Today you set off for the other side of the world.

Today you arrive in Australia. You make your own way to your hotel by public transport. If you wish, you can book an optional transfer. Perth, the city of many parks and gardens, is a green oasis right on the Swan River. Take a deep breath and let your surroundings sink in over the coming days. 4 nights in Perth.

4 nights · Double room · With breakfast Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Perth, the Crowne Plaza Perth awaits you as an oasis of modern elegance. Its ideal location on the banks of the Swan River offers not only stunning views but also easy access to the city’s main sights. The hotel itself impresses with contemporary architecture and stylish interiors. Here, modern amenities blend seamlessly with a touch of luxury to guarantee you an unforgettable stay. Culinary delights also await you in the hotel restaurant, where fresh local ingredients are turned into creative dishes. The stylish bar is the perfect place to round off the evening with exquisite drinks. For relaxation and leisure, there is a fitness centre and a heated outdoor pool. Being so close to the Swan River also means you can enjoy relaxing walks along the riverbank. The comfortable rooms of the Crowne Plaza Perth are not just a retreat after an eventful day, but stylishly designed spaces with modern amenities. Look forward to an unforgettable stay.

Today the programme of your Australia tour begins. You meet your tour guide and fellow travellers at 08:00 in the hotel lobby. From the ferry terminal in Perth, you cross over to the beautiful island of Rottnest Island. As the island is completely car-free, you explore the diverse flora and fauna of Western Australia’s best-known island by bike. Look forward to heavenly beaches, crystal-clear water and fascinating rock formations. With a bit of luck, you will also meet the island’s very special residents who made Rottnest Island so famous: the adorable quokkas. These small short-tailed wallabies live only in Western Australia and are known for always seeming to have a grin on their faces. It’s no wonder they are called the happiest animals in the world. A selfie with one of these cute little creatures is a must for every visitor to Australia! (B/L)

North of Perth, today’s excursion takes you to the so-called “Pinnacles” in Nambung National Park, one of the most popular natural wonders in Western Australia. Thousands of limestone pillars rise out of the yellow sand, creating a magnificent backdrop for walks, exploring and photos. On the way back, you stop with your small group for a hearty lunch and toast the successful day at a wine tasting in the Swan Valley. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 200 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hours)

On a city tour today, you get to know the beautiful city on Australia’s west coast. To start, Kings Park offers a panoramic view of the skyline and the banks of the Swan River. Beginning in downtown Perth, you then explore the highlights of the city all the way to Fremantle, known for its charming colonial buildings and maritime flair. You return to Perth by boat on the Swan River. (B)

At the appropriate time, you transfer to the airport and fly to Adelaide! The charming coastal city and capital of the state of South Australia welcomes you with beautiful parks and a wide range of cultural offerings. Thanks to its many cultural events, Adelaide is also nicknamed the “Festival City”. After landing, you check into your hotel in the heart of the city. 2 nights in Adelaide. (B)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast You stay at the 4-star Majestic Roof Garden Hotel in Adelaide’s East End, one of the liveliest districts of the South Australian capital. The hotel is just a few steps from the popular Rundle Street with its restaurants, cafés, bars and boutiques. The Rundle Mall shopping centre is about a five-minute walk away. The Art Gallery of South Australia, the University of Adelaide, museums and many other sights in the city centre are also within walking distance. The hotel combines contemporary comfort with the atmosphere of a boutique hotel. Facilities include a landscaped rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city, a fitness room, a restaurant serving regional cuisine, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. The rooms are spacious and modern. They feature a bath or shower/WC, air conditioning, TV and minibar.

A popular excursion destination near Adelaide is the Barossa Valley. The valley is one of Australia’s best and oldest wine-growing regions and is home to more than 150 wineries. The region is known above all for its delicious red wines, grown on more than 10,000 hectares of vineyards. Today’s excursion takes you to one of the outstanding wineries, where a comprehensive tour of the estate, lunch and, of course, a tasting of the wines produced here await you. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 75 km; driving time: approx. 1 hour)

With a bit of luck, this promising name will live up to its promise! You pack a small travel bag for your two-day excursion to the highlights of the island. Kangaroo Island is home to many native species such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and cockatoos. After an initial introduction, you walk along the beach to a sea lion colony, which you can watch sunbathing and playing from a safe distance. Then you enjoy a picnic outdoors and have time for walks until, in the late afternoon, the kangaroos leave the safety of the forest before your eyes to graze in the open meadows. 1 night on Kangaroo Island. (B/P/D) (Distance: approx. 250 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hours + 45 minutes by ferry)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast and dinner You stay at the 4-star Seafront Hotel Kangaroo Island in Penneshaw, a small coastal town on Kangaroo Island. The hotel is located right on the waterfront overlooking Backstairs Passage and is just a few minutes’ walk from the white sandy beach and the Penguin Centre. The centre of Penneshaw and various restaurants and bars are also within easy walking distance. Thanks to its convenient location, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the island and its diverse nature and wildlife. The hotel grounds are surrounded by well-kept gardens and offer a relaxed atmosphere right by the sea. Facilities include an outdoor pool, a mini-golf course and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s own café, The Kiosk Penneshaw, takes care of your culinary needs. The air-conditioned rooms feature a shower/WC, TV, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. The spacious rooms thus combine contemporary comfort with a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

In the west of Kangaroo Island, today you visit Flinders Chase, one of Australia’s most important national parks. Look forward to the picturesque “Remarkable Rocks” formation and the wonderful view through the “Admirals Arch” rock arch onto the cliffs and the sea. Today you once again have the chance to experience Australian wildlife in the wild – keep looking up into the tops of the eucalyptus trees to see if you can spot any koalas! In the late afternoon, you take the ferry back to Adelaide. 1 night there. (B/P) (Distance: approx. 400 km; driving time: approx. 5 hours + 45 minutes by ferry)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast After returning from Kangaroo Island, you spend one more night at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel in Adelaide’s East End (see day 6 for a description).

Today you fly to Melbourne, reaching the city after a short flight. Melbourne has been voted the world’s most liveable city several times – and not without reason. Alongside impressive Victorian-era architecture and numerous museums, galleries and theatres, Melbourne has many parks and gardens to relax in. After your arrival, you go on a city tour of Melbourne! Along the way, you learn about the city’s history and stroll through its small, historic city parks. 3 nights in Melbourne. (B)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Courtyard Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens gives you a warm welcome in the centre of the Australian metropolis of Melbourne. The hotel is close to Flagstaff Gardens, one of the city’s oldest parks, a green oasis amid the urban bustle. Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés are within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel restaurant serves a wide range of culinary delights inspired by local and international influences. The cosy bar invites you to end the day with a refreshing drink or a snack. The rooms are modern and stylish and feature comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a radio.

In the morning, you have the opportunity to explore the city on your own. Stroll through the vibrant city centre and admire the colourful bustle of this multicultural metropolis. In few other places will you find so many cultures coming together as here: around 35% of the population are immigrants who shape and enliven Melbourne with their unique cultures. In the afternoon, you visit Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of little penguins. In the evening, from a viewing platform, you watch the animals waddle across the beach to their burrows in the dunes. This little walk is known as the “Penguin Parade”. Before returning to Melbourne, you enjoy a tasty dinner on Phillip Island. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 300 km; driving time: approx. 4 hours)

Look forward to an excursion along the world-famous Great Ocean Road! The picturesque coastal road winds for around 243 kilometres past scenic beaches and impressive surf. Along the way, you are treated again and again to wonderful views of the coast and, with a bit of luck, of native animals such as dolphins. Numerous photo stops let you enjoy the scenery during short breaks. Each photo stop reveals a new view of the massive cliffs and spectacular natural sights of the coastline. The highlight is the famous rock stacks in the surf, the “Twelve Apostles”, one of Australia’s best-known landmarks. From a long viewing platform, you can watch the striking formations and the untamed power of the waves and take a photo or two. Besides the Twelve Apostles, there are many other rock formations to discover along the way: from rock arches to grottoes and gorges – the surroundings will leave you amazed. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 500 km; driving time: approx. 7 hours)

Today you get to know the landscape that gave Australia its nickname “the Red Continent”. You fly into the Outback to Alice Springs, a small town considered the unofficial capital of Australia’s Red Centre. After your arrival, a guided tour introduces you to the special features of this isolated town: the old Telegraph Station, the birthplace of the community; the “School of the Air”, a school that provides education by radio for children in the Outback; and the Flying Doctor Service, where you learn more about the stories of the Outback’s flying doctors. 2 nights in Alice Springs. (B)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Crowne Plaza is located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges. Look forward to a large outdoor pool, an on-site fitness centre and a choice of four individual restaurants serving international and regional cuisine. If you are looking for more relaxation and peace, you will find it in the spa and wellness area or in the whirlpool. You stay in a standard room (27–40 m²) with a comfortable bed and walk-in shower.

An excursion takes you into the mountains of the West MacDonnell Ranges, one of the most beautiful areas of the Outback. Amid the red mountains lie beautiful gorges, caves and small lakes, some of which are inviting for a swim. These oases in the middle of the inhospitable rocky landscape provide a habitat for wallabies and other animals. Look forward to an exciting day with many fascinating photo opportunities. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 290 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hours)

A long drive takes you from Alice Springs to the famous red rock of Uluru, which you may still know as Ayers Rock. For the Aboriginal people, who have lived in Australia for 65,000 years, Australia’s landmark is one of the most sacred sites in the country. To the west lies the Olgas rock formation, which you visit this afternoon. During your excursion, you also learn a lot about the fascinating Dreamtime stories of the Aboriginal people. To round off the day, you experience the sunset at Uluru. Depending on the position of the sun, the sandstone reflects the light in different ways, creating a spectacle of glowing shades of red that you won’t forget in a hurry! Enjoy this moment with drinks and snacks. 1 night at Uluru / Ayers Rock. (B) (Distance: approx. 550 km; driving time: approx. 6 hours)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast You stay at the 4-star Desert Gardens Hotel in the Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara, close to the world-famous Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The extensive grounds are surrounded by native gardens, and the sunset viewing point over the monolith is just a few minutes’ walk away. Shops, cafés, spa facilities and the resort’s other amenities are easily reached on foot or by the free resort shuttle bus. The hotel combines modern comfort with a unique location in the Australian Outback. Facilities include an outdoor pool, a bar, two restaurants serving regional cuisine and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are set in the spacious gardens and feature a shower/WC, air conditioning, TV, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. Their generous design makes them a pleasant retreat after an eventful day in Australia’s Red Centre.

Before breakfast, you experience the sunrise at Uluru. See how the colours differ from those at sunset as the sun bathes the Outback in golden light. Afterwards, you go on an exciting tour around the base of the rock. You learn interesting facts about the fascinating Dreamtime stories of the Aboriginal people and explore the many small details, caves and crevices that cannot be seen from a distance. This is followed by a hearty late breakfast and the flight to Sydney. 4 nights there. (B)

4 nights · Double room · With breakfast You stay at the 5-star Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay in the heart of Sydney’s central business district. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Circular Quay and is an ideal base for exploring the city’s best-known sights. The historic harbour district of The Rocks, the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Garden are all within easy walking distance. Thanks to nearby train, ferry and light rail connections, other parts of Sydney are also easy to explore. The hotel combines modern comfort with proximity to the harbour. Facilities include an indoor pool, a bar, two restaurants serving regional and international cuisine and free Wi-Fi. A fitness centre is also available for active guests. The rooms are spread over 32 floors and are modern and comfortable. They feature a bath or shower/WC, air conditioning, TV, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.

Today you get to know the famous city in detail on a full-day guided tour. Besides its unique architecture, the city impresses with extensive parks and popular beaches such as Bondi Beach. On the city tour, you not only visit the most beautiful places and sights and are introduced to the city’s history, but also take a scenic panoramic boat trip through Sydney Harbour, during which you have lunch. Unlike a private excursion, you share this tour with other guests. Experience the famous Sydney Harbour up close, with its great views of the city and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Opera House is also on the programme: on a private tour, you climb the approx. 200 steps behind the scenes of the great theatre that you will find on almost every postcard of Sydney. (Depending on availability, the Opera House tour may take place in the morning; in that case, the city tour is moved to the afternoon.) (B/L)

A day in Sydney just as you like it! Start the day at a leisurely pace and spend your time exactly as you wish. Here are a few suggestions for what the day could look like: in the harbour district of Darling Harbour, numerous cafés and restaurants await you where you can lose track of time. Or you visit the historic district of The Rocks, where you can stroll along cobbled streets, browse local markets and explore historic buildings. If you prefer something more active, you could, for example, take a short coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi. The breathtaking scenery and fresh sea air make this walk an unforgettable experience. If you like, round off the day with a visit to the top of the Sydney Tower Eye to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. (B)

Today you take an excursion to the Blue Mountains with your tour guide. Explore this natural wonderland of wild bush, spectacular rock formations and native wildlife on various scenic rides such as the railway, the cableway or the glass-floored cable car, and take a walk along the 2.4 km panoramic trail. Look forward to picturesque views of the famous “Three Sisters” rock formation and Katoomba Falls. This day will stay in your memory for a long time. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 230 km; driving time: approx. 4 hours)

In the morning, you drive to the airport and fly north to tropical Cairns. Look forward to the flagships of the state of Queensland that await you over the next few days: white beaches, palm trees, rainforest and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef! 4 nights in Cairns. (B)

4 nights · Double room · With breakfast You stay at the 5-star Hilton Cairns on the waterfront promenade of Cairns in tropical northern Queensland. The hotel is located right on the water of Trinity Inlet, just a few steps from the Reef Fleet Terminal. The city centre, the Esplanade and various restaurants and shopping options are within easy walking distance. The hotel combines an attractive waterfront location with extensive leisure and service facilities. These include a tropical lagoon-style outdoor pool with sun terrace, a fitness centre and free Wi-Fi in public areas. In addition, the hotel has several dining options offering a selection of local dishes. At Gin Social and the Edge Terrace, you can also enjoy a wide range of gins and craft beers. The spacious rooms feature a bath or shower/WC, air conditioning, TV, safe and a balcony. Their modern furnishings and bright design make for a pleasant stay after eventful days exploring the city.

Explore the oldest rainforest on earth! The climbing lianas and emerald-green canopy of the Daintree Rainforest have been growing for more than 180 million years. The national park is also the largest continuous area of rainforest in Australia. On a boat trip, you see the lush vegetation and, with a bit of luck, can spot crocodiles in the water. The Daintree is home to Australia’s native saltwater crocodile, which can grow up to five metres long. You also immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture and traditions in Mossman Gorge, where on the so-called Dreamtime Walk with an Aboriginal guide you get to know the forest through the eyes of its original inhabitants and listen to the ancient stories and myths. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 112 km; driving time: approx. 2 hours)

A sailing catamaran takes you out to the reef to the small sand island of Michaelmas Cay, where you spend the whole day. You have the opportunity to snorkel (included) or to discover the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef from a glass-bottom boat. The world’s largest coral reef, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, is home to an abundance of colourful and unique marine life, such as endangered dugongs and green sea turtles, as well as 3,000 interconnected reef systems and coral bays that you can explore during your visit. Relax on the beach of the sand island or on the deck of your catamaran and join a guided nature walk across the island to discover the local birdlife. This excursion is a public tour with a German-speaking guide. Unlike a private tour, you explore Michaelmas Cay together with other guests. (B/L)

On the last day of your trip, you are in charge of the programme! You have the opportunity to go snorkelling once more or take a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef and explore the impressive coral reefs up close again – this time in the beautiful Frankland Islands archipelago (optional, bookable locally). Alternatively, you can take an excursion to the mountain village of Kuranda. A scenic cableway takes you into the tropical rainforest, where you can marvel at exotic fig trees and colourful parrots, among other things (optional, bookable locally). (B)

Today your eventful journey comes to an end, and at the appropriate time you make your own way to the airport by public transport. If you wish, you can book an optional transfer. Return flight to Germany. (B) Day 25: Arrival home.