Australia In Style

Itinerary

• Australia

  Australia is the world's smallest continent, and includes Tasmania and other islands. Prior to European settlement in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the Australian mainland was inhabited by around 250 individual nations of indigenous Australians for around 40,000 years. After sporadic visits by fishermen from the north and then European discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, the eastern half of Australia was later claimed by the British in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales. As the population grew and new areas were explored, another five largely self-governing Crown Colonies were established during the 19th century. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies became a federation, and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. \There are iconic sights "down under" that find their way on most itineraries; Sydney (Opera House, Harbour Bridge), Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne. Other gems include the wild nature of Tasmania, vineyards of Hunter Valley, surfing on the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Darwin ... and more.

• Ayers Rock

  Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.

• Cairns

  The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

• Palm Cove

  Palm Cove is a beach community in Far North Queensland, Australia located 22 kilometres north of the city of Cairns . Palm Cove has a reputation for quality relaxed dining, most restaurants being situated along the beachfront fronting the Coral Sea.

• Sydney

  Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.28 million. It is the state capital of New South Wales, and the site of the first British colony in Australia, established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet from Britain. Located on Australia's south-east coast, the city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city's nickname, "the Harbour City". It is noted for the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets.

• • Sydney
  • Four Seasons

  Day 1: Sydney

  Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

  Upon check in at your hotel you will be provided with your welcome package. In the package you will receive a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, vouchers for each service, supplier contact list as well as various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons

  The Four Seasons (5*) is stunningly situated overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district, a short walk from the city's shopping and business centres. The hotel is vibrant and elegant, with dramatic harbourfront views and a luxurious day spa featuring exclusive skincare and aromatherapy treatments. 531 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated in luxurious, contemporary style. World-famous iconic views of Sydney, from the guest rooms includes sunrise over the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and beyond.

• • Bondi Beach
  • View from Cottage Point Inn as a waterplane lands

  Day 2: Sydney

  Head out on an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney City sights tour. Visit the historic Rocks area and hear early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House & Harbour Bridge. See the shopping heart of the city, QVB, Centrepoint. Visit Sydney's trendy new district, Oxford Street. Travel through elegant Paddington, with its terrace houses, before arriving at the Pacific Ocean. See the superb "coast cliff walk" around Tamarama and Bronte. Travel to famous Bondi Beach and visit the beachfront promenade, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers & Sydney's best panoramic view. Return to Sydney via Double Bay, Kings Cross & city centre. Shared tour.

  Enjoy a fly/dine experience with Sydney Seaplanes. A mere 20 minutes flying time from the hustle and bustle of Sydney is the exquisitely tranquil and award winning Cottage Point Inn. This beautiful restaurant is perched on the waters edge in the heart of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and is renowned for offering exceptional modern Australian cuisine. Upon landing, we taxi the aircraft to the restaurant’s seaplane dock, where Cottage Point Inn’s friendly staff offer a warm welcome and any number of great Australian wines! After a leisurely 3 course à la carte lunch reboard your seaplane and return to Sydney Harbour. To top off a magical afternoon we offer you an incredible photo opportunity flying a circuit of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, before landing at Rose Bay.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons
• • Blue Mountains

  Day 3: Sydney

  A shared luxury 4WD tour to the Blue Mountains. Meet Australia’s unique native animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park. A great photo opportunity, where you will come in close contact with Australian animals. Experience an off road Adventure as you descend a deep canyon. Enjoy a remote stop along the way in this World Heritage area, and breathe in the essence of the Australian eucalyptus while your friendly Guide explains the unique qualities of the Aussie bush. Then you visit the Mt. Tomah Botanic Gardens - home to Australia’s largest collection of cool climate plants and the ‘Dinosaur Age’ Wollemi Pine. The journey continues along the scenic Bells Line Road with views over Grose Canyon, with its towering sandstone walls. The afternoon will be spent in Glenbrook National Park with a close up experience with wild Kangaroos and the many varieties of bird that inhabit this area.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons
• • Ayers Rock
  • The Desert Garden Hotel

  Day 4: Sydney - Ayers Rock

  Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

  You will be transferred from Ayers Rock airport to your hotel with private car and driver.

  Pick up from your hotel by coach along with fellow travellers. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative, dedicated to interpreting Anangu culture and law. Travel to the waterhole of Mutitjulu for a guided walk, viewing ancient cave paintings and learning about the Aboriginal legends of Kuniya Tjukurpa (Python Dreaming). Join the guided Mala Walk to learn the story of the Mala, Hare Wallaby, people who once lived at Uluru. See painted caves and learn of the region’s geology and flora. As you tour the base of Uluru, visit Kantju Gorge, a waterhole and old hunting ground. Late in the day, watch the sunset over Uluru, admire the ever-changing colours of the monolith while the sun sinks below the horizon. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and canapés as the dusk deepens into night.

  Accommodation: Desert Gardens (4.5*)

  Desert Gardens (4.5*) is set amongst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs, the rooms at Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel feature the unique flora of the Central Australian Desert. Shaded walkways lead to spacious poolside rooms and some of the new deluxe rooms even offer spectacular views of Uluru. Under the private veranda or courtyard of your room, experience what is arguably Australia’s best sunset. When the sun has gone down, dine at White Gums Restaurant and savour Australian native delicacies or feast on the flavours of the a la carte Arnguli Grill.

• • Hike the Olgas
  • Dinner in Desert

  Day 5: Ayers Rock

  Rise early and travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park by shared coach, with fellow travellers. Enjoy a revitalising cup of tea or coffee as you witness Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise, and see the desert come to life. With the sun climbing in the morning sky, travel to the western section of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the immense 36 rock domes of Kata Tjuta. Enjoy a guided walk into Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Marvel at the sheer walls that flank you as you enter the gorge. Learn of the domes’ formation and of the wildlife of the region. Some of the plants you will see here are so rare that they are only found among these rocky domes.

  An unforgettable evening of beautifully prepared food under the Outback sky - the Sounds of Silence Dinner. You are escorted to a specially chosen location shortly before sundown and a lone didgeridoo echoes across the desert as you enjoy champagne and canapés. While the sun sets in a blaze of reds and oranges, and well into the starlit night, you feast on an array of the Northern Territory's culinary delights, including barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile, bush salads, and classic Australian desserts. Attention then turns to some of the world's best stargazing, with the assistance of the resident astronomer. As you wind down, coffee or tea are served. In winter, guests gather around a campfire to savour a special treat of hot mulled wine.

  Accommodation: Desert Gardens (4.5*)
• • Palm Cove
  • Angsana Resort

  Day 6: Ayers Rock - Cairns - Palm Cove

  You will be transferred from Ayers Rock airport to your hotel with private car and driver.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Transfer beween the international airport and your accommodation in the Northern Beaches/Palm Cove with private car and driver.

  Accommodation: Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef (5*)

  Nestled snugly in the beautiful village of Palm Cove, Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef (5*) is your gateway to the adventure of the longest coral reef and oldest rainforest on earth. The resort boast absolute beach frontage to the magnificent Coral Sea, which opens directly onto the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef. Every suite of this 'Small Luxury Hotel of the World' offers the promise of a private retreat and carefree getaway experience.

• Day 7: Palm Cove

  Today you will join your fellow travellers and travel northwards to the Aboriginal Culture Park where you experience the rich cultural dance and skills of the aboriginal Australians. After a delightful lunch we make our way to Skyrail - "the world's most beautiful rainforest experience." Your gondola trip takes you above the canopy of this world heritage national park with stops along the way to visit Red Peak. A walk down to the forest floor is recommended where boardwalks enable you to view the fern covered forest floor. Arriving at Kuranda, your guide meets you to escort you to the village. The village has so much to offer with its famous market, boutique stores and arts & crafts. After returning to the vehicle, you visit the mighty Barron Falls lookout before returning to Cairns via the beautiful northern beaches. (approx. 9h-16h30, small group tour)

  Accommodation: Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef (5*)

• Day 8: Palm Cove

  Michaelmas Cay is a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. The Cay is a protected seabird sanctuary playing host to over 20,000 migratory seabirds ... one of the most important nesting sights in the Southern Hemisphere. Set Sail aboard a five star catamaran and enjoy a reef experience - a day to remember . Shared Service.

  Accommodation: Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef (5*)
• • Great Barrier Reef

  Day 9: Palm Cove - Cairns

  Transfer to Cairns city or airport with private car and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Cairns international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Collectibles

  Australia is famous for its marsupial species that include kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and of course the cuddly koalas. These bear-like animals are found in South Eastern Australia and were given the name "koala" by Aboriginals, a word that means "no drink". The Koala obtains enough moisture from the eucalyptus leaves that it feeds on, a plant that would be indigestible to most other life forms.

• Culinary Delights

  There is much more to Australian barbeques than shrimp. Northern Territory barbeques feature indigenous fare like barramundi, kangaroo, emu, ostrich as well as chicken and lamb grilled on the barbecue with oil and seasoning. Of course an outback barbeque is never complete without billy tea at the end. This is simply tea boiled in a tin container known as a "billy".

• Historic Moment

  The Australian "Slouch" hat, or "Digger" hat, is nearly as old as the Australian fighting man. Originating in the army, it traditionally has a leather chin strap made from rabbit-fur felt or wool felt, and is turned up on the side (originally perhaps to keep out of the way of a lance or rifle). It also helps stay clear of that scorching outback sun!

• Four Seasons

  The Four Seasons (5*) is stunningly situated overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district, a short walk from the city's shopping and business centres. The hotel is vibrant and elegant, with dramatic harbourfront views and a luxurious day spa featuring exclusive skincare and aromatherapy treatments. 531 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated in luxurious, contemporary style. World-famous iconic views of Sydney, from the guest rooms includes sunrise over the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and beyond.

  • More information
• • The Desert Garden Hotel

  Desert Gardens (4.5*)

  Desert Gardens (4.5*) is set amongst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs, the rooms at Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel feature the unique flora of the Central Australian Desert. Shaded walkways lead to spacious poolside rooms and some of the new deluxe rooms even offer spectacular views of Uluru. Under the private veranda or courtyard of your room, experience what is arguably Australia’s best sunset. When the sun has gone down, dine at White Gums Restaurant and savour Australian native delicacies or feast on the flavours of the a la carte Arnguli Grill.

  • More information
• • Angsana Resort

  Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef (5*)

  Nestled snugly in the beautiful village of Palm Cove, Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef (5*) is your gateway to the adventure of the longest coral reef and oldest rainforest on earth. The resort boast absolute beach frontage to the magnificent Coral Sea, which opens directly onto the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef. Every suite of this 'Small Luxury Hotel of the World' offers the promise of a private retreat and carefree getaway experience.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • International and Internal Flights - Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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