DAY 1-2: Depart UK.
On Saturday evening, fly with Qantas to Melbourne, via Singapore.

DAY 3: Arrive Melbourne.
On arrival in Melbourne in the early morning, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay. Your hotel room will be ready for you on arrival, the rest of the day is yours to relax.

DAY 4: Melbourne. Included sightseeing.
The capital of the State of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia. Melbourne's charm lies in the magnificently preserved Victorian architecture of its many public buildings and gracious homes. This morning our city tour will take in the main highlights, starting in the city centre, then on to the exclusive suburbs of South Yarra and Toorak and finally to the Westgate Bridge for panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne is perhaps best known for its fine parks and gardens, so why not spend your afternoon exploring the 'Garden City'?

DAY 5: Melbourne.
The day is yours to relax or explore further. Perhaps join one of our great value optional excursions, which range from the 'Penguin Parade' (little penguins can be seen coming ashore in the early evening) to winery tours or take a tour of Melbourne's world-class sporting venues, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

DAY 6: Melbourne - Alice Springs. Included sightseeing.
A morning flight will take you for an overnight stay in Alice Springs. The Red Centre of Australia is a totally unique area. In the geographic centre of the country, Alice Springs is close to some of the most awe-inspiring and colourful natural wonders of the world, including MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson's Gap, Standley Chasm and Palm Valley. An orientation tour will help familiarise you with the city, situated on the frequently dry Todd River. Included is a visit to the Old Telegraph Station, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air.

DAY 7: Alice Springs - Ayers Rock. Included sighseeing.
We travel south west to Ayers Rock, the world's largest monolith, which captured the imagination of the Australian Aborigines centuries before European settlement. It is steeped in the mystery of legend, mythology and folklore. You'll also walk through Olga Gorge within 28 massive domes of conglomerate rock before heading back to 'Sunset Strip' for canapés and champagne. From this vantage point, you will have the opportunity to view and photograph the dramatic colour changes that can occur on the Rock at sunset.

DAY 8: Ayers Rock - Cairns.
This morning enjoy a tour around the base of Ayers Rock, with time to explore some of the caves and view Aboriginal paintings and carvings, some thousands of years old. Fly to Cairns, capital of the Tropical North Queensland - where the rainforest meets the reef, for a three night stay.

DAY 9: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef. Included Catamaran cruise.
The world's largest coral reef, made up of over 3,000 individual reefs very close to each other and over 1,250 miles long, is one of our planet's most amazing natural wonders. Our included catamaran cruise to Green Island, a 6,000 year old coral cay will offer opportunities for strolling through cool rainforest, lazing on white coral sands, swimming or snorkelling on the surrounding coral reef. You may wish to take a ride on a glass bottom boat to see some of the world's most colourful coral and other marine life in the crystal clear waters. (L)

DAY 10: Cairns.
Set amongst lush rainforests, soaring peaks and the ocean, Cairns is one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations and has many attractions, including the Pier Marketplace, the Esplanade, a scenic railway which runs to the picturesque market town of Kuranda and superb beaches nearby. The day is yours to relax or explore.

DAY 11: Cairns - Sydney.
There's time for more relaxation before transferring to Cairns airport for your flight to Sydney for a three night stay.

DAY 12: Sydney. Included sightseeing.
The capital of the state of New South Wales, Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city, and boasts one of the largest and most beautiful harbours in the world, home to the instantly recognisable Sydney Harbour Bridge and world famous architectural wonder - the Sydney Opera House. In the morning our included sightseeing tour will take you through the commercial and shopping heart of Sydney. You'll see Chinatown and Darling Harbour before heading to historical Mrs Macquarie's Chair, where you will have a breathtaking view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You'll also enjoy an included cruise around the main harbour, offering magnificent views of the city skyline, harbour side beaches and magnificent waterfront homes.

DAY 13: Sydney.
The day is yours to see more of this wonderful city. For the more adventurous, how about a once in a lifetime opportunity to climb the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge? An evening performance at the Opera House is also a popular choice.

DAY 14: Sydney - UK.
Transfer to Sydney airport for your overnight flight to the UK via Bangkok.

DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.