Discover Australia in extraordinary style on a journey that pairs the spiritual grandeur of the Red Centre with the lush tropical beauty of Far North Queensland. Begin in Sydney with an elegant overnight stay before flying to Uluru, where the desert reveals its ancient stories through Indigenous art, sacred landscapes, starlit dining, and the ever-changing colors of Uluru at sunrise and sunset. Continue to Cairns, your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-listed rainforest, where private cultural encounters, immersive wildlife experiences, and coastal dining showcase the remarkable diversity of northern Australia. With exceptional hotels, expert local guidance, and thoughtfully curated experiences throughout, this program offers a seamless and memorable exploration of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators, POC, or CPAP breathing machines should review the airline stipulations below regarding the carriage of this equipment while on tour.
DAY 1
Disembark the ship in Sydney this afternoon, allowing time earlier in the day to participate in the ship’s Shore Excursion program at your leisure.
This evening, settle into your room at the Four Seasons hotel, an elegant city retreat overlooking one of Australia’s most celebrated harbors. Gather for dinner in-house, where you will meet your fellow travelers and your local expert host, who will accompany you throughout the week and introduce you to some of Australia’s most remarkable landscapes, cultures, and experiences.
Overnight: Four Seasons hotel or similar
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight from Sydney to Uluru. Upon arrival, continue to Sails in the Desert, your refined base in Australia’s Red Centre.
This afternoon, begin your immersion into the cultural heart of the region with a dot painting workshop and a visit to the Cultural Centre. Guided by a local artist, learn about the traditional Aboriginal art of dot painting while gaining insight into the history, symbolism, and cultural practices of the local Mutitjulu community.
As evening falls, experience the desert at its most atmospheric during the Sounds of Silence dinner. Your evening begins with canapés and welcome drinks on a dune top overlooking Uluru at dusk, followed by dinner beneath the vast outback sky. A live didgeridoo performance sets the tone for a bush tucker-inspired menu featuring native ingredients, while a guided stargazing experience reveals the cultural stories of the Southern constellations and the Milky Way.
Overnight: Sails in the Desert or similar.
DAY 3
Rise early for Sunrise Journeys, a multi-sensory experience that combines music and light projections to bring Indigenous stories and art to life against the natural desert environment. Enjoy breakfast with iconic Uluru as your backdrop, watching the first light of day transform the landscape in a quiet celebration of culture and nature.
Return to the hotel to refresh before setting out to explore Uluru more closely. Travel around the base of this ancient monolith, then join your expert guide for the Mala Walk. As you walk beneath towering sandstone formations, gain a deeper understanding of the sacred significance of this landscape, its rock art, and the living cultural traditions of the Anangu people.
Following your outback exploration, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Sails in the Desert for an afternoon at leisure. You may choose to participate in the hotel’s immersive activities, such as a didgeridoo workshop or guided garden walk, subject to the hotel’s daily schedule. Alternatively, take a short walk to a nearby viewpoint or explore the town of Yulara, including the Gallery of Central Australia, where you will find artwork connected to the morning’s Sunrise Journeys experience.
This evening, witness the changing colors of Uluru at sunset while enjoying light refreshments. Dinner is at leisure, and your Tour Director will be pleased to recommend local restaurant options.
Overnight: Sails in the Desert or similar.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to the tropical city of Cairns. Upon arrival, discover a striking contrast to the desert as you enter the lush landscapes and coastal energy of Far North Queensland.
This evening, visit Cairns Aquarium for an exclusive after-hours experience as the ecosystems of the region transition from day to night. During your private twilight tour, explore the aquarium with an expert guide while nocturnal marine life begins to emerge, from reef sharks and rays to colorful coral species and rainforest reptiles.
Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant on the Cairns Waterfront. Your stay is at Crystalbrook Riley, a tropical resort where contemporary luxury and relaxed coastal style reflect the vibrant spirit of the region.
Overnight: Crystalbrook Riley or similar.
DAY 5
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding Evolution for a full-day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most extraordinary marine environments. Travel across brilliant tropical waters to two exclusive snorkeling sites, where coral gardens and diverse marine life reveal the remarkable beauty of this UNESCO-designated World Heritage area.
Whether you are an experienced snorkeler or new to the reef, the expert crew will be available to provide comfort and support throughout the day. Your Great Barrier Reef experience includes lunch, beverages, all snorkeling equipment, and lycra suits.
Please bring a towel from the hotel. Scuba diving is not available on this program.
Following your day on the reef, return to Cairns for an evening at leisure, with dinner on your own.
Overnight: Crystalbrook Riley or similar
DAY 6
After breakfast, travel north toward Mossman Gorge, where rainforest, river, and Indigenous culture converge in a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty. Your scenic drive passes through sugarcane farmland before reaching the neighboring town of Mossman, home to Mossman Gorge and some of the traditional owners of this land.
Join an Indigenous Aboriginal guide for an immersive experience that blends nature and culture. Begin with a traditional smoking ceremony, then take a gentle walk through the World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest while learning about the deep cultural relationship between the local community and this unique tropical environment. Along the way, discover regional traditions and sample traditional refreshments.
Continue along the coast to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for lunch. Here, view native species including saltwater crocodiles during a river cruise, then observe Australian wildlife on a private guided tour, including koalas and many other native species.
Back in Cairns, enjoy a special regional dinner at one of Crystalbrook’s nearby restaurants, celebrating the flavors and relaxed sophistication of Far North Queensland.
Overnight: Crystalbrook Riley or similar
DAY 7
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a remarkable perspective on the ancient rainforest canopy. Glide above the treetops, pausing at two stops en-route to explore the forest from closer vantage points. Stroll along boardwalks that wind through the rainforest and take in panoramic views of Red Peak and Barron Falls.
Continue to the village of Kuranda, where you will have time to browse before a short transfer to a privately owned rainforest estate. Here, enjoy an exclusive guided experience through a rich and diverse tropical ecosystem. As you explore, learn about the region’s distinctive flora and fauna, with the possibility of spotting native wildlife, including the elusive cassowary.
Continue through the tropical fruit orchard, home to more than 600 fruit trees, and sample a selection of seasonal produce with light refreshments. Reflecting on your journey through Australia’s desert heart, reef, rainforest, and Indigenous cultural landscapes, return to the cruise terminal in Cairns to rejoin your ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
4pm Depart the ship in Sydney and transfer to your hotel
4:30pm Check-in to your hotel for some free time in Sydney
7pm Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Four Seasons Hotel or similar
DAY 2
Please note: Timings may vary depending on flight times
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
8am Check out of your hotel and drive to Sydney airport
10:35am Fly to Uluru (flight details subject to change). A light meal is served onboard.
12:25pm Arrive in Uluru and transfer to your hotel
2pm Visit the Cultural Centre followed by a special dot painting workshop
5:30pm Return to your hotel to refresh
6:30pm Sounds of Silence Dinner. Overnight at Sails in the Desert Hotel or similar
DAY 3
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
5am Sunrise Journeys, including breakfast
8am Depart for a guided tour of Uluru and base walk
11:30am Return to the hotel for an afternoon at your leisure
6:30pm Uluru sunset viewing
8pm Evening at leisure. Overnight at Sails in the Desert Hotel or similar
DAY 4
Please note: Timings may vary depending on flight times
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:45am Check out of your hotel after breakfast and drive to Uluru airport
9:45am Fly to Cairns (flight details subject to change). A light meal is served onboard.
12:50pm Arrive at Cairns airport and drive to the hotel
3:30pm Guided twilight tour of the Cairns Aquarium
7pm Dinner at a local waterfront restaurant. Overnight at Crystalbrook Riley Hotel or similar.
DAY 5
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:15am After breakfast, transfer to the wharf for your Great Barrier Reef experience
4:30pm Return to the wharf and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Crystalbrook Riley Hotel or similar.
DAY 6
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
8am Depart for Mossman after breakfast, with a photo stop at Ellis Beach
10am Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk
11:45am Transfer to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
1pm River cruise, lunch and guided wildlife park tour
5pm Return drive to Cairns
7pm Taste of the region dinner. Overnight at Crystalbrook Riley Hotel or similar.
DAY 7
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
8:15am After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the Skyrail
8:45am Glide above the rainforest in a gondola with two viewpoints enroute
10:15am Explore the village of Kuranda at your leisure
11am Transfer to a nearby rainforest estate for a guided walk and tropical fruit tasting
12:30pm Return drive to Cairns
1:30pm Arrive at the port and rejoin your ship
General Information
Electricity:
Australia operates with 220 volts. Guests should bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Expected Weather:
Expect warm, humid days with the chance of tropical showers. Temperatures typically range from 24-31°C (75-88°F). Early mornings and evenings can be cool in Uluru. Light, breathable clothing that can be layered is recommended as well as sun protection.
What to Bring:
It is very hot in Uluru and in tropical Cairns so we recommended wearing sun-safe clothing and comfortable shoes. Fly protection will be provided if needed. Light loose clothing, warm sweater or jacket for early mornings and evenings, hat, sunscreen, bathing suit, camera and charger.
Currency:
Australian Dollars. The U.S. dollar is not accepted. However, all major credit cards can be used.
Luggage:
Guests are permitted to bring 1 piece of checked luggage per person with a maximum of 20kg / 44 lbs along with 1 small carry on weighing no more than 7kg / 15lbs max. One small personal item like a purse is also permitted.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1.Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2.The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications, especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).
3.These documents must be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4.Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator can be responsible for.
Please note: Some airlines may impose restrictions or specific requirements when transporting wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other assistive devices. We recommend checking directly with your airline or the Cruise Line prior to departure to ensure compliance with their policies.
Documents & Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required. Guests will need a visa to visit Australia. Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Australia.
Vaccination & Health Regulations:
Guests are responsible for confirming up-to-date vaccination requirements directly with their local embassy or health authority. Please note that visa and vaccination costs are not included in the price of this program.
Important Documentation Notice:
To ensure successful flight arrangements for this program, the name on your cruise booking, passport, and any required visas must match exactly. This includes first, middle, and last names, with identical spelling across all documents. Discrepancies may result in denial of boarding by the airline.
Cruise line-generated manifests must align precisely with your official travel documents.
Failure to present the correct documentation or inconsistencies in guests names may lead to denied travel or the need to re-purchase tickets at your own expense. Guests will be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to these discrepancies.
Hotel Address & Contact:
Four Seasons Hotel
199 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000
Phone: +61 2 9250 3100
Sails in the Desert Hotel Uluru
163 Yulara Drive, Yulara, Northern Territory 0872
Phone: +61 1300 134 044
Crystalbrook Riley Hotel
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland 4870
Phone: +61 7 4252 7777
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute
accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
? 1 night at Four Season Hotel in Sydney
? 2 nights at Sails in the Desert in Uluru
? 3 nights at Crystalbrook Riley Hotel in Cairns
? One-way economy class flight from Sydney to Uluru including a light meal – direct flights not guaranteed
? One-way economy class flight from Uluru to Cairns including a light meal – direct flights not guaranteed
? Breakfast on days 2 - 7
? Lunch on days 3, 5 and 6
? Dinner on days 1, 2, 4 and 6
? Transfers as required
? All tours, entrances, and excursions as per the itinerary
? A local guide to accompany the group throughout the program
Program Excludes:
? Gratuities to drivers and guides
? Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
? Any meals or beverages not listed above
? Excess or overweight luggage fees for the flight
Hints & Restrictions:
? Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
