EXPLORE AUSTRALIA’S INCREDIBLE CULTURE

To experience the thriving Aboriginal history and modern-day culture should be on everyone’s list when visiting Australia

With a plethora of awe-inspiring activities, from the red-orange hues of the Red Centre to incredible experiences rich in art, dance and music, Australia truly has something for everyone.

Tjapukai
Discover where Australia began. Tjapukai offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history of the world’s oldest living culture. Learn how to ‘shake a leg’ as you join in traditional performances drawn from the local Djabugay people’s corroborees, master the art of making a fire without a matchstick and listen to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo. By night, meet the Bama (indigenous rainforest people) who will paint your face to link you to their traditional land and take you on a mesmerising journey through history.

Kuranda
Kuranda is well known as the ‘Village in the Rainforest’ and has been attracting visitors for well over a century. Initially people came to admire the mighty Barron Falls, while artisans were attracted to the region’s natural beauty and decided to call it home, creating a vibrant arts and craft culture. Relax, unwind and spend some time enjoying the many things to see and do in this little piece of paradise.

Alice Springs
Red dirt and hauntingly beautiful mountain ranges surround Alice Springs, a city of arts and events. Alice Springs – known colloquially as ‘Alice’ – is the beating heart of Australia’s Red Centre. It’s a great base for exploring the natural wonders of the Northern Territory’s outback, though it has plenty of its own charms.

The Telegraph Station: The Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a historic museum that exhibits the story of the connection of Australia to the rest of the world through telegraph communication in 1871. The station has become the best restored in Australia and has a strong commitment to authenticity, something which is evident when you visit!

Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park: The park is home to a host of scenic beauty, and you can explore this historic area on foot, swim in a waterhole or even pitch a tent for a longer stay.

Take a dip in the cold waters of one the park’s permanent water holes, hike one of the many tracks ranging from leisurely to adventurous or keep an eye out for rare and threatened plants and wildlife, including the uncommon bird species such as the Peregrine falcon.

Uluru
In the spiritual heart of Australia lies a giant sandstone monolith commonly known as Uluru, or Ayers Rock. Spanning a massive 9.6km (almost six miles) around its base, it is one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena. Whether you want to explore on foot, on the back of a camel, from the sky or on a bicycle, there’s options for everyone.

Uluru Base & Sunset Tour: Join your guide as you’re driven around the base of Uluru. Continue to the Kuniya Walk, from where you’ll be escorted to the Mutitjulu waterhole, then view ancient rock art and learn about the Aboriginal and European history of Uluru. Take a visit to the cultural centre then travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area to witness the striking colour changes of Uluru, while enjoying sparkling wine and nibbles. A truly magical experience!

Sunrise Tour: Watch the first rays of sunlight creep across the desert plains and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as the sun slowly changes the colour of Uluru. Be sure to take advantage of the amazing photo opportunities that this experience provides! As the sun rises, so too does the incredible birdlife that calls Uluru home. Listen as the birdsong welcomes the new day and experience the tranquillity of nature.

Sounds of Silence Dinner: Your Sounds of Silence experience begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

As the sun sets and darkness falls to the sound of a didgeridoo, join your table of fellow travellers for an unforgettable dining experience and an introduction to Aboriginal culture with a traditional dance performance under the outback sky.

As the night sky twinkles to life, help yourself to a bush tucker inspired buffet that incorporates native bush ingredients and look up at a sky filled with stars.

Field of Light: The Field of Light art installation, a global phenomenon by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, has come ‘home’ to the place that inspired it – Uluru.

The British artist conceived the idea at Uluru in 1992 after eight years in Australia. Pathways draw viewers into the installation, which comes to life under a sky brilliant with stars. The installation, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku by the local community means ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pitjantjatjara, will be in place until 31st December 2020.

Sydney
Sydney’s array of world-class performances, wonderful exhibitions, amazing museums and fabulous festivals makes the city the cultural heart of Australia.

Experience Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most creative and busiest performing arts centres and greatest triumphs of modern architecture. Spend a day at this World Heritage site and you will be amazed at the life, culture and activity bursting from beneath the sails. Hop on one of the daily tours and discover the stories, history and magic of the building plus see the extraordinary interiors surrounding some of the most magnificent theatres and venues.

Vivid Sydney is a 23-day festival of light, music and ideas that will run from 24th May to 15th June 2019. Vivid Sydney features many of the world’s most important creative industry forums, a mesmerising free public exhibition of outdoor lighting sculptures and installations and a cutting-edge contemporary music programme.

First Class Holidays
Trafford House, Chester Road
Manchester M32 0RS
0161 888 5632
www.fcholidays.com

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