WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 11 nights hotel accommodations
- Sightseeing as indicated
- 2 lunches
- Return airport transfers.
The perfect pairing of cities & natural wonders of australia
This perfect 12-day introduction to Australia pairs cosmopolitan cities with natural wonders including Ayers Rock and The Great Barrier Reef, along with the chance to get up close and personal with the native wildlife. Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne offers world class shopping, a thriving arts scene, beautiful urban parks and endless restaurant options, which combine to seduce culture vultures, foodies, and casual visitors alike. Your second day includes a city tour, plus an evening tour to Phillip Island to see the world renowned ‘Little Penguin Parade’.
Diverse and historic Sydney greets visitors with its sparkling harbour, iconic Harbour Bridge, and the unforgettable Sydney Opera House. Your included ferry ticket allows you to enjoy all three, including entry to Taronga Zoo, where you can say ‘G’day’ to kangaroos, koalas and other natives as well as many international guests. Your guided tour of The Rocks area offers a fascinating insight into Australia’s convict past, while an afternoon tour takes you to the Botanical Gardens and famous Bondi Beach for a more modern slice of Sydney.
The ultimate outback icon, Uluru or Ayers Rock is a site deeply shrouded in myth and legend. This is a sacred place to the Anangu, the local Aboriginal people and sunset over “The Rock” will be a highlight of your journey. Go on to spectacular Kings Canyon and explore the eerie, alien landscape of its sandstone domes, before your desert outback adventure concludes with a night inAlice Springs (aka ‘The Alice’). Tropical Cairns offers a dazzling array of wildlife amid lush forest surrounds. You’ll visit the Great Barrier Reef for a close encounter with the abundant sea life of the world’s largest coral reef system. Then climb aboard an amphibious army duck for a trip into Kuranda’s scenic rainforest, where an authentic taste of Aboriginal culture, including a ‘Dreamtime’ walk and the chance to throw a boomerang await.
Pricing & Departures
Customize your own departure dates
Departure based on your choice of dates | Pricing starts at | from $1,886 |
Additional departure dates & cities available; ask a Travel Team Agent for details 1-800-788-0829
Day 1: Melbourne Domestic Airport to Melbourne City Hotel Travelodge Southbank Travelodge Hotel Southbank is ideally located in the heart of Melbourne’s Southbank precinct, right on the Yarra River and just a short stroll from downtown. The hotel is within easy walking distance to many attractions and is close to transport, shopping and dining. With 24 hour reception, friendly service and complimentary WIFI internet this hotel offers great value and access to everything this diverse city has to offer. Stay 2 nights at Travelodge Southbank Day 2: Marvelous Melbourne Explore the city of Melbourne with its wide boulevards and fine historic buildings. Pay a visit to Bourke Street Mall and the tree-lined beauty of Collins Street, the ultimate shopping strip and business centre. There are fine examples of Melbourne’s architectural splendour, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Princess and Regent Theatres. Stop by Melbourne Town Hall, the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square. Stroll around Melbourne’s spectacular Royal Botanic Gardens and the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. Explore Captain Cook’s Cottage (optional). Visit the bustling Queen Victoria Market and tranquil Albert Park Lake. Explore Southbank a world of waterfront shopping, dining and arts; incorporating the Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct and Crown Entertainment Complex. Duration 3 Hours Phillip Island Penguins and Wildlife with Viewing Platform Enjoy your tour to Phillip Island, home to an astounding array of wildlife, including Australia’s largest fur seal colony, the Little Penguins and cuddly koalas. Enjoy getting close to koalas and kangaroos before joining the Little Penguins at dusk as they emerge from the surf and waddle to their burrows. Visit Maru Animal Park, for up close and personal encounters with koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils and much more. Enjoy the opportunity to pat and feed kangaroos, wallabies and a host of Australian wildlife. View spectacular coastal scenery at the Nobbies, two rocky outcrops abundant in marine life. Browse through the educational Phillip Island Visitors Information Centre. Learn about the little penguins and life on this stunning island. Watch the Little Penguins as they battle the surf and make their way to their dune burrows and learn of the environmental and conservation methods that are initiated to ensure the remarkable wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remains protected. See the Little Penguins up close as they return to their nests to greet their young families and view the powerful southern coastline with its clean, sandy beaches and rocky shores. Enjoy more personalised wildlife viewing in an area limited to 140 people with ranger interpretation giving you a closer viewing of the Penguin arrival than the main viewing stands. Stop in Cowes for dinner (own expense) before returning back to Melbourne. Duration 8 Hours Day 3: Melbourne City Hotel to Melbourne Airport Duration 30 Minutes Sydney Domestic Airport to City Hotel Duration 30 Minutes Park Regis City Centre Sydney Park Regis City Centre is an ideal hotel for leisure or a business stay. Located in the heart of Sydney, the hotel is close to Hyde Park, Darling Harbor, Pitt Street, the Queen Victoria Building and Town Hall. The best shopping, entertainment and sightseeing are all within walking distance. The hotel has 122 guest rooms ranging in style and size. Stay: 3 nights Park Regis City Centre Sydney Day 4 : The Rocks Walking Tour Historic Sydney Walking Tour brings alive the story of the early convict settlement, while entertaining visitors with stories of “Rascals, Rats, and Restoration”. The tours are conducted by friendly and enthusiastic guides who, by relating the many tales of Australia’s colorful past, capture and hold the visitor’s imagination. Let your guide show you some of Sydney’s earliest buildings, shops, old and new, homes of the “well-to-do” and the quaint cottages of the working class. Still to be seen are the pubs and hotels, once frequented by the locals and sailors alike, and the haunts of larrikins and rogues. The many historic streets, narrow alleyways, cobbled lanes, sandstone steps, and beautiful churches combine to weave a rich tapestry of life in the past and present times. Duration 1 Hour Downtown Sydney, Bondi and Kings Cross In the afternoon you will get to know the bustling city of Sydney. You can walk along the beautiful sands of the world-renowned Bondi Beach, see cosmopolitan Kings Cross, exclusive Double Bay and Vaucluse as well as trendy Paddington with its beautiful lace fronted Victorian Terraces. Your tour will also take in views of Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, one of Sydney’s most visited and photographed views, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney Tower, Darling Harbor and much more. Return to Circular Quay or request a hotel drop off. Duration 4 Hours Day 5: Harbor Express Cruise plus Zoo This 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise departs every 45 minutes from Circular Quay and Darling Harbor. The cruise takes in all the sights of Sydney Harbor including Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, The Rocks and Darling Harbor. Stop off at any attraction and re-board the next Explorer throughout the day with your all day ticket. Your pass includes a cruise to Taronga Zoo from Darling Harbor or Circular Quay, entry to Taronga Zoo, and Sky Safari cable car. Plus, when your visit to the Zoo is complete you will enjoy a return cruise back to Darling Harbor or Circular Quay. Taranga Zoo is open from 9am to 5pm daily. Day 6: Sydney Hotel to Sydney Airport Complimentary Transfer from Ayers Rock Airport to Ayers Rock Resort Stay: Outback Pioneer Hotel If you are looking for traditional Aussie hospitality, you will find it at the Outback Pioneer Hotel. Taste Australia’s pioneering past, as you enjoy a beer at the do-it-yourself Outback BBQ. Swap stories of your day’s adventures, or sing along with the nightly entertainment. Alternatively, opt for the peace and quiet of the Bough House Restaurant over a buffet dinner. Combined with all the luxuries of the Resort, the Outback Pioneer Hotel is ideal for both couples and families who want to enjoy all that Ayers Rock (Uluru) has to offer. (Ayers Rock). Stay: Outback Pioneer Hotel, 1 night. Kata Tjuta and Uluru Sunset – Travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way, stop at a lookout for panoramic views the southern side of Kata Tjuta. Continue on before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. Travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area in the late afternoon. Witness and photograph the striking color changes of Uluru at sunset whilst enjoying nibbles and a glass of wine. Duration 5 Hours Day 7: Uluru Sunrise, Base or Climb Tour Rise early this morning to travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area, Talinguru Nyakunytjaku. Watch the first rays of the sun set the Red Centre alight while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. After watching the sunrise you will join your AAT Kings Driver Guide for a tour around the base of Uluru. Travel by coach to the Mutitjulu Walk where you will be escorted to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the area as your Driver Guide indicates some native flora and explains the Aboriginal and European history of Uluru. Visit the Uluru, Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Aboriginal culture and see Aboriginal arts and crafts, before returning to Ayers Rock Resort. On days when the Uluru Climb is open, those with a good level of fitness will have the opportunity to climb Uluru as an alternative to the Uluru Base Tour. Duration 5 Hours Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon- Travel through spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon Resort by luxury coach. Pass through Curtin Springs and view Atila (Mt. Conner). After turning off the Lasseter Highway and onto Luritja Road your Driver/Guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations. Arrive at Kings Canyon Resort before dusk. You may want to view the sun set behind Carmichaels Crag to finish off the day. Duration 4 Hours Kings Canyon Resort – Kings Canyon Resort is an oasis in the outback for travelers looking to explore the Red Centre from a well-appointed base, complete with pampering amenities and activities for everyone to enjoy. After exciting, fun-filled days hiking and sightseeing in the rugged terrain of Watarrka National Park, enjoy outstanding hotel facilities and relax in the comfort and convenience of your Kings Canyon hotel room. Stay 1 night at Kings Canyon Resort. Day 8: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs Travel through beautiful desert landscapes from Kings Canyon Resort to Alice Springs by luxury coach. Stop at Mt. Ebenezer Roadhouse for the opportunity to purchase afternoon tea (own expense). Take a wander through the Aboriginal Art Gallery to see some locally made craft. Continue on to Alice Springs along the Stuart Highway, as the sun sets in the west over the rugged plains. Duration 7 Hours Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis is a great place to stay whether the stay is leisure or business related. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Alice Springs town centre where you can explore the attractions of Alice Springs. The hotel includes 102 rooms which vary in sizes all equipped with the essentials. Stay: Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis 1 night; Continental Breakfast included. Day 9: Alice Springs Hotel to Alice Springs Airport (1 hour); Cairns Airport to Cairns City (30 Minutes) Discovery Cairns Hotel is a motel style hotel, perfect for leisure travelers. The hotel is centrally located and only 5 minute stroll to the Cairns Esplanade, where you can find shopping, cafes and restaurants. Comprised of 53 rooms from standard to superior there is a room type to suit all guests needs. Stay: Discovery Cairns Hotel 3 Nights Day 10: Quicksilver Cruises Outer Barrier Reef Cruise ex Cairns For an experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver’s wave piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive (extra cost), snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (extra cost). Whichever way you choose; you’ll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder. Duration 7 Hours Day 11: Kuranda Classic Tour with Train Skyrail and Rainforestation The Classic Kuranda Experience includes the main attractions of Kuranda, but gives you more free time to explore Kuranda. You will travel to Kuranda by scenic railway and then spend some free time in the village. Wander through the many shops and local markets, which offer a full range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts. You will then be transferred to Rain forestation Nature Park, where you will enjoy a delicious Australian BBQ lunch, a guided tour of the rainforest on board an amphibious Army Duck, and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance performance, followed by the Dreamtime Walk. You will learn how to throw a boomerang, see a spear-throwing demonstrations, and learn about aboriginal culture. A guided tour of the Koala and Wildlife Park will commence at the Cultural Centre. Your coach will then transfer you to Kuranda Sky rail Terminal for the 7.5 kilometer Sky rail journey down the mountain. Your coach will then return you to your accommodation. Duration 9 Hours Day 12: Cairns City to Cairns Airport Depart Cairns for the airport and on your way back to the USA. TRIP COMPONENTS
Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak directly with one of our travel experts.
Notes:
- Land only package
- This is a customizable independent tour
- Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
- We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
- All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
- Prices reflect cash discount
- Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
- Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
- Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
- UBI-600-307-872-WA