Calling all adventurers and lovers of nature! Immerse yourself into the Australian way of life while visiting two UNESCO World Heritage sites during this four-day overland program. You’ll spend one-on-one time with cuddly koalas, trek through the oldest surviving tropical rainforest in world and visit the Indigenous heartland of Australia when you journey to the ‘Red Centre’ to experience the beauty of Uluru (Ayer’s Rock).
Special Note: 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. This program is not suitable for guests who utilize a wheelchair or rely on walking aids due to the level of mobility required to participate in each of the activities.
DAY 1 – December 15, 2022
Disembark your ship in Brisbane and meet your dedicated tour guide for the next four days.
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival, head to your deluxe accommodation at Sails in the Desert.
Following some time for lunch on your own, embark on the Mala Walk to Kantju Gorge. Your guide will highlight the ancient rock art and traditional bush tucker of the Anangu, as well as the cultural and geologic significance of this site.
Your view of the beautiful sunset will be from a special vantage point where a glass of sparkling and some nibbles will be offered to make it a special occasion.
Continue your Uluru experience with dinner under the stars at ‘A Night at Field of Light’. Soak in twilight views of Uluru and the infamous Field of Light; 50,000 bulbs of colored light creating a vista of beauty that can only be appreciated in person.
DAY 2 – December 16, 2022
Wake up early to witness the sunrise at Uluru and see the desert come to life in the morning light.
Following your sunrise experience, you will return to the hotel for breakfast before you visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is traditionally owned by the Anangu, one of the world’s oldest continuous societies. Admire its remarkable red rock formations of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).
You will return to your hotel for lunch on your own and the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.
Perhaps relax at the expansive gumtree lined swimming pool, enjoy a drink at one of the modern dining, bar or lounge options or find each of your senses lulled into complete relaxation as you give in to one of the Red Ochre Spa's treatments.
There are included daily activities at the resort such as indigenous art markets, guided garden walks, self-guided garden walks, bush yarns, a cultural dance workshop, spear & boomerang throwing, wakagetti cultural dancers, and interactive didgeridoo playing.
Note: The included activities are subject to change without notice. Please enquire with your hotel reception to confirm operating times. Please be aware that their Indigenous performers are traditional people with strong cultural obligations. Wet weather may also impact the location or time of the scheduled activity.
Dinner is on own this evening.
DAY 3 – December 17, 2022
Enjoy breakfast this morning at your leisure before check-out and your flight to Cairns.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel which is located at the northern end of Cairns’ iconic waterfront Esplanade.
The evening will be on your own to explore Cairns or simply relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.
DAY 4 – December 18, 2022
Following breakfast, board your awaiting coach and depart on a one-hour drive to the Wildlife Habitat in the charming coastal town of Port Douglas. Here you will have the opportunity to come face-to-face with Australia’s iconic wildlife-including the Koala, Kangaroo & Cassowary.
Following your visit to Wildlife Habitat, you will visit the charming town of Port Douglas where you will have some free time to explore the numerous shops and cafes.
Next, you will depart for lunch at the Treehouse Restaurant at Silky Oaks Lodge in the treetops of the UNESCO World Heritage Daintree Rainforest.
After lunch, a visit is made at Mossman Gorge, nestled in the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Here, you will be joined by a local Aboriginal Guide for a walking tour. As you take in the natural beauty surrounding you and observe its wildlife, your guide will share enchanting stories that will give you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Kuku Yalanji People, the traditional owners of the park.
In time you will re-board your coach and return to your awaiting ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: 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. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team approximately 30 days before the program departure date when flight details are confirmed. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
7:00am Disembark ship and board coach
7:30am Transfer to airport
7:50am Check-in
9:30am Flight from Brisbane to Ayers Rock (flight details TBA and subject to change)
1:35pm Transfer to your hotel, check-in
3:00pm Kantju Gorge and sunset tour
7:30pm Field of Light dinner experience
9:30pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at Sails in the Desert or similar hotel
DAY 2
5:00am Sunrise tour
7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Kata Tjuta tour
From 12:00 Lunch, afternoon and dinner at leisure
Overnight at Sails in the Desert or similar hotel
DAY 3
From 6:00 Breakfast at your hotel, morning at leisure
12:15pm Check-out, board coach en-route to airport
12:30pm Airport check-in
2:20pm Flight from Ayers Rock to Cairns (flight details TBA and subject to change)
5:25pm Collect luggage, board coach, hotel check-in
6:45pm Evening and dinner at leisure
Overnight at Riley by Crystalbrook or similar hotel
DAY 4
6:30am Breakfast at your hotel
7:30am Check-out and board coach
7:50am Transit to Wildlife Habitat
8:50am Arrive at Wildlife Habitat for Australian wildlife experience
11:00am Transfer to Port Douglas town
11:15am Free time in Port Douglas
12:25pm Transfer to Silky Oaks Lodge
1:00pm Lunch at Treehouse Restaurant, Silky Oaks Lodge
2:30pm Transfer to Mossman Gorge
3:00pm Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk Tour
4:30pm Return to pier
5:45pm Re-board the ship
Expected Weather:
Daytime: 97°F or 34°C
Nighttime: 65°F or 18°C
Nights and mornings during the summer can still be cool due to the breeze therefore guests should pack appropriate clothing for cooler temperatures.
What to Bring:
Bring comfortable casual clothes and good walking shoes. You may want to include a smart pair of shorts (or skirt) with a polo shirt for dinner occasions, swimwear, light sweater in case it gets cooler in the evening, hat and sunscreen.
Local Currency:
Australian Dollars. The U.S. dollar is not accepted. However, all major credit cards can be used. A credit card will be required at each hotel at check in for any incidentals.
Electricity:
Australia operates with 220 volts, and guests should bring an international travel adaptor for electronic devices.
Luggage information:
Guests are allowed to bring a maximum of 1 checked suitcase free of charge for the domestic flights. Maximum weight is 23 kilos (50 lbs.) One small carry-on per person that can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you is also permitted. Guests having excess or overweight luggage will be responsible for any fees upon check in at the airports.
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 need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI 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 Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Guests will need a visa to visit Australia and should check with their travel agent or embassy for requirements.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Hotel addresses:
Sails in the Desert
163 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT 0872, Australia
Phone: +61 2 8296 8010
Riley by Crystalbrook
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Phone: +61 7 4252 7777
Program Includes:
• 2 nights at Sails in the Desert (Uluru) or similar hotel – Terrace Room
• 1 night at Riley by Crystalbrook (Cairns) or similar hotel – Panoramic Sea View room
• Economy class flights per the itinerary including 1 checked bag per guest – direct flights not guaranteed
• 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner (two drinks per person included with dinner)
• Hotel porterage
• Transfers
• Tour Director to accompany the group
• Tours and entrances per the itinerary
Program does not include:
•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 flights
Please note:? 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.? Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
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.?? Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date.? Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
