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14 DAYS, 12 NIGHTS

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Australian Highlights Guided Vacation

Embark on a captivating journey from Melbourne to Sydney, where Australia’s diverse landscapes—from the turquoise Coral Sea to the ochre soil of the Red Centre—serve as your canvas. Experience the grandeur of World Heritage Sites like Uluru-Kata Tjuta and the Great Barrier Reef, while indulging in Australia’s rich culinary traditions, from Melbourne’s café culture to classic barbecues.
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Booking Code: AA-40001-IMSE

This Australian Highlights Guided Vacation is an escorted tour, perfect for travelers who yearn for a comprehensive Australian adventure that combines the country’s most iconic landscapes with rich cultural experiences. Beginning in the vibrant city of Melbourne, renowned for its arts and culinary scene, the journey moves through the spiritual heartland of Uluru and the underwater marvels of the Great Barrier Reef before culminating in the bustling harbor city of Sydney.

Ideal for those who appreciate diverse experiences, this escorted tour offers a seamless blend of guided excursions and leisure time, allowing you to delve deeper into each destination. Travelers will benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable Travel Director, who ensures a smooth journey and access to exclusive experiences. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of pre-arranged accommodations and transport, making it easy to relax and fully immerse yourself in Australia’s stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and world-class cuisine.

Australian Highlights Guided Vacation

Australian Highlights Guided Vacation Map
Day 1: International Flight to Melbourne
Days 2 – 14: Australian Highlights Escorted Tour
Day 14: International Flight from Sydney
Australian Highlights Guided Vacation Map
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ITINERARY
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WHAT’S INCLUDED
ITINERARY
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Australian Highlights Guided Vacation Galley

What’s included in your Australian Highlights Guided Vacation

Accommodation
Melbourne (3 nights), Uluru (Ayers Rock) (2), Cairns (3), Sydney (4)
Flights
International – Los Angeles to Melbourne, Sydney to Los Angeles

Australian Domestic – Melbourne to Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney

Transfers
All Airport Transfers in Australia are Included (Shuttle)
Day Tours
Melbourne – Hidden Laneways Walking Tour

Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Uluru Sunset Walk with Bubbles, Uluru Sunrise Walk and Base Tour, Kata Tjuta Guided Walk

Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Snorkel

Sydney – Sydney Opera House Tour, Sydney Harbour Highlight Lunch Cruise, Bondi Beach Visit

Meals
10 Full Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Highlight Lunch, 2 Dinners with Wine, 1 Farewell Dinner
All Taxes and
Fuel Levies

(Except where noted)

Fully Guided
Tour
With fixed departure dates and itinerary
VISA ISSUANCE
REQUIRED (NOT
INCLUDED)

your itinerary details

DAY 1
International Flight, Los Angeles to Melbourne
The estimated cost for this package includes the average international airfare from Los Angeles. Request a quote for your preferred routing and travel dates. Your flight will cross the international date line overnight, putting you 1 day ahead in Australia. So according to a calendar it will take you 2 days to get to Australia, but really, it’s just an overnight flight!
DAY 2
Welcome to Melbourne!
Melbourne Central
Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Melbourne, renowned for its lively arts scene and cultural diversity. Check in at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located along the picturesque Yarra River. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the South Wharf riverside pub, The General Assembly. Known for its craft beers and seasonal menu, it’s the perfect spot to meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Meals: Dinner with Wine

Melbourne Central
Melbourne Laneways
DAY 3
Melbourne Sightseeing and Free Time
Melbourne Laneways
Join your Travel Director for a guided city tour, featuring Melbourne’s iconic laneways. Explore the hidden gems, boutique shops, artisan cafes, and eclectic street art that define the city’s unique character. Afterward, spend the afternoon at leisure. You might visit the Royal Botanic Gardens or opt for an unforgettable Penguin Parade experience on Phillip Island, where little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4
Melbourne Free Time
Phillip Island Australia
Today, delve deeper into Melbourne’s offerings at your own pace. Explore the National Gallery of Victoria or the trendy Fitzroy neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art and indie boutiques. Alternatively, embark on a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, renowned for its dramatic coastline and landmarks like the Twelve Apostles.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast

Phillip Island Australia
Uluru Sunrise

Image by jeaneeem on flickr

DAY 5
Melbourne to Uluru
Uluru National Park

Image by jeaneeem on flickr

Fly to Ayers Rock Resort and immerse yourself in the striking landscapes of Uluru. Take time to explore the resort’s art galleries and shops, showcasing Indigenous crafts. In the afternoon, join your guide for a sunset experience at Uluru, with a glass of sparkling wine as the sun casts a warm glow over the iconic monolith.

Hotel: Desert Gardens
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6
Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Kata Tjuta
Wake early to witness the magical sunrise over Uluru, a deeply spiritual experience. Learn about the Anangu, the traditional custodians of this land, during a guided tour around the base of Uluru. Then, visit Kata Tjuta, where you’ll be awestruck by the towering domes and take a guided walk through Walpa Gorge, surrounded by ancient rock formations.

Hotel: Desert Gardens

Kata Tjuta
Cairns Australia
DAY 7
Uluru to Cairns
Cairns Australia
Start your day with an optional visit to the Field of Light art installation by Bruce Munro, where 50,000 spindles of light illuminate the desert. Later, participate in a workshop with an Anangu artist, learning about Western Desert art and the significance of regional totems and symbols. In the afternoon, fly to tropical Cairns.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8
Cairns Free Time
Kangaroos at Kuranda Cairns Free Time
The day is yours to design. Consider a scenic railway journey through the World Heritage-listed rainforest to Kuranda or relax along the Cairns Esplanade. End your day with dinner at Salt House, featuring fresh seafood prepared on a custom-built Argentinian wood-fired grill.

Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner with Wine

Kangaroos at Kuranda Cairns Free Time
Great Barrier Reef Turtle
DAY 9
Cairns – Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef Turtle
Embark on a catamaran trip to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living structure. Snorkel among the vibrant coral and marine life or stay dry and observe the underwater wonders through a semi-submersible craft and an underwater observatory. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch onboard before returning to Cairns.

Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 10
Cairns to Sydney
Sydney Harbour View Australia
Fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Spend the day exploring at your own pace. Stroll along Circular Quay, visit the historic Rocks district, or relax in your hotel.

Hotel: InterContinental Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

Daring Harbour Sydney, Australia
Sydney Opera House
DAY 11
Guided Sydney
Woman on a Sydney Opera House Tour
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, uncovering its architectural and performance secrets. Then, enjoy a Sydney Harbour Highlight Lunch Cruise, savoring local cuisine and wine while soaking in panoramic harbor views. In the afternoon, visit Bondi Beach to soak up the sun and mingle with locals.

Hotel: InterContinental Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast & Highlight Lunch

DAY 12
Free Day in Sydney
Blue Mountains National Park credit Tourism Australia
The day is yours to explore Sydney’s diverse attractions. Take a ferry to Manly Beach, visit Taronga Zoo, or join a tour to the Blue Mountains for a breathtaking wilderness experience.

Hotel: InterContinental Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

Blue Mountains, Sydney Australia
Auckland
DAY 13
Free Time in Sydney
Koala Taronga Zoo, Sydney Australia
Make the most of your last day in Sydney. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden for a relaxing stroll and stunning harbor views. In the evening, celebrate your journey with a Highlight Dinner at Midden restaurant at the Sydney Opera House.

Hotel: InterContinental Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

DAY 14
Depart Sydney, Return to Los Angeles
Christchurch
As your unforgettable journey through Australia concludes, reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve made. Depart Sydney on an international flight to Los Angeles with a heart full of adventure and a camera full of photos to cherish.

Meals: Breakfast

Christchurch

Answers to your FAQs

To see all our most frequently asked questions, check out our full FAQ page.

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