjapukai is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Proceed directly to the boarding line – there is no need to queue as your Skyrail tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest. There are 2 stations enroute where you can alight and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre.

A birds-eye view of the rain forest below from the sky rail.

Map of the stations on the sky rail.

Kuranda Village: Upon arrival in the historic town of Kuranda, you have free time to do your own exploring – why not take advantage of the exclusive Kuranda discounts on your Kuranda Boarding Pass!

Explore the village's stalls and shops for refreshments and souvenirs.

Kuranda Scenic Rail: Board the famous train for an amazing journey, as you travel one of the world's most scenic rail routes, through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges.

The Kuranda scenic railway winds its way through gorges and tunnels ensuring spectacular views.

The train allows for many photo opportunities of the stunning natural scenery as it passes straight through it.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

The crocodiles of Australia are the much more aggressive and meaner cousins of the alligator species found here in North America. When its jaws are shut, the crocodile disguises these unpleasant differences by appearing to flash a toothy grin, as the fourth tooth on each side of the lower jaw sticks up over the upper lip. Don't be taken in! 

The Hartley's Crocodile Adventure is located within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area between Palm Cove and Port Douglas. It's both an educational experience and an opportunity to experience interactive wildlife activities. 

There's a lagoon boat trip, searching for and feeding crocodile, snake shows and sightings of koala, wombats, wallaby and other unique Australia animals like bettongs, and quolls.

You can also view Australian wildlife in safety, with a series of timber boardwalks.

The lagoon boat trip will get you very close to these amazing creatures.

A timber walkway over the lagoon is another way to view them.

Experience the beauty and diversity of the snakes of Australia with the snake show. 

Impress people back home with a digital photo taken with the park's baby crocodiles or pythons.

The crocodiles are regularly fed to make sure they're in full view.