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Highlights of Australia 12 days from $4,950
Discover the highlights of Australia on a journey that combines sophisticated Sydney, the sacred sites of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. HIGHLIGHTS �
Sail a catamaran in Sydney Harbour, enjoying lunch as you pass iconic sites.
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Watch the sunset on Uluru before an outback dining experience, and stargaze with an astronomer.
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Dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the Daintree Rainforest.
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Stay in a treehouse in the Atherton Tablelands, home to World Heritagelisted rain forests.
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1–3 – Sydney, Australia Arrive in Sydney and enjoy the rest of the day leisure. The next day, board a catamaran for a shared cruise of Sydney Harbour. Hear about the city’s history and enjoy a buffet lunch as you sail past Darling Harbour and the magnificent Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a full day to explore Sydney and its environs as you wish. Or take an excursion to the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage-listed wilderness of canyons, waterfalls, and eucalyptus forests. Days 4 & 5 – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Fly to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia’s Red Centre. After free time to explore, enjoy an outback dining experience under the stars followed by stargazing with a local astronomer. Rise early to catch the sunrise over the Kata Tjuta (the cluster of domed rocks also known as the Olgas) and join a guide for a small-group tour of Uluru. Witness the sunset on this sacred site.
WHERE TO STAY Shangri-La Hotel Sydney Luxury hotel with panoramic views of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sails in the Desert Ayers Rock Resort Comfortable and chic resort featuring indigenous art and artifacts, providing a contrast to Uluru’s raw natural beauty. Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel Unrivalled beachside location overlooking Four Mile Beach and the only hotel in Port Douglas with beach and ocean views. Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat Familyoperated retreat featuring treehouse rooms, set in the Cairns Highlands/Atherton Tablelands, amid rain forests, wildlife, and 160 bird species.
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Day 6 – Cairns and Port Douglas After a leisurely morning, fly to Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, your beachfront base for the next four nights as you explore two World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Day 7 – Great Barrier Reef Board a reef cruiser and set out on a full-day snorkel or dive trip on the Great Barrier Reef. Gain insights into this natural wonder from a marine biologist and enjoy lunch with fellow passengers on board. Day 8 – Daintree Rainforest Venture into the Daintree Rainforest on a full-day small-group tour. Learn about the ecology of this ancient rain forest, and hear about the unique, symbiotic relationship between the Daintree and the local indigenous people. Day 9 – Port Douglas Enjoy a full day at leisure in this tropical paradise. Spend it at one of the area’s beaches, explore galleries and boutiques in the village, or go for a walk in the surrounding parks. Days 10–12 – Atherton Tablelands Pick up your rental car and drive to the Atherton Tablelands, home to World Heritagelisted rain forests, old mining towns, and serene lakes. Settle into your treehouse in the jungle and enjoy two days to discover the treasures of this unspoiled area.
SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG/TAILOR-MADE I 855.215.8690
