Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Australia - Melbourne - Ayers Rock - Palm Cove - Sydney
100% customisable for you
Overnight flight, arriving the next day.
It's no coincidence that Melbourne has been voted 'the world's best city to live in'. A vibrant architectural heritage, prestigious universities, cafes and shopping meccas, markets of all kinds, world-renowned artists, major sporting and cultural events. it's a city that fizzes with life.
Spend three nights in a chic and modern hotel on the South Bank of Melbourne. There, enjoy an indoor pool, fitness room and spa.
Experience it as a couple Stroll through the cobblestone alleys of the centre to find a secret terrace or piece ofstreet art - Set up camp on the lawn of the Royal Botanic Gardens for an outdoor cinema - Soak up the bohemian atmosphere of the Fitzroy district, with its must-see Brunswick Street and Gertrude Street - Enjoy a tour of the Ian Potter Centre or the Municipal Library - Enjoy a spot of fishing off St Kilda pier or watch the penguins - Browse the small shops along Acland Street close to Luna Park.
Already included - Melbourne by night: the city is famous for its many hidden and independent cafes and restaurants. It's a job to find them. Select the right door on a building that doesn't look much like anything at all from the outside, then upstairs, stumble across a quirky little place where the local hipsters hang out. It's an essential night-time foray on the trip. There should be time to explore four locations and sample cocktails and homemade dishes.
Flight to Ayers Rock, pick up the 4x4, the perfect vehicle for a road trip into the Outback over the next four days. An unforgettable and also comfortable Outback trip. The first two nights are at Desert Garden, a simple resort but ideally located in the heart of the Outback. This is a dream opportunity to enjoy the desert and especially the views of impressive Uluru, the spiritual heart of local Aboriginal culture. It's truly magical.
Must-sees - The iconic site of Uluru, a 600-million-year-old desert cathedral that seems to reign supreme over the vast expanse of the Outback - The Olgas, a series of 36 red domes: another unique site, and owned by the Aboriginal people.
Must-do - At the end of the day, share a romantic break for two, watching the sun set over the monolith.
For those feeling adventurous, it's up very early and back to the Uluru site to watch the sun slowly rise over the rock.
Optional - Magical helicopter ride over Ayers Rock.
Then, head for Kings Canyon, another spectacular site in the Red Centre and less visited than Ayers Rock. Take the road between the desert and the savannah; at the rock, the large canyon gradually gives way to sumptuous views and welcome freshness. Stay in King's Canyon Resort in the heart of Red Desert and Watarrka National Park. Ensconced in a lost-looking motel in the middle of the Outback, there's peace and quiet to unwind and take in the landscape and the starry heavens. The bungalows are sufficiently spaced apart to preserve the natural atmosphere of the place and guests' privacy. This accommodation perfectly lives up to the dream vision of Australia.
Things to see and experience - Leave at dawn, with a private guide, to see the sunrise at Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, a series of 36 reddish-brown domes that form another iconic landscape of the Red Centre and Aboriginal culture. There's also the option to get a foodie insight into this unique culture, with a 'bush tucker' walk to learn what food the Outback has to offer. It's essential information for surviving in this hostile environment, but fortunately it's all about a little fun and learning for you.
The high plateau of Kings Canyon reveals an extraordinary landscape of reddish-brown rocks and cliffs, and its walls, which overlook the Kings Creek River, are over 300ft high. The location is mainly about hiking with two possible routes: an easy hike in the canyon and along the river bed, and another more athletic one that goes over the tops of the cliffs.
Drive to Glen Helen via the Mereenie Loop Road via a dirt road - expect a four to five-hour drive for this leg. Glen Helen is a resort located a few miles from Ormiston Gorge and Pound National Park. Overnight stay is in a small rustic hotel, with a superb setting that more than makes up for the basic level of comfort.
You have a day at your own pace to explore the Glen Helen area.
Things to see - The famous gorges, which are around a ten-minute walk along a small track. This permanent watering hole sometimes attracts wallabies at sunset, and swimming is possible from October to May.
Drive to Alice Springs, the centre of the Centre. This is a pure Australian experience populated by farmers, snake hunters, flying doctors and other visitors passing through. Blazing sun, deserted streets, a pub on the main street, moleskin benches and Formica tables, the TV showing a cricket match with the sound down, the radio plays 'walking on the moon'. Four men sit at the bar, raspy-voiced banter, cowboy boots and bush hats, Victoria Bitters lined up. Join them at the bar and tuck into a supersize steak. Night at Double Tree by Hilton. A contemporary look that contrasts with the general flavour of the town. Bonuses: the large, pleasant, heated swimming pool (via solar panels) for swimming even during the coolest season, and a popular restaurant serving delicious Thai cuisine. Golf lovers are a stone's throw from the game at the region's only course.
After dropping off your hire car, bid farewell to the Red Centre and set off for Queensland, 'the Sunshine State', famed for the iconic Great Barrier Reef and much much more. On arrival in Cairns, embark on a 20-minute drive with a driver to Palm Cove. Spend three nights in an intimate location facing the ocean. It has an amazing relaxed vibe. Find your inner zen with the beautiful swimming pools, exquisite restaurant and luxury spa with terraced massage rooms facing the ocean.
In the itinerary - One-hour massage at the spa followed by a romantic dinner on the beach.
Cairns is the centre of an extraordinary tropical region with a unique natural bounty. To the east lies the Great Barrier Reef, to the north, the wilderness region of Cape Tribulation and Cape York, to the west, the Atherton Tablelands, and beyond, the Gulf Savannah and the vast expanse of the Outback.
The itinerary includes a day on Fitzroy Island, reached by catamaran. The itinerary includes beach, swimming, snorkelling. and utter relaxation.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
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