Overview

Escorted 13 Day Highlights of Australia offers a wonderful balance of rich urban and cultural experiences with unforgettable Australian wilderness and wildlife encounters. Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, travel to iconic Alice Springs, discover the magnificent formation and cultural significance of Ayers Rock and the Olgas. Experience the immense marine landscape of Great Barrier Reef and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Cairns. Explore vibrant Sydney by foot and aboard a harbor cruise.

Trip at a Glance

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne / 3 nights: Melbourne

Day 2: Private walking tour of Melbourne

Day 3: Full day of “free time” in Melbourne

Day 4: Fly to Alice Springs, explore / 1 night: Alice Springs

Day 5: Travel to Ayers Rock/Uluru, afternoon free / 2 nights: Ayers Rock/Uluru

Day 6: Explore Ayers Rock, Kata Tjua (the Olgas)

Day 7: Aboriginal dot painting workshop, fly to Cairns / 3 nights: Cairns

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef

Day 9: Full day of “free time” in Cairns

Day 10: Cairns Wildlife Dome, fly to Sydney / 3 nights: Sydney

Day 11: Sydney sights and Harbor Cruise

Day 12: Full day of “free time” in Sydney

Day 13: Farewell from Sydney

Trip Highlights

• Indulge with a unique dining experience on board Melbourne’s Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
• Discover Melbourne’s colorful hidden laneways and arcades
• Savor a unique Aussie BBQ experience at Earth Sanctuary- – Toast an Uluru sunset with gourmet canapés and wine- Experience a spectacular Red Centre sunrise
• Discover Aboriginal rock art and learn about sacred sites at Uluru
• Explore Kata Tjuta and hike Walpa Gorge
• Interact with Aboriginal artists and create your own dot painting masterpiece
• Cruise and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
• Cuddle a koala at Cairns Wildlife Dome
• Dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean at famous Bondi Beach
• Experience Sydney Opera House on a guided tour

Detailed Itinerary

13 Day Escorted Highlights of Australia

Day 1 – Welcome to Melbourne

After meeting your Tour Director and travelling companions, enjoy a welcome reception on board the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Enjoy a delightful innovative approach to dining on this historical fleet of Melbourne’s iconic trams. Sit back and enjoy cruising the streets of Melbourne while you dine on an exclusive seasonal and quality Australian beer and wine menu. 3 nights: Melbourne.

Day 2 – Melbourne Sights

See the city sights this morning, including Melbourne’s eclectic little laneways, arcades and café society, on your private walking tour. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Day 3 – Melbourne “Free Time”

You’ll have time to discover some of the secrets of this exceptional city – a myriad of cafés, galleries, museums, markets, restaurants, laneways and parks await you.

If you wish to explore further afield you can join a tour to the famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, where you’ll watch the nightly ritual as the little penguins march up the sand to their nesting places. Or take the journey along the Great Ocean Road to see the famous Twelve Apostles. Visit the Yarra Valley’s wineries, the Dandenongs, Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary and Puffing Billy Steam Train or Sovereign Hill’s goldmine.

Ask your Tour Director for details.

Day 4 – Fly to Alice Springs, explore

This morning you’ll fly to Alice Springs. On arrival visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and learn how this marvelous facility operates to provide a ‘mantle of safety’ to the people of the outback. Next stop is the School of the Air, which provides an educational facility for children living in remote areas. Then visit the historic Telegraph Station.

Tonight ‘you’re invited’ to experience the Aussie outback at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. Enjoy a barbecue dinner and hear from Tom and Danny Falzon about the sustainable lifestyle they have established. They may even lead on you a sing-a-long accompanied by the didgeridoo and guitar. 1 night: Alice Springs.

Day 5 – Travel to Ayers Rock/Uluru, afternoon free

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 while enjoying gourmet canapés and wine. 2 nights: Ayers Rock/Uluru.

Day 6 – Explore Ayers Rock, discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. Watch the first rays of the sun set alight the Red Centre. Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

This afternoon travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of red conglomerate rock will amaze you. Take a walk through Walpa Gorge following the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes. Celebrate the glorious sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) with complimentary sparkling wine and nibbles.

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. Watch the first rays of the sun set alight the Red Centre. Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

This afternoon travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of red conglomerate rock will amaze you. Take a walk through Walpa Gorge following the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes. Celebrate the glorious sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) with complimentary sparkling wine and nibbles.

Day 7 – Aboriginal dot painting workshop, fly to Cairns

This morning interact with local Aboriginal artists at a fun dot painting workshop. Your host will introduce you to Anangu culture and show how this is expressed in their artwork. Complete your own painting to take home as a memento of your experience.

Later you’ll fly to Cairns. 3 nights: Cairns.

Day 8 – Great Barrier Reef

Join your Tour Director at a local gallery to introduce you to the significance of art in Aboriginal culture. Later cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the colourful coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible vessel. Snorkeling gear is included (extra charge for scuba). Enjoy a reef education presentation on this living wonder and a tropical buffet lunch on board the pontoon. Return to Cairns in the late afternoon.

Day 9 – Cairns “free time”

Today is at leisure in Cairns. You may like to join an Optional Experience to Kuranda including a scenic rail journey on the Kuranda Railway and a ride on the Skyrail Cableway.

Day 10 – Cairns Wildlife Dome, fly to Sydney

This morning encounter unique Australian animals at the Cairns Wildlife Dome. Later, you will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival in Sydney you will be transferred to your hotel.

This evening is free for you to explore this exciting city. Perhaps take a stroll down to Circular Quay to view the panorama of the sparkling harbour surrounded by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. 3 nights: Sydney.

Day 11 – Sydney Sights and Harbor Cruise

Prepare yourself this morning for spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean on the cliff-top coastal walk from Tamarama Beach. The walk features stunning vistas, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools. When you arrive at Bondi Beach you can wander along the shoreline and dip your toes in the cool clear water. Later, see stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline on a sightseeing tour. Drive through the Royal Botanic Gardens to visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair then join a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House with a local guide. Top off this highlight day with a cruise on Sydney Harbour.

Day 12 – Sydney “free time”

Explore the beautiful harbour city of Sydney further today. Make the most of your day and take an optional trip to the Blue Mountains. Gather together this evening to celebrate your vacation at a farewell dinner with your Tour Director and new-found friends.

Day 13: Farewell from Sydney

Your Vacation concludes this morning after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward flight.

Accommodation Options

13 Day Escorted Highlights of Australia

Tour operated by AAT Kings

Accommodations will be arranged by your tour operator, AAT Kings