Sightseeing between Perth & Brisbane NRMA Insurance Test Matches

Thursday 27th November
Transfer from Perth hotels to Perth Airport and check in for flight to Cairns.

Welcome to Cairns, the largest city in Tropical North Queensland. The cosmopolitan Esplanade traces the bay foreshore and blends the city life of cafes and shopping with the natural attractions of the Coral Sea. Upon arrival in Cairns, collect luggage and join the coach transfer to our hotel.

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Collection, Flynn
Harbour View Room – 1 night

Friday 28th November
Breakfast and Lunch included
Leaving Cairns, we drive to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for our morning visit. Upon our arrival, we will cruise the still waters of the lagoon on specially constructed boats. The cruise incorporates a commentary on the significance of wetland habitats and crocodile spotting is guaranteed! Whilst here our programme includes a presentation on cassowaries, a guided tour of the park and a visit to the crocodile farm.

This afternoon we visit Mossman Gorge where the river tumbles its way over and around huge granite boulders that line the gorge creating cool, clear freshwater swimming pools. This is also the start of the Daintree National Park, a dense jungle part of the wet tropics environment and protected by World Heritage listing since 1988. We will have a local indigenous guide take us through the rainforest and includes a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits. Your experienced interpretive Indigenous guide demonstrates traditional plant use, identifies bush food sources, and provides an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationship with this unique tropical environment. Discover traditions like making bush soaps and ochre painting. At the end of the tour, enjoy traditional bush tea and damper.

From Mossman Gorge we now head to Port Douglas and check into the stunning Sheraton Mirage Resort.

Accommodation: Sheraton Mirage Resort Port Douglas
Run of House Rooms – 3 nights

Saturday 29th November
Breakfast and Lunch included
We have a fabulous day planned today as we discover the unforgettable Outer Great Barrier Reef. For an experience of a lifetime, we board Quicksilver’s Wavepiercer Catamaran which will take us to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. At Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef, we experience firsthand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. We can choose to snorkel or stay dry and explore the reef from the comfort of the semi-submarine, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from the unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (diving and helicopter flights are optional and at own expense). We’ll be given a talk by a Marine Biologist, to answer all our questions and enjoy morning and afternoon tea and smorgasbord lunch.

Sunday 30th November
Breakfast included
Today is free to relax and enjoy Port Douglas. Perhaps enjoy a round of golf on the championship Golf Course, relax by the pool, or enjoy the beach, the day is yours (any sights/excursions at own cost).

Monday 1st December
Breakfast and Lunch included
Today we visit the Daintree River where we embark on a cruise on one of the most densely populated mangrove estuaries in the world. There is nothing quite like watching wildlife while cruising along the beautiful Daintree River. We stop for lunch at the Daintree Discovery Centre and get to know the area through the various displays. Step from one UNESCO site to another as Cape Tribulation is where the ancient Daintree Rainforest and stunning Great Barrier Reef meet. Walk on the world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout before returning to Cairns.

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Collection, Flynn
Harbour View Room – 2 nights

Tuesday 2nd December
Breakfast and Dinner included
This morning, we have a short drive to the north of Cairns where we board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Making our way up the range we stop off to visit a rainforest interpretative centre and take a short walk through the rainforest before arriving in the pretty village of Kuranda. From the Sky Rail Kuranda station, we can take a walk into the Kuranda Village. Here there are numerous market stalls and shops to look through as well as cafes and restaurants. We have time at leisure in Kuranda before we board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway for the spectacular train ride through the magnificent Barron Falls National Park. Highlights of the ride are picturesque valleys, jungles, railway bridges, tunnels built over a century ago and the Barron Falls themselves. Dinner tonight is a short walk from the Hotel at Dundees Restaurant overlooking the waterfront.

Wednesday 3rd December
Breakfast included
After breakfast we transfer to the Cairns airport for our flight to Brisbane.

Arrive Brisbane and transfer to your hotel and join your group for the Test Match.

Thursday 27th November
Transfer from your Perth hotel to Perth Airport for your flight to Alice Springs.

On arrival in Alice Springs, our local touring company will transfer us to our accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Lasseter’s Alice Springs Hotel. There are several bars and restaurants located within the Lasseter’s Alice Springs Casino complex and it’s an easy walk from your hotel room.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters Hotel
Standard Rooms – 3 nights

Friday 28th November
Breakfast and Dinner included
Following breakfast we commence our Alice Springs sightseeing tour. At Anzac Hill we get a good overview of Alice Springs and take in the views before we visit The Old Telegraph Station. The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. It was stablished in 1871 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide along Australia’s Overland Telegraph Line. This not only connected Australia’s population Centre’s with the north of the country, but it also connected Australia with the undersea telegraph network of the British Empire. Next, we take a virtual journey in ‘The World’s Largest Classroom’ as we visit The Alice Springs School of the Air. The film and guide presentations reveal stories about the school and its students, sharing a distinctive history, outback lifestyle and world-renowned innovations of this uniquely Australian school. We have some free time to purchase lunch at the nearby Base Café before visiting the Alice Springs Royal Flying Doctor Base. Today it operates 21 bases and covers more than 7,150,000 square kilometres. The Alice Springs base was opened in 1939 to provide emergency and preventative medicine to outlying communities and stations throughout Central Australia.

Our dinner tonight is something a little different and very unique to Outback Australia. Just 15 minutes out of Alice Springs is The Earth Sanctuary – a World Nature Centre at The Quandong Homestead. Tonight, we enjoy a mouth-watering Australian bush BBQ with music and entertainment to experience the spirit of the outback through stories of the aboriginal dreamtime. We even learn how to cook a swagman’s damper!

Saturday 29th November
Breakfast and Lunch included
We have a great day in store, as we explore the majestic Western MacDonnell Ranges starting with the Alice Springs Desert Park. This is a very special place and as we take the time to walk slowly through the displays, we will gain a good understanding of this region with its highlights and challenges. We have lunch, then travel to Standley Chasm and take a self-guided walk to appreciate the natural beauty in this part of Australia.

Our final visit for the afternoon is to Simpsons Gap and if we are lucky enough we may see a black-footed rock Wallaby along the walking track or near the permanent waterhole.

Sunday 30th November
Breakfast and Lunch included
Leaving Alice Springs, we now start making our way to Kings Canyon. At the Erldunda Roadhouse we stop for an early lunch and arrive mid-afternoon at Kings Canyon Resort in the Watarrka National Park. The spectacular scenery, a permanent waterhole surrounded by palms known as the Garden of Eden and the Lost City combine to make Kings Canyon a most remarkable place. We have time at leisure, then prior to sunset we enjoy drinks and canapes at the light display created by international artist Bruce Munro. The installation consists of 69 two metre towers made up of 216 glass water bottles per tower. The solar fibre optic cables installed inside, change colour in response to music emanating from within them, taking us on a captivating and immersive auditory and visual journey.

Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort
Standard Rooms – 1 night

Monday 1st December
Breakfast and Dinner included
For those feeling energetic, a great way to start the day is to explore the Canyon on the Ridge Top Walk, or those of us who prefer a less active time can take the shorter walk into the floor of Kings Canyon. Late morning we depart Kings Canyon for Uluru. Along the way we notice Mt Conner, this sandstone mesa is often confused with Ayers Rock but is slightly smaller. On arrival into the Yulara Township we check into our accommodation at the Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel.

Tonight, we are dining out – way, way out. The Sounds of Silence Dinner is a gourmet dinner under the stars. Winner of many tourism awards, the Sounds of Silence is a unique Australian outback experience with the setting of the sun behind the domes of Kata Tjuta and Uluru, the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo and a delicious Australian themed dinner.

Accommodation: Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel
Garden View Rooms – 2 nights

Tuesday 2nd December
Breakfast included
An early start to the day showcases Uluru in a different light to the evening and that is why we are up to see the sunrise. Our coach will be ready for the early departure to the Sunrise Viewing Area to experience the first glimpse of the day. This morning we visit The Olgas, also known by the Aboriginal people as ‘Kata Tjuta’ or place of many domes. There are excellent views from an observation deck then plenty of time for a walk among the ancient domes before returning to our hotel. Back to the resort for lunch (own expense) before we take an in depth look at Uluru.

Learn about Aboriginal perceptions of Uluru, its powerful spiritual significance and how Anangu traditional owners and rangers are looking after the Park together. There are many fine examples of Anangu art to see along the way. You may like some statistics! Uluru is located in the World Heritage Listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It rises 348 metres from the desert floor and has a girth of 9.4km. It’s the world’s most famous monolith with at least two thirds of the Rock lying beneath the surface. We now take a drive around the Rock, stopping for photo opportunities along the way. Our next walk is along a short track to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, home of Wanampi, an ancestral watersnake. Here we can learn how Kuniya and Liru (the woma python woman and poisonous snake man) helped create Uluru.

Wednesday 3rd December
Breakfast included
Breakfast will be served in the hotel restaurant. Transfer by coach to the airport for your departure flight to Brisbane.

Upon arrival, transfer from Brisbane Airport to your hotel to join your group for the Test Match.

Thursday 27th November
Transfer from your Perth hotel to Perth Airport for your flight to Darwin.

On arrival in Darwin, our local touring company will transfer us to our accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Darwin. The hotel is located in close proximity to numerous restaurants and cafes or stay inhouse and dine in the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Esplanade Hotel Darwin
Standard Guest Rooms – 2 nights

Friday 28th November
Breakfast included
Today we take in sights of Darwin. Many people aren’t aware of the importance of Darwin during World War II, so we’ll look at the city as it is today and also learn about the involvement and history of the bombings of Darwin. The present city centre was established in 1869 and contains many of its remaining historic buildings such as the Old Court House and Government House. Darwin is also the site of one of Australia’s most brutal Cyclones and on Christmas Day 1974 Cyclone Tracey devastated 80% of the Darwin township. Late morning we will be heading to Stokes Hill Wharf with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Bombing of Darwin tourist facility, two iconic stories in one iconic location! The centre explains the Bombing of Darwin in full detail with interactive displays and exhibits.

We return to our hotel and have a free afternoon and evening.

Saturday 29th November
Breakfast and Lunch included
Today we will be heading to one of Australia and the Top End’s most important highlights – the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Aboriginals have inhabited the land for more than 50,000 years, leaving behind incredible galleries of rock art – more than 5000 sites of historical or cultural importance have been identified, though only a few are open to visitors. Add Kakadu’s magnificent scenery, unique flora and fauna, and you have one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Our first stop this morning is at Window on the Wetlands at Adelaide River. At the top floor of the centre, which is well-positioned at the top of a hill, there is a viewing platform where you can gaze out over the expanse of wetlands below. Next, we board the Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruise. See powerful saltwater crocodiles as they propel themselves high out of the water to snatch their prey. With the help of experienced guides, we learn more about these magnificent creatures, and have the opportunity to watch crocs jump for food from the safety of our boat. We stop for lunch at the iconic Bark Hutt Inn, then visit Ubirr Rock, the site of one of the best and most accessible rock art galleries in the Kakadu National Park, with the Main Gallery an easy walk from the car park. Our day concludes as we arrive in Jabiru, the main township of Kakadu and check into our accommodation for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Standard Guest Rooms – 2 nights

Sunday 30th November
Breakfast and Lunch included
Following breakfast, we depart Jabiru and travel to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The traditional land owners of the Kakadu National Park have wanted to tell the story about their culture for a long time. Through the displays and exhibitions, we can gain an understanding of the Bininj and their country. Next, we travel to Cooinda and board the Yellow Waters Cruise. Nowhere else will we see such a concentration of so many species of diverse wildlife than here, including Brolgas, Egrets, Jabiru and hopefully Crocs!

Following our cruise, we have lunch at the Cooinda Lodge, then this afternoon our Kakadu sightseeing takes us to Nourlangie Rock. The walls of this rock have served as canvases for thousands of years, providing windows to a rich spiritual tradition.

Monday 1st December
Breakfast included
We have a leisurely start this morning before departing Kakadu for Katherine. Located just outside Katherine is the Nitmiluk National Park and within the park are 13 natural gorges carved through sandstone by the Katherine River. The gorges wind for 12 kilometres with walls more than 70 metres high. Today we experience the Nit Nit Dreaming Cruise through the first two gorges of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. These are the longest gorges in the Katherine River system. The crystal waters of the river are framed by massive sandstone walls which are dotted with ancient Aboriginal rock art. Freshwater crocodiles can be seen along the banks as well as flowering orchids and lilies. As we cruise, cultural guides share their knowledge of plants, animals and dreamtime. The scenery is breathtaking, and this cruise will definitely be one of the memorable highlights of our tour.

Accommodation: Contour Hotel Katherine
Guest Rooms – 1 night

Tuesday 2nd December
Breakfast and Lunch included
On our way back to Darwin, we visit the Litchfield National Park. The 65,000-hectare National Park has untouched rainforests, hot springs, magnificent waterfalls and stunning scenery. We stop for lunch at the Litchfield Café then spend some time exploring the park. There are some great photo opportunities, and we stop to see the intriguing magnetic anthills, as well as Wangi and Florence Falls. Late afternoon we arrive back in Darwin and check into our hotel.

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin
Standard Guest Rooms – 1 night

Wednesday 3rd December
Breakfast and Lunch included
Breakfast will be served in the hotel restaurant. Transfer by coach to the airport for your departure flight to Brisbane.

Arrive Brisbane Airport and transfer to your Brisbane hotel to join your group for the Test Match.

Thursday 27th November
Transfer to the Perth Airport for your flight to Sydney.

Radiating from the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, Australia’s largest city stretches from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the foot of the Blue Mountains. Sydney boasts stunning beaches, world class shopping and a host of superb restaurants and cafes. On arrival in Sydney we transfer to our centrally located Sydney Hotel.

Accommodation: Rydges World Square Hotel, Sydney
Deluxe Rooms – 6 nights

Friday 28th November – Tuesday 2nd December
Breakfast Included
Enjoy your free days in Sydney!

Optional Excursions will be available soon.

Wednesday 3rd December
Breakfast Included
Following breakfast, we transfer to the Sydney Airport and head to Brisbane.

Arrive Brisbane and transfer to your hotel and join your group for the Test Match.

Thursday 27th November
Dinner inlcuded
This morning, we depart Perth for the Southwest corner of Western Australia. Leaving Perth behind, our coastal route takes us through to Busselton. The Busselton Jetty (Wooden Pier) is a feature to see in itself. At approximately 2 kilometres long, it is the longest Pier, or Jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. We have free time to purchase lunch at the Shelter Brewery (own cost) before commencing our Busselton Jetty Experience. The Jetty Train takes us out to the Underwater Observatory for a viewing of the aquatic wonders beneath the jetty.

Our accommodation is situated ideally with the beach at its back door so why not feel the sand between the toes and enjoy a walk late afternoon or early evening.

Accommodation: Abbey Beach Resort, Busselton
Studio Spa Suites – 2 nights

Friday 28th November
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
The Margaret River area is a rich dairy cattle and timber region, with a reputation for fine wines and surfing. This morning, we drive south along the scenic Caves Road which will take us past the actual Margaret River mouth to Mammoth Cave. The Mammoth Cave was first recorded in 1850, later explored in 1895 and opened in 1904. We have arranged a guided tour here.

Just up the road is the Cave Works Interpretive Centre – an eco-complex designed to describe the region’s fascinating limestone caves. From here we have lunch at the Augusta Hotel and continue to Cape Leeuwin, named after the Dutch ship Leeuwin which passed this point in 1622. This is the “land’s end” of the South West and the junction of the Indian and Southern Oceans. If anyone would like to visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, it will be at own expense, but we have time for the climb before heading north along the Bussell Highway back to Busselton.

Saturday 29th November
Breakfast and Dinner included
Re-tracing our steps, we now head back to Perth to check in late afternoon for the Indian Pacific Train journey to Adelaide. Your afternoon begins with a welcome gathering, in celebration of the start of your journey across the country and along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track. Spend a relaxed afternoon getting to know your fellow travellers after you board the Indian Pacific and pull away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and cruising toward the Pacific.
Tonight, a delectable dinner is served on board, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional flavours.

Accommodation: Indian Pacific Perth to Adelaide Train
Gold Cabins – 2 nights

Sunday 30th November
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Awake to see the sunrise unfold across Australia’s largest outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, we’ll delve into this mining town’s fascinating past and present, with a visit to the region’s gold-rush era, now modern-day, Super Pit mine. Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie on your choice of Off Train Experience, including morning refreshments.

Reboarding the train mid-morning for brunch, the remainder of the day is on board at your leisure. Sit back and enjoy the hospitality as you take in spectacular views of the seemingly endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. You’ll cross borders and time zones, entering South Australia before dinner. Late evening, the train will pull into the almost-ghost-town of Cook for a nightcap, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience.

Off Train included experiences in Kalgoorlie:
As the sunrise unfolds across Australia’s largest outback town, Kalgoorlie, the Indian Pacific pulls in, and guests are invited to join the first Off Train Experiences of the journey, delving into this mining town’s past and present, with a visit to the region’s gold-rush era, now modern-day, Super Pit mine. The gold rush, set off by Paddy Hannan’s discovery in 1893 was one of the biggest in Australian history. Reboard the train mid-morning for brunch. Recommended Fitness Level: Low – coach tour with short walks and seated experience

Off Train included experiences in Cook:
Established in 1917, Cook was originally built as a support town for the railway, with more than 50 people helping to maintain the tracks. Alight and wander the remote, time-worn town for a slightly eerie, unique glimpse of pioneering Australia. Step off the train for a nightcap, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience.

Monday 1st December
Breakfast and Lunch included
We arrive in Adelaide in the afternoon to complete your epic Nullarbor train crossing. From the Adelaide Railway Station, we transfer to the Adelaide seaside suburb of Glenelg for the next two nights’ accommodation.

Accommodation: Stamford Grand Hotel, Glenelg
Ocean View Rooms – 2 nights

Tuesday 2nd December
Breakfast included
Free day in Glenelg to relax or explore the area. There is a tram service connecting Glenelg and central Adelaide that departs and returns regularly (own cost).

Wednesday 3rd December
Breakfast included
Breakfast will be served in the hotel restaurant. Transfer by coach to the airport for your departure flight to Brisbane.

Arrive Brisbane Airport and transfer to your Brisbane hotel to join your group for the Test Match.