AUSTRALIA: FROM COAST TO COAST

Transcription

1 AUSTRALIA: FROM COAST TO COAST YOUR TOUR DOSSIER TRIP OVERVIEW A land of starkly beautiful desert landscapes, world-renowned beaches, unique wildlife and effortlessly cosmopolitan cities, Australia offers something for everyone. Leave no corner of the country untouched as you travel from the sunny shores of Perth to the red desert sands of Alice Springs, continuing on to the underwater marvels of the Great Barrier Reef, the spectacular coastal stretch of the Great Ocean Road and the iconic sights of Melbourne and Sydney. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to Australia. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 1: UK to Perth Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight direct to Perth. DAY 2: Perth Upon your arrival in Perth, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. DAY 3: Perth Boasting 40km of soft, sandy beaches, a canopy of blue sky and the highest number of sunshine hours of all Australian cities, Perth promotes the perfect outdoor lifestyle. Bask in its year-round sunshine and friendly charm on today s city tour. Enjoy fantastic vistas of the city s skyline from King s Park, a botanical garden and park that features stretches of cultivated gardens and untamed bushland. Travel to the bohemian port city of Fremantle where you have free time to enjoy the town s many al fresco cafes or take a scenic walk around the harbour before returning to your hotel. DAY 4: Perth to Alice Springs D After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the remote desert town of Alice Springs, your springboard to the Australian Outback. Take in the farreaching views from Anzac Hill before travelling onward to your hotel. This evening, experience a unique dinner in the Outback. Enjoy a complimentary drink while you watch the sun set over the Eastern McDonnell Ranges. Feast on a BBQ meal and try your hand at making your own dessert over hot coals. Listen to traditional songs and stories of the history of the area and, when the lights are turned out, marvel at the starry expanse of sky before returning to your hotel for the night. DAY 5: Alice Springs An optional tour (at a fee) of the pioneering town of Alice Springs covers its many highlights, including the original waterhole for which it was named, before taking you deep into Australia s Red Centre with a tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges, an area steeped in Aboriginal history and natural geological beauty. Later today, visit the waterhole at Simpsons Gap, often frequented by wallabies, and the sheer cliffs of Standley Chasm, carved by years of surging flood waters. DAY 6: Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Journey to the famed Ayers Rock, or Uluru, takes you through the dramatic scenery of the MacDonnell and James Ranges before you stop at a camel farm. On your way to Ayers Rock, view Mt. Conner, called Fool-uru by locals because of its similarity in shape. Your afternoon tour of the Olgas explores this collection of 36 immense, domed rocks, which hold spiritual significance in Aboriginal mythology. Enjoy a walk to Olga Gorge before a dramatic viewing of Ayers Rock from the sunset viewing strip. DAY 7: Ayers Rock to Cairns Early risers can enjoy an optional sunrise viewing of Ayers Rock (at a fee) before your group sets out for a drive around the base of the rock. Your driver will point out a number of interesting features of the monolith before taking you on a walking tour of Mutitjulu Waterhole, where you can view Aboriginal rock art. This afternoon, fly from Ayers Rock to the coastal city of Cairns. DAY 8: Cairns L Experience the fantastic marine diversity and clear, aquamarine waters of the Great Barrier Reef as you travel by catamaran to the Marine World activity platform, located on a private patch of the reef. With five hours to snorkel, swim and sunbathe in your own piece of paradise, and access to a sundeck, glass bottom boat tour and underwater observatory, there s no better way to explore the world s most amazing underwater ecosystem. DAY 9: Cairns Today s optional tour (at a fee) takes you along the historic Kuranda Rail for the spectacular rail journey from Cairns to Kuranda. Travel along the pioneers track, through sugar plantations and gorges and past the thundering Stoney Creek Falls, until you reach tropical Kuranda - a cool, tropical environment of native shrubs, ferns and flowers, where you will have time to explore this village in the rainforest. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway will provide the chance to discover the oldest rainforest on earth. Glide above the rainforest canopy, explore two rainforest mid-stations with lookouts and enjoy informational ranger guided tours and interpretive displays, before you return to Cairns by coach. Alternatively, enjoy the day at leisure in Cairns. DAY 10: Cairns Enjoy the day at leisure, with time to explore the city s lagoon, cafes, art galleries and markets at your own pace. DAY 11: Cairns to Melbourne After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day free. DAY 12: Melbourne Today s morning tour takes you past the eclectic architecture of Melbourne s central business district and the futuristic spire of the Victorian Arts Centre to Captain Cook s Cottage, the oldest building in Australia. Pass the lush greenery of the Botanical Gardens and the famed Queen Victorian Market before continuing past the Shrine of Remembrance and St Patrick s Cathedral. This afternoon, a guided exploration of Melbourne s arcades and laneways takes you to the most notable of these iconic pathways. 1

2 AUSTRALIA: FROM COAST TO COAST TOUR DOSSIER DAY 13: Melbourne Enjoy an optional full-day Great Ocean Road tour (at a fee), passing some of Australia s most breath-taking coastal scenery en route. Visit the surfing haven of Torquay, travel through the quaint township of Lorne and make a stop at Kennett River, one of the best places to see koalas in the wild. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach at spectacular Apollo Bay, then enjoy the dramatic mountainside scenery as you drive to the Twelve Apostles huge stone pillars rising from the surf. Alternatively, enjoy the day at leisure in beautiful Melbourne. DAY 14: Melbourne to Sydney After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival, embark on a half-day city tour of the city s highlights en route to your hotel, passing the long, sandy stretch of world-famous Bondi Beach then stopping at Watson s Bay to take in the sweeping views from The Gap. Travel into the city via the charming suburb of Paddington with a stop at Mrs Macquarie s Chair, a bench-like rock ledge that affords fantastic views of the city. Admire the architectural beauty of the iconic Sydney Opera House as you take a behind-the-scenes audio-visual tour of this spectacular structure. Continue on to your hotel, passing the historic Rocks area on your way. DAY 15: Sydney Enjoy a day at leisure in Australia s largest city, giving you the chance to enjoy Sydney s beaches, explore the area further or simply relax. DAY 16: Sydney Take an optional journey (at a fee) into the Blue Mountains and visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to one of Australia s largest private collections of indigenous animals where you can spot koalas, kangaroos and wombats. Explore the historic township of Leura then take in panoramic views of the three-pronged rock formation of the Three Sisters from Echo Point. Enjoy some time at Scenic World, an attraction that offers cable car rides, railway rides and walkways through the mountains, before returning to your hotel via Sydney Olympic Park. Alternatively, enjoy the day at leisure in Sydney. DAY 17: Sydney to London or extension After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to London, or continue on to your chosen extension. ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Perth (2 nights): 4H Mercure Perth Address: 10 Irwin Street, Perth WA 6000, Australia Contact number: Alice Springs (2 nights): 4H Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Address: 93 Barrett Drive Northern Territory, Alice Springs 0870, Australia Contact number: Ayers Rock (1 night): 3H Outback Pioneer Hotel Address: Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara Dr, Yulara NT 0872, Australia Contact number: Cairns (4 nights): 4H Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Address: The Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia Contact number: Melbourne (3 nights): 3Hplus The Crossley Hotel Address: 51 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Contact number: Sydney (3 nights): 4H Vibe Hotel Address: 111 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Contact number: < 1 Number of nights 2 Coach Air Perth Australia Ayers Rock 1 2 Alice Springs Cairns Melbourne Australia < Blue Mountains 3 4 Sydney Accommodation All accommodation is 3 & 4H with en-suite facilities, heating/air-conditioning, a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Sunspot Tours have visited and inspected all the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. Should any of the hotels listed become unavailable, you will be placed in alternative accommodation of the exact same standard. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner where stated will be taken at local restaurants or at your hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes. ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival in Perth you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Goway Travel, holding a sign displaying: Sunspot Tours. The Sunspot Tours/Goway Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your local guide will be on hand during all excursions and transfers should you have any queries. However, if you need to contact Goway Travel during your stay the details are: Goway Travel: Address: Level 8, 350 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Office telephone number: address: Customersupport@gowayinbound.travel Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for Goway Travel Contact details: 24-hour phone number: address (for use during office hours): ghilas@gowayinbound.travel 2

3 AUSTRALIA: FROM COAST TO COAST TOUR DOSSIER WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Visas Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas are required by all nationalities prior to entering Australia. These are available through our reservations department at a cost of 22 per person. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destination s Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity. Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Sunspot Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health & vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in sufficient time before your departure. Sources of information include: gov.uk, org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Physical Accessibility This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. WHAT TO PACK Insect repellent Sun cream Comfortable and adequate footwear for walking variable distance Waterproof lightweight jacket Sunglasses and hat Ruck sack / day bag Tour Guides On arrival at each destination you will be met by a local guide who will escort you during excursions, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge. Guides will not accompany you on internal flights, but will meet you at each airport and transfer you to and from your hotel. Tipping Tipping is not included and is at your discretion. Group Size The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10 and the maximum will be 25. In the unlikely event that there are fewer than 10 passengers booked on your tour date, you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Currency Exchange The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Therefore, it is very important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency. Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned on your itinerary, optional excursions and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. We would recommend a minimum of 100 per person, per day for the duration of the tour. Credit Card Information As normal practice you will be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. Itinerary Changes The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. Personal toiletries First aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc An Australian plug adapter - the voltage in Australia is 240 volts with plugs and sockets having 3 flat pin connections FLIGHT INFORMATION Your initial flight is to Perth International Airport with Qantas (QF), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 3. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Baggage Allowance Baggage allowance (per person): Each passenger is entitled to 30kg of hold luggage plus one item of hand luggage providing the exterior dimensions (height + length + width) do not exceed 115cm and 7kg in weight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your e-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Heathrow Airport advises that check-in should be three hours before your flight departure time. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on , quoting HX313. 3

4 AUSTRALIA: FROM COAST TO COAST TOUR DOSSIER WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average temperature: Perth Average temperature: Sydney Average temperature: Cairns Average temperature: Alice Springs Average temperature: Ayers Rock Average temperature: Melbourne 4

5 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER SUNSHINE COAST EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your travel agent TRIP OVERVIEW Fly to Queensland and one of the state s most spectacular stretches of coast the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy soft, sandy beaches, lively beachside towns and national parks, all of which can be explored from your base in Alexandra Headlands, then return to Sydney for a night in this vibrant city. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Sydney and the Sunshine Coast. Sunshine Coast accommodation (4 nights) Fly from Sydney to Brisbane, where you will be transferred to the 4H Oaks Seaforth Resort, your self-catering accommodation. Overlooking the ocean, this resort is on the edge of the popular suburb of Mooloolaba, yards from the magnificent surf beach. The accommodation features spacious one-bedroom air-conditioned apartments with a balcony/terrace, full kitchen, cable TV, phone and hairdryer. Resort Information Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headlands QLD 4572, Australia Telephone: Sydney accommodation (1 night) You will be transferred to the airport for your flight from Brisbane to Sydney. Your stay in Sydney will take place at the 4H Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments on a self-catering basis. These self-catering apartments offer a relaxing stay in the hub of Darling Harbour, close to Central Station. Facilities include an indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym. WEATHER AND CLIMATE The accommodation features one-bedroom air-conditioned apartments with a full kitchen, TV, DVD player and mini-stereo. Apartment Information 243 Pyrmont St, Darling harbour NSW 2009, Australia Telephone: Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry plus meals and drinks. Tour Guides Your stay in Sydney and the Sunshine Coast is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Please note: This extension takes place after your main tour. Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average temperatures: Alexandra Headlands FLIGHT INFORMATION Oaks Seaforth Resort Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

6 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER SYDNEY CITY STAY EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your travel agent TRIP OVERVIEW Sitting on one of the largest natural harbours in the world, Australia s biggest city is brimming with world-famous beaches, iconic monuments, spectacular architecture and a multitude of colourful neighbourhoods. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Sydney. Sydney accommodation (4 nights) Your stay in Sydney will take place at the 4H Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments on a self-catering basis. These self-catering apartments offer a relaxing stay in the hub of Darling Harbour, close to Central Station. Located in a renovated historic landmark building, facilities also include an indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym. The accommodation features one-bedroom air-conditioned apartments with a full kitchen, TV, DVD player and mini-stereo. Apartment Information 243 Pyrmont St, Darling harbour NSW 2009, Australia Telephone: Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry plus any meals and drinks that are not included. Tour Guides Your stay in Sydney is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. FLIGHT INFORMATION Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.