Intrepid - Best of Australia

This morning, join your leader for an orientation walk of The Rocks and Circular Quay. Walk through Hickson’s Reserve, Campbells Cove and Cumberland Walk, and see Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Botanical Gardens. Then, it’s time to board the Mari Nawi, meaning ‘big canoe’, for the Tribal Warrior Cruise. You’ll develop a richer appreciation of the area and the deep and continuing connection the Traditional Custodians have to the land and waters surrounding Sydney. Listen to stories and learn about ancient First Nations wisdom – including fishing and foraging techniques that have supported First Nations peoples for tens of thousands of years. End the cruise with a traditional dance and music performance. In the afternoon, drive to Katoomba in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains – a land of rugged peaks, dense forests and waterfalls – where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Activities:

• Sydney - Tribal Warrior Harbour Cruise with Aboriginal Guide
• Sydney - Leader-led Orientation Walk of the Rocks & Circular Quay

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Start your day with a walk to Wentworth Falls and Fletchers Lookout for dramatic views over the valley. You then have the option to visit Scenic World – a family-owned attraction backdropped by the mountains. Here, you could board the world’s steepest railway and ride into Jamison Valley, look out for lyrebirds as you explore rainforest boardwalks, ride the cableway past sandstone escarpments and Orphan Rock, or see Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters on the Scenic Skyway. Alternatively, tackle the Prince Henry Cliff Walk – a 7 km hike that takes you past hanging swamps and waterfalls. Then, head to Echo Point Lookout – the main viewpoint for the legendary Three Sisters rock formations – and do the Three Sisters Walk for more views of the national park below. You might like to stop at Lookout Restaurant for lunch overlooking Echo Point before returning to Katoomba to relax.

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:

• Blue Mountains - Echo Point Lookout
• Blue Mountains - Wentworth Falls Lookout
• Blue Mountains - Three Sisters Walk

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning you'll visit Jenolan Caves. Estimated to be over 340 million years old, many scientists consider this the oldest open cave system in the world. It's an incredible sight, with huge stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the ceiling and large crystal speleothems decorating the chambers. Jenolan Caves – or Binoomeal, meaning ‘Dark places’ in the Gundungurra language – is also a sacred place for the Traditional Owners. While you’re here, learn about the Gundungurra people’s history, culture and continuing connection to the caves and their ecosystems. After, visit a truffle farm in Oberon for an immersive tasting experience with expert truffle growers, then drive back to Sydney. 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:

• Blue Mountains - Private Truffle Tasting Experience
• Blue Mountains - Jenolan Caves

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

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. After a quick intro, drive to Earth Sanctuary where you’ll get to know each other over a delicious Outback barbeque while the sun sets over the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Then, watch the Southern Sky come alive with constellations and stories on a guided star gazing experience with an astronomer. You’ll also get the chance to look through Earth Sanctuary’s Deep Sky Telescopes to spot a range of celestial objects.

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.

Activities:

• Alice Springs - Visit to Earth Sanctuary with Dinner & Stargazing

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Hit the road to Simpsons Gap in West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies on a guided walk through this spiritual site with a First Nations guide. They’ll share insights on the local flora and fauna and the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge. 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 to Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between huge cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before an optional visit to the Light Towers – an immersive visual and aural display.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Please note that First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments.

Activities:

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

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Spend the morning exploring the rugged Kings Canyon and do the famous rim walk up and across the Kings Canyon plateau. From the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden', you’ll walk across 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. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a collection of 36 towering rock domes – and walk to a popular lookout to admire the formations. After, head to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. Enjoy the view from a prime location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km. The King Canyon rim walk is a Grade 4 walk, which requires a good level of fitness and mobility. 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 at the sunset experience.

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)

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable: watching sunrise over Uluru. Then, walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole where you'll see some 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.

Your leader-led Kuniya walk at the base of Uluru runs from the Kuniya carpark to Mutitjulu Waterhole and is a 1km Grade 2 (easy) walk. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and some of your group part ways at this location. You'll be unaccompanied tonight and during tomorrow's flight until the next group meeting in Cairns. You're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Activities:

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

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

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 - Nature Walk
• 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.

To participate in the snorkelling activity you must be a confident swimmer in open water with the capacity to swim unassisted. All passengers intending to snorkel will be asked to complete a medical declaration. The experienced crew will discuss any issues relating to medical conditions and swimming ability. The supplier reserves the right to decline any passenger from snorkelling if they are concerned about your health condition and/or swimming ability.

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