Australian Highlights Tour

12 nights from £6,779 per person Including Flights

Overview

This Australian Highlights 13-day escorted tour takes you on a fun and fascinating journey to some of the most famous names, including the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Ayers Rock and the colourful laneways of Melbourne. Learn from the wisdom of local guides, immerse yourself in cultures past and present, and witness some of the most inspiring vistas to be found in this vast and varied country. (AA - IMSE)

Highlights:

  • Have the option to experience the Great Ocean Road and the wonderful Twelve Apostles
  • Witness the striking colours as the sun rises and later sets over Uluru
  • Cruise and go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef
  • Spend some free time exploring Cairns at leisure
  • Dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean at famous Bondi beach
  • See the sights in Sydney

 

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Internal travel
  • 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Sights and excursions
  • Tour guide throughout
Why Book with Australian Sky?
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Day 1

Melbourne (arrival prior to 1200)

Arrive in Melbourne and transfer to the hotel for check-in. After meeting with your tour guide and group, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner in a riverside restaurant. A great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne (Dinner with wine included)

Day 2-3

Melbourne free time

Take in the sights today with a private walking tour through the city – the remainder of the day can be spent as you wish, making the most of Melbourne’s wonderful shops, galleries and cafés. On day 3, explore at leisure with a full day of free time. This amazing city has so much to offer in the form of museums, markets, restaurants and parks.

If you’d like to explore a little further afield, why not take a trip to the famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island where you can watch penguins march along to their nesting sites. Alternatively, you may prefer to take a ride along the Great Ocean Road to discover the coastline and see the Twelve Apostles or visit the Yarra Valley’s wineries.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne (Breakfast included both days)

Day 4

Ayers Rock (JQ664)

Fly to Uluru in the morning on the JQ664. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the many facilities at the resort before making your way to the Uluru viewing area to watch the sunset cast various colours over Uluru itself, whilst enjoying canapés and sparkling wine.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (breakfast included)

Day 5

Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Witness Uluru at sunrise before touring the caves at the base and hearing stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Afterwards, visit the Uluru Cultural Centre. In the afternoon, travel through the desert plains to reach Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). These 36 behemoth domes are astonishing – take a walk through the Walpa Gorge as you follow the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes. Afterwards, enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles as you watch the sunset.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (breakfast included)

Day 6

Ayers Rock to Cairns (QF830/1198/1196)

Start your morning with a early visit to the Field of Light at dawn by artist Bruce Munro. Watch the glorious sunrise from the top of a sand dune. Spend time with a local Aboriginal artist learning about the Anangu culture and how this culture is expressed through artwork and find out the meanings of their totems before transferring to the airport for your flight to Cairns later on.

Overnight: Hilton Cairns (Breakfast included)

Day 7

Cairns free time

Today can be spent at leisure making the most of Cairns. You may wish to join an optional experience to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for an opportunity to encounter native Australian animals. Alternatively, visit Kuranda the 'village in the rainforest' which includes a scenic railway journey and a ride on the Skyrail Cableway over the rainforest treetops with breathtaking views of the canopy.

Overnight: Hilton Cairns (Breakfast included)

Day 8

Cairns

Today you will be cruising on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef to view the colourful fish and coral. Go snorkelling to get up close to the stunning natural living wonder (equipment provided) or simply enjoy the reef and explore from the semi-submersible craft if you prefer to stay dry (1 metre underwater). Enjoy learning about the tropical surrounding before dining on a tropical buffet lunch aboard the boat. You will return to Cairns later in the afternoon. Tonight, celebrate the end of an incredible day at dinner on Cairns’ waterfront at Salt House for regional seafood plucked straight from the ocean, highlighting fresh, local ingredients, and prepared on their custom-built Argentinian wood fired grill.

Overnight: Hilton Cairns (Breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine included)

Day 9

Cairns to Sydney (VA1418)

Today, fly onwards to Sydney where this evening you'll join your travel guide for a highlight dinner cruise where you can enjoy the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour bridge as your backdrops.

Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (Breakfast and highlight dinner included)

Day 10

Sydney

Enjoy a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House this morning with a local guide before heading to the famous Bondi beach where you can wander along the shore and dip your toes in the refreshing water. Be My Guest Experience at Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club hosted lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring at your leisure, take a stroll around the harbour front and perhaps watch a performance under the famous sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 11

Sydney

Begin by delving into the mysteries of the Sydney Opera House, uncovering its architectural marvels and the secrets of its captivating performances. Next, indulge in a Sydney Harbour Highlight Lunch Cruise, where you'll savor a menu highlighting local flavors and wines while taking in panoramic views of the city from the water. in the afternoon you'll head to iconic Bondi Beach where you can stroll along the sandy shores and mingle with Sydney's vibrant and beautiful community.

Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 12

Sydney Free time

Spend some more time exploring Sydney today at leisure – make the most of your time here with an optional trip to the picturesque Blue Mountains to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Today is also your chance to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge if this is something you wish to do! End the day with a farewell dinner at the Midden Restaurant at the Sydney Opera House.

Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (Breakfast and farewell dinner included)

Day 13

Sydney farewell

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making your way to the airport for your onward flight.

(Breakfast included)

 

Valid from 1st April 2024

 

Day 1

Melbourne (arrival prior to 1200)

Arrive in Melbourne and transfer to the hotel for check-in. After meeting with your tour guide and group, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner in a riverside restaurant. A great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne (Dinner with wine included)

Day 2-3

Melbourne free time

Take in the sights today with a private walking tour through the city – the remainder of the day can be spent as you wish, making the most of Melbourne’s wonderful shops, galleries and cafés. On day 3, explore at leisure with a full day of free time. This amazing city has so much to offer in the form of museums, markets, restaurants and parks.

If you’d like to explore a little further afield, why not take a trip to the famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island where you can watch penguins march along to their nesting sites. Alternatively, you may prefer to take a ride along the Great Ocean Road to discover the coastline and see the Twelve Apostles or visit the Yarra Valley’s wineries.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne (Breakfast included both days)

Day 4

Alice Aprings 

Fly to Alice Springs where your next stop is the historic Telegraph Station. This remote location ensures there is minimal light pollution caused by vehicles or tall buildings. The outcome? Exceptional stargazing opportunities and a delicious barbecue meal hosted by the environmentally-conscious Falzon family at their Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre.

Overnight: Mercure Alice Springs Resort (breakfast  and dinner included)

Day 5

Alice - Uluru

Today is free for you to enjoy the many facilities at the resort before making your way to the Uluru viewing area to watch the sunset cast various colours over Uluru itself, whilst enjoying canapés and sparkling wine.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (breakfast included)

Day 6

Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Witness Uluru at sunrise before touring the caves at the base and hearing stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Afterwards, visit the Uluru Cultural Centre. In the afternoon, travel through the desert plains to reach Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). These 36 behemoth domes are astonishing – take a walk through the Walpa Gorge as you follow the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes. Afterwards, enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles as you watch the sunset.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (breakfast included)

Day 7

Ayers Rock to Cairns (QF830/1198/1196)

Start your morning with a early visit to the Field of Light at dawn by artist Bruce Munro. Watch the glorious sunrise from the top of a sand dune. Spend time with a local Aboriginal artist learning about the Anangu culture and how this culture is expressed through artwork and find out the meanings of their totems before transferring to the airport for your flight to Cairns later on.

Overnight: Hilton Cairns (Breakfast included)

Day 8

Cairns free time

Today can be spent at leisure making the most of Cairns. You may wish to join an optional experience to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for an opportunity to encounter native Australian animals. Alternatively, visit Kuranda the 'village in the rainforest' which includes a scenic railway journey and a ride on the Skyrail Cableway over the rainforest treetops with breathtaking views of the canopy.

Overnight: Hilton Cairns (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 9

Cairns

Today you will be cruising on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef to view the colourful fish and coral. Go snorkelling to get up close to the stunning natural living wonder (equipment provided) or simply enjoy the reef and explore from the semi-submersible craft if you prefer to stay dry (1 metre underwater). Enjoy learning about the tropical surrounding before dining on a tropical buffet lunch aboard the boat.

Overnight: Hilton Cairns (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 10

Cairns to Sydney (VA1418)

Today, fly onwards to Sydney where  you'll have some free time at leisure. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the renowned harbor, explore one of the city's numerous bars, pubs, or dining establishments, or simply relax on the beach. The choice is yours for experiencing this vibrant city.

Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (Breakfast included)

Day 11

Sydney

Enjoy a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House this morning with a local guide before heading to the famous Bondi beach where you can wander along the shore and dip your toes in the refreshing water. Be My Guest Experience at Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club hosted lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring at your leisure, take a stroll around the harbour front and perhaps watch a performance under the famous sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 12

Sydney Free time

Spend some more time exploring Sydney today at leisure – make the most of your time here with an optional trip to the picturesque Blue Mountains to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Today is also your chance to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge if this is something you wish to do! End the day with a farewell dinner at the Midden Restaurant at the Sydney Opera House.

Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (Breakfast and farewell dinner included)

Day 13

Sydney farewell

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making your way to the airport for your onward flight.

(Breakfast included)

 

  • International & Domestic Flights
  • Internal Coach & Cruise travel
  • Hotels (12 nights)
  • 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners included
  • Tour guide throughout and local guides

 

The following excursions are available to book - approximate prices per person in Australian dollars:

  • Ayers Rock Scenic Flights $240
  • Ayers Rock Helicopter Flights $75
  • Uluru Motorcycle Tour (Ayers Rock) $139
  • Uluru BBQ Dinner (Ayers Rock) $135
  • Cape Tribulation Day Tour (Cairns) $218
  • Cairns Harbour Afternoon Cruise – 2 hours - $59
  • Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway (Cairns) $167
  • Kuranda, Skyrail and Tjapukai Day Tour (Cairns) $218
  • Great Adventure Certified Dive – 40mins (Cairns) $122
  • Great Adventures Introductory Dive (Cairns) $170
  • Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour (Cairns) $175
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride – 30 Minute Flight (Cairns) $260 + flight levy
  • Ochre Restaurant – 2 Course Dinner (Cairns) $55
  • Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park – By Day (Cairns) $90
  • Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park – By Night (Cairns) $151
  • Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles (Melbourne) $153
  • Phillip Island – Penguins, Kangaroos & Koalas (Melbourne) $153
  • Phillip Island – Penguins Up Late (Melbourne) $131
  • Blue Mountains & Australia Wildlife (Sydney) $146
  • Bridge Climb (Sydney) $308
  • Hunter Valley Harvest Wine Experience (Sydney) $180
  • Sydney Heli Tours – 20min Flight $220
  • Sydney Tower Restaurant Dinner $75
  • The Rocks Pub Walk (Sydney) $95

Please note these prices are a guide only and can change at any time.
 

Alex Cooper
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