Australia Highlights

Day 1 – Arrive Melbourne – you will be transferred to our local hotel for check-in and dinner.

Day 2 - Melbourne's Victorian charms - Sightseeing tour of the city, including the High Victorian architecture of Parliament House, the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and the ANZAC War Memorial - the Shrine of Remembrance. The city is also home to the oldest tram network in the world; experience it up-close tonight when you dine aboard the Colonial Tram Car Restaurant as it travels around the city.

Day 3 - All about Ayers Rock, a highlight of any Australia tour - Fly to Alice Springs en route to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for an two-night stay. Settle into your Outback resort and join us for a "silver service" champagne party at Uluru; while the celebration by itself is very special, wait until you experience it under the setting sun when the light bathes the mystical rock with a palette of ever-changing color.

Day 4 - Aboriginal adventures in the Outback - Aboriginal traditions define life in the Outback, especially at Uluru. Learn about the "dreamtime" legends associated with this massive monolith on a guided tour. Nearby, the many-headed Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) awaits your discovery; hear stories about the 36 gigantic rock domes that are found here and explore mazes and crevasses steeped in local lore.

Day 5 - Off to Queensland - Spend a free morning at Uluru where you'll have an opportunity to do some more exploring. Your Australia tour continues with a flight north from the red desert to the tropical rainforests of Queensland. Arrive in Cairns and continue on to your resort in Port Douglas.

Day 6 - Life at The Great Barrier Reef - Spend a full day exploring one of earth's most incredible "living" sites, the Great Barrier Reef, on an eco-cruise accompanied by a marine biologist. Marvel at the colors and beauty of the coral and fish while swimming, snorkeling, or riding on a glass bottom boat or a semi-submersible watercraft that features enormous viewing windows.




Day 7 – Australia’s rainforest - Your resort is close to many natural wonders, including a mist-shrouded tropical rainforest. Ride a gondola through the lush jungle landscapes to the mountain village of Kuranda, before returning to the resort for some free time.

Day 8 - Optional balloon ride and on to Sydney - Soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional early morning balloon ride* (additional cost of $165 per person applies) or spend the morning at the resort at your leisure. Everyone takes off for Sydney late this morning for a four-night stay in the heart of the city. Your hotel is within walking distance of the Botanic Gardens, shopping and restaurants.

Day 9 - Sydney - One of Australia's most famous iconic sights takes center stage today when you visit the Opera House on a personally guided tour. A luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour is a fabulous way to unwind and relax, while getting a good look at some of this extraordinary city's landmark sites from the water. City sightseeing continues as you view The Rocks, Kings Cross and surfing heaven at Bondi Beach. 


Day 10 - Breakfast with Koalas - Have breakfast with the koalas this morning at the Featherdale Wildlife Park, before heading off into the Blue Mountains National Park. A scenic wonderland surrounds you here, chronicling life that began centuries ago in ancient ferns and fossils, like the Dinosaur Tree, thundering waterfalls and forested canyons. Champagne with the kangaroos celebrates today's outdoor adventures in style!

Day 11 - Sydney your way - There is so much to see in Sydney, and so many ways to do it, that the entire day is free to explore and dine as you please - Sydney's got it all. From museums to shopping, from Aboriginal art to an array of Australian and international dining options, you'll find many ways to spend the day and make it memorable!


Day 12 - Farewell Australia (or combine with a New Zealand Itinerary)


Price per person varies depending on season, number of people and whether you select an escorted tour or an independent (on your own) itinerary.  This itinerary is one of many itineraries available from 14 to 22 days.