Holidays | Australia & New Zealand | Australia | Australia Tour from Melbourne to Sydney
Overview
Travel
13 days, 1 country and 5 cities
Accomodation
12 nights
Meals
12 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 1 Be My Guest, 1 Lunch, 2 Regional Dinners, 1 Farewell Dinner
What To Expect
Welcome to Melbourne
Welcome to stylish and elegant Melbourne! (Flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You'll be transferred to your hotel located on the banks of the Yarra River before starting your travels on a high note, getting to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly. Set on Yarra River’s South Wharf, this modern pub will have you feast on specialties such as Fisherman’s bend pie, schnitzel, and mac & cheese croquettes, washed down with your choice of beverage including local wine or your choice of the 15 beers on tap. The General Assembly’s waterfront setting is a picturesque welcome to your Australia highlights tour.
Meals: Welcome Reception
Hotel: Based on client booking
Discover Melbourne's Sights
Start your first full day seeing the best of Melbourne on a private walking tour with your Travel Director sharing their in-depth knowledge of the city. You’ll stroll past postcard-worthy Victorian architecture, arcades, and eclectic little laneways filled with colourful street art. As Melbourne’s signature coffee aroma wafts through the air, head to grand Federation Square, filled with shops, galleries, and exhibits and home to many cultural events. Have a look at the nearby neighbouring 19-century neogothic cathedral, St Pauls and see the famous Hosier Lane full of more unique street art. After a big morning getting acquainted with the city, you have the rest of the day free to explore more tempting haunts and eateries or join an Optional Experience such as a trip to Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parade. Here you’ll watch the Little Penguins make their daily trip from the sea to their onshore burrows. It’s a once in a lifetime wildlife viewing experience. Don’t miss it!
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Based on client booking
Melbourne, there's More to It!
You have a free day in Melbourne to explore as you like. Stroll this stylish city browsing antique shops, checking out Brunswick Street’s quirky boutiques, and taking in the town at one of the many cafés or world class eateries. Foodies will want to be sure to visit the historic Queen Victoria Market stopping for nibbles at one of the many stalls. If you’d rather venture outside of the city, join an Optional Experience taking the ultimate road trip on the Great Ocean Road. Driving along this stunning coastline, you’ll be in awe of breath-taking scenery from one moment to the next. Admire the famous Twelve Apostles towering limestone formations jutting out of the sea against jagged cliffs. From sea-hugging structures to seaside towns, you’ll also stop in the quaint towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Whether you adventure in the city or along the sea, there’s so much to experience in Melbourne and its surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Based on client booking
Optional Experiences:
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. Enroute 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.
This will come up with an additional pricing: 200.00 AUD
If you’re curious about our native wildlife or just love animals, we’ve got you covered today! You’ll get up close to Australian animals, including koalas and kangaroos. On Phillip Island the main attraction awaits – the Little Penguins waddling up the sand to their dune burrow homes returning from their daily fishing excursion.
This will come up with an additional pricing: 200.00 AUD
To Magnificent Uluru
The rusty red landscapes of Uluru beckon as we leave Melbourne for Ayers Rock Resort, near the sacred ancient site of Uluru and your home for the next two days in Aussie’s cultural heartland. You’ll fly over dry salt lakes and red desert before your first of many mesmerizing encounters with ‘The Rock.’ As the desert sun begins to set, you’re treated to a classic Uluru sundowner: nibbles and sparkling wine amidst the red dirt and blowing spinifex grasses as the Outback sky ignites in shades of red, yellow, and purple. Gazing at massive Uluru - which at 348 metres high is taller than the Eiffel Tower - you'll experience a kind of magical connection to the land. Relaxed and happy, you’ll make your way to the Desert Gardens Hotel (or any other location based on clients preference) for a Stays with stories experience. Surrounded by desert trees and distant Uluru, this indigenous-owned hotel showcases the natural beauty of the landscape. Stay in this evening or, after sunset, join an Optional Experience Uluru BBQ Dinner as you watch the changing desert colours and are treated to an informative star talk in one of the best places to view the southern night sky.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Based on client booking
Behold Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Experience Uluru in a different light with magical sunrise. Savour every second as, hot cocoa in hand, the dawn makes its way across the desert and illuminates Uluru. After a grand start to the day, tour the base of Uluru with your Travel Director to learn about its ancient rock and art hear stories of the Anangu people, caretakers of this remote arid landscape. After history and natural beauty are interwoven in this memorable morning, you’ll then have a bit of free time to go for a dip in the pool or browse the shops and galleries of Town Square shopping village before continuing your journey through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta. Explore on a walk amidst its towering, mindboggling domes through Walpa (“wind”) Gorge to a lookout. You're then treated to another stellar sunset from a different vantage point at Kata Tjuta. Without many of the crowds at Uluru, you may have the beauty of this Hidden Gem to yourself.
A glass of sparkling wine with new travel mates in a beautiful setting is the perfect way to end your day.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Based on client booking
Optional Experiences:
A 40-minute, fixed wing scenic flight is a great way to take in this amazing landscape. These small plane options with extended flights that include both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Prices from Adult: 300.00 AUD
Experience a unique view with a scenic helicopter flight over the Red Centre and see Uluru from the Air. You might choose the 15-minute flight to appreciate Uluru from the air or the recommended longer flight to witness Uluru as well as the extraordinary Kata Tjuta.
Prices from Adult: 200.00 AUD
Enjoy a sparkling wine on arrival at this unique and exclusive dining experience with Uluru as your stunning backdrop. Enjoy wine and beer with a classic barbecue of beef steak, lamb sausages, skewered chicken, and garlic prawns, as well as a selection of fresh salads and a tasty dessert. There’s even time for stargazing. Adult: 150.00 AUD
Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or just looking for an adventure, this is a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy the thrill of a hot lap or a quick spin this is the perfect way to get see the iconic Uluru on the back of a Harley or Trike, whatever blows your hair back! Prices from: Adult: 150.00 AUD
Cairns in Far North Queensland
Your last day at Uluru is off to another gorgeous start with an exclusive, private visit to the kaleidoscopic Field of Light art installation of artist Bruce Munro. Experience the darkness of night change to a rainbow-coloured dawn lit up from a field of changing colours with Uluru in the distance. You’ll feel like you're walking through flowers in this totally unique Uluru sunrise experience, then as dawn continues to creep across the land, you’ll end the experience watching the desert awaken over Uluru from the top of a sand dune, coffee or tea in hand You’ve already seen so much beauty this morning and now it’s time to make some of your own as you Dive Into Culture with a Local Specialist Aboriginal artist at Maruku Arts Dot Art Experience. You’ll learn about Western Desert Art from Indigenous artists before painting your own piece of Australian aboriginal art as a memento.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Based on client booking
It's Your Turn to Explore Cairns
Today you get to experience Cairns your way with a full day to explore this tropical city or head out on an Optional Experience. Why not take in the view with a balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands, the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere? Or, explore the Daintree Rainforest diving into nature on a guided, interpretive walk learning traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish, and mussels and feast on your catch. You could also see the rainforest on a historic rail journey winding across bridges and through tunnels to Kuranda village where you’ll explore its colourful and interesting arts and crafts. Enjoy a different view soaring through the trees on your return trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Looking for a bit of wildlife on your adventure? Pair your trip to Kuranda with a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile for a wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands, the home of the saltwater crocodile. After another incredible day exploring, day, share your stories and photos of the day over an optional dinner at Ochre Restaurant enjoying local fare using native ingredients.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Based on client booking
Optional Experiences
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.
Adult: 300.00 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)
Adult: 250.00 AUD
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: 200.00 AUD
Enjoy a spectacular balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands, the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere.
Adult: 350.00 AUD
Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
Experience the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Barrier Reef over a day of play on the water. The day begins as you board a high-speed catamaran and then it’s up to you how you’d like to explore this underwater wonderland: Don your mask and fins (equipment provided) for an immersive look at this kaleidoscope of fishes and reef. Or, stay dry and explore the world’s largest living reef system from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft. However you adventure, the whole way you’re surrounded by beauty and insights on the local ecology and environment from your local guide. Be sure to just kick back, too. Your cruise includes an onboard tropical lunch and plenty of time to soak up the glorious Aussie sunshine. Sure to be a bucket list day, relive the highlights with your travel mates over dinner on the Cairns’ waterfront at Salt House. Here you’ll indulge in regional seafood highlighting fresh, local ingredients and prepared on their custom-built Argentinian wood fired grill.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Based on client booking
Optional Experiences
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.
Adult: 200.00 AUD
Sydney, the Harbour City
We say farewell to Cairn’s flying south to Sydney and spend the rest of the day exploring the beauty of this harbour city. From your centrally located hotel, take a stroll around the waterfront Circular Quay enjoying the peaceful Royal Botanic Garden, visit of one of the city’s many museums viewing aboriginal artefacts, or go local checking out the Paddington and Surry Hills and wander the cute collections of boutique shops and little cafes. Whether you’re called by land or sea, Sydney is walkable and offers something for everybody. Stopping for a bite is its own adventure, wining and dining in the famous Rocks District dating back to before the arrival of British settlers in the late 1700s, visiting Chinatown for some tasty yum cha, popping into one of city’s many craft breweries, or finding the perfect rooftop bar to sit back and take it all in. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Regional Dinner cruise around Sydney Harbor against the backdrop of the harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Based on client booking
Sights of Spectacular Sydney
A day of sightseeing around this stunning harbour city awaits! Begin your day with a behind-the-scenes (entering through the stage door!) guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House with a Local Specialist, delving into the story of a building 'that changed the image of an entire country' and learning the history of this iconic structure. Now it's off to the beach to wiggle your toes in the sand at breath-taking Bondi, checking out the iconic Bondi Icebergs Ocean pools as the surf rolls in. A local Surf Life Saver will take you into the members-only Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club. Connect with Locals as you learn about this historic club and gain an understanding of the important work that is done here saving lives on this famous beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Be my Guest) Hotel: Based on client booking
Optional Experiences
Explore the World Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains in style, starting with a visit to Sydney Zoo, Australia’s most advanced Zoo in the heart of Western Sydney, gateway to the Blue Mountains. See dingoes, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils and echidnas in a cage free environment in the Australian Precinct. Enjoy lunch in a local café in the heart of the Blue Mountains surrounded by locals then enjoy some free time discovering the unique mountain town of Leura with its quaint shops. Visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation up close from Echo Point. A highlight of the day is a stop at Scenic World where you can enjoy a ride on the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway, a great way to see the steep valleys, canyons and get another perspective of the Three Sisters. Take a walk along the Rainforest boardwalk and immerse yourself in nature from the valley floor. Return to Sydney via coach.
Adult: 269.00 AUD
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! Throughout your 20-minute flight your pilot will be providing you with expert commentary via voice activated headsets. The photo opportunities are once in a lifetime on this journey in the sky.
Adult: 250.00 AUD
Sydney, the Choice is Yours
Enjoy a full free day to explore Sydney or consider joining an Optional Experience to discover even more further afield. Take a day trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains, whose eucalypt haze you’ll see looming in the distance, for fresh mountain air and stunning natural scenery. You’ll see the famous Three Sisters rock formation - each of which stands over 900 metres high - and hear the Aboriginal legend behind these massive structures. Animal lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Sydney Zoo to see some of Australia’s unique native animals including the wombat, Tasmanian devil, and yes, the koala. You can even sign up for a special encounter to get up close to visit with some of the animals. This evening, spend some time getting to know this spectacular city.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Based on client booking
Sydney Through Your Eyes
Now you’ve found your bearings in Sydney, you have a final day in the city for more sightseeing. Perhaps begin in the Rocks District, dating to before the arrival of British settlers in the late 1700s, to explore the historic buildings or view Aboriginal artefacts at one of the city’s museums? Consider joining an optional experience climbing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Guided by a professional Climber Leader, you’ll ascend 134 metres above Sydney Harbour for priceless views at the top. This evening, gather with your Travel Director for a celebratory Farewell Dinner at Portside Restaurant at the Sydney Opera House.
Meals: Breakfast, farewell dinner
Hotel: Based on client booking
Farewell Sydney
It’s been an incredible trip of wildlife, wild places, and stellar city sites but sadly your journey comes to a close today. Enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates before saying goodbye before your transfer to Sydney Airport (flights anytime).
Meals: Breakfast
Related Australia Tours
-
Blue Mountains Day Trip
Private Tour
- Activity Level: 2 Levels
- Ages: 7+
- Activity Type : Tour
-
Sydney Harbour Icons, Bays & Beaches Morning Cruise
Private Tour
- Activity Level: 2 Levels
- Ages: 7+
- Activity Type : Tour
-
Australia Tour from Melbourne to Sydney
Private Tour
- Activity Level: 2 Levels
- Ages: 7+
- Activity Type : Tour
-
The Great Ocean Road Melbourne – Adelaide Tour
Private Tour
- Activity Level: 2 Levels
- Ages: 7+
- Activity Type : Tour