Intrepid - Best of Australia

Welcome to Sydney, Australia – or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Sydney is now located. Your adventure starts today with a welcome meeting at your hotel at 1 pm. After, you’ll head out with your local leader and fellow travellers for a walkabout tour with an Aboriginal guide in and around The Rocks. Walk through Hicksons Reserve, Campbells Cove, Cumberland Walk and more as your guide teaches you about this area's history, land and water use and spiritual connection with the First Nations peoples. After your journey into the Dreaming, head out on a leader-led orientation walk to Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens, Hyde Park and the Sydney Tower Eye. Join your group for an included welcome dinner along Darling Harbour and then settle into your hotel for the night.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.   

Activities:

• Sydney - The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning, head out on a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains – a land of rugged peaks, waterfalls and dense eucalyptus forest. Stop at Wentworth Falls for grand valley views at Fletchers Lookout. Head to Katoomba and visit Echo Point Lookout, which overlooks the iconic Three Sisters. Walk the Three Sisters track for views of the national park below. You might like to stop for lunch at the famous Lookout Restaurant for the views overlooking Echo Point Escarpment. Or maybe head into Katoomba town to check out the shops. This afternoon, you’ll head to Scenic World – a private, family-owned tourism spot backdropped by the mountains. Hop aboard the steepest railway in the world and ride into Jamison Valley, where you can explore the many boardwalks through the rainforest, looking out for lyrebirds and ancient tree ferns. Ride the cableway, which cruises past the sandstone escarpment and Orphan Rock. See Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters again, but from above, on the Scenic Skyway, which soars through the mountains. Tonight, return to your accommodation in Darling Harbour.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Your leader will choose the most appropriate walks for your group and the weather today, which might include the Three Sisters Walk (Grade1, about 25 to 45 minutes) and Wentworth Falls track (Grade 3, about 45 minutes to 1 hour).

Activities:

• Wentworth Falls - Wentworth Falls Lookout
• Katoomba - Scenic Skyway
• Katoomba - Scenic Walkway
• Katoomba - Three Sisters Walk
• Katoomba - Echo Point Lookout
• Katoomba - Scenic Cableway
• Katoomba - Scenic Railway

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning after breakfast, you’ll hop on the public ferry from Sydney Harbour to Manly. Departing regularly from Circular Quay, the ferry cruises past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before passing Kirribilli House (the Prime Minister’s official residence), Bradleys Head and South Head before arriving at Manly Wharf. From here, you’ll walk to Manly Beach where you can enjoy the cafes and laidback beach lifestyle or join your leader for a coastal walk to the nearby Shelly Beach. This afternoon, take the ferry back to Circular Quay and take a short walk back to your accommodation. Some travellers in your group may be leaving tonight, so perhaps head out to dinner together and celebrate.

As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

Activities:

• Sydney – Harbour to Manly return ferry
• Sydney – Exploration of Manly Beach

Your included airport transfer will take you from the hotel to Sydney Airport this morning. Fly to Alice Springs (flight not included) or Mparntwe, in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located. This is the classic laidback Aussie town and your launching pad to reach some of the top spots over the next few days. The next part of your adventure officially kicks off with another welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your new group leader and new travel companions. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town’s sights or tuck into an Outback inspired meal at one of the local cafes.

The flight from Sydney (airport code SYD) to Alice Springs (airport code ASP) today is not included. Please book these directly through the airline or through your agent. We recommend booking Qantas flight QF790 departing Sydney at 9.15 am. Please note that flight schedules change frequently. The airport transfers from the hotel to Sydney airport and from Alice Springs airport to your hotel are included. Please provide your flight details to your booking consultant.

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning, you’ll hit the road for Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you take part in a guided walk through the important spiritual site. A First Nations guide will share their insights on the local flora and fauna and will tell the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge and its present importance to the Eastern and Northern Arrernte People. The walk will also take you along the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter Highway and through the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park, home of the majestic Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between soaring cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before visiting the Light Towers – an immersive visual and aural display.

Your travel time today will approximately 4.5 hours.

Activities:

• Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Simpsons Gap Guided Aboriginal Cultural Walk
• Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Creek Walk
• Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Light Towers by Night

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and enjoy the 3-hour rim walk up and across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. You’ll walk across the red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the sprawling landscape to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Keep your eyes out, there’s chance that you might spot brumbys, camels or wallabies on the drive. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. Here, you'll embark on a walk to a popular lookout to admire the stunning formations that make up Kata Tjuta – these ochre-coloured shapes are a mesmerising sight. After, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. From a prime location, you’ll enjoy the view as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the incredible landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!

Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km. The King Canyon rim walk today is a Grade 4 walk, which requires a good level of mobility and health. Your leader can suggest shorter options for those seeking an easier walk. Sturdy enclosed shoes are required for all walks within the National Park. If the temperature is over 36 degrees, the Kings Canyon rim walk will be closed and an alternative activity will be provided. To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, alcohol is not served on the sunset tour.

Activities:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk
• Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. Head back to Yulara to your hotel and say goodbye to your leader and any group members who may be finishing their travels today. You’ll be unaccompanied until the next meeting in Cairns tomorrow.

As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

Activities:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with local Anangu Guide
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Viewing
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre

The free airport shuttle will take you from the hotel to Yulara Airport today, then you’ll fly to Cairns (flight not included). Cairns is also known as Gimuy, in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns is now located. This is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest. The next part of your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your new trip leader and the new travellers joining you. Until then, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or wander the waterfront promenade, popping into a local bar. Later, head out with your group for an included dinner. 

Today, the flight from Yulara (airport code AYQ) to Cairns (airport code CNS) is not included. Please book this directly with the airline or through your agent. We recommend booking flight QF1932 departing Yulara at 10.15 am. Please note that flight schedules change frequently. Please use the free resort shuttle bus from your hotel in Yulara to the airport. Please speak to reception for the best shuttle time in relation to your flight. In Cairns, there’s an included transfer to take you to your hotel. Please provide your flight details to your booking consultant.

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning after breakfast, soar over the world’s oldest tropical rainforest via the Skyrail that connects Cairns to the picturesque mountain village of Kuranda. You’ll glide along 7.5 km of cableway and admire the ancient landscape from a truly unique perspective. You’ll have some free time to explore this charming rainforest town and its surroundings – Kuranda is a delightful mix of colourful characters and natural beauty, perched at the top of a rainforest-clad mountain. You might like to check out the famous Kuranda Markets and village shopping or kick back and relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. Drive along the coast to Port Douglas, taking in the ocean views and the cliffs covered in native flora. Tonight, head out on an orientation walk around Port Douglas, stopping at Trinity Bay Lookout Point to admire the perfect crescent of sand and surf. Then, head to a local restaurant for drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers before returning to your accommodation for the evening. 

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Activities:

• Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
• Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
• Kuranda - Kuranda Village Visit
• Port Douglas - Leader-lead Orientation Walk

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Today, you’ll visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a one-hour crocodile and wildlife spotting boat tour along the Daintree River (Julaymba). On the electric Solar Whisper, you’ll hear the sounds of nature around you as you look out for crocs, birdlife, snakes, frogs, crabs and fish. Your experienced guide will be accustomed to the nuances of the river, the rainforest and the mangroves, meaning you’ll be able to find wildlife you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. After you find some feathered friends and long-toothed foes, head north to Cape Tribulation, stopping at Jindalba Boardwalk and a local ice cream factory on the way.  

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Activities:

• Daintree National Park – Solar Whisper Daintree River Wildlife Cruise
• Daintree National Park - Jindalba circuit track
• Daintree National Park - Cape Tribulation Lookout & Beach Walk

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning, you’ll head out on a fantastic full-day boat tour from Port Douglas. Explore the stunning Coral Cays on the Great Barrier Reef on a sailing boat guided by marine biologists, who will share their passion and knowledge of the reef as you float along the expansive blue waters. Learn about the fragile environment, enjoy presentations on the reef by experts on board and head to an exclusive site for a spot of wildlife-focused snorkelling (equipment provided). There are vast coral gardens to explore at your own pace – as a protected and shallow area, you’ll see corals, giant clams, turtles and fish in their natural habitat. Enjoy a buffet lunch (including prawns) and afternoon tea on board (including local Daintree produce) while you continue to spot wildlife from the glass-bottomed boat. Tonight, enjoy a night to relax in Port Douglas after a spectacular day on the water.

Activities:

• Port Douglas - Full-day Great Barrier Reef tour

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning, you’ll head to Mossman Gorge for a fascinating Ngadiku Dreamtime walking tour, led by a local Aboriginal guide. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from a long time ago in the local Kuku Yalanji language and you’ll learn about these stories on a guided walk along private, gentle tracks, visiting culturally significant sites, traditional bark shelters and cool rainforest streams. Witness a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits and then stroll through the lush rainforest, learning about traditional plant use, bush food sources and the connection to this unique tropical environment. After, enjoy a traditional bush tea and damper (a loaf or cake of flour and water that’s baked in wood ashes). Drive south to Palm Cove, stopping along the way to explore the scenic beachside town where you can grab some lunch. You can end your trip here or carry on to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 4pm.

Your leader will choose the most appropriate walk in Mossman Gorge for your group today. They vary from easy to moderate in difficulty and may include boardwalks, small lookouts, suspension bridges, slippery steps, and may be up to 45 mins in length.

Activities:

• Mossman Gorge - Ngadiku Dreamtime walk