Explore some of Australia’s most extraordinary natural attractions and enjoy up-close views of iconic wildlife such as crocodiles and koalas for a deeper understanding of the continent’s culture and history. Walk through a gorge in the rainforest with an Aboriginal guide. Watch the sunset and sunrise at Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith that changes colors throughout the day. Behold the soaring rock domes within the UNESCO World Heritage site Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. And for the ultimate look at urban culture, tour the famed Sydney Opera House.
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.
DAY 1
Upon arriving in Cairns, you will explore the city on an enlightening shore excursion before returning to the ship. You will disembark once again in the mid-afternoon and transfer to the Riley by Crystalbrook hotel for check in.
Free time follows, after which you will enjoy a welcome dinner at Dundees at the Waterfront, just a short walk away from the hotel.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the Papercrane restaurant, you will board a luxury coach and begin an exciting day in Cairns. The tropical climate found in the far north of Queensland supports many exotic creatures, including crocodiles.
You will see these saltwater and freshwater reptilians face-to-face at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures while walking the wooden boardwalks and on a boat cruise. You will also enjoy close-up views of birds, lizards, turtles and koalas, one of Australia’s most iconic animals.
After a short drive into Port Douglas Village, you will savor a sumptuous three-course lunch at Melaleuca Restaurant.
You will then visit Mossman Gorge, nestled in the ancient Daintree Rainforest. There, you will join a local Aboriginal guide for a walking tour. As you take in the natural beauty and observe the wildlife in the rainforest, the guide will share enchanting stories that will offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people, the traditional owners of the park.
You will then transfer back to the Crystalbrook Riley hotel to relax and freshen up before a delightful dinner at Tha Fish Restaurant.
DAY 3
Following an early-morning check-out from the hotel, you will fly to Ayers Rock. Breakfast will be served inflight. Upon arriving in Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, you will transfer to the Sails in the Desert hotel.
After free time to freshen up, you will set out in the afternoon to explore the wonders of Uluru with a base tour and Mala walk. You will learn about the cultural significance of this sacred site as you stroll along its base, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You will cap off the experience with sunset drinks and canapés as the desert landscape transitions from day to night.
After sunset, you will indulge in a sumptuous buffet dinner at the Ilkari Restaurant before transferring back to your hotel for the remainder of the evening.
DAY 4
After breakfast, you will depart for Kata Tjuta, a collection of rock formations located west of Ayers Rock. The name Kata Tjuta, which means “many heads,” refers to the 36 domes there. For a close-up look at the landscape, you will walk along a natural creek bed between the red walls of Walpa Gorge.
Afterwards, in the western section of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the guide will provide information about the unique and interesting history of the area.
You will then transfer back to the Sails In The Desert hotel for lunch on your own before visiting the Gallery of Central Australia.
Free time follows, after which you will partake in a Wintjiri Wiru sunset dinner. Wintjiri Wiru, which translates to “beautiful view out to the horizon” in the Pitjantjatjara language, offers a mesmerizing cultural narrative.
This immersive experience vividly portrays a chapter of the ancestral Mala story using choreographed drones, lasers and projections that dance across the night sky, showcasing the spiritual significance of the land. You will dine and enjoy cocktails as the sun sets, all while taking in breathtaking vistas of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Afterwards, you will transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.
DAY 5
You will wake up early in the morning to witness the sunrise at Uluru as the desert come to life. Following this sunrise experience, you will return to the hotel for breakfast and prepare for check out.
You will then transfer to the Uluru airport for your scheduled flight back to Sydney. Upon arrival at the Sydney airport, you will be met by your Intercruises English-speaking guide/representative and transfer to your hotel.
The evening will be at leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 6
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and traveling to one of the most famous performing arts centers in the world, the Sydney Opera House. Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, it remains one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks. Step inside to enjoy a guided tour and learn about its history, design and current role.
After the tour, you will transfer to the pier and re-embark your cruise ship.?
Land Program Step by Step
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 once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
7:00am Arrive in Cairns
Shore excursion
3:00pm Debark ship and meet your tour director
3:15pm Transfer to your hotel
3:45pm Check in
4:00pm Free time
6:45pm Walk to Dundees at the Waterfront restaurant
7:00pm Dinner at Dundees at the Waterfront
Overnight at Riley by Crystalbrook Hotel or similar
DAY 2
7:00am Breakfast at Papercrane
8:15am Board coach
9:00am Transfer to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure
10:00am Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure
12:00pm Transfer to Melaleuca Restaurant
12:30pm Lunch at Melaleuca Restaurant
2:00pm Transfer to Mossman Gorge
2:30pm Dreamtime walk at Mossman Gorge
4:00pm Transfer to your hotel
6:45pm Walk to Tha Fish Restaurant
7:00pm Dinner at Tha Fish Restaurant
Overnight at Riley by Crystalbrook Hotel or similar
DAY 3 – timings subject to change based on actual flight times
5:30am Check out of the hotel and board coach
5:40am Transfer to the airport
6:00am Check in for the flight to Ayers Rock
7:10am Fly to Ayers Rock (flight details TBA and subject to change)
10:00am Arrive at Ayers Rock airport and collect luggage
10:30am Transfer to Sails in the Desert Hotel
11:00am Free time
12:30pm Lunch on your own
2:15pm Meet at the hotel’s reception desk
2:30pm Depart for Uluru base tour (Mala Walk and Full Base Drive)
Follow with Uluru sunset with drinks and canapes. Return to your hotel after sunset
8:00pm Buffet dinner at Ilkari
Overnight at Sails in the Desert Hotel or similar
DAY 4
From 06:30am Breakfast at the Ilkari Restaurant
9:00am Kata Tjuta tour
12:00pm Lunch on your own
1:30pm Visit to Gallery of Central Australia
3:00pm Free time
6:40pm Meet at the hotel reception desk
6:50pm Wintjiri Wiru sunset dinner
8:50pm Arrive at Sails in the Desert hotel
Overnight at Sails in the Desert Hotel or similar
DAY 5 – timings subject to change based on actual flight times
5:39am Uluru sunrise tour
7:39am Breakfast at the Ilkari Restaurant
10:00am Check out
10:40am Check in for your flight
12:20pm Fly to Sydney (flight details TBA and subject to change)
4:45pm Collect luggage and board your coach
5:45pm Transfer to your hotel
Evening at leisure and dinner on your own
Overnight at Sheraton Grand Hyde Park Hotel or similar
DAY 6
From 6:30am Breakfast at the hotel
9:30am Check-out and meet in the hotel lobby
9:45am Transfer to the Opera House
10:30am Opera house guided tour
11:45am Transfer to the pier
TBA Re-embark your cruise ship
Expected Weather
Cairns: The weather is around 25-31°C / 77-88°F. Humidity can be high, and rainfall is likely, as this period falls within the wet season in tropical North Queensland.
Ayers Rock (Uluru): The weather is typically hot, with temperatures ranging from 30-38°C / 86-100°F. It's generally dry with little to no rainfall during this time, as this region experiences a desert climate.
Sydney: In early December, the weather in Sydney typically ranges from 18-25°C / 64-77°F.
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, and a light sweater in case it gets cooler in the evening, hat and biodegradable sunscreen.
Local Currency
Australian Dollars. The U.S. dollar is not accepted. However, all major credit cards can be used.
Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. You will need to use a converter unless you have dual-voltage appliances.
Luggage information
Guests are allowed to bring a maximum of 1 checked suitcase free of charge for domestic flights. Maximum weight is 20kg (50bs.) 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 will 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.
Hotels
Riley by Crystalbrook
131-141 The Esplanade Cairns QLD 4870
Phone: +61 (0)7 4252 7777
Sails in the Desert
163 Yulara Drive Yulara, NT, 0872
Phone: +61 2 8296 8010
Sheraton Grand Hyde Park
161 Elizabeth St Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +65-6-836 7338
Program Includes:
• 2 nights at Riley by Crystalbrook hotel – sea view room
• 2 nights at Sails in the Desert hotel – superior room
• 1 night at Sheraton Grand Hyde Park hotel – executive Hyde Park room
• One-way economy-class flight from Cairns to Ayers Rock – direct flights not guaranteed
• One-way economy-class flight from Ayers Rock to Sydney – direct flights not guaranteed
• 4 breakfasts
• 1 lunch
• 4 dinners
• Hotel porterage
• Transfers as required
• Tour director for coach transfers
• All tours and entrances as 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, gravel and 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.
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.
