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The Australia most tourists never see.
Sure anyone can visit Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback. But this independent tour is the Australia most tourists DON'T see. Go behind the scenes, discover a city the way no tour bus could show you, fly over the 12 Apostles, see wildlife in the wild outback, enjoy a day hike of the Blue Mountains. This is the ‘untouristy’ tour of Australia.
Days One & Two The journey begins in Melbourne. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your downtown hotel. Explore the city on your own – get adjusted to your surroundings. On day two you’ll see Melbourne the way few people ever do: from the perspective of a passionate Melbournian who will take you on a guided walking tour of the heart of the city. Discover what makes Melbourne different – and why. Get a feel for the city, the way of life here, the people, the culture and the history of this get capital. This afternoon the exploration continues on a bicycle tour around the city center, the famous Melbourne Cricket Grounds and the city’s diverse districts.
Day Three
Today you are out early and exploring the Great Ocean Road. You’ll see Bell’s beach – home to
some of Australia’s best surfing. You’ll stop at some of the picturesque towns and wander through some of Australia’s most southerly subtropical rainforests. At the 12 Apostles you’ll board a helicopter for a thrilling flight over these incredible rock formations. Hear fascinating stories about Shipwreck Coast and some of the incredible and tragic characters of this region.
Day Four
You travel to Cairns – heart of the tropical north and is the primary gateway to Northern Australia & the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea.
Day Five
The next day you’ll travel into Australia’s outback - the Gulf Savannah country. You’ll stay in luxuriously restored railway carriages, nestled in the Queensland bush. Discover the prehistoric Undara Lava Tubes - part of the longest lava flow from a single volcanic crater on Earth. You’ll see plenty of Aussie wildlife in its bush home – including kangaroos, wallabies, birds and bats.
Day Six
The next morning after breakfast, a Savannah Guide will take you to explore the Lava Tubes, and other interesting environmental, geological and historical features of this ancient part of Australia. After lunch you’ll return to Cairns.
Day Seven
On day seven, you’ll meet the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living thing. You’ll travel north to Palm Cove and set out on a catamaran to spend the day at Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience firsthand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. You can choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one meter underwater.
Day Eight
After another night in Cairns, you travel next to Sydney, Australia’s first – and largest city. You’ll stay downtown, close to all the action, attractions and shopping.
Day Nine
This morning you will be cruising on Sydney Harbour past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to see magnificent waterfront homes and parklands. You’ll get a comprehensive view of what Sydney is all about, and why this magnificent Harbour is the heart of this city.
Later in the day you’ll take a special tour of Sydney’s Wildlife World. Go behind the scenes at the colorful Butterfly habitat, observe the holding and breeding area for snakes and lizards and see the 5 most venomous snakes in the world. Touch the scales and tails of unique reptiles. You’ll visit the Nocturnal House and find out what the possums and quolls get up to after dark, get up close and personal with a koala. Your tour ends in the exclusive quarantine area where you'll learn about a variety of Australian animals, including wallabies, echidna’s and more.
Day Ten
Today is all about the Blue Mountains. But unlike most tourists who see the Blue Mountains from the window of a tour bus, your day is very different. This is a full day Blue Mountains sightseeing tour by luxury mini coach with time for bush walking included. See kangaroos in the morning in the Blue Mountains National Park, travel to Katoomba, see the 3 Sisters then enjoy 3 hours of self guided bushwalking time including picnic lunch time around Katoomba waterfalls. The walk features spectacular views into canyons and valleys. Included in your tour today is a self guide map kit/full walk information and backpack.
Day Eleven
Your final day in Sydney concludes with a transfer to Sydney Airport for your flight home.
The end of the very untouristy tour of Australia, with plenty of bragging rights!
Later in the day you’ll take a special tour of Sydney’s Wildlife World. Go behind the scenes at the colorful Butterfly habitat, observe the holding and breeding area for snakes and lizards and see the 5 most venomous snakes in the world. Touch the scales and tails of unique reptiles. You’ll visit the Nocturnal House and find out what the possums and quolls get up to after dark, get up close and personal with a koala. Your tour ends in the exclusive quarantine area where you'll learn about a variety of Australian animals, including wallabies, echidna’s and more.
