Worldwide Destinations
Freedom To Wander
Experience an incredible trip of wildlife, wild places, and stellar city sites in Australia
Experience an incredible trip of wildlife, wild places, and stellar city sites in Australia
Beginning in Melbourne, discover beautiful architecture and dine on local specialities before heading to Australias outback. Experience fascinating Uluru at dawn and again at dusk. Spend a day snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the iconic sights of Sydney.
On certian days of the tour you will have Optional Experiences to choose from at an additional charge.
Please see Other Information Tab for detailed information.
Airfare additional for roundtrip from US to Melbourne | Please call for Air Inclusion Rates
Group motorcoach tour with internal flights included
$350 non-refundable deposit due at time of booking
Final payment 90 days prior
Single Supplement Rate $10,215.00
Day One
Welcome to Melbourne - Welcome to stylish and elegant Melbourne! (Flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You'll be transferred to your hotel located on the banks of the Yarra River before starting your travels on a high note, getting to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly restaurant. Set on Yarra River’s South Wharf, this modern pub will have you feast on specialties such as Fisherman’s bend pie, schnitzel, and mac & cheese croquettes, washed down with your choice of beverage including local wine or your choice of the 15 beers on tap. The General Assembly’s waterfront setting is a picturesque welcome to your Australia highlights tour.
WRDay Two
Discover Melbourne's Sights - Start your first full day seeing the best of Melbourne on a private walking tour with your Travel Director sharing their in-depth knowledge of the city. You’ll stroll past postcard-worthy Victorian architecture, arcades, and eclectic little laneways filled with colourful street art. As Melbourne’s signature coffee aroma wafts through the air, head to grand Federation Square, filled with shops, galleries, and exhibits and home to many cultural events. After a big morning getting acquainted with the city, you have the rest of the day free to explore more tempting haunts and eateries or join an Optional Experience such as a trip to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade. Here you’ll watch the Little Penguins make their daily trip from the sea to their shore burrows. It’s a once in a lifetime wildlife viewing experience. Don’t miss it!
FBDay Three
Melbourne, there's More to It! - You have a free day in Melbourne to explore as you like. Stroll this stylish city browsing antique shops, checking out Brunswick Street’s quirky boutiques, and taking in the town at one of the many cafés or world class eateries. Perhaps exploring the city on foot with a History and Donut Walking Tour is more your thing. If you’d rather venture outside of the city, join an Optional Experience taking the ultimate road trip on the Great Ocean Road. Driving along this stunning coastline, you’ll be in awe of breathtaking scenery from one moment to the next. Admire the famous Twelve Apostles towering limestone formations jutting out of the sea against jagged cliffs. From sea-hugging structures to seaside towns, you’ll also stop in the quaint town of Apollo Bay. Whether you adventure in the city or along the sea, there’s so much to experience in Melbourne and its surroundings.
FBDay Four
Alice Springs in the Red Centre - Go from city to desert today as you fly into the heart of the continent to Alice Springs. Here in the red desert against the distant McDonnell Ranges, you’ll visit the School of the Air with a Local Specialist. Learn how this remote school provides educational support to children in the surrounding communities as you tour the school and see teachers in action. Then enjoy a history lesson at the birthplace of the Alice Springs township, the historic Telegraph Station. Travel in time to its beginnings in 1871 relaying messages between Darwin and Adelaide with a single wire - a monumental step in connecting Australia's north and south. After learning so much about the area, soak in the natural surroundings on an immersive Outback experience and Be My Guest dinner at the Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. You’ll meet the Outback Paramedic brothers Tom and Danny Falzon who’ll share their insights of ecology, culture, and the realities of life in the Outback living with wind and solar energy. After a tour of their farm, sit down to a starlit gourmet Aussie BBQ, complete with white tablecloths atop the bright red sand underfoot. Close your evening with a star talk and a fireside sing-a-long led by the entertaining Falzon brothers.
FBDay Five
To Magnificent Uluru - Get excited for a bucket list experience today as you depart Alice Springs to the sacred, ancient site of Uluru. Journey past dry salt lakes and outback roadhouses through red desert to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. In Aussie’s cultural heartland amidst the rusty red landscape, you’re treated to a classic Uluru sundowner of nibbles and sparkling wine. Sit back and watch the sky ignite in red, yellow, and purple gazing at massive and powerful Uluru. At 348 metres high, ‘The Rock’ is taller than the Eiffel Tower and a magnificent site to behold. Take it in and connect to the land as the sun sets and the spinifex grasses blow in the red dirt. You’ll conclude your epic day at the Desert Gardens Hotel for a Stays With Stories experience. This indigenous-owned hotel surrounded by desert trees and distant Uluru showcases the natural beauty of the landscape and is a beautiful spot to stay in and relax or join an Uluru BBQ Dinner Optional Experience, watching the changing desert colours and enjoying an informative star talk of the southern night sky.
FBDay Six
Behold Uluru and Kata Tjuta - Experience Uluru in a different light with magical sunrise at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Savour every second as, hot cocoa in hand, the dawn makes its way across the desert and illuminates Uluru. After a grand start to the day, tour the base of Uluru with your Travel Director to learn about its ancient rock and art hear stories of the Anangu, caretakers of this remote arid landscape. After history and natural beauty are interwoven in this memorable morning, you’ll then have a bit of free time to go for a dip in the pool or browse the shops and galleries of Town Square shopping village before continuing your journey through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta. Explore on a walk amidst its towering, mindboggling domes through Walpa (“wind”) Gorge to a lookout. You're then treated to another stellar sunset from a different vantage point at Kata Tjuta. Without many of the crowds at Uluru, you may have the beauty of this Hidden Gem to yourself. A glass of sparkling wine with new travel mates in a beautiful setting is the perfect way to end your day.
FBDay Seven
Cairns in Far North Queensland - Your last day at Uluru is off to another gorgeous start with an exclusive, private visit to the kaleidoscopic Field of Light art installation of artist Bruce Munro. Experience the darkness of night change to a rainbow-coloured dawn lit up from a field of changing colours with Uluru in the distance. You’ll feel like you're walking through flowers in this totally unique Uluru sunrise experience, then as dawn continues to creep across the land, you’ll end the experience watching the desert awaken over Uluru from the top of a sand dune, coffee or tea in hand You’ve already seen so much beauty this morning and now it’s time to make some of your own when you Dive Into Culture with a Local Specialist Aboriginal artist at Maruku Arts Dot Art Experience. You’ll learn about Western Desert Art from Indigenous artists before painting your own piece of Australian aboriginal art as a memento. This experience of creating personalized art that tells your story is an insightful and hands on way to gain a better understanding of Aboriginal culture. End your day heading to Cairns for a change of scenery and more beautiful sites.
FBDay Eight
It's Your Turn to Explore Cairns - Today you get to experience Cairns your way with a full day to explore this tropical city or head out on an Optional Experience. Why not take in the view with a balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands, the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere? Or, explore the Daintree Rainforest diving into nature on a guided, interpretive walk learning traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish, and mussels and feast on your catch. You could also see the rainforest on a historic rail journey winding across bridges and through tunnels to Kuranda village where you’ll explore its colourful and interesting arts and crafts. Enjoy a different view soaring through the trees on your return trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Looking for a bit of wildlife on your adventure? Pair your trip to Kuranda with a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile for a wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands, the home of the saltwater crocodile. Sure to be a bucket list day, relive the highlights with your travel mates over dinner on the Cairns’ waterfront at Salt House. Here you’ll indulge in regional seafood highlighting fresh, local ingredients and prepared on their custom-built Argentinian wood fired grill.
FB, DDay Nine
Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef - Experience the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Barrier Reef over a day of play on the water. The day begins as you board a high-speed catamaran and then it’s up to you how you’d like to explore this underwater wonderland: Don your mask and fins (equipment provided) for an immersive look at this kaleidoscope of fishes and reef. Or, stay dry and explore the world’s largest living reef system from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft. However you adventure, the whole way you’re surrounded by beauty and insights on the local ecology and environment from your local guide. Be sure to just kick back, too. Your cruise includes an onboard tropical buffet lunch and plenty of time to soak up the glorious Aussie sunshine.
FB, LDay Ten
Sydney, the Harbour City - It’s ‘farewell, Cairns’ and ‘hello, Sydney!’ on the last leg of your Australia highlights tour. Check into your centrally located hotel and the rest of the day is yours to explore this walkable harbour city. Wherever you venture, there’s dining options aplenty from the waterfront Circular Quay to Chinatown’s famous yum cha to a rooftop bar for dazzling views of the harbour.
FBDay Eleven
Sights of Spectacular Sydney - There's plenty to discover in Sydney today and you’ll kick it off on a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House. You’ll hear the story of a building 'that changed the image of an entire country' as you learn the history of this iconic structure and appreciate its beauty from another perspective. Then see the city from the water on a Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise enjoying a menu focusing on local food and wine as you’re rewarded with stellar views around the Harbour. Next up is another iconic Sydney site: Bondi Beach to see the Bondi Icebergs ocean pools and, toes in the sand, soak up the surfer life.
FB, LDay Twelve
Sydney Through Your Eyes - Enjoy a full free day to explore Sydney or consider joining an Optional Experience (additional cost) to discover even more further afield. Take a day trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains, whose eucalypt haze you’ll see looming in the distance, for fresh mountain air and stunning natural scenery. You’ll see the famous Three Sisters rock formation - each of which stands over 900 metres high - and hear the Aboriginal legend behind these massive structures. Animal lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Sydney Zoo to see some of Australia’s unique native animals including the wombat, Tasmanian devil, and yes, the koala. This evening, gather with your Travel Director for a celebratory Farewell Dinner at Midden restaurant at the Sydney Opera House.
FB, DDay Thirteen
Farewell Sydney - It’s been an incredible trip of wildlife, wild places, and stellar city sites but sadly your journey comes to a close today. Enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates before saying goodbye before your transfer to Sydney Airport (flights anytime).
FBFB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, WR=Welcome Reception
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and Sunscreen
-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)
-Medicine and spare prescriptions
-Extra glasses and/or contacts
-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle
-Binoculars
-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)
-Ear plugs and sleep mask
-Mini-Sewing Kit
-Toiletries and Tissues
-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)
-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film
This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.
Day Two - Phillip Island Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife - If youre curious about our native wildlife or just love animals, weve got you covered today! Youll get up close to Australian animals, including koalas and kangaroos. On Phillip Island the main attraction awaits the Little Penguins waddling up the sand to their dune burrow homes returning from their daily fishing excursion. Adult: $134.36 US
Day Three - Great Ocean Road And Twelve Apostles - Take a breath and enjoy a relaxed and unhindered view of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge all before lunch, beating the traditional afternoon rush. En route let us take you on a journey inland, reaching Port Campbell National Park to marvel at the iconic limestone stacks in the morning. Spend the day with your experienced Driver Guide, meandering along the winding Great Ocean Road, taking in the spectacular coastal scenery. Adult: $129.04 US OR
Eureka Skydeck - Experience the awe-inspiring 360 degree floor-to-ceiling views of Victoria's capital city at the Melbourne Skydeck, Eureka Tower. This viewing platform is the highest in the Southern Hemisphere! Adult: $18.62US OR
History & Donuts Walking Tour - Discover the sweeter side of Melbourne on Fit City Tours History and Donuts Walking Tour. This two-hour walking tour is best started on an empty stomach. The adventure begins at Federation Square. From there, you'll immerse yourself in the stunning laneway street art of Hosier Lane before stopping for the first coffee of the tour at a favourite laneway cafe. The tour continues to weave through city laneways sharing the story of Melbourne, its history and culture, while stopping off for donuts at some of Melbourne's most iconic donuts shops. After the second donut, you'll explore former city slums, and learn about the character of Melbourne and the characters that made their name here. The tour finishes at State Library where you can stay on to explore one of Melbourne's finest buildings. Adult: $57.87 US
Day Five - Uluru Barbecue Dinner - After sunset continue to our exclusive dining venue with Uluru as your stunning backdrop. Relax in the company of friends and fellow travellers and enjoy sparkling wine on arrival and dine on a variety of meats and a selection of freshly prepared salads, followed by a tasty dessert. There's even time for star gazing. Your TRAFALGAR | 5 guide will conduct a tour of the night sky, pointing out some of the visible constellations, and will explain some Aboriginal stories that relate to the stars. Adult: $111.08 US
Day Six - Uluru Scenic Flights - A 20 minute, fixed wing scenic flight is a great way to take in the amazing landscape of Uluru. This small plane operator offer extended flights that include both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Prices from Adult: $96.44 US OR
Helicopter Flights - Experience a unique view with a scenic helicopter flight over the Red Centre and see Uluru from the Air. You might choose the 15 minute flight to appreciate Uluru from the air or the recommended longer flight to witness Uluru as well as the extraordinary Kata Tjuta. Prices from Adult: $209.52 US
Day Eight - Down Under Tours: Kuranda, Scenic Rail Skyrail and Hartley's Crocodile (KHC) - Journey on the historical Scenic Railway to Kuranda, with breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns, to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda. Upon arrival you will have around one hour to explore this fascinating village of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. Make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to experience this iconic rainforest. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, the coach will transfer you to Hartleys Crocodile Adventures. Explore the park, including the unique eco experience of the Wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. Adult: $156.97 US OR
Kuranda, Skyrail And Scenic Railway - Join your Down Under Tours coach transfer to Smithfield Station. Here you join Skyrail and marvel at the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience, including time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with spectacular lookouts. On arrival in Kuranda, the Village is yours to explore. The vibrant and colourful Heritage markets take place daily. Your return to Cairns is aboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail. Winding around curves, across bridges and through hand-hewn tunnels, this amazing engineering feat is a tribute to our pioneers. Upon arrival at historic Freshwater Station, you will board your coach back to your accommodation. Adult: $119.72 US OR
Hot Air Cairns Classic Ballooning - Experience the fun & unique sensation of being in a Hot Air Balloon, flying gently high above the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. The balloon takes off from Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn, floating in your Hot Air Balloon, time to really breathe in the wide-open spaces! We have Australia's largest fleet of Hot Air Balloons and a fun and highly trained crew to maximise the enjoyment of your balloon flight. It's just like a balloon festival, every day! Adult: 329.24 US
Day Nine - Great Adventures Introductory Dive - For an underwater adventure to remember, experience an introductory dive! Its fun and no experience is necessary to take a fully supervised introductory dive. Professional and experienced instructors will guide you through every aspect of your dive, allowing you to have a relaxed, enjoyable experience. (Subject to medical assessment. Your Travel Director can direct you further.) Adult: $129.04 US OR
Scenic Helicopter Flight on the Great Barrier Reef - Take to the sky on a 10-minute scenic flight. You will have the best seat to witness the iconic Great Barrier Reef from above. Adult: 132.36 US
Day Twelve - Blue Mountains and Australian Wildlife - Explore the World Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains in style, starting with a visit to Sydney Zoo, Australias most advanced Zoo in the heart of Western Sydney, gateway to the Blue Mountains. See dingoes, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils and echidnas in a cage free environment in the Australian Precinct. Explore the heart of the Blue Mountains surrounded by locals as you enjoy some free time discovering the unique mountain town of Leura with its quaint shops. Visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation up close from Echo Point. A highlight of the day is a stop at Scenic World where you can enjoy a ride on the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway, a great way to see the steep valleys, canyons and get another perspective of the Three Sisters. Take a walk along the Rainforest boardwalk and immerse yourself in nature from the valley floor. Return to Sydney via coach. Adult: $161.63 OR
The Rocks Pub Walk - Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of The Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts and stories of Australia's first European settlement. Adult: $76.49US OR
Bridge Climb - The Bridge Climb is a 3.5 hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. Climbing in groups of up to 14 people, youll be led by one of BridgeClimbs professional Climb Leaders on an adventure of the worlds most recognisable Bridge. Various tours available and prices from: FITNESS REQUIREMENTS / NEED TO KNOW: A general level of fitness is required. Guests aged 75 years of age or older require a Certificate of Fitness signed by a medical professional. To download the certificate template and view all health and safety advice, please visit https://www.bridgeclimb.com/plan-your-visit/pre-climb-checklist. Adult: $228.81
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