Inspiring Journeys: Inspiring Australia 24/25

Welcome to Tropical North Queensland! This afternoon join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception followed by a Welcome Dinner at Reef House Restaurant. Nestled under Melaleuca trees with views across the Coral Sea, you will dine on modern Australian cuisine using fresh North Queensland produce.

Staying in:

• The Reef House (1 night)

Today will be an incredible day to remember. Join your Indigenous Guide on an exclusive journey to discover the Daintree and gain rich insight into the deep relationship the local Kuku Yalanji people have with their land. Depending on the tide, learn about cultural traditions, bush foods, and traditional medicine; experience traditional hunting techniques, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky and depending on the tide, see a mud crab. Enjoy lunch in the Daintree. Tonight, you can relax and dine at your leisure.

Staying in:

• The Reef House (1 night)

Today you can explore tropical Cairns in your own style with an Included Choice option. Choose to board a Quicksilver wave piercing catamaran for your cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The friendly professional crew will take you to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Choose to snorkel (equipment provided) or you can stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi submersible. A hot and cold tropical buffet is served before you return to Palm Cove this afternoon. If breathtaking rainforest views and exploring quaint a village calls to you, select a day in Kuranda on the Skyrail & Scenic Rail. Nestled in the mountaintop rainforest west of Cairns, is the charming 'Village in the Rainforest' Kuranda. Your day begins with the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway journey. Sit back, relax and take in the spectacular views as you wind your way up to quaint village of Kuranda. There is plenty of time to explore, including the Heritage Markets which operate daily. Then it’s time to board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for your return journey, gliding silently over and through the rainforest, enjoying beautiful views along the way.

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 Travel Director for a guided-walk through Walpa Gorge. The large, steep dome-like formations of Kata Tjuta are amazing to walk through and have great cultural significance for the Anangu people. Later this afternoon you will witness a spectacular Uluru sunset. Enjoy 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. Then it’s off to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for an insight into the history of the local Anangu people. This evening a Local Dining Experience at the award-winning Sounds of Silence Dinner under the sparkling outback sky will leave you delighted.

Staying in:

• Sails in the Desert Hotel (1 night)

Start the day with an unforgettable experience as you watch the sun rise over Uluru. Be mesmerised as this sacred monolith is illuminated by a kaleidoscope of colour while taking in the peacefulness of the morning. Then, fly to the vibrant city of Melbourne known for its rich coffee culture, colourful street art and bustling night life. After settling in, be treated to a delicious Welcome Dinner. Tonight, you will be staying in the heart of the city at the InterContinental Hotel, an icon of glamour and grace. Its façade is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, while its elegant interiors weave a tapestry of contemporary elegance.

Staying in:

• InterContinental Melbourne (1 night)

Venture to the Yarra Valley famous for its boutique local food, wine and breathtaking scenery. Firstly, visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie to take a Masterclass. Visit a local winery to learn about their vintages before enjoying lunch with local wines. Explore more of this wonderful wine region including more tastings before returning to Melbourne for a free evening.

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. Run by Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero, this restaurant celebrates contemporary Indigenous culture through cuisine, with an explosion of native Australian bush flavours, from finger lime to quandong. You will then jet off to Sydney, a metropolis by the sea.

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. Mid morning 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 a day at leisure 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 Bennelong restaurant under the sails of the Opera House itself, the perfect location for our last meal together.

Staying in:

• The Langham Hotel Sydney (1 night)

Your Inspiring Journey concludes after breakfast when you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.