The itinerary below is a suggestion for a spiritual group tour that features some of the most powerful sacred places in Australia.
DAY 1 – Depart USA.
DAY 2 – Cross International Dateline.
DAY 3 – ARRIVE SYDNEY
On arrival in Sydney, and after completing customs and immigration facilities you will be met by your local tour escort and transferred by private coach to the hotel. The first settlement of Australia, positioned on one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, Sydney is the capital of New South Wales. As Australia’s largest city it boasts an incredible mixed culture which only adds to its charm. In addition to the harbor, Sydney is bordered by spectacular beaches to the East and the Blue Mountains to the West and boasts the architectural wonder of the Sydney Opera House.
DAY 4 – SYDNEY – SIGHTSEEING (B,L)
This morning, meet your local guide and private coach for a half day sightseeing of Sydney including the picturesque Botanical Gardens, the Conservatorium of Music, Art Gallery and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, stopping for spectacular views.
Board Ocean Spirit’s luncheon cruise. Enjoy a sumptuous seafood and carvery buffet lunch whilst cruising around Sydney Harbour on board one of Ocean Spirit’s sailing catamarans. There is a comprehensive informative commentary which will introduce to you the character and points of interest of Sydney and the Harbour. Enjoy the large open decks, carpeted dining areas and fully licensed bar ensuring that your cruise will be an enjoyable experience.
Transfer back to the hotel with the remainder of the afternoon and evening free at leisure.
Dinner on your own.
DAY 5 – SYDNEY – AYERS ROCK (B)
Transfer by private coach assisted by your local guide to Sydney Domestic airport for the flight to Ayers Rock. On arrival in Ayers Rock, transfer by private coach with commentary driver to Ayers Rock Resort and your accommodation for check-in. Ayers Rock – the world’s largest sandstone monolith. It measures 5 miless around the base and rises to a height of 755 feet. The native Australian name for the area is Uluru and it is shrouded with Aboriginal legend and folklore. Together with the Olgas it makes for an exciting visit to the “Red Centre.” Depart Ayers Rock by coach and commentary driver, travel through desert plains for the short journey to The Olgas – known to the Aborigines as ‘Kata Tjuta’. You will be amazed by the sheer size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of conglomerate red rock. Enjoy a guided walk to Olga Gorge and explore the unusually shaped formations. In the late afternoon, travel to Ayers Rock sunset viewing area, to witness and photograph the striking color changes that can occur on the world’s largest monolith in the desert plain – Uluru (Ayers Rock) and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine. On completion of the tour you will return to your hotel. Dinner on your own.
DAY 6 – AYERS ROCK (B,D)
Starting from the Cultural Centre, your Aboriginal guide takes you on a meander through bushland near the base of Uluru. The creation stories shown to you in the scars and features of Uluru are thousands of generations old! See how traditional tools, weapons and implements are made and used in daily life. Learn how to make the oldest glue in the world and practice throwing a spear. Return to the resort with afternoon at leisure. Early evening leave your hotel and journey into the desert for the Sounds of Silence Dinner. Enjoy a barbecue dinner which includes kangaroo, emu, chicken and barramundi, all accompanied by salads, vegetables and your choice of beer, wine and soft-drinks. After dessert, the lights are dimmed and you can hear the sounds of the great outback and view the southern skies. You will be introduced to the stars, planets and constellations by an astronomer, with the opportunity to view through an on-site telescope. After stargazing and enjoying a glass of port, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
DAY 7 – AYERS ROCK – ALICE SPRINGS (B,D)
This morning, meet your private coach and driver for a journey for Alice Springs travelling via the Mereenie Loop Road, visit Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge and Ochre Pits (NB: Travel on this road is subject to road and weather conditions). On arrival in Alice Springs, check into the hotel Alice Springs is the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. The town grew after the arrival of the railway from Adelaide in 1929 and today is a pleasant, modern town. The centre of Alice Springs is compact; only a few streets wide and bounded by the Todd River on one side and the Stuart Highway on the other. Perhaps the best place to get an overall impression of Alice Springs is Anzac Hill, which forms the northern boundary of the town. Todd Street is the main shopping area and is lined with galleries displaying outstanding examples of Aboriginal arts, crafts and textiles. Here you can see how closely intertwined Aboriginal culture is with life in Alice Springs. This evening, transfer by private coach to the site of this evening’s Bushman’s Dinner. The secluded camp site is surrounded by the natural bushland with a cleared flat area for activities and our very own lookout, over the spectacular East MacDonnell Ranges and the Undoolya Valley. Our “bough shelter” features open fire places and permanent tables and chairs. All the creature comforts are provided including an environmentally friendly chemical rest room with wash up facilities. Be entertained by a colourful bush balladeer with poetry, songs and Australian yarns, join in with the activities or sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Learn of the stars and galaxies of the Southern Sky while standing illuminated by the starlight of a night sky in the outback.
DAY 8 – ALICE SPRINGS (B,L)
Today, transfer by coach to the Aboriginal Arts and Culture Center where you will meet your local Aboriginal guide who will accompany you on today’s tour. See Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges, from an Aboriginal perspective, learn about the spiritual-physical relationships in Aboriginal life, the Didgeridoo, Aboriginal music & dance, Aboriginal Art & the stories within the art… Enjoy a Aboriginal Look for Bush Tucker…and have a taste, walk in the desert or along a dry creek bed. Visit the world class Desert Park and transfer back to the hotel after an educational and fun filled day. This evening is free at leisure. Dinner on your own.
DAY 9 – ALICE SPRINGS – CAIRNS (B)
Private transfer by coach to Alice Springs airport to connect with your flight to Cairns. On arrival in Cairns, you will be met by a local English speaking guide and transferred by private coach to your hotel for check-in.Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and provides an ideal base for exploring the rich and varied treasures of this region. Tropical North Queensland is a vast region stretching from reefs and islands, through coastal wetlands to mountains, tablelands and grassland. After check-in, meet your local guide again and private coach for a half day tour. Transfer to Caravonica Lakes to board the Skyrail – the world’s largest gondola cableway, you’ll glide just feet above the rainforest canopy and enjoy sights that were once strictly for the birds. At the end of your Skyrail ride is Kuranda – the Village in the Rainforest. Transfer to Rainforestation Nature Park, a 40 acre tourist attraction in the midst of World Heritage rainforest. Travel on the Amphibious Army Duck through the magnificent tropical rainforest and learn about its ecosystem with an experienced guide who will explains the vast array of flora and fauna. Enjoy Australia’s indigenous culture with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. The Rainbow Serpent walkway takes you through Aboriginal traditions, myths, and legends. Watch spear throwing, learn to throw a boomerang or play the didgeridoo. Transfer back to the hotel for an evening at leisure & dinner on your own.
DAY 10 – CAIRNS – GREAT BARRIER REEF (B,L,D)
Today, you will be collected by Ocean Spirit Cruises for a full day to the Great Barrier reef. Spend four hours on the reef at Michaelmas Cay – a picturesque reef cay where coral gardens abound with a myriad of marine life, surrounding a protected seabird sanctuary. Departing Cairns Marina, you will cruise on the award winning, high performance Ocean Spirit catamaran direct to the reef. Included in your cruise are morning and afternoon tea, guided snorkelling tours with equipment, presentations by marine biologists and a hot/cold smorgasbord luncheon. On return to Cairns, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local Seafood restaurant.
DAY 11 – DEPART CAIRNS (B)
Transfer by private coach to Cairns airport, assisted by your local guide for your flight connection back to the States.
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary for group tour leaders. For more information about how to form a group and travel free, please visit: https://bodymindspiritjourneys.com/form-a-group-and-travel-free
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