The below itinerary is only a suggestion, we offer tailor-made personal service and solutions to help you plan your perfect vacation. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Day 1 Arrive Uluru (Ayers Rock) evening Sunset & Field of Light with 4-course dinner under the stars
Welcome to Australia! Your luxury vacation begins at Ayers Rock, or Uluru. Located in the Red Centre and renowned as the spiritual heart of Australia, you’ll find that Ayers Rock is rich in Aboriginal culture and encapsulates the rugged beauty of the outback. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your wonderful accommodations at Longitude 131°, a unique luxury tented camp with commanding views of Uluru. This evening marvel at the ever changing colors reflected over Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips below the horizon, chilled glass and canapé in hand. As darkness falls your four-course dinner awaits, along with matched Australian wines in an exclusive outback setting. Aboriginal performers will mesmerize you and your companions with the movement and songs of their ancient culture, and after dinner Longitude’s resident astronomer will regale you with tales of the Southerly constellations.
Day 2 Longitude 131° complimentary range of activities
Longitude 131° complimentary range of activities has something for every mood and every moment. Lasting from one to three hours, these activities are your opportunity to engage and connect with Longitude 131° stunning natural wonders and attractions.
Mutitjulu Meander
Venturing to Uluru whilst the morning sun lights up the ancient monolith, meander along the pathway to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti. Along this walk our guides share the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru.
Uluru Sunset
A drive into the dual World Heritage-listed National Park leads to the twilight viewing area where you can take in the sunset over Uluru with a glass in hand. This is the perfect location to capture the changing lights reflected over the Rock’s many faces as the sun slips below the vast desert horizon.
Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta
This experience heads to Kata Tjuta comprising 36 majestic dome-like rock formations. A walk through Walpa Gorge wends its way through the canyon, sheer rock walls rising obliquely on each side. You will discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today’s landscape with expert commentary describing the natural history, ecology and indigenous significance of the area. The tour calls briefly at the Kata Tjuta Viewing Area for a longer distance perspective and photo opportunity before a visit to the Cultural Centre where the informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Mala Walk & Kantju Gorge
After arriving at the base of Uluru our guide leads you on a gentle walk as you learn about the history of the Mala people, pointing out cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the gorge walls ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Enjoying sunset drinks and canapés, guests revel in the silence and solitude.
Field of Light
Longitude guests will have an exclusive section to view the lights between Uluru Sunset and Table 131. Guests will walk uninterrupted along the pathways in the Field of Light, just as the tiny buds are lighting up - when it’s time to depart, the field will be fully lit!
Table 131
Dine outdoors on fine fare celebrating a fusion of modern and indigenous flavours and discover the wonders of the southern night sky. As darkness falls, a four-course dinner with matched Australian wines is delivered with Longitude service. In the cool season, a warm fire sparks under the spectacular night sky. Indigenous performers mesmerise with the movement and songs of their ancient culture and after dinner, Longitude’s resident astronomer regales guests with tales of the Southerly constellations. (Subject to weather conditions).
Day 3 Afternoon Private transfer Uluru to Alice Springs
This morning, enjoy one last inspiring sunrise out on your private balcony. There’s time for a morning stroll and a delicious lunch before an early afternoon transfer to Alice Springs. Head north through spectacular desert scenery to arrive late evening in Alice Springs.
Day 4 Alice Springs to Adelaide onboard the Ghan
It’s time to embark on one of Australia’s most scenic rail journeys, heading from Alice Springs to Adelaide onboard The Ghan. In the comfort of this luxury rail service, watch in amazement as the rugged red outback gives way to the lush pastoral lands of South Australia. Your Platinum Service accommodation includes a larger spacious sleeper cabin with power outlets, all-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant and all-inclusive Australian wines, beers, upgraded spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.
Day 5 Arrive Adelaide on-board the Ghan, transfer to the Borossa Valley
Your journey on The Ghan continues today. Relax in your cabin (with optional auditory commentary on your surroundings) and enjoy picturesque scenery alongside a hearty breakfast. By mid-morning you will have arrived in Adelaide, with your home for the next 2 nights in the nearby Barossa Valley. The Louise boutique luxury lodge is a paradise for food and wine lovers – the world-renowned restaurant Appellation is a destination in itself. Enjoy fresh fruit and port-style wine on arrival and soak up the tranquil views of the surrounding green hills.
Day 6 Private Wine and Food lovers Tours of the Barossa Valley
Sit back, relax, and take a luxurious private wine tour in an air-conditioned 1962 Daimler. Your personal guide, John Baldwin, has been touring The Barossa since 1994 and is passionate about wines and the people behind them. On this tour you’ll have the chance to taste the wines, see the architecture, learn about the valley and even meet the winemakers! You can visit the homes of iconic wine labels like Penfolds, Yalumba and Seppeltsfield or concentrate on smaller boutique and up-and-coming labels. Anything is possible on this private epicurean tour, including cheese and olive oil tastings, boutique beer samplings and visits to farmer’s markets.
Day 7 Breakfast with the Kangaroos before departing for Melbourne
This morning we have arranged something special: a ‘Breakfast with the Kangaroos’ experience! Enjoy a private champagne picnic in a grassy clearing with wild kangaroos – your guide will assist in setting out your own picnic-style breakfast in this beautiful, natural setting. Once finished, return to The Louise for your late morning transfer to the airport and continue with your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel, leaving the rest of the day free to explore the city’s laneways, coffee shops, hidden bars and covert boutiques.
Day 8 Melbourne – Today you have the choice of one of two half day tours
1. Half Day Lanes & Arcades Including Lunch
Take a walk through Melbourne’s beautiful back streets and laneways this morning to get acquainted with the local lifestyle. Discover independent designers and specialty retailers, some quirky cafes and thought-provoking street art. There’s truly something for everyone in this city, and you can see over 30 stores in this one casual stroll. Stop for an hour to enjoy lunch with a glass of wine, then pop into all the stores that caught your eye earlier.
2. Queen Victoria Markets and Local Flavors Tour including lunch
Your tour today begins with a trip to the iconic Queen Victoria Market, ideal for strolling through food stalls and people watching the locals. Next you’ll continue to Lygon Street, a neighborhood known as the city’s Little Italy and a local favorite for Melburnians. Here you’ll discover the food, history, people and culture of the area through a food tour of Melbourne’s biggest market, complete with stories, samples, tastings and time to explore. Savor a delicious and wholesome lunch with a drink, then discover hidden historical buildings, skeleton boutiques and the very best of local businesses.
Day 9 Melbourne to Sydney
This morning we have included a private transfer to the airport for the flight (not included) to Sydney. Upon arrival, transfer to your fabulous accommodations at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney. This luxurious hotel is within walking distance of major attractions like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Perhaps enjoy dinner and cocktails at the hotel’s Blu Bar 36, where you can take in world-class views of the iconic harbor below.
Day 10 Morning Private Sydney Tour, Evening Luxury Harbour Cruise with dinner
This morning we have created a private comprehensive tour of Sydney and its gorgeous beaches. Highlights include: Darling Harbour, the Rocks with its historic buildings, Mrs Mac’s chair for photos of the Opera House and Harbour bridge, Wooloomooloo Bay, Watsons Bay, The Gap and Bondi Beach. Return to the city via Tamarama and Bronte beaches, Centennial Park, Paddington, Darlinghurst and China Town, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, the newest urban and entertainment area. Wrapping up the tour, you’ll drive past the restored finger wharves of Walsh Bay and under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, then transferred back to your Sydney accommodation.
This evening, board the Ocean Blue, a 46-foot Riviera luxury motor vessel for a private cruise on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy complimentary Australian wines as you cruise along the iconic foreshore, taking in sights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the bays and coves of the water itself. Stop at Middle Harbour & Balmoral Beach for your starters and main course at Public Dining Room Balmoral – this world-famous restaurant is in a relaxed luxury space, featuring fresh local ingredients of the seasons while incorporating global culinary influences. Departing Balmoral and cruising past the Spit Bridge, you’ll have your chance to indulge in dessert, cheeses and wines before returning to the main harbor in downtown Sydney.
Day 11 Day at leisure to explore Sydney
Today is yours to explore sunny, cosmopolitan Sydney at your leisure. Mingle with the locals on famous Bondi Beach and take the scenic walk from Bondi to Bronte Beach. Soak up gorgeous views of the city at Circular Quay and explore the bustling neighborhood of Barangaroo just a short walk away. If you’d like to dig a little deeper into Sydney and discover hidden gems, we recommend a private or small-group tour of the city. We also have a fabulous lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour where you can truly live like a local for the day!
Day 12 Depart Sydney
After a wonderful vacation, it’s time to say goodbye to Sydney, Australia. We have included a private transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.
