Inspiring Journeys: Inspiring Australia 24/25

Welcome to Tropical Far North Queensland. This afternoon meet your Journey Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at Reef House Restaurant, nestled under Melaleuca trees.

Staying in:

• The Reef House (1 night)

Join your Aboriginal guide on an exclusive experience to discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest and gain an insight into the deep relationship the local Kuku Yalanji people have with their land. Depending on the tide, learn about cultural traditions, taste bush foods and sample traditional medicine of the Aboriginal people.

Staying in:

• The Reef House (1 night)

Today you can explore tropical Cairns in your own style with an Included Choice option. Either board a Quicksilver wave piercing catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The professional crew will take you to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Or if breathtaking rainforest speaks to you, your day begins on the Scenic Railway. Winding your way up to the quaint village of Kuranda. There's time to explore the ‘village in the Rainforest', including the Heritage Markets, before returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Staying in:

• The Reef House (1 night)

Today we fly from Cairns to the heart of the Red Centre, Uluru. This afternoon you’re off to the domes of Kata Tjuta, where you’ll join your Journey Director for a guided walk through Walpa Gorge. Later sparkling wine while you watch Uluru change colour as the sun sets below the horizon.

Staying in:

• Sails in the Desert Hotel (1 night)

Rise early to experience the renowned Field of Light by artist Bruce Munro, where 50,000 glass spheres in colours of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white, have been installed within sight of Uluru. Wander through the paths and then, from the dune-top, watch as the dawn creeps across the desert plain and lights up the Red Centre. After breakfast you will have the opportunity to take a walk around part of the base of Uluru and hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole. This evening enjoy a Local Dining Experience under the sparkling outback sky at the award-winning Sounds of Silence Dinner.

Staying in:

• Sails in the Desert Hotel (1 night)

Start the day with an unforgettable experience as you watch the sun rise over Uluru. After this, fly to the vibrant city of Melbourne where you will be treated to a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Staying in:

• Intercontinental Melbourne (1 night)

Indulge your senses in the Yarra Valley with a chocolate tasting and winery masterclass followed by lunch at a local winery, serving dishes made from locally sourced produce.

Staying in:

• Intercontinental Melbourne (1 night)

The morning is yours. Why not explore Melbourne’s world-famous laneways or treat yourself to some shopping at the local stylish boutique stores? Explore all the sites Melbourne has to offer with a city orientation tour, then enjoy lunch at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, where you will fill your belly with delicious native Australian bush flavours before jetting off to Sydney.

Staying in:

• The Langham Hotel Sydney (1 night)

Enjoy a Sydney sightseeing tour including a visit to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for panoramic views over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Midmorning offers you an Included Choice activity so you can see more of the Harbour City. Escape to a world long ago, before colonial settlement and be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth. Join an Aboriginal guide for a 90-minute leisurely walkabout through the Rocks District, hear dreamtime stories passed down from Elders and discover how Aboriginal people existed by the harbour. For a different pace, say ‘cheers’ to your local guide from Dave’s Tours on a historic walking tour of some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of the Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts, and stories of Australia's first European settlement. This afternoon, depart Sydney for the Hunter Valley wine region.

Staying in:

• voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley (1 night)

Spend the day exploring the amazing Hunter Valley Wine Region. It includes good food, great wine and beautiful scenery. Indulge in exclusive private wine tastings at boutique vineyards and sit down to an exceptional tasting lunch. There will be time to explore a cheese shop, chocolatier, and more before spending the evening at leisure. You may like to relax on your balcony with a good book and bottle of wine or treat yourself to one of the dining options.

Staying in:

• voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley (1 night)

Return to Sydney in time to cruise magical Sydney Harbour. Cruise around the glistening harbour while you savour a delicious lunch with a strong focus on local produce and wines. Relax on the spacious deck as you sail past the harbour’s iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and small secluded coves surrounded by multi-million-dollar waterfront homes. This evening is free for you to explore and discover one of Sydney’s local restaurants.

Staying in:

• The Langham Hotel Sydney (1 night)

Wake up to free day in the harbour city of Sydney. There are so many sights to experience. You may choose to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take the ferry to Manly Beach, or explore some of the lesser-known interesting pockets of Sydney to see how the locals live. Late afternoon, join a VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House before a Celebration Dinner at Peter Gilmore’s iconic Bennelong restaurant under the famous ‘sails’, the perfect location to celebrate this inspiring journey.

Staying in:

• The Langham Hotel Sydney (1 night)

Bid farewell to the Harbour City as you are transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight.