An Australian Eclipse Tour

This remarkable journey begins in Sydney, home to the world’s largest natural harbour and one of its most iconic cultural landmarks, the famous Sydney Opera House. Sunday - 4th November.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Sydney is blessed with one of the most famous waterfronts on the planet and this morning we enjoy a ‘coffee cruise’ around its famous harbour. Driving down to Circular Quay after breakfast, we take a two hour cruise of Sydney Harbour, taking in the classic sights of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, as well as Fort Denison and many of the waterfront homes and secluded bays that lie scattered around its shore. Returning to the city, the rest of the day is then free for personal exploration. Monday 5th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today has been left free for us to make the most of this world renowned city. You could take a tour of Sydney’s important historical and cultural landmarks, including the Rocks area, the site of the original settlement that went on to inaugurate the European colonisation of Australia. Other options include a tour of the famous Opera House or a walk over the Harbour Bridge, an exhilarating experience that offers unparalleled views across the city and the harbour. Alternatively you could take a trip out to Bondi Beach, to enjoy the golden sands of one of Sydney’s most popular beaches. Tuesday 6th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Sydney behind this morning we head west, following the pioneering trail of the early explorers up into the Blue Mountains National Park. After paying a visit to the Featherdale Wildlife Park, we then take in the views of the famous ‘Three Sisters’ and the giant rock formation of Australia’s very own ‘Grand Canyon’, before taking a ride on the world’s steepest incline railway. We spend this evening at a hotel in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Wednesday 7th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Continuing our journey west, we head next to the town of Parkes, home to the world famous Parkes Observatory. During the Apollo moon landings, the observatory was used to relay signals back to NASA. Indeed, it was Parkes Observatory’s giant radio telescope that broadcast Neil Armstrong’s historic first steps on the moon to an audience of some 600 million people. We pay a visit to the observatory to view the 64-metre dish telescope (the second largest in the Southern Hemisphere), before continuing to our hotel in the nearby town of Parkes. Thursday the 8th November

Overnight Standard Hotel

The town of Connabarabran in northern New South Wales is known as the ‘Astronomy Capital of Australia’. Lying close to the natural beauty of the Warrumbungle National Park, this region enjoys some of the clearest skies in the country. Little wonder then that it is home to Australia’s largest optical astronomy research facility. We’ll visit the Australian Astronomical Observatory at Siding Spring today, home to the biggest optical telescope in the country. Friday 9th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Turning east we head back towards the coast today, and the fertile landscapes of the Hunter Valley. One of the country’s most picturesque regions, set against the backdrop of the Brokenback Mountains, the Hunter Valley is also Australia’s prime wine growing region. We have a chance to enjoy some of its quality produce on a tasting tour at a local winery this morning, before continuing to the Hunter Resort for a delicious two-course lunch with accompanying wine. Saturday 10th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Driving back to Sydney this morning, we then take a domestic flight on to Cairns. On arrival in Cairns we continue by bus some 70 kilometres north, to the town of Port Douglas, one of Australia’s premier beach locations. Sandwiched between rainforest and ocean, Port Douglas nestles within the embrace of two the country’s most famous World Heritage Sites - the Daintree National Park and the Great Barrier Reef. Sunday 11th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The Great Barrier Reef stretches for over 1,200 kilometres and is one of nature’s most spectacular creations. A rich and colourful world, formed from hundreds of species of living coral, it is home to giant clams, reef sharks, turtles and more varieties of fish than the entire Atlantic Ocean. Today we pay a visit to this marine wonderland, to enjoy an informative presentation from a marine biologist and take the chance to snorkel amongst its colourful reefs. For those who would prefer to keep dry there is a semi-submersible vessel and an underwater observatory to view from. Monday 12th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tuesday 13th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The solar eclipse is due to take place in Port Douglas at 06.38, so setting off early this morning we head for the golden sands of Four Mile Beach in readiness for the event. The eclipse will be visible from the town of Innisfail to the south, right the way up to the Cedar Bay National Park in the far north of Queensland, with Port Douglas enjoying pole position. After watching the eclipse we then have the rest of the day free to enjoy as we wish. Wednesday 14th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Thursday 15th November

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Friday 16th November

Included meals: Breakfast