Authentic Australia

Australia – the smallest continent is truly a world unto itself. This guided round trip in a small group (maximum 16 people) offers the opportunity to experience the famous Land Down Under in a very personal way and up close. It is a journey of contrasts: we visit vibrant metropolises on the coasts and deserted semi-deserts in the Red Center; snorkel over magnificent coral gardens and hike through ancient rainforests - surrounded by animals and plants that can only be experienced here.
An accomplished, German-speaking tour guide accompanies the group from the welcome in Perth to the farewell in Port Douglas.

There is also no change in the group composition.
Guests stay in pleasant 4-star hotels and travel in comfortable minibuses. In the cities, we occasionally use public transport, ferries and taxis. The enormous expanse of the country is covered by four domestic flights.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Perth
It doesn't matter where you come from – when you arrive in Perth, everyone is tired and in need of rest. We will pick you up from the airport and take you to our starting hotel:
The Melbourne Hotel is centrally located and will be our home for the first four nights.

Day 2: Perth First Impressions B
Get a good night's sleep, take your time for breakfast. Afterwards you will sit down with the other guests and our tour guide for the first time to get to know each other and get an orientation. Afterwards we drive to Caversham Wildlife Park and spend the afternoon with real Australians – koalas and wombats are waiting for you! After returning to the hotel, we will meet for a welcome drink at the bar.

Day 3: Perth City Impressions BD
Perth is far away from the world and has developed a character of its own in its short history. We start our exploration in Kings Park: this park and natural landscape is located on a hill and offers unusual plants such as the bottle tree baobab as well as magnificent views of the city and the deep blue Swan River. The historic mint tells stories of riches below ground and displays some very large gold nuggets. To the west, Perth borders the sea – the warm climate makes swimming and surfing a popular sport. We stop at one of the city beaches and have time to put bare feet in the Indian Ocean. Fremantle is Perth's historic waterfront and offers interesting insights into its history. In a casual café we are served local seafood and chips.

Day 4: Perth Rottnest Island B
This morning we take a full day trip to Rottnest Island, a nature reserve just 19km off the coast of Perth. Private cars are not allowed on Rottnest Island and cycling is the best way to get around. Transfers, ferry and bike rental for the day is included. If you like, you can use a hop-on hop-off bus service that runs regularly around the island and stops at all viewpoints. Your guide will give you tips on the best places to visit. Rottnest Island is blessed with secluded sandy coves, crystal clear waters, and some unique inhabitants, the most famous of which is the quokka. These friendly marsupials rest under shady bushes during the day - get your cameras ready for the obligatory Quokka selfie! After a day of exploring, we return to the mainland for our final evening in Perth.

Day 5: Perth – Adelaide B
In the morning transfer to the airport and flight from Perth to Adelaide. Three hours in the air and the continent is only halfway crossed! After our arrival in Adelaide, we explore the friendly capital of the state of South Australia, characterized by historic buildings, churches and a very lively wine and culinary scene. Our 3 night hotel is the centrally located and tastefully renovated Peppers Waymouth.

Day 6: Adelaide Hills B
Today we explore the hills around Adelaide. At Mount Lofty we find a beautiful viewpoint and extensive botanical gardens. In the Cleland Wildlife Reserve, which is managed by the Nature Conservancy, we can get closer to kangaroos in outdoor enclosures. Hahndorf was founded by German emigrants, which is evident from half-timbered buildings and
menus. In the afternoon we return to Adelaide.

Day 7: Adelaide – Free Design B
The day is yours. Adelaide has a number of interesting museums, botanical gardens and a swimming beach in Glenelg. Wine lovers can opt to book a tour to the Barossa Valley and taste excellent reds. Nature lovers can book a day trip to Kangaroo Island, where a colony of sea lions and remarkable landscapes such as the Remarkable Rocks await you. This (very long) day can be shortened by taking a flight from the island back to Adelaide.

Day 8: Adelaide – Alice Springs B
In the morning we fly from Adelaide to Alice Springs – and to another world: Australia's Red Centre takes its name from the iron-rich earth. It is a dust-dry, often barren landscape, characterized by the Desert Oak, the Australian cassowary. Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs is an unusual city. Born as a relay station for a telegraph cable that connected Australia to the British Empire via Singapore, it now presents itself as a fascinating blend of pioneering spirit, outback isolation and indigenous culture. Upon arrival, we visit three distinctive locations: the School of the Air, which provides education to children in the most remote parts of the outback via radio; the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which is an important lifeline for the health and wellbeing of isolated communities. Finally, the Old Telegraph Station with its historic buildings and the site of the springs from which Alice takes her name. We will spend two nights at the Crowne Plaza Lasseters Hotel . Once you've settled in, there's an optional option to ride a camel into the sunset.

Day 9: Western MacDonnell Ranges BL
This morning we leave the city and head west on Larapinta Drive into Western MacDonnell National Park. One of the highlights of our tour is the Desert Park, a nature reserve where we can observe plants, birds and animals of the semi-desert. Standley Chasm is a spectacular rock strait that glows in reflected sunlight. After a barbeque lunch there we visit the Hermannsburg Mission Reserve. This mission of German Lutherans has long been a home (and refuge) for Aborigines. In the afternoon we will return to our hotel.

Day 10: Alice Springs - Uluru B
Departing Alice Springs and driving through lonely outback landscapes, upon arrival in Yulara we first visit the towering domes of Kata Tjuta, which means "many heads". As we walk along the rocky path of Walpa Gorge, cooled by the breeze through the gorge, we keep an eye out for rare plants and spearwood trees. Afterwards we move into our rooms at the Desert Garden Hotel, our home for two nights. In the evening, we gather at a viewpoint in front of Uluru, the largest monolith in the world. When the sun goes down, this mountain, sacred to the Aborigines, transforms into a glowing wall of colour, glowing first golden and then deep red. And we watch, a glass of sparkling wine at hand. As soon as it gets dark, we make our way back to the hotel.

Day 11: Uluru B
Early risers can watch the sunrise at Uluru. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we explore Uluru up close. The rock now turns out to be a fascinating sculpture with a peeling rough surface, surrounded by hidden oases and unusual plants. The afternoon is free to relax or explore at your leisure. For the
evening, we recommend an (optional) dinner under the stars. Alternatively, visit the Field of Light, a stunning art installation made up of more than 50,000 solar light sources that bloom as darkness descends on Australia's spiritual heartland.

Day 12: Uluru - Sydney B
Today we leave the silent landscapes of the outback and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Sydney. Considered one of the most beautiful modern cities in the world, the superbly located home of 5 million Sydneyssiders is confident, wealthy and optimistic. Our home for the next four nights is Mantra 2 Bond in the heart of the city and close to the harbour. Tonight is free for you to settle in and settle in – there is a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafes just a short walk away.

Day 13: Sydney Cityscapes B
Despite its size, some of Sydney's gems are within easy walking distance. This morning we walk to the nearby Royal Botanic Garden. The garden is a green oasis in the heart of the city and is home to thousands of rare plants. We will take a tour accompanied by an Aboriginal guide to learn more about the Gadigal people – the indigenous custodians of the Sydney region – and the rich heritage of the Royal Botanic Garden. Next, we'll stroll next door to the museum at Hyde Park Barracks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, stories and installations bring the rough beginnings of the convict colony to life. Around noon, we travel by bus through the coastal suburbs of Rushcutters, Double Bay and Rose Bay to Watson's Bay. Here we are at the south end of the harbour entrance and can explore towering cliffs. Our last stop is Bondi, Australia's most famous beach, blessed with golden sands. Stroll along the shore, breathe in the salty air. We've reserved tables at a local club overlooking the surf for an early, informal dinner or a cold beer. (Dinner not included) Since the bus is long gone, taxis will take us home. Breakfast included

Day 14: Blue Mountains Day Trip BL
After all the cityscapes, it's time to head to the mountains – to the Blue Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This large nature reserve near the city is an example of Australia's bushland – covered by tall, gnarled eucalyptus trees, punctuated by deep gorges and jagged peaks. We will visit the famous viewpoints, but we will also visit places that are less frequented – and possibly schooner. The historic Hydro Majestic Hotel is a welcome resting place to enjoy the elegant "Afternoon Tea" overlooking the Megalong Valley. When we arrive back on the outskirts of Sydney, we leave the bus and board a Sydney ferry. The 80-minute ride on the Parramatta River to Circular Quay has 15 stops – a harbour cruise with a difference. Breakfast and afternoon tea included

Day 15: Sydney Free Day BD
Our last day in Sydney begins with free time to spend at your leisure. The perfect opportunity for those with a head for heights to enjoy the world-famous bridge: climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge. Alternatively, you can visit the famous Sydney Opera House. Whatever you do, be ready by 3pm. We go on a mysterious tour: a ferry, two walks and a water taxi later, we take a seat in a restaurant on a beach that few tourists will ever find for dinner.

Day 16: Sydney – Cairns – Port Douglas F
In the morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Cairns, Queensland. After arrival, we drive along a coastal road to Port Douglas – on the way there are always views of the Coral Sea. Port Douglas is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – meet. The tropical resort is located on a peninsula and combines a relaxed atmosphere with a lively restaurant scene. Our accommodation for the next four nights is Peppers Beach Club, a laid-back resort hotel with gardens and a lagoon pool. The hotel is located close to the beautiful Four Mile Beach and the cafes and bars of the village centre are within walking distance.

Day 17: Day Trip Daintree Rainforest BL

Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world. Our journey of discovery begins at the Mosman Gorge with a hike along the crystal-clear stream. Later, we'll enjoy a boat ride on the Daintree River - keep an eye out for tree snakes and saltwater crocodiles! The bus crosses the river by ferry – there is no bridge here and we reach Cape Tribulation, a remote headland with beautiful, pristine beaches and lush forests and stop for lunch. Our return trip to Port Douglas winds through the Alexandra Range with spectacular views over the mouth of the Daintree River, Snapper Island and the Coral Sea.

Day 18: Great Barrier Reef BL

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most famous natural wonders. Its most species-rich part is located on the eastern edge of the reef, where the continental shelf merges into the deep sea. Conveniently, nowhere is this zone closer to the coast than in Port Douglas. Most of the reef's creatures live in the top four meters of water – ideal for snorkelling. Our boat for the trip can carry 100 people, but will never accommodate more than 48 people. We visit 3 different places
that are not accessible to other groups, explanations will be given by a marine biologist. In between activities, relax on the spacious sundeck or in the air-conditioned lounge and enjoy a buffet lunch. In the late afternoon we return to Port Douglas.

Day 19: Port Douglas Free Day BD
Our last day in Australia is (almost) at your leisure. There is the option of a full-day tour to Kuranda, the "village in the rainforest" south of Cairns. The day trip includes the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Gondola, which travels over the canopy of the treetops. If you prefer the sea, you can take a boat trip to the Low Isles off Port Douglas. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at a relaxed restaurant loved by the locals. It's the perfect place to share stories as the sun sets over Port Douglas and indeed over our voyage of discovery.

Day 20: Departure from Port Douglas B
A final transfer takes us from the hotel in Port Douglas to the airport in Cairns. Here your tour guide says goodbye and you begin your individual journey home.

TRIP DETAILS
Hotels
(Subject to change)
Perth: The Melbourne Hotel ****
Adelaide: Peppers Waymouth Hotel ****
Alice Springs: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs ****
Ayers Rock: Desert Gardens Hotel ****
Sydney: Mantra 2 Bond ****
Port Douglas: Peppers Beach Resort ****

Included services:

• English-speaking tour guide
• All visits and entrance fees according to the program
• All National Park Fees
• Overnight stay in the above-mentioned 4-star hotels
• Modern, air-conditioned coaches with English-speaking bus drivers, sometimes also public transport such as buses and ferries or taxis 
• Luggage transport (maximum 23 kilos per person)
• Meals according to tour description: 19 x
  Breakfast, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

TOUR DATES (ARRIVAL DAY PERTH)
2025
January 20.
February 10.
March 31.
The tour is guaranteed with a minimum of 10 participants. The maximum number of participants is 16 people.
A confirmation or possible cancellation of the trip will be made no later than four months before the start of the trip.