First Choice
Internal-vacation flights included
Internal-vacation flights included

Australian Highlights

13 Day Guided Vacation | Melbourne to Sydney

Picture Australia: the Coral Sea’s turquoise, the intense rainforest green, powdery white sand, the Red Centre’s ochre soil. These are your palette on this Melbourne to Sydney tour, spanning glittering cities and the outback, World Heritage Sites – Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Great Barrier Reef – and exclusive experiences. Whether Melbourne’s cafes or a barbeque, food is a focus, because this is Australia; eating well is in our DNA.

Prices From Code: IMSE

$7470

Adult Twin i A person 16 years and over (note a person 16–17 years must be accompanied by a person 18 years and over). All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2023-12-10 departure

$9369

Single i A person, who must be 18 years and over, travelling alone, must pay the single room price. All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2023-12-10 departure
Prices above are per person in USD
Child prices are available on request

*Internal-vacation flights: Please note that the price includes land and internal-vacation airfares, which are required to be booked in order to fulfil the vacation itinerary.

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Trip Details

trip-details-whats-includedWhat's included

  • • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
  • • Local Specialists (Guides)
  • • Centrally located premium hotels

trip-details-diningDining

  • • 12 Full Breakfasts
  • • 1 Lunch
  • • 1 Be My Guest Lunch
  • • 2 Dinners with Wine
  • • 1 Highlight Dinner
  • • 1 Farewell Dinner

trip-details-flight-infoFlight Information

  • • Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 12:00pm into Melbourne Airport
  • • Day 4: Melbourne - Uluru (Ayers Rock) JQ664 (Required Internal Flight)
  • • Day 6: Ayers Rock - Cairns QF830 (Required Internal Flight)
  • • Day 9: Cairns - Sydney VA1418 (Required Internal Flight)
  • • Day 13: Flights to depart any time from Sydney Airport
  • • Required Internal Flight: Flight numbers and times may vary due to airline schedule changes and seasonality.
  • • Airline schedules may change at short notice. Please consider possible flight disruption when booking your flights.​

trip-details-what-to-bringWhat to Bring

  • • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • • Water bottle
  • • Warm layers in cooler months
  • • Camera
  • • Comfortable walking shoes

trip-details-fitness-level-requirementsFitness Requirements

  • • Low level of fitness required

Itinerary

image map

Is there such a thing as too much time in Melbourne? Arrive early before meeting your fellow adventure-seekers over a beverage or two.

  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, 3 nights

  Included Meals: Dinner with Wine

Melbourne is known for its cool cafés – we recommend grabbing a coffee to fuel you through a walking tour exploring the city’s most eye-popping laneways. This afternoon, you decide. Perhaps a nature-based sojourn to Phillip Island to see penguins waddle from the ocean to the sand? We wouldn’t blame you for lingering and taking a deep dive into Melbourne’s culinary offerings. Ask us for tips on the hottest spots to drink and dine.

  Included Meals: Breakfast

If you’re still getting your Melbourne bearings, linger in town to explore boutiques, galleries, and eclectic suburbs. But if it’s time to venture further afield, you might want to sign up to discover the Great Ocean Road, a stretch of coastline that deserves its reputation as one of the most scenic touring routes in the world. Wherever you wander, be sure to take in a show at one of the city’s glorious theatres. We can assist with tickets.

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Spiritual, sacred and spectacular, the world’s largest rock monolith will give you goosebumps. In Australia’s Red Centre, Uluru has been home to the Anangu people for millennia. Their connection is palpable, as you’ll discover when you arrive at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, at sunset watching the shifting colours transform the desert with every last ray (sparkling wine essential).

  Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights

  Included Meals: Breakfast

If there’s one thing worth getting out of bed early for, it’s sunrise over Uluru. Incredibly, the Rock’s base caves are home to First Nations art that dates back tens of thousands of years. What an honour to glimpse it. The ochres and silvery greens of the NT outback follow you to Kata Tjuta, where Walpa Gorge humbles with its soaring cliffs. Wander through the tallest domes before yet another sparkling sunset (and sparkling wine).

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Ok, so the other reason to get up early is to view artist Bruce Munro’s installation Field of Light at dawn – 50,000 glowing spindles of light blanketing the desert. Clamber to the top of a sand dune to marvel in the morning unfolding over this very special part of the world. An Anangu artist will explain just what makes it so spiritual over an introduction to Western Desert art, introducing totems and symbols important to the region and represented in paintings and installations. Head to your next stop in sunny Cairns.

  Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns, 3 nights

  Included Meals: Breakfast

If you’re in the habit of getting up early now, you may wish to begin your day with an optional horizon-bending hot-air-balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands. Prefer to stay grounded? Sign up for a guided walk through the Daintree Rainforest, or surround yourself with nature riding the Scenic Railway to Kuranda returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – perhaps with a side visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for a wetlands cruise?

  Included Meals: Breakfast

The world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef, never fails to dazzle. Set out on a catamaran to explore a kaleidoscope of colour: over 1,500 species of fish, 215 different birds, 3,000 molluscs, six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, and 30 species of dolphins and whales are residents. Strap on a snorkel or visit an underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft to take in the menagerie without getting your hair wet. Tonight, celebrate the end of an incredible day at dinner on Cairns’ waterfront at Salt House for regional seafood plucked straight from the ocean, highlighting fresh, local ingredients, and prepared on their custom-built Argentinian wood fired grill.

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine

Touch down in Australia’s largest city, with a harbour you could gaze at all day long. And all night. Freshen up and do just that when you join your Travel Director and travel mates on a Highlight Dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour against the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

  Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney, 4 nights

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Bring your stamina: today is one of innumerable highlights. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, discovering its architectural and performance secrets. If these sails could talk. One icon to another: The world’s most famous beach beckons this morning, with your chance to pad along the sand at Bondi with Sydney’s beautiful people. From Worked up an appetite? A local Surf Life Saver will take you into the members-only Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club. Learn about this historic club and gain an understanding of the important work that is done here saving lives on this famous beach. Next, a Be My Guest lunch with views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Lunch

The hardest decision you have to make today: explore more of Sydney, or head to the Blue Mountains, 11,400 square kilometres of World Heritage listed wilderness, a place where sandstone escarpments appear to cleave off the edge of the Earth and waterfall-cooled valleys of rainforest slip dreamily from the pages of a fairytale.

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Now you’ve found your bearings in Sydney, why not linger around the harbour – perhaps it’s time to glimpse it from above on a Sydney BridgeClimb? This bird’s-eye view certainly puts things in perspective. Back at ground level, you’re in the heart of the Rocks, the city’s original colonial settlement and a place of cobbled alleys and private galleries. This evening, celebrate your holiday at a Farewell Dinner at Portside Restaurant at the Sydney Opera House. Talk about ending on a high.

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

What an epic journey, with so many destinations explored in less than two weeks. Now you just have to sort through the photos…

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.


Australian Highlights

First Choice

13 Day Guided Vacation

Melbourne to Sydney

Picture Australia: the Coral Sea’s turquoise, the intense rainforest green, powdery white sand, the Red Centre’s ochre soil. These are your palette on this Melbourne to Sydney tour, spanning glittering cities and the outback, World Heritage Sites – Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Great Barrier Reef – and exclusive experiences. Whether Melbourne’s cafes or a barbeque, food is a focus, because this is Australia; eating well is in our DNA.

Highlights

Insider Knowledge

Melbourne has some of the world’s most vibrant street art – if you know where to look. Follow your local guide to discover eye-popping murals, hidden down back alleys.

Local Connection

Join an Anangu artist at the Maruku Arts Dot Painting class and paint your own piece of Aboriginal art as a memento of this experience.

Cultural Immersion

The Sydney Opera House is the stuff of postcards. You get to go behind the scenes with an expert who not only reveals architectural highlights, but also performance secrets.

Sustainable Footprints

Your visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Kakadu and Litchfield national parks helps protect these incredible wilderness areas for future generations.

Wildlife and Nature

The only living organism you can see from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef is among the world’s most important, and biodiverse, ecosystems. Dive under the surface and see for yourself.

Accommodation

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:

 Accommodation Hotel
 Accommodation Hotel

Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne is located on Spencer Street on the fringe of the CBD. Just a short stroll to Crown Casino, Docklands and South Wharf, Crowne Plaza Melbourne is a Southbank hotel ideally situated on the bank of the Yarra River.

    Features

  • 220/240 V AC
  • Air Conditioning
  • Radio
  • Direct Dial Telephone
  • Satellite/cable colour TV
  • Wi-Fi
  • Iron / Ironing Board
  • Microwave
  • Hair Dryer
  • Communal self-catering kitchen
  • Manual temperature control
 Accommodation Hotel
 Accommodation Hotel

Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert.

    Features

  • Air Conditioning
  • Radio
  • Iron / Ironing Board
  • Private veranda or courtyard
  • Heater
  • ISD/STD phone
  • Mini Bar
  • In-room safe
  • In-house movies
  • Coffee/tea making facilities
 Accommodation Hotel
 Accommodation Hotel

Set amid tropical greenery on Cairns’ waterfront, this hotel is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef Terminal is just 400 metres from the hotel’s front doors, and both the Boardwalk and Esplanade dining precincts are just a short 2 minute stroll.

    Features

  • Air Conditioning
  • Radio
  • Phone
  • Private balcony
  • Bathrobe
  • Bathroom Amenities
  • Hair Dryer
  • Internet Access
  • Mini Bar
  • Iron / Ironing Board
Need accommodation before or after your tour?

Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.

Optional Experiences

To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The excursions can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.

Bridge Climb

Adult Price: AUD 344.00
Child Price: AUD 149.00

The Bridge Climb is a 3 1/2 hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. Climbing in groups of up to 14 people, you’ll be led by one of BridgeClimb’s professional Climb Leaders on an adventure of the world’s most recognisable Bridge. Prices from:

The Rocks Pub Walk

Adult Price: From AUD 99.00

Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of The Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts and stories of Australia's first European settlement. Tour includes: A choice of a beer (285ml/10oz), house wine or soft drink at each pub. 2.5 hours in duration. Runs 2:30pm & 6.30pm daily. Commences from Harts Pub, Essex St & Gloucester Street, The Rocks.

Down Under Tours Daintree Dreaming With Ngadiku Walk

Adult Price: AUD $266 Child Price: AUD $246

A cultural journey taking you from coast to rainforest experiencing natural beauty and ancient culture.
Learn traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish and mussels before tasting and sharing what you have caught and gathered. A short drive away is the lush rainforest of Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. Here you will experience the splendour of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy a guided interpretive walk through the ancient rainforest and along the banks of the pristine waters of the Mossman Gorge. Lunch & damper included.

Down Under Tours Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway

Adult Price: AUD $175 Child Price: AUD $92

Join your Down Under Tours coach transfer to Smithfield Station. Here you join Skyrail and marvel at the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience, including time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with spectacular lookouts. On arrival in Kuranda, the Village is yours to explore. The vibrant and colourful Heritage markets take place daily. Your return to Cairns is aboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail. Winding around curves, across bridges and through hand-hewn tunnels, this amazing engineering feat is a tribute to our pioneers. Upon arrival at historic Freshwater Station, you will board your coach back to your accommodation. 

Adult: $277.00 AUD
Child: 119.00 AUD

Enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, with breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns, to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda. Upon arrival you will have around one hour to explore this fascinating village of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. At 11.30am, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to experience this iconic rainforest. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, the coach will transfer you to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Explore the park, including the unique eco experience of the Wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. (Operates Daily)

Great Adventures Introductory Dive

Adult Price: AUD 184.00

For an underwater adventure to remember, experience an introductory dive! It’s fun and no experience is necessary to take a fully supervised introductory dive. Professional and experienced instructors will guide you through every aspect of your dive, allowing you to have a relaxed, enjoyable experience.

Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles

Adult Price: AUD 169.00
Child Price: AUD 85.00

Take a breath and enjoy a relaxed and unhindered view of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge all before lunch, beating the traditional afternoon rush. En route let us take you on a journey inland, reaching Port Campbell National Park to marvel at the iconic limestone stacks in the morning. Spend the afternoon with your experienced Driver Guide, meandering along the winding Great Ocean Road, taking in the spectacular coastal scenery, the Otway Rainforest and seaside townships.

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Hot Air Cairns - 40 Minute Flight

Adult Price: AUD 330.00 + flight levy
Child Price: AUD 290.00 + flight levy

Enjoy a spectacular balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere.

*Additional $30.00 insurance levy to be paid direct to Hot Air Cairns applies.

** If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details

Adult Price: AUD $199

Take to the sky on a 10-minute scenic flight. You will have the best seat to witness the iconic Great Barrier Reef from above.

Ochre Restaurant - 2 Course Dinner

Adult Price: AUD 57.00
Child Price: AUD 57.00

Ochre is an award winning restaurant with a dedication to local produce, crafting native ingredients into modern exciting cuisine. The menu changes seasonally and is unique in its use of Australian native foods and regional produce.

Phillip Island - Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife

Adult Price: AUD 175.00
Child Price: AUD 85.00

If you’re curious about our native wildlife or just love animals, we’ve got you covered today! Start the day off with a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve where you’ll join an experienced park Ranger and explore the tree top boardwalks to see the koalas up close in their natural habitat.Then there is the main attraction – The little penguins waddling up the sand to their dune burrow homes returning from their daily fishing excursion. Arrive at Phillip Island Parade Visitors Centre and learn about the life cycle of the little penguins and learn of the environmental and conservation initiatives in place to ensure the wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remains protected.  As the sun goes down, head to the beach and watch as the Little Penguins battle the surf and make their way to their dune burrows. See the Little Penguins up close as they return to their nests to greet their families.

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Sydney Heli Tours  - 20min Flight

Adult Price: AUD 220.00
Child Price: AUD 220.00

This is the best way to see Sydney in all its glory. See full panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Manly Cove and Sydney’s spectacular Harbour and city skyline. This tour will leave you breathless! Great Views, Great Flight! After a safety briefing, we will use your own camera for some happy snaps in front of your helicopter to begin the memories of a sensational Heli Tour. Within 5 minutes your professional pilot will have you over the harbour flying past icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Rose Bay and Manly Cove. Throughout the flight your pilot will be providing you with expert commentary via voice activated headset.

* If your tour ends in Sydney, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details

Adult: $100.00 AUD
Child: $45.00 AUD

Enjoy a memorable evening perched high above the city with uninterrupted revolving views. This delicious buffet dinner includes over 40 freshly prepared dishes across a range of international cuisines including a selection of fresh seafood, salads, hot dishes and desserts. Prices from

Uluru Barbecue Dinner

Adult Price: AUD 150.00
Child Price: AUD 85.00

Enjoy a unique and exclusive dining experience with Uluru as your stunning backdrop. There’s sparkling wine on arrival followed by a classic barbecue of steak, lamb sausages, skewered chicken and garlic prawns. There is also a selection of fresh salads and a tasty dessert. There’s even time for stargazing.

Adult: $265.00

Child: 265.00

A 20 minute, fixed wing scenic flight is a great way to take in the amazing landscape of Uluru. This small plane operator offer extended flights that include both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.   Prices from:

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