Highlights of Australia – privately guided

YOUR JOURNEY TO HIGHLIGHTS OF AUSTRALIA – PRIVATELY GUIDED

Modern world metropolises, exotic animals and picturesque natural treasures between land and sea – Australia is a place of longing that you will experience in all its facets on this journey. From the idyllic coastal drives of the south to the tropical rainforests of the north, from Ayers Rock to Sydney Harbour, discover the highlights of the country on the other side of the world up close. Spot kangaroos and sea lions on Kangaroo Island, dive down to the colorful corals of the Great Barrier Reef and experience the cultural diversity that characterizes Australia in vibrant Sydney.

Highlights of Australia – privately guided

+41 43 557 23 04

info@bonfiretravel.ch

Day 1-2: Arrival in Australia

Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be met and driven to your hotel.

Day 3: Melbourne and Phillip Island

Today, the pulsating metropolis in southern Australia invites you to take a city tour. Victorian villas, idyllic parks and the glass facades of futuristic skyscrapers characterize the city, which offers numerous sports facilities, stylish art galleries and diverse museums. Then head to Phillip Island, not far from Melbourne, for a fascinating spectacle as the local little penguins return from the sea to their nesting grounds in a long ‘penguin parade’.

Day 4: Great Ocean Road

On this day you will discover the Australian south coast on the famous Great Ocean Road. Eternal sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and lonely bays adorn the picturesque coastal road, eternal fern landscapes and original rainforest make the journey a wonderful experience. You will encounter a special highlight with the Twelve Apostles. Washed by the surf, huge limestone cliffs rise up to 60 m from the sea off the coast. Listen to the sound of the waves and enjoy the breathtaking panoramas that present themselves at every turn.

Day 5: Adelaide

A short flight takes you to the cosmopolitan seaside city of Adelaide. The city, known as the “Gateway to the Outback”, not only knows how to inspire with beautiful churches and their interesting history: numerous festivals and an up-and-coming night scene combine with the relaxed flair of the city, which is particularly noticeable during a walk in one of the spacious parks. The museums and libraries on North Terrace are also worth a visit.

Day 6: Kangaroo Island

Located off the Australian coast, embark on a little piece of paradise on Kangaroo Island. Characterized by wind and sea, the island presents itself with fantastic beaches and eucalyptus forests, rough rock formations and steep cliffs, creating a multitude of
Habitats for the exotic wildlife that make their home in this place. Take a leisurely stroll at Seal Bay, where sea lions bask on the beach and among the dunes, before an easy hike through dense bushland to encounter Kangaroo Island’s eponymous kangaroos.

Day 7: Kangaroo Island

In the west of the island, the Flinders Chase nature reserve lures with special panoramas. Deep gorges and fascinating rock formations characterize the rough hilly landscape, which is populated by numerous animals. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of kangaroos and fur seals, koalas, wallabies, monitor lizards and a variety of other species that inhabit the region.

Day 8: Back to Adelaide

After breakfast, return to Adelaide. Use the day to explore the elegant city with its pretty old town, the numerous bars and restaurants and enjoy the atmosphere of the cultural capital of South Australia. For example, visit one of the numerous live concerts that fill the city with music from all over the world.

Day 9: Australia's landmark: Uluru

Today you will visit the heart of Australia, the famous Ayers Rock. A short flight takes you to Uluru, which is the official name of the red rock massif in central Australia, which as the country’s landmark should not be missing on any trip to Australia. Caves and historical paintings dot the rock, and the area’s unique flora and fauna bring to life the Dreamtime myths that make Uluru sacred.

Day 10: Uluru and Kata Tjuta

This morning is a breathtaking sight as the sun rises over the red earth and paints the stone of Uluru in ever changing shades of red. A hike on the Kuniya Walk then takes you through the rugged landscape to the sacred Mutitjulu waterhole in eastern Uluru. As one of the few water sources in the area, the Mutitjulu creates a small oasis in the arid landscape that provides water for animals and plants alike. Today’s destination is the rock monoliths of Kata Tjuta. Also known as “The Olgas”, the 36 domed rocks rise up to 546 m from the earth and in the light of the setting sun create an impressive panorama that is a fitting end to your visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Day 11: Cairns

From the outback you continue your journey to the tropical north. The coastal city of Cairns, known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, not only offers palm-fringed beaches, picturesque coral reefs and the nearby rainforest, but also inspires with its relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere, charming cafes and numerous clubs and bars and invites you to explore.

Day 12: Great Barrier Reef

A catamaran takes you across the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean to the Marine World Activity platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Almost 3,000 coral reefs unite here to form the largest reef in the world, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Immerse yourself in the unique diversity of this mighty ecosystem. Colorful corals create a breathtaking blaze of color populated by exotic fish and other sea creatures, creating a fascinating underwater world that you will remember for a long time.

Day 13: Daintree Regenwald

Today’s excursion takes you into the oldest rainforest in the world. The start is the Mossman Gorge, which is characterized by the turquoise waters of the Mossman River and invites you to take a dip between huge boulders. Lonely bays and clear rivers break through the dense vegetation of ferns and giant trees. Let local guides with Indigenous roots introduce you to the region’s history and nature, and spot exotic birds, colorful reptiles and elusive wildlife hiding in the dense undergrowth. A boat trip on the Daintree River offers the opportunity to see saltwater crocodiles. The culmination of this eventful day is a tour through the Licuala forest, whose fan palms have adapted perfectly to life in the swampy surroundings.

Day 14: Sydney

Leave Cairns behind and head to the cosmopolitan city of Sydney. The largest city in Australia attracts with vibrant multiculturalism and world-famous photo motifs. Enjoy a coffee in one of the stylish cafés in modern Darling Harbour, relax with a stroll in the spacious Botanical Gardens or go in search of the latest trends in the world in Pitt Street Mall, be inspired by the Harbor Bridge be enchanted by the sunset over the city and then kick off the evening in one of Kings Cross’ numerous bars.

Day 15: City tour and Harbour round trip

During a city tour you will discover the highlights of the city. You start in the oldest part of Sydney, “The Rocks”, not far from the harbor and the Harbor Bridge. Stroll through the alleys of the historic district, where central sights such as the opera house are located, before a special experience awaits you in Darling Harbour: A harbor tour including lunch offers you a fantastic view of the skyline of the metropolis from the water, the Gets you in the mood to marvel at the other beauties of Sydney in the afternoon.

Day 16: Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park

Not only Sydney itself knows how to inspire visitors, its surroundings offer charming insights into the scenic beauty of Australia, which you will discover on an excursion today. rugged
Mountain ranges dot the sandstone plateau of the Blue Mountains, so named for the essential oils found in thick eucalyptus forests that fill the air with a bluish mist. The mountains are famous for their biodiversity, which you can explore even further at the nearby Featherdale Wildlife Park. Koalas find a home here as well as kangaroos and wallabies, birds from all over the world live here and a wide variety of reptile species from frogs to crocodiles make the visit an adventure.

Day 17: Sydney

Spend the day as you wish. Take another stroll through the harbor, stroll through the numerous shopping streets or explore the vibrant Chinatown. Sydney is also known for its nearby beaches and bays and invites you to swim and sunbathe.

Day 18: Farewell

Today you say goodbye to the fifth continent. Filled with countless new impressions and experiences, you leave Down Under and take your return flight home.

Impressions