The Great Australian Explorer 20092010

A 24-Day Trafalgar Tours tour starting from $6,800

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Starting Price: $6,800 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 24 Days
Countries Visited: Australia
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  • Book 6,10 or 12 months in advance save up to 10%
  • Young Travelers ages 5-17 save 10% off tours
  • Groups of 5 or more save 5%, 9+ one goes for free
  • Triple Room Discount available
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type: South Pacific 2009
Tour Category: Discovery
Tour Operator: Trafalgar Tours
Tour Code: TT-QGAEC-2009
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An E-Brochure is available - click to view

Cities Visited:
Sydney, Hay, Adelaide, Wilpena Pound, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Kakadu, Darwin, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

A journey through Australia from bottom to top. Sample the wines of Clare Valley, view the setting and rising sun at Ayers Rock, explore the outback scenery of Alice Springs, get up close to some crocs, and see the colorful wildlife that surrounds the Great Barrier Reef.

 

Sightseeing Highlights
  • Sydney Sightseeing includes the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach.
  • Adelaide Sightseeing in this quaint city.
  • Clare Valley Sample local wines.
  • Flinders Ranges Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wilpena Pound.
  • Coober Pedy Visit the opal mining capital of the world.
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Uluru (Ayers Rock) See sunset and sunrise at Uluru and tour of the base.
  • Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) Walk into mysterious Walpa Gorge.
  • Kings Canyon Climb the Canyon.
  • Alice Springs Tour this outback town.
  • West MacDonell Ranges Stop at Simpsons Gap.
  • Alice Springs Desert Park See Australian native wildlife.
  • Mataranka Enjoy a swim in the Thermal springs.
  • Katherine Katherine Gorge cruise.
  • Kakadu Spend time in Kakadu Natioanl Park and enjoy a wildlife cruise on Yellow Water Billabong.
  • Litchfield Tour this beautiful National Park.
  • Cairns Spend three relaxing nights in this tropical city.
  • Great Barrier Reef Full day Great Barrier Reef cruise including lunch.

Dining Highlights
  • A welcome drink with your Tour Director in Hay
  • 21 Buffet breakfasts
  • 1 buffet lunch on the Great Barrier Reef
  • 9 three-course dinners in hotels
  • 1 barbecue dinner under the stars
  • 1 dinner at Crocosaurus Cove
33 meals in total (see day by day itinerary)
First Class Travel Highlights
  • On Days 6-20 you will have the services of one of Trafalgar''s professional Tour Directors on tour.
  • You will be traveling on an independent basis and will join scheduled day tours with a local driver/guide on Days 3-5 and 21-24.
  • irport transfers will be provided on Day 3 in Sydney & Day 24 in Cairns, only for passengers who have booked their flights on a Trafalgar recommended airline and advised Trafalgar of their flight details.
  • You''ll stay in twin-bedded rooms wtih private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges, tips and local taxes are included.
  • Travel wallet containing tour documents and helpful information.
 
  • Days 1 & 2 Depart USA We fly over the international date line on our way to Sydney, Australia


  • Day 3 - Arrive Sydney (3 nights) On arrival at Sydney Airport you are transferred to our hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure. 

    Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton


  • Days 4 & 5 Sydney Sightseeing & at Leisure Morning sightseeing features views of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
    Harbour Bridge and Opera House from Mrs. Macquarie''s Chair, before heading to the infamous Kings Cross. Continue to Bondi Beach, with time for a stroll along this famous surf beach. See Darling Harbour on your return to the city. The balance of your stay is at leisure. Why not sightsee further or do some shopping? (Buffet breakfast / Buffet breakfast)


  • Day 6 - Sydney – Hay Today after breakfast our drive takes us along the Hume Highway and through Goulburn to Hay, located in the heart of the Riverina District. This evening, we enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with our Tour Director. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Comfort Inn


  • Day 7 - Hay – Adelaide This morning our journey will continue through Mildura. We''ll see the Murray River before crossing the South Australian border. From here we travel through the Riverland District and on to Adelaide for our overnight stay. (Buffet breakfast) 

    Hotel: Stamford Plaza


  • Day 8 - Adelaide – Flinders Ranges After a sightseeing tour of Adelaide we make our way through the Clare Valley and sample some local wines. Then, into the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound for the night. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Wilpena Pound Resort


  • Day 9 - Flinders Ranges – Port Augusta After breakfast, enjoy a free morning with time to explore Wilpena Pound. Perhaps take a walk to Wangarra Lookout before we continue our journey to Port Augusta. On our arrival we will visit the Wadlata Outback Interpretive Centre. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Majestic Oasis Apartments


  • Day 10 - Port Augusta – Coober Pedy Today we stop to visit Woomera, established in 1947 as an experimental rocket launching site. Then we continue our drive to Coober Pedy. Here we enjoy a tour of this unique town and visit an underground home before dinner at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Desert Cave Hotel


  • Day 11 - Coober Pedy – Ayers Rock (2 nights) We cross the Erldunda and Mount Ebenezer cattle stations as we make our way to Ayers Rock Resort. This evening, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and nibbles as we watch a spectacular sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). (Buffet breakfast)

    Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel


  • Day 12 - Ayers Rock – The Olgas Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise with time for those wishing to climb to the summit. Then we tour the base to see rock paintings and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later we visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk through Walpa Gorge. After sunset with complimentary sparkling wine, we enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and time for stargazing too! (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)


  • Day 13 - Ayers Rock – Kings Canyon We travel to Kings Canyon this morning. Climb to the rim of the mighty canyon and enjoy the spectacular views, or you may like to take a more leisurely walk and explore the canyon floor. This afternoon, relax at the resort before dinner at the hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort


  • Day 14 - Kings Canyon – Alice Springs (2 nights) Our first stop today is Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, with its lovely river red gum scenery. Then we''re off to Alice Springs where a sightseeing tour includes highlights of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Telegraph Station and School of the Air. Later, our day ends with panoramic views from Anzac Hill. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Alice Springs Resort


  • Day 15 - Alice Springs Desert Park This morning we travel out to Alice Springs Desert Park where you will be greeted by a local Aboriginal Guide. See the park from a different perspective as you learn about the traditions of the local Arrente people. Explore the Desert Rivers and Sand Country habitats and learn about survival in this arid country. Visit the Nocturnal House and enjoy reserved seating at the Birds of Prey Presentation. Continue on to the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct where you can view the paintings in the Albert Namatjira Gallery and wander through the Museum of Central Australia which follows the evolution of the local landscape and the creatures that inhabited it. (Buffet breakfast)


  • Day 16 - Alice Springs – Tennant Creek We travel north across the Tropic of Capricorn and see the Devils Marbles, enormous round boulders rising from the plain. Then we continue on to the gold mining town of Tennant Creek for a guided mine tour followed by a barbecue dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Eldorado Motor Inn


  • Day 17 - Mataranka Thermal Springs – Katherine Today we visit historic Daly Waters, before entering the Never Never country of the Northern Territory. Next, we stop at the beautiful Mataranka Thermal Springs with time for a swim. Finally, a late afternoon arrival at Katherine. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Paraway Motel


  • Day 18 - Katherine Gorge Cruise – Kakadu Our day begins with an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge. Then
    from here we continue our journey deep into Kakadu National Park where we join the famous Yellow Water Billabong cruise. We stay in the heart of Kakadu National Park for dinner and overnight stay. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn


  • Day 19 - Kakadu – Darwin (2 nights) This morning we visit the Ubirr rock art site. Here there''s a chance to take an optional scenic flight over the Arnhem Land Escarpment. Next we stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre, before traveling via the Marrakai Plains and Adelaide River to Darwin. (Buffet breakfast)

    Hotel: Mantra Pandanas


  • Day 20 - Litchfield National Park Today we travel to Litchfield National Park where we see beautiful Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and the Termite Mounds. Enjoy a special evening, including dinner, when we visit Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin’s newest attraction. Enter the world of the awesome Northern Territory Saltwater Crocodile, where you’ll see some of the largest in captivity on display. You can choose to get up close and personal and ‘swim with the crocs’! Plus you’ll see the Jumping Croc presentation. See the largest display of Australian reptiles, a turtle sanctuary, as well as Aboriginal Art and local Aboriginal Culture displays. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)


  • Day 21 - Darwin – Cairns (3 nights) After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our early morning flight to Cairns where we spend the next three nights. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast)

    Hotel: Cairns International / Hilton


  • Day 22 - Great Barrier Reef This morning we board the high speed catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation. See a myriad of coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft, plus enjoy a tropical buffet lunch. (Buffet breakfast / Buffet lunch)


  • Day 23 - Cairns at Leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure in this tropical city. Why not join an optional excursion on the Kuranda train, returning on a magical journey above the rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway? (Buffet breakfast)


  • Day 24 - Cairns – USA After breakfast we transfer you to the airport for your return flight home. (Buffet breakfast)


  •  

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  • Trafalgar Great Ways to Save
         
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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

  • Sydney
  • Adelaide
  • Clare Valley
  • Finders Ranges
  • Coober Pedy
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock)
  • Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
  • Kings Canyon
  • Alice Springs
  • West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Alice Springs Desert Park
  • Mataranka
  • Katherine
  • Kakadu
  • Litchfield
  • Cairns
  • Great Barrier Reef
 

“Land Only” Price requires the following air sector to be purchased separately: Darwin-Cairns. Trafalgar guarantees to offer you the best airfare available at the time of booking. Additional government taxes and fees may apply and these will be confirmed at time of booking.
Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

Traveling to Italy - Upgrade to Business Class from only $249!* - Learn How

FROM                        TO                            BUSINESS CLASS FARE

                                                           (plus taxes of approx. $80)

New York (JFK & EWR)   Rome                            $2088

Boston (BOS)              Rome                             $2328

Florida (MIA & ORD)     Rome                             $2524

Los Angeles (LAX)        Rome                            $2927

           

HURRY! Offer ends March 30, 2010.

- Terms and Conditions: *Business Class upgrade is valid on new 2010 bookings only when booked and paid in full 03/01/10 – 03/30/10 for travel between 06/02/10 (06/05/10 for LAX) – 09/05/10. Upgrade starts at $249 per person each direction. Valid for one way or round trip travel. Valid on Alitalia flights (600 – 699) from JFK, EWR, BOS, ORD, MIA and LAX to FCO only. Taxes of approximately $80 and fees are not included. Visit www.trafalgartours.com/taxesandfees for full details and conditions. Sample Alitalia Business Class Special Fares are subject to change and will be quoted and confirmed at time of booking. Promotion code is 10ITALYBC. Commission paid on air portion is 0%; land portion is paid at applicable agency commission level. Promotion cannot be booked online. Air tickets are non-refundable after purchase and no name changes allowed once a reservation is made. Subject to availability, not valid on groups and may be withdrawn at any time. Other conditions may apply. Visit www.trafalgartours.com/businessclass for additional details, conditions, restrictions and combinability. **Prices are per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Call for airfare. CST#2077132-20

Save $300 per couple on Air Inclusive Europe Vacations

Terms and Conditions: *Save $300 per couple ($150 per person) valid on new 2010 Europe air-inclusive bookings when full payment is made 03/01/10 – 03/30/10 for travel between 04/01/10 – 10/24/10. Valid on select airlines and gateways only. Promotion code is 10EBAIR150. Promotion cannot be booked online. Air tickets are non-refundable after purchase and no name changes allowed once a reservation is made. Subject to availability and offers may be withdrawn at any time. Other conditions may apply. Visit www.trafalgartours.com/europesale for additional details, conditions, restrictions and combinability.

Book the May 15th departure of Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand & Save up to $1,200 per couple.

18 days from $5824* NOW $5224* per person air-inclusive

Travel Value Includes:

-          Round-trip international airfare on Qantas

-          All intra-tour air flights

-          Round-trip airport transfers

-          Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in the itinerary

-          Meals and dining, including a Be My Guest exclusive as indicated in the itinerary

-          Trafalgar’s First Class Travel Highlights

Terms and Conditions: *The above rate is per person, double occupancy and is based on travel on May 5, 2010. Includes round-trip air from Los Angeles via Qantas. $120 per couple savings is based on double occupancy for the May 5, 2010 departure only of the Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand 2010 tour. No deviations will be permitted at this discounted rate. All bookings must be booked and deposited by April 15, 2010 to qualify for this discount. Subject to availability. Includes all fuel surcharges and carrier-imposed fees, but fare does not include up to $10 in September 11th Security Fees, $3-$18 PFCs, and air taxes of up to $186 per person. Air portion of the itinerary is non-commissionable. Tickets are non-refundable once ticketed. Not valid for groups. Additional restrictions may apply.CST#2077132-20

Trafalgar Great Ways to Save

Trafalgar offers great savings and discounts to help you stretch your money.

Past passengers save 5% off of the land on most tour itineraries.

There are also Early Payment Discount and Young Traveller Discounts just to name a few.  The early bird catches the worm, so book now - pay early - and save money!

The earlier you pay, the more you save! If you book and pay in full you'll save up to 10% off the LAND-only portion of your tour.

The earlier you pay - the more you save!

Below are our Early Payment Saving options:

Pay (min) 12 months prior to departure Save up to 10%

Pay (min) 10 months prior to departure Save up to 7.5%

Pay (min) 6 months prior to departure Save up to 5%

Please note: See individual itinerary pages for the exact value of how much you will save. All tours must be booked and paid for in full for this discount to apply. This discount does not apply to our City Break Tours, train tours, any products in our Eastern Mediterranean section and extra night accommodation. For 2010 pre-registration bookings, payments are to be made according to 2009 brochured prices. For further details, call 800-942-3301.

Travel with Family and Friend and Save!

5 or more – Save 5%: If a group of 5-8 people travels together, a discount of 5% per person applies to the LAND-only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

9 or more: If 9 or more people travel together, we offer attractive group discounts based on how many people travel. In a group of 9 passengers, 1 traveller qualifies for a 50% discount off the LAND-only portion of the tour. In a group of 16 passengers, 1 traveller qualifies for 100% discount off the LAND-only portion of the tour.

Please note: Space is limited to one group per motorcoach. These discounts are not combinable with our Travel Club Discount, any other rooming, young traveller or triple room discounts, and do not apply to our City Breaks, Greek Tours with Mediterranean cruises, Egypt, Israel, and extra night accommodation. All travelling passengers’ names must be advised to Trafalgar at the time of booking in order to qualify.

Share a Room and Save!

When travelling alone, we understand that some clients do not want to incur the expense of an additional single room supplement. With this in mind, on the majority of our itineraries, Trafalgar offers you the opportunity to purchase these tours on a room-sharing basis. We will accommodate you with a fellow passenger of the same gender on a ‘two-bedded’ basis (non-smoking rooms only). Please note that, regrettably, we cannot guarantee that room mates will be of a similar age group. Even so, it is an enjoyable way to travel and get to make new friends, and a positive way to stretch your holiday budget. If we fail to match you, we will provide a single room at no extra cost.

Please note: This service does not apply to our City Breaks, Greek Island Hopper and Best of Greece tours, Greek tours with Mediterranean cruises, train tours, Egypt, Israel and extra night accommodation.

 
 

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.