Colours of Australia

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SYDNEY

Welcome to Australia!

Arrival in Sydney and transfer to the hotel.

Sydney is the most populated city in Australia, with an urban area of over 4.2 million inhabitants. Built on both sides of Port Jackson Bay, Sydney is now Australia’s most important financial centre and an international tourist destination, known for its beaches and two main monuments: The Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga (Eco Lodge inside Taronga Park Zoo). The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is owned and operated by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, a non-profit organization based on conservation. Every stay at the Wildlife Retreat helps fund Taronga’s animal care and the wider conservation and education programs in Australia and around the world.

DAY 2: SYDNEY

Stroll along with a little tour through the heart of Sydney, from the Queen Victoria Building to The Rocks, passing by The Sydney Opera House.

Your guide will tell you the fascinating history of Sydney and how it has developed into a thriving metropolis over the past 200 years. Visit the hidden alleyways of the historic suburb of The Rocks, Australia’s first suburb. Learn about life in the bustling and often dangerous seaport of the era as you stroll through the elegant Victorian buildings that are part of Sydney’s architectural style.

End the morning with a tour of the iconic Opera House. Discover its controversial history, avant-garde architecture, and contribution to Australia’s rich art scene.

The rest of the day is free to continue exploring Sydney’s neighborhoods and beaches. Take the famous and beautiful coastal promenade from Bondi to Coogee, for example. When you arrive in Coogee, enjoy a drink at the Coogee Pavilion, the home of Sydney’s residents.

Overnight at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga.

DAY 3: SYDNEY

Meet your nature guide late in the morning and drive through Sydney’s southern national parks to observe Australian wildlife.

Four-wheel drive to the bush of the Southern Highlands with your nature guide. There, you’ll have the privilege of entering private grounds accessible only by off-road vehicles and seeing many of Australia’s animals in their natural environment. Animals migrate throughout the region and sightings vary with the seasons.

Use binoculars to look for kangaroos and wallabies in open glades, try to spot a koala perched in its eucalyptus tree or surprise a platypus along the coast! After sunset, look for wombats, gliders, and night possums next to your guide.

Return to the hotel in the evening.

Overnight at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga.

DAY 4: SYDNEY

Cruise for half a day to discover Sydney Harbour at its best!

Sail aboard a beautiful yacht in complete relaxation, past the Opera House and Fort Denison before crossing the harbour and heading to a small cove for lunch. You will have plenty of time to try your hand at fishing, swimming or just sit with a drink in your hand while you wait for lunch to be ready. Your skipper will personally guide you through Sydney’s intriguing history and, if you wish, you can set up and sail the boat.

The rest of the day is free to explore Sydney at your own pace.

Overnight at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga.

DAY 5: ALICE SPRINGS

Transfer to Sydney Airport and flight to Red Centre.

Arrival at Alice Springs and free transfer to the hotel.

An oasis in the heart of the red sand desert, the city of Alice Springs was founded in 1872 with the installation of the telegraph line. Today it is a small, modern and quiet town with a large Aboriginal community.

In the late afternoon, when the kangaroos begin to wake up, take a guided tour of Kangaroo Sanctuary, a shelter created in 2005 by Chris Barnes Brolga, also known as ‘Kangaroo Dundee’. Passionate about these animals since childhood, Chris has dedicated his life to rescuing and breeding hundreds of orphaned kangaroos and releasing them into the wild. Chris welcomes many visitors every year at sunset, guiding them. In this 76-hectare reserve you can walk with him and his “joeys” (kangaroo cubs) and watch the kangaroos in their natural habitat. An exceptional encounter that will remain forever etched in your memory!

Note: the visit is only possible from Tuesday to Friday.

Overnight stay at Double Tree by Hilton: experience eco-friendly luxury and breathtaking views of the majestic MacDonnell Mountain Ranges.

DAY 6: WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK

Morning at leisure in Alice Springs.

In the early afternoon, you will leave your hotel in the direction of Kings Canyon, accompanied by your guide. You will have your adventure on the beautiful Ernst Giles Road.

Upon arrival at Kings Canyon Resort, walk to the hotel’s pub to watch the sunset. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with a selection of canapés while watching the incredible sunset over Carmichael Crag at the western end of Kings Canyon. Be enchanted by the colours that change from orange to bright red on the rock, a moment of pure bliss!

Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Resort’s restaurant.

Overnight at Kings Canyon Resort, where you will have the choice of sleeping in the resort rooms or try the Glamping experience and staying in luxury tents.

DAY 7: AYERS ROCK

After breakfast, depart for a spectacular six kilometre walk to the top of Kings Canyon (Rim Walk).

Kings Canyon is characterized by imposing red rock cliffs rising above palm groves and magnificent gorges, a parade of natural wonders with evocative names: the “Garden of Eden” with its lush giant ferns, the “Lost City” with its Aztec appearance, and the “Amphitheatre” with its breathtaking views. A less sporty, but also very beautiful walk at the bottom of the canyon (the Kings Creek Walk) is possible (without a guide – the guide will accompany the hike to the top of the canyon).

After the walk, drive to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, stopping at Willunga for lunch in the shade of the majestic desert oaks, with a glass of wine.

Upon arrival at the National Park, it is time to stretch your legs in Kata Tjuta with the “Windy Gully” Walpa Gorge Walk, suitable for all levels.

After check-in at the hotel, you will have time to prepare for evening activities. You can participate in the Sounds of Silence dinner or you will be transferred to a secluded place to watch the famous changing colours of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunset, accompanied by canapés and wine or refreshments.

After sunset, you will return to the hotel for a wonderful 3-course dinner. This will be the perfect opportunity to discuss the day’s discoveries.

Overnight at the Desert Gardens Hotel.

DAY 8: AYERS ROCK - CAIRNS

Leave your hotel in the early morning darkness for a secluded place to watch the sunrise over the mighty monolith of Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, you can take wonderful walks around the base, discover the myths of creation and the fascinating geology of Uluru.

Transfer with your guide to Ayers Rock Airport, where you will catch a flight to Queensland.

Arrive in Cairns and take your hybrid car hire at the airport.

Founded in 1876, Cairns, the northern city of Queensland, is surrounded to the North and South by mangrove swamps with an incredible biodiversity. Nestled in the green hills, full of magnificent colonial houses with ornate wooden verandas, Cairns has the undeniable charm of a tropical city. It is also the gateway to the beautiful palm-lined coastal beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and the mysterious, unspoiled world of the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest.

Overnight stay at the Pacific Hotel Cairns.

DAY 9: PORT DOUGLAS

Departure in the direction of Port Douglas, and more specifically Thala Beach.

The Thala Beach nature reserve is located on a promontory between Cairns and Port Douglas. Free experiences include nature walks to observe wildlife, stargazing nights, a visit to the Coconut Odyssey and lessons from local experts.

Overnight stay at Thala Beach Nature Reserve. The accommodation offers Eco Resort accommodation with the highest accreditation of eco-certification through its sustainable practice and environmental awareness.

DAY 10: PORT DOUGLAS & DAINTREE

Morning at leisure to enjoy the region as you wish.

This afternoon, visit the Daintree Rainforest National Park in an atypical way.

If you love nature and water, then this visit is for you! In the heart of the rainforest, enter the crystal-clear water and let yourself be carried away by the current installed on your raft or explore life beneath the surface of the water equipped with a mask and snorkel. Watch the fish and turtles swaying around the river rocks and relax in this magical setting.

This activity is a great way to stay cool in the tropics and is a great introduction to snorkelling before heading for the cliffs.

Overnight stay at Thala Beach Nature Reserve.

DAY 11: THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Boarding on a catamaran for a day dedicated to swimming and discovering the depths of this fabulous natural site.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, countless types of corals and hard and soft shellfish. This unique environment has been protected since 1975 and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1981. The coral reef extends along almost the entire Queensland coast, making it the largest and most extensive living structure in the world. In fact, it forms a succession of 2,600 reefs containing some 400 varieties of coral. The lagoon is also dotted with enchanting islands that are home to a multitude of seabirds and tropical fish.

Masks and snorkels will be at your disposal, as well as a semi-submersible boat to observe the dry sea floor. A marine biology expert will introduce you to the underwater fauna and flora that live in waters of rare purity.

Overnight stay at Thala Beach Nature Reserve.

DAY 12: END OF THE ITINERARY

Return to Cairns airport and flight back to Europe.

End of our services, see you soon!