Australian Highlights
13 Day Guided Vacation | Melbourne to Sydney
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Australian Highlights
13 Day Guided Vacation
| Melbourne to Sydney
Travel period
Australian Highlights
13 Day Guided Vacation
Melbourne to Sydney
Revealing sprawling red desert landscapes, the turquoise tropical waters the Great Barrier Reef, and buzzy cosmopolitan cities, this diverse itinerary is one that ticks all the boxes. Wander through Melbourne’s lively cobblestoned laneways, share a gourmet barbecue with a local family in Alice Springs, and feel the heartbeat of the ancient Red Centre on an unforgettable journey.
Why you'll love this trip:
- Great for those with time limitations that want to see it all
- Exclusive locally hosted dinner at a sustainable outback property under the stars
- Connect with 6 local specialists
- Get on the water with handpicked cruises of Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef
Australian Highlights (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2021 – 31 Mar 2022)
Insider Knowledge
Explore the vibrant energy of Melbourne at the heart of the action - on its cosmopolitan streets. You will be provided an in-depth perspective on all the iconic sights and some hidden gems.
Local Connection
Meet an outback family who reveal to guests their passions for astronomy and sustainability as you dine under the stars on the property
Cultural Immersion
Join an expert for a behind the scenes perspective of the Australian Icon Sydney Opera House
Sustainable Footprints
Through contributions to National Parks and Wildlife you will be protecting Australia’s wilderness including Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park.
Welcome to Melbourne! On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner at the South Wharf riverside pub, The General Assembly. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting!
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, 3 nights
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Explore Melbourne on a city sights tour then discover its eclectic little laneways, arcades, café society and street art on a private walking tour. The rest of your day is free. You may like to take an optional experience to Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parade or maybe you'd prefer to relax or even experience some of Melbourne's well-known food and culture.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today is free for you to explore the delights of Melbourne. You may like to take a full day optional experience to the Great Ocean Road to discover the stunning coastline and the Twelve Apostles. Or maybe treat yourself to a theatre production or indulge in some world class fare at one of the city's famous eateries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today you fly from Melbourne to Alice Springs. On arrival visit School of the Air and hear how this school delivers education to children living in remote areas. Next stop is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where you'll learn about this facility that provides a 'mantle of safety' to the people of the outback. This evening Joe, Dan, Tommy and Ben Falzon invite you to ‘Be My Guest’ for a home cooked gourmet BBQ dinner at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. Join them as they share stories of ecology, culture and astronomy and even lead you on a sing-a-long accompanied by the didgeridoo and guitar. It will be a night to remember!
Hotel: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Dinner
Travel through the West MacDonnell and James Ranges and pause to view majestic Atila (Mt. Conner) often mistaken for Uluru, before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy the resort’s facilities. Later, travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness and photograph the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset whilst enjoying canapés and wine.
Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
This morning view the magical Uluru (Ayers Rock) sunrise. Afterwards, gain insight in to the traditional owners of the land, the Anangu, as you tour the caves at the base of Uluru discovering ancient rock art and hearing stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta and take a walk at Walpa Gorge. Later experience a Kata Tjuta sunset with sparkling wine and nibbles.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Rise early to experience the ethereal Field of Light art installation. Wander through the paths surrounding 50,000 hand-crafted frosted glass spheres of light. As the sun rises, join your fellow travellers on top of a sand dune to watch the desert awakening over Uluru. Meet an Indigenous artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art. Your Anangu artist will provide you with cultural insights, explaining the meanings of local totems and assisting you to complete your own painting to take home as a memento of your experience. In the afternoon board your flight to tropical Cairns.
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, 3 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today is free for you to do as you choose! Maybe visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for an insightful look at indigenous culture or journey to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for an opportunity to encounter native Australian animals. You may choose to travel to Kuranda on the historic scenic railway or just sit back and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Get ready for an experience of a lifetime - board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft, just one metre underwater. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns. This evening enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the Cairns waterfront.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
This afternoon fly to Sydney where you will have a free evening to do as you please.
Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney, 3 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
A day of sightseeing around this stunning harbour city awaits! Discover Sydney's famous Eastern Suburbs and wiggle your toes in the sand at famous Bondi Beach. Next return to the city for a guided tour of iconic Sydney Opera House before taking to the water on a Captain Cook lunch cruise, sailing around the glistening harbor while you enjoy a fresh seasonal menu. Spend the rest of your day seeing the sights of your choice or maybe even take an optional experience to climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch
Today is free for you to do as you choose. Why not take a day trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains for fresh mountain air and stunning scenery. You’ll visit the charming village of Leura, see the famous Three Sisters rock formation and visit a Wildlife Park to see some of Australia’s cuddly native animals. Spend your last evening in Sydney together along with your Travel Director and companions in a local restaurant by the water.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
This morning you say goodbye to Australia when your trip comes to an end after breakfast.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
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.
- 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
Features
Situated on the banks of the famous Todd River, Mercure Alice Springs Resort offers spectacular views of the towering River Red Gum. Well-manicured lush green lawns of the hotel create a relaxing atmosphere, letting you soak in the Australian Outback charm in the Northern Territory (NT).
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Radio
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Mini Bar
Features
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.
- 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
Features
Located on the marina in the heart of Cairns, the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns is the ultimate place to stay for business or pleasure. Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns is conveniently situated at the marina, with uninterrupted panoramic views of spectacular Trinity Bay, world-class Marlin Marina and breathtaking mountain ranges allowing you to experience the tropical north at its best.
- Wi-Fi
- Private balcony or courtyard
- In-room safe
- Hair Dryer
- Mini Bar
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Swimming Pool
- Gym facilities
- Business Facilities
- Work Desk
- Direct Dial Telephone
- In-house movies
- Pillow Menu (Choice of pillows)
- Bathtub and shower
- Bathroom Amenities
- Bathrobe
- Flat Screen TV
Features
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. Find out more
- Quality accommodation
- Travel in luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Airport Transfers (see flight information below)
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Warm layers in cooler months
- Swimwear and beach towel (if swimming)
Fitness Requirements
- Moderate level of fitness required for walk at Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Dining
- 12 Full Buffet Breakfasts
- 1 Lunch
- 1 Highlight Lunch
- 2 Dinners with Wine
- 1 Be My Guest Dinner
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
- Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 12.00 noon into Melbourne Airport
- Day 4 – Melbourne to Alice Springs: QF796 (required internal flight)
- Day 7 – Ayers Rock to Cairns: QF1854 (required internal flight)
- Day 10 – Cairns to Sydney: VA1418 (required internal flight)
- Day 13 - Flights to depart anytime from Sydney Airport
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