Australian Highlights

12 Nights

Melbourne, VIC

Revealing sprawling red desert landscapes, turquoise tropical waters, the Great Barrier Reef, and buzzy cosmopolitan cities, this diverse journey 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.

From £3090pp
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Highlights

  • Indulge in a unique dining experience on board Melbourne’s Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
  • Discover Melbourne’s hidden laneways & arcades
  • Savour a unique Aussie BBQ experience at Earth Sanctuary and toast an Uluru sunset with sparkling wine
  • Discover Aboriginal rock art & learn about sacred sites at Uluru
  • Explore Kata Tjuta & hike through Walpa Gorge
  • Interact with local Aboriginal artists and create your own dot painting masterpiece
  • Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean at famous Bondi Beach
  • Experience the Sydney Opera House on a guided tour
  • Day 1 - Welcome to Melbourne
  • Day 2 - Melbourne
  • Day 3 - Melbourne Free Time
  • Day 4 - Melbourne – Alice Springs
  • Day 5 - Alice Springs - Uluru
  • Day 6 - Uluru & Kata Tjuta
  • Day 7 - Uluru – Cairns
  • Day 8 - Cairns Free Time
  • Day 9 - Great Barrier Reef
  • Day 10 - Cairns – Sydney
  • Day 11 - Sydney
  • Day 12 - Sydney Free Time
  • Day 13 - Farewell from Sydney
  • Additional Information

Get to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening at a Welcome Reception and dinner at a restaurant by the waterfront.

Meals Included: Dw

Crowne Plaza, Melbourne

Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne is a 4 star hotel in Melbourne city, located on Spencer St 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 banks of the Yarra River.

Explore Melbourne on a city sights tour this morning, then discover its gracious arcades, eclectic laneways and vibrant street art on a private walking tour. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You might like to take an optional experience to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade, where the world’s smallest penguins return from the ocean and waddle endearingly up the wide beach to their sand-dune burrows. Or you may prefer to simply relax, explore the galleries, or experience some of the city’s celebrated eateries

Meals Included: Breakfast

Crowne Plaza, Melbourne

Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne is a 4 star hotel in Melbourne city, located on Spencer St 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 banks of the Yarra River.

Today is free for you to further explore the delights of Melbourne. Alternatively, you could take an optional experience along the renowned Great Ocean Road to discover a stunning coastline and the towering limestone arches of the Twelve Apostles. In the evening, you might like to take in a production at one of Melbourne’s renowned theatres.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Crowne Plaza, Melbourne

Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne is a 4 star hotel in Melbourne city, located on Spencer St 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 banks of the Yarra River.

Fly to Alice Springs this morning and visit the unique School of the Air to learn how this school-with-a-difference delivers education to children living in remote outback areas. Pause at the headquarters of the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service, celebrated for providing a ‘mantle of safety’ in the outback for almost a century. This evening, join the Falzon family at Earth Sanctury World Nature Centre for a home-cooked gourmet Be My Guest BBQ dinner. Later, listen as brothers Tom and Danny speak of their passion for ecology, astronomy and local culture.

Meals Included: B bg

Mercure Alice Springs Resort

Mercure Alice Springs Resort combines efficient and friendly outback service with modern, comfortable facilities. Low rise architecture and lush native landscaping contribute to the relaxed atmosphere of this Resort situated on the Todd River, five minutes from the town centre.

Travel through the red quartzite peaks and gorges of the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges today, then spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying your resort’s facilities. Sparkling wine is served this evening as you watch the sun set behind the massive sandstone monolith of Uluru.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Desert Gardens Hotel

A magnificent sanctuary of towering ghost gums and flowering native shrubs among the red dunes, Voyages Desert Gardens is a welcoming hotel. Diverse accommodation options include shaded poolside rooms or deluxe rooms with stunning views of Uluru.

This morning, witness the magical Uluru sunrise, then tour the caves at the base of Uluru and marvel at the ancient rock art to be found there. Later, travel over red desert plains to Kata Tjuta, and take a walk at Walpa Gorge through two of the tallest domes of this majestic rock formation. Enjoy sparkling wine with your travelling companions as the sun sets over Kata Tjuta.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Desert Gardens Hotel

A magnificent sanctuary of towering ghost gums and flowering native shrubs among the red dunes, Voyages Desert Gardens is a welcoming hotel. Diverse accommodation options include shaded poolside rooms or deluxe rooms with stunning views of Uluru.

Rise early to experience the ethereal Field of Light art installation. Wander through the paths surounding 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Shangri-La Hotel The Marina Cairns

Cairns’ outstanding seascape sprawls before you. You recline on the deck chair and gaze upon this immense spectacle of nature from your spacious balcony. A sight of unparalleled beauty unfolds at Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns.

Today is free for you to pursue your own interests in this vibrant tropical city. You may choose to gain some insights into Indigenous culture at the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, or travel to Kuranda, the ‘village in the rainforest’ on the historic Scenic Rail. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Shangri-La Hotel The Marina Cairns

Cairns’ outstanding seascape sprawls before you. You recline on the deck chair and gaze upon this immense spectacle of nature from your spacious balcony. A sight of unparalleled beauty unfolds at Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns.

Board a sleek, high-speed catamaran today and cruise out to the natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have the opportunity to go snorkelling (equipment provided), or view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board before you return to Cairns. After some time to relax, join your travelling companions for an evening meal overlooking the Cairns waterfront.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with wine

Meals Included: Full Board

Shangri-La Hotel The Marina Cairns

Cairns’ outstanding seascape sprawls before you. You recline on the deck chair and gaze upon this immense spectacle of nature from your spacious balcony. A sight of unparalleled beauty unfolds at Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns.

This afternoon, fly on to Sydney, where your evening is at leisure. Our Travel Director will give you hints and tips on the best places to eat, and after dinner you might like to take a stroll around this famous harbour city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

InterContinental Sydney Hotel

InterContinental Sydney has been one of the luxury hotels in Sydney CBD of choice. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, resort vacation, family adventure or a historic immersion, the InterContinental hotel has a variety of unique offers throughout the year.

Visit legendary Bondi Beach then head to the iconic Sydney Opera House for a privately guided tour with a local guide. Enjoy lunch aboard one of Sydney Harbour’s premier cruise vessels, then spend the rest of your day exploring the city at your leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

InterContinental Sydney Hotel

InterContinental Sydney has been one of the luxury hotels in Sydney CBD of choice. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, resort vacation, family adventure or a historic immersion, the InterContinental hotel has a variety of unique offers throughout the year.

Today is yours for further exploration of Sydney. The energetic might tackle the iconic Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, or perhaps you’d prefer to take an excursion to the majestic Blue Mountains to see the soaring Three Sisters rock formation. Celebrate your holiday with your Travel Director and companions at a Farewell Dinner.

Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Meals Included: Half Board

InterContinental Sydney Hotel

InterContinental Sydney has been one of the luxury hotels in Sydney CBD of choice. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, resort vacation, family adventure or a historic immersion, the InterContinental hotel has a variety of unique offers throughout the year.

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Flight information

Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12.00 noon into Melbourne Airport 

Day 13 – flights to depart anytime from Sydney Airport

Flights are not included in the holiday price.

Internal-holiday flights: Land Only price requires the following internal-holiday flights to be purchased separately in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary:

Day 4 – Melbourne to Alice Springs: QF796

Day 7 – Ayers Rock to Cairns: QF1854

Day 10 – Cairns to Sydney: OF923