Visions of Australia : Tour Highlights

Puffing Billy - Dandenong Ranges

Puffing Billy is a historic steam train still running regularly in the mountain district it was built to serve. The railway is the sole survivor of four experimental lines used to develop rural areas in the early 1900's. Puffing Billy is now a major tourist attraction and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world, its operation dependent on hundreds of dedicated volunteers. The railway winds through the thick forests and lush fern-filled gullies of the beautiful Dandenong Ranges and provides spectacular panoramic views.

Colonial Tramcar Restaurant - Melbourne

Multi winner of the National Tourism Awards, the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant offers a unique dining experience. The famous fleet of burgundy historical trams, elegantly refurbished in Pullman style, travel through the leafy boulevards and best attractions whilst you enjoy fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines or beverages from the fully stocked bar. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the plush décor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.

North Terrace - Adelaide

During our afternoon city sights tour of Adelaide, we drive along the treelined North Terrace. Exactly one mile in length, it runs east-to-west and is the northernmost street in the grid of the city's central business district. Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, it contains many excellent examples of early Australian and South Australian architecture. It is home to the State's Art Gallery, Museum, Library, Government House and the Anglican Holy Trinity Church - Adelaide’s oldest church, built in 1838 shortly after the arrival of European settlers.

Royal Flying Doctor Service - Alice Springs

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is one of Australia’s great icons and began in 1928 to help sick and injured outback pioneers. Today, the organisation provides a Mantle of Safety to an area of more than 7,150,000 square kilometres and serves around 200,000 patients per year. The Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre at Alice Springs commenced operations in the late 1970’s and has grown to become one of the most popular attractions in Central Australia. This engaging and educational facility incorporates an auditorium, museum, café, souvenir shop, and one of the oldest functioning RFDS communication bases to be found.

Telegraph Station Historical Reserve - Alice Springs

Set against the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges, the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, it is the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line. The township of Alice Springs takes its name from the waterhole a short distance to the east of the Station buildings. The Telegraph Station operated for 60 years, and then served as a school for Aboriginal children. Protected as a Historical Reserve in 1963, a number of stone buildings have now been restored and house furnishings and artefacts from the early 1900’s.

Sounds of Silence - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

This is a unique outback experience in the very heart of Australia’s spiritual Red Centre. Shortly before sundown you are driven to a special location in the desert to enjoy canapés, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages whilst listening to the sounds of the didgeridoo as the sun sets over Uluru and Kata-Tjuta. Following a gourmet barbecue, dessert, tea, coffee and port, you will experience some of the world’s best stargazing with the assistance of a resident astronomer.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Situated at the heart of the oldest continent on earth, the dramatic red rocks and ochre plains of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park form part of a timeless landscape and provide you with an opportunity to experience the Australian outback. Rising 348 metres above the flat desert landscape, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is one of the world’s most recognisable icons, whilst the nearby rock domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) are thought to be 500 million years old. Not so much seen as experienced, it is easy to understand why these ancient monuments are of great spiritual importance to the Aboriginal people.

Ultimate Kuranda Experience - Cairns

This full day tour brings together 3 of the best mainland attractions in far north Queensland. At Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park you will discover 40,000 years of ancient civilisation through the latest in theatre and technology and interactive activities. Aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway you will glide just metres over the canopy of Australia’s World Heritage protected Tropical Rainforests in the Barron Gorge National Park. And from Kuranda, you will return to Cairns on the century-old Kuranda Scenic Railway, enjoying a spectacular journey through 34 kilometres of picture-postcard scenery.

Quicksilver - Great Barrier Reef

The world¡¯s largest marine park - visible from space - the Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder of the world. A declared World Heritage site, it is a magical place for snorkelling and diving and water temperatures range from 22-28¢ªC year round. Quicksilver¡¯s superior wave piercing catamarans cruise at high speed to the floating activity platform at Agincourt Reef, which lies 72 km from Port Douglas. During an unforgettable day on the reef you will enjoy the use of snorkel equipment, coral viewing in a semi-submersible, unrestricted use of the underwater observatory, an informative talk by a Marine Biologist, a tropical smorgasbord lunch and morning and afternoon tea.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Brisbane

Located just 11 km from Brisbane city, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, with 130 koalas. Famous for its opportunities to get close to Australian wildlife, you can cuddle a koala, handfeed kangaroos, and meet a large variety of native wildlife in beautiful, natural settings. You will return to the city aboard the MV Mirimar, a famous vessel which has served the people of Queensland continuously since 1934. The relaxing cruise follows the Brisbane River past historic buildings, and includes an informative commentary from your skipper.

Harbour Highlights Cruise - Sydney

Sydney has one of the world’s most fascinating and lively harbours. Great buildings, beautiful landscapes and stunning houses line its shores. Captain Cook Cruises have over 30 years of cruising knowledge and their harbour vessels introduce Sydney Harbour in relaxed comfort. Departing from Circular Quay, you will cruise past the Opera House to Double Bay, exclusive Point Piper and Bradleys Head, then under the Harbour Bridge to Balmain and Darling Harbour whilst enjoying an informative commentary.

Wolfie's Grill - Sydney

Sydney’s historic Rocks district boasts one of the most spectacular positions on the harbour and Wolfie’s Grill, in Campbell’s Cove, is a fitting venue for our special Farewell Dinner on your last night in Australia. Located in the historic Campbell’s Storehouse, it offers a warm ambience and casual atmosphere. Specialising in Australian cuisine, Wolfie’s Grill creates exciting menus with authentic flavours, using the highest quality produce. The restaurant combines contemporary design with the colonial architecture of Sydney’s birthplace and offers breathtaking views across Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.