Australia: Natural Wonders

I arrive at the and go through customs formalities.
Car rental from Adelaide to Adelaide
Despite being a big city, Adelaide is a pleasant and easy place to live, with spacious avenues and squares, ringed with parks that stay green even in the hot, dry summer. Italians make up the city’s biggest non-Anglo group, lending the city a vaguely Mediterranean air

7.40AM, A SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS Start the day with a trip to Glenelg beach and head out with Temptation Sailing in search of dolphins. Swimmers wear wetsuits, facemasks and snorkels, and hold onto a floatation line while in the water. Waites is so confident that you will see dolphins that he offers a full refund if you don’t. Daily Swim with Dolphin cruises leave Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores Marina at Glenelg at approximately 7.40am and return around 11.15am. To get to Glenelg, jump on the Glenelg-bound tram from the city. 10:00AM, HIT THE SHOPS Time for some retail therapy in Adelaide, and there’s no better place to start than Adelaide’s famous Rundle Mall. This long pedestrian-only shopping strip is strung with department stores, boutiques, shopping complexes and world-famous chain stores. After a spot of shopping, drop into JamFactory: a studio, gallery and shop, showcasing the best of Australian and international craft and design. Watch artists in action, creating jewellery, furniture and ceramics. Purchase their wares or take a free daily tour. Wander into the East End to explore Rundle Street and Ebenezer Place - Adelaide's artisan oasis 12.30PM, LUNCH AT ADELAIDE CENTRAL MARKET Since 1870, Adelaide Central Market has been at the epicentre of South Australia's foodie culture. It’s a vibrant, busy place filled with cafés, cheese shops, bakeries, patisseries, fruit and vegetable stalls, meat and seafood outlets, and dozens of artisan food producers selling everything from local olive oil to old-fashioned lollies and locally-distilled gin. Lunchtime options include long-time Adelaide favourite, Lucia’s Fine Foods, which serves up traditional pizzas and pastas. Then there’s Sunmi’s Sushi for sushi and Korean noodle dishes, and Zed’s Café for great coffee, lemon tart, salads, soups and more. There are plenty of other lunchtime eateries for a hearty lunch (or a fry up breakfast) too. 1PM, ART ATTACK Experience the best of Adelaide's arts scene at the Art Gallery of South Australia, located on Adelaide's cultural boulevard, North Terrace. The Gallery was founded in 1881 and houses one of Australia’s best art collections as well as a quality cafe. Sit back and take it all in with a coffee in-hand and light lunch on the way. An alternative option is the University of South Australia’s Samstag Museum of Art, which displays works from South Australian artists from the 1970s onwards. It's also renowned for its collection of Aboriginal bark paintings. 2PM, HIGH TIME AT THE ADELAIDE OVAL A tour of the famous Adelaide Oval is a unique experience, especially if you attempt the Commonwealth Bank RoofClimb. Clip on your safety harness and climb 50m above the playing field on a rooftop climb like no other. 5PM, A DROP OF WINE TASTING The iconic Penfolds vineyards and Magill Estate cellar door are just 15 minutes drive from the city centre. The cellar door closes at 6pm, so you have just enough time to sip, savour and pick up a few bottles too. 6.30PM, COCKTAIL O’CLOCK Eight floors atop an old bank building, 2KW Bar and Restaurant is the perfect venue to relax at with a cocktail in hand. Its Terrace bar is a large outdoor space with panoramic views over the River Torrens, Parliament House and Adelaide Oval. 7.30PM, DINNER TIME For something a little different, try Africola - in Adelaide's East End, just off Rundle Street. If you fancy Thai food with a contemporary twist instead, head to Golden Boy in Adelaide’s East End. 9.30PM, ONE (OR SEVERAL) MORE FOR THE ROAD Adelaide’s laneway scene is making its mark on the map these days, with both vibrant Peel Steet and al-fresco Leigh Street showing the way. If you fancy dinner in one of these side-by-side alleyways, the choice is huge. Moroccan, Indian, Spanish, Mexican, Korean, Serbian … the list goes on.

The boats to Kangaroo Islands leave from the pier of Cape Jervis, about a one and a half hour drive into the wild Australian nature. The cruise lasts about 45 minutes.
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island. It boasts a spectacular coastline, forests, lots of wildlife, with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, platypuses, penguins, fur seals, sea lions and occasionally southern right whales. And it’s still unspoilt, in spite of being one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations

You can start your visit to Seal Bay with a memorable walk on the beach among the sea lions (at a safe distance!). With a bit of luck, you will see some lazy koalas resting on the ancient eucalyptus trees. In the western part of the island, explore Flinders Chase National Park with a walk in search of kangaroos, wallabies, and the numerous varieties of birds; from August to November, the park is covered in wildflowers, a fantastic sight. At Cape du Couedic, around the impressive Admirals Arch cave, over 10,000 southern fur seals rest, and you can also see the curious rock formations of Remarkable Rocks, perched on the cliff above the turbulent waters of the ocean.

If the ferry is booked for the afternoon, take some time to visit the rest of the island. Transfer to Penneshaw and depart on the ferry to Cape Jervis (last ferry at 7:30 pm, but be careful of the darkness. It is dangerous to drive a regular car at night). Continue along the Southern Expressway and arrive in Adelaide late in the evening (approximately 110 km).

Flight to Darwin, car rental from Darwin to. About 150 km east of Darwin lies Kakadu National Park, one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in Australia, and a World Heritage Site both for its natural riches and Aboriginal culture. The owners of the region are in fact the Aboriginal people, inhabiting the area since time immemorial and managing the park with the Australian government. Kakadu covers more than 20,000 square kilometres, roughly half the size of Switzerland. The dry-season months are best for the climate and for wildlife viewing, but the wet season, between November and March, can be breathtaking in spite fo the torrential rainfall: true, some major sights are inaccessible and the wildlife dispersed, but the land is gorgeously green, luscious and resplendent

Day available to visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, near the town of Jabiru, and admire the Aboriginal rock paintings at Ubirr Rock (40 km from Jabiru, 80 km round trip). In the afternoon, visit the various billabongs, the rock paintings at Nourlangie, Muirella Park, etc. In the afternoon, transfer to the south and the possibility of taking a cruise on the Yellow Water, near Cooinda along the Kakadu Highway.

In the early morning, I continue heading south. Don't miss a dip at Gunlum Falls, a series of 15 natural pools made famous in the Crocodile Dundee movies. I arrive in Katherine in the afternoon (260 km / 4 hours).. Approximately 3000 square kilometers of territory enclose the Edith Falls, ideal for swimming, and Nitmiluk, the Aboriginal name for Katherine Gorge. Katherine Gorge is a great encounter with spectacular nature: the narrow and long rock fissure is navigable from April to November. Suddenly, you find yourself immersed in silence, broken only by the sound of birds. The blue sky becomes more and more distant, while the shadow of the sheer walls makes the air even cooler. It is divided into 12 different canyons separated by rapids, which are spectacular during the rainy season from November to April. At the Visitors Centre, you can find information about excursions, cruises, and various activities (such as canoeing) related to this splendid park. This is the land inhabited by the Jawoyn people, who are happy to share their culture through unique experiences. Nitmiluk is the Aboriginal name for Katherine Gorge and it means "the place of cicadas," which originates from the onomatopoeic sound "nit nit nit" produced by their song.

Morning available to explore the park and its gorges. Departure towards Darwin, heading north along the Stuart Highway. If time allows, stop at Litchfield National Park with its numerous waterfalls. (Approximately 330 km / 4.5 hours). Flight to Cairns, car rental from Cairns to Cairns. Twentyfive minutes north of Cairns, easy going Palm Cove is the place to unwind for a few days, on its palm-fringed beaches, with its cafes, boutique shops, restaurants and watersports

Free day, We recommend the visit/excursion, A couple of hours north of Cairns, in Daintree and Cape Tribulation, civilization disappears and gives way to the oldest rainforest in the world. After passing Port Douglas, the road runs along beautiful deserted beaches; you continue to Daintree, amidst an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna and different ecosystems. Take a river cruise on the Daintree River to spot (and photograph!) crocodiles with a naturalist guide. Enjoy a tropical lunch in the rainforest. The forest extends all the way to the beach at Cape Tribulation. Continue to Mossman Gorge. Take a guided walk with a qualified guide in this ancient natural wonder full of culturally significant sites. Make sure to bring your swimsuit so you can fully enjoy the beautiful pool surrounded by lush rainforest.

Free day, We recommend the visit/excursion, With an extension of over 2,300 km along the eastern coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef offers an abundance of unique experiences in the world. Swim among the splendid coral formations, giant clams, rare whale species, and six of the seven species of marine turtles in the world. Not to mention the over 1,600 species of fish that populate this aquatic paradise. Whether you have a passion for scuba diving in the depths of the ocean or prefer to bask in the sun on the soft sand of an island.

Free day, We recommend the visit/excursion, KURANDA, SCENIC RAIL & SKYRAIL TOUR - Transfer to Freshwater Railway Station to board the 8:50am Kuranda Scenic Railway for a journey to the village of Kuranda. Enjoy spectacular views as the train travels through 15 hand cut tunnels and past impressive waterfalls. Stop at Barron Gorge to view the falls before arriving at Kuranda Station. Free time to explore the “Village in the Rainforest”, and its many attractions, including the Heritage Markets which operates daily. Enjoy lunch (own expense). Other Kuranda Village attractions you may wish to visit are Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens (own expense). Board Skyrail at the scheduled time advised by the driver, and glide above the rainforest canopy to Smithfield Terminal

Rientro a. Flight to Uluru / Ayers Rock. Car rental from Ayers Rock to Ayers Rock

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park includes Uluru and Kata Tjuta (once respectively known as Ayers Rock and the Olgas), a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Uluru/Ayers Rock is arguably one of the world's natural wonders; Kata Tjuta is just as magical, a groupof rounded domes divided by narrow valleys We recommend the visit/excursion, New and evocative art installation in the Red Center desert. Approximately 50,000 stems light up after sunset for about a kilometer, a short distance from the resort, with the silhouette of Uluru in the background, creating enchanting atmospheres. Designed by English artist Bruce Munro, it is powered exclusively by solar energy, thanks to approximately 3,290km of optical fibers. There are several opportunities to admire it: - Field of Light base pass: includes transfers and entrance to walk along the various paths, informative brochure. Departure possible 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours after sunset - duration approximately 2 hours. - Field of Light Star Pass: includes transfers and entrance to walk along the various paths, access to an elevated panoramic area, English-speaking guide, drinks and sandwiches, informative brochure. Departure 30 minutes before sunset - duration approximately 2 hours (children from 6 years old and up). - A Night at Field of Light: includes transfers and entrance to walk along the various paths, English-speaking guide, drinks and canapés on top of a dune to see the structure light up, three-course Aboriginal dinner, cultural performance, informative brochure. Departure 1 hour before sunset - duration approximately 4 hours (children from 10 years old and up). Advance booking is required.

Flight to Sydney. The quintessential Aussie city, Sydney with its surroundings is truly a world in itself and the only city in Australia to show its two hundred years of European history in the old stone walls of The Rocks. A unique city that lives beyond its sparkling harbour and beaches, and shows its true soul in the diverse neighbourhoods, with a sophisticated cosmopolitan population, but also the largest Aboriginal community of any Australian city

Free day, Short on time? Want to see the best Sydney has to offer in just one day? Follow our handy guide for making the most of your time here, and taking in all the quintessential Sydney sights. - 9 AM—THE CLASSIC SITES Wake up in Sydney the right way, with a delicious breakfast to start your day. If you are in the Central Business District head to Pablo & Rusty's at 161 Castlereagh St. for quality coffee and a delicious menu in a relaxed setting. Wide awake now, walk down to Circular Quay and check out the hustle and bustle of the ferries departing. Wander around the famous Sydney Opera House and discover this incredible architectural landmark building. You can even take a tour and learn more about this unique structure. From here walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. You’ll have picture perfect views of both the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Follow the walk around the water, through to The Domain and onto the Art Gallery of NSW, where you can view an extensive range of Australian art. - 11:30 AM—CITY VIEWS Walk back into the city and head up to the Sydney Tower Eye observation deck for magnificent 360-degree views across the city. - 12:30 PM—ZOO OR AQUARIUM? If you would like to see some of our native wildlife, then head down to Darling Harbour to visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. You can catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo, which showcases more than 3,000 animals from around the world. - 2:30 PM—BONDI BEACH Catch a train to Bondi Junction, then jump on a bus from the Bondi Junction Interchange to Bondi Beach and grab lunch at one of the world’s most famous beaches! Enjoy the array of fabulous cafés and restaurants, then go for a walk along the beach—or if you have some spare time, why not try out the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. - 5 PM—SUNSET FROM THE HARBOUR BRIDGE Catch a beautiful Sydney sunset from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a BridgeClimb. - 6 PM—DINNER IN THE ROCKS Head to The Rocks, Sydney’s historic precinct, for an afternoon cocktail and dinner. Grab a drink at The Argyle in its gorgeous cobbled-stone courtyard, followed by dinner at New York inspired steakhouse The Cut, or modern Japanese at Sake Restaurant and Bar. - 8 PM—SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Head back to the Sydney Opera House to experience a special live performance. There’s always something on to suit everyone’s tastes from theatre and live music to ballet, opera and comedy. - 10:30 PM—SKY-HIGH COCKTAILS Finish your perfect Sydney night with a drink in hand and to-die-for city views. Head up to 360 Bar for views of Sydney’s skyline and a tempting champagne or two, or head to The Glenmore for harbour views and a Rooftop Royale cocktail.

Free day. We recommend the visit/excursion, the blue mist rising from the forests of eucalyptus trees in the Great Dividing Range not far from Sydney, hangs in the air and give the mountains their name. In the early days, colonist believed The Blue Mountains to be an impassable barrier. Millions of years ago there was a vast, sandstone tableland, 1000 m high. Rivers and winds and rain carved valleys and ravines creating a picturesque landscape, that today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most famous peaks are the Three Sisters. The forests are home to a living fossil: the ancient Wollemi pine, coeval with the dinosaurs

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