Highlights of Australia

From £7,324.00
Duration 22 Days
Departures from: Oct 2024 - Oct 2025
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From £7,324.00
Duration 22 Days
Departures from: Oct 2024 - Oct 2025
Tour Overview

Discover some of Australia's most iconic cities, famous landmarks and natural wonders as you travel from Melbourne to Brisbane. After exploring Melbourne and maybe watching the delightful Phillip Island penguin parade, you'll head to Sydney where spectacular sights include Bondi Beach and the iconic Sydney Opera House. Next, you'll see Uluru at sunset and sunrise, as well as the mysterious Olgas, before continuing to Alice Springs. Here, the Flying Doctor Base and the famous School of the Air are sightseeing highlights, and you'll enjoy an authentic bush barbecue experience. In Kakadu National Park you'll set off on a cruise in search of crocodiles and admire fascinating Aboriginal rock art, before heading to Queensland. Cairns is your gateway to the amazing underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, and after soaking up the sights on a catamaran ride, enjoy sunny days of relaxation.

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Your Holiday Includes

 
  • Return flights from London
  • 18 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels plus 3 nights in flight
  • 9 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and welcome drink
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Discover Melbourne
  • Sydney’s iconic sights
  • Visit Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset and enjoy a cocktail, then visit again at sunrise
  • See the Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
  • Experience an Aussie bush barbecue
  • Tour of Alice Springs
  • Kakadu National Park
  • See Aboriginal paintings at Nourlangie Rock
  • Cruise the Katherine Gorge
  • Great Barrier Reef catamaran cruise
  • Discover Brisbane

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Melbourne

Today you will fly to Melbourne.

Days 2 & 3 Melbourne

On early arrival in the beautiful city of Melbourne on day 3 we'll transfer you to your hotel. You'll have time to settle in and freshen up before heading off on an included sightseeing tour this afternoon. One of the world's most liveable cities, it's packed with attractions from renowned art galleries and vibrant markets to world-class restaurants and legendary sports venues.

Day 4 Melbourne - at Leisure

You can spend the day at leisure, making your own discoveries in Melbourne, or you might be tempted to join an optional excursion to Phillip Island to watch the remarkable penguin parade. At sunset, after a hard day's fishing, hundreds of these delightful creatures - the world's smallest penguin - appear from out of the ocean and waddle their way across the beach to their sand dune burrows. You can take in this marvellous spectacle from special viewing stands and boardwalks, which give you the chance to get up close to nature.

Day 5 Melbourne - Sydney

This morning we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Sydney, where you'll stay for three nights. On this afternoon's tour you can tick off highlights including the gorgeous white sands of Bondi Beach, and Hyde Park, which is home to numerous monuments including the ANZAC Memorial. You'll also visit Darling Harbour, which hosts a dazzling array of attractions from bars and bistros to an aquarium and a zoo as well as Mrs Macquarie's Chair. This huge sandstone rock was hand-carved by convicts into the shape of a bench for Governor Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth, in 1810. Why not sit for a while and take in the views from this wonderful vantage point.

Day 6 Sydney - at Leisure

With a day at leisure, you can discover Sydney at your own pace. As you explore you'll find that its centre is surprisingly compact. Alternatively, you could choose to discover Sydney Harbour from the water. This hour-long optional cruise will introduce many wonderful sights, from beautiful gardens and parkland to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Bridge. For an entirely different perspective, you could take in exceptional views of Sydney Harbour and the surrounding area on a guided Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. Don't worry, you'll get a safety briefing beforehand and will wear a harness at all times. At the end you'll receive a group photo, a cap, certificate and a pass to the Pylon Lookout for further sweeping views. Another option is to step beneath the sails and enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. You'll learn about the history of the building, uncover stories about artists and the shows performed here and have an opportunity to visit areas usually off limits to the general public.

Day 7 Sydney - at Leisure

Enjoy a further day at leisure, or you can join us on a thrilling optional excursion. You'll head through the Blue Mountains, past the Three Sisters rock formation and along Jamieson Valley - Australia's answer to the Grand Canyon. Finally, you'll visit Scenic World where you can opt to take a journey on the world's steepest incline railway into ancient rainforest, or enjoy a cable-car ride over the valley.

Day 8 Sydney - Uluru

You'll fly to Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock this morning via Alice Springs. This gigantic sandstone monolith, which is two miles long, 1,000ft high and measures six miles around the base is located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. One of the most impressive landmarks in Australia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sacred place in Aboriginal culture and features many caves and ancient rock paintings. It's an incredible sight at any time of the day, but at sunrise and sunset it changes colour dramatically with the light. Your sunset visit this evening includes a cocktail. This evening you can enjoy an optional visit to the impressive Field of Light installation.

Day 9 Uluru - Alice Springs

You've an early start today, but it's definitely worth it as you visit Uluru once again, but this time at sunrise. After this, we'll head to the mysterious Kata Tjuta, although you may know these 36 domed rock formations better as The Olgas. Located to the west of Uluru, they are thought to have similarly been one huge piece of rock but over millions of years they have been shaped this way by nature. We then continue by road to Alice Springs, where you'll enjoy an authentic bush barbecue in the Australian Outback this evening. The fun starts at sunset as we take to the road to try to spot kangaroos. Before you eat you can try your hand at boomerang throwing, and afterwards you can indulge in a spot of stargazing. Meals included: B,D

Day 10 Alice Springs

Today we head off on a fascinating tour that introduces you to the Flying Doctor Base and the old Telegraph Station, the original site of the first European settlement in central Australia, which is now a museum. You will also visit the famous School of the Air. Later if you want to get out and about in the great outdoors, you could choose to join an optional excursion to the spectacular Western MacDonnell Mountain Ranges. Meals included: B

Day 11 Alice Springs - Darwin

This morning we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Darwin. Meals included: B

Day 12 Darwin - Kakadu National Park

Your destination today is Kakadu National Park, where you'll discover lush rainforest, scenic rivers and a diverse range of wildlife. It is most famed though for its natural galleries of fascinating Aboriginal rock art. Before we make our way to our hotel, you've the chance to walk up Ubirr Rock, where you'll see some of the most outstanding examples of rock art in the world. Meals included: B

Day 13 Kakadu National Park - Katherine

A journey by road this morning takes us to Katherine via the stunning Nourlangie Rock. Here you can set off on a walk to see more Aboriginal rock art. Next, head off on a thrilling cruise on the famous Yellow Water Lagoon, where you can look for many species of birds - from whistling ducks to eagles and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Meals included: B

Day 14 Katherine - Darwin

Today's highlight is a cruise through the Katherine Gorge, to see ancient rocks and caves decorated with Aboriginal paintings. As you sail through this picturesque valley, expert guides will explain the history and geology of the area and tell you all about the flora and fauna you're likely to see. You'll step ashore for a walk before boarding another boat for your return journey. Meals included: B

Day 15 Darwin - Cairns

This morning we're heading to Cairns where we will stay, it's your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!

Meals included: B

Day 16 Great Barrier Reef

Today you have the chance to explore a whole new world on an included trip by catamaran to the outer Great Barrier Reef. You'll see that marine life comes incredibly close to the vessel and you can experience the reef without getting wet from the comfort of a semi-submersible or an underwater observatory. Of course, you can also go snorkelling in this amazing underwater world; all the equipment and guidance you need is provided, as well as lunch. Meals included: L

Day 17 Cairns - at Leisure

All you have to do now is relax! However, if you want to see more, a ride on the Kuranda Railway is an option today to see the Atherton Tablelands. Your first stop will be the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you'll glide over and through heritage rainforest. After free time in the village of Kuranda, you'll take a journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, with the Barron Falls just one of the incredible highlights.

Day 18 Cairns - at Leisure

You can spend today doing just as you wish, exploring at your own pace or simply enjoying the facilities at your hotel.

If you want to get out in the great outdoors, why not come with us on an optional trip to Daintree Rainforest. Daintree is an ecologically unique tropical forest, which is home to an extensive range of flora and fauna. Also included is an environmental wilderness cruise as you go in search of crocodiles with an expert guide. You'll then enjoy lunch at the Daintree Tea House and round off your excursion with a tour of Daintree.

Day 19 Cairns - Brisbane

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Brisbane. The capital of the Sunshine State, boasting 293 days a year of sunshine, Brisbane is a modern, bustling metropolis that sits on the banks of the Brisbane River. There is no shortage of things to see and do here including a vast array of restaurants, cafés and shops to explore. The Eat Street Market on the North Shore is always buzzing with activity and the sights, smells and tasty treats are well worth discovering. Head to the cliffs at New Farm Park for beautiful views of the iconic Story Bridge lit up at night, against the backdrop of the sparkling city, or enjoy a drink at one of the city's many rooftop bars. A great way to explore is on a CityCat, which takes you out into the river to explore from the water. The South Bank, Queensland's Cultural Precinct, is also well worth a visit. Here, you'll find Streets Beach, Australia's only beach that is located within a city!

Day 20 Brisbane - at Leisure

Before flying home tomorrow you might choose to spend a day at leisure. Alternatively, why not join an optional excursion to North Stradbroke Island. Fondly known as Straddie by the locals, it is the world's second largest sand island at about 38km long and 11km wide. Relax on the beach, or maybe head off on a bush walk, keeping an eye out for resident kangaroos, koalas and kookaburras - the largest member of the kingfisher family.

Day 21 Brisbane - UK

We will transfer you to the airport today for your return flight to the UK.

Day 22 UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.

  1. Favourite Moment

    Enjoy an authentic bush barbecue in the Australian Outback - gather around the camp-fire and experience unrivalled views of the night sky.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

The Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne is a heritage listed hotel. Within walking distance you can find shopping, dining & entertainment, perfect for exploring. There is also a bar, restaurant and fitness centre, if you wish to stay at the hotel. Rooms are furnished with air-conditioning, safe, TV and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Holiday Inn Darling Harbour

The newly refurbished Holiday Inn Darling Harbour is situated right between the bustling China Town and newly developed Darling Square precinct. Take a leisurely stroll through Darling Harbour with its many attractions such as Cockle Bay, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo and Madame Tussaud's Sydney. The hotel is also a heritage building constructed in 1890. Facilities include a renovated fitness centre, spa and laundry services.

Desert Gardens Hotel

Situated within an oasis of native gardens, Desert Gardens Hotel offers elegant guestrooms. Each room is air-conditioned and has a TV with movies-on-demand and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Arnguli Grill, restaurant located on-site, offers an à la carte menu of traditional Australian cuisine.

Double Tree by Hilton Alice Springs

Experience eco-friendly settings and enjoy stunning views of the majestic MacDonnell Mountain Ranges when you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs. Conveniently located just off the Stuart Highway, hotel is within walking distance of downtown and provides easy access to many local attractions such as Anzac Hill. All hotel rooms feature air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include fitness centre, outdoor heated swimming pool and restaurant, serving modern Australian cuisine.

Travelodge Resort Darwin

Travelodge Resort Darwin is located close to great shopping areas and many major city attractions. The resort is positioned in the perfect location to experience all the area has to offer. The hotel has a pool and a gym.

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

From the marble foyer to the uniquely shaped exterior, the 4-star Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is a cool retreat in the midst of Kakadu National Park’s wilderness and the ideal base to explore the Ubirr, Nourlangie and Jim Jim areas of Kakadu. Facilities include a restaurant and bar/lounge. All rooms feature en suite facilities, air-conditioning, coffee/tea-making facilities, TV and hairdryer.

Contour Hotel Katherine

Home to spectacular gorges, wondrous swimming holes and abundant wildlife, the area also has a rich indigenous history and is the perfect place to learn about the Aboriginal ancient culture. Contour Hotel is set amongst 4 acres of tropical gardens and the ideal base to explore the area. Facilities include tennis courts and outdoor swimming pool, and barbecue area.

Travelodge Resort Darwin

Travelodge Resort Darwin is located close to great shopping areas and many major city attractions. The resort is positioned in the perfect location to experience all the area has to offer. The hotel has a pool and a gym.

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Transformed in 2019 with a new lobby, restaurant & bar, guest rooms and public spaces, discover Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. This excellent resort has a sandy lagoon style pool boasting a swim up bar and lush tropical gardens

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane, located on George Street, is conveniently positioned for some of Brisbane's fine attractions and numerous dining options of Eagle Street Pier. Contemporary decorated rooms feature en-suite facilities, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities and small kitchenettes. Other hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool and a gym, as well a restaurant.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Australia - Melbourne - Phillip Island Penguin Parade Plus

Australia - Melbourne - Phillip Island Penguin Parade Plus

Join us on an afternoon into evening excursion to Phillip Island, home to the largest colony of Little Penguins. This area allows you to experience a more personalised wildlife viewing experience. Limited to 150 people, the viewing platform provides a closer viewing of the penguin arrival than the main viewing stands at the Penguin Parade. Rangers are on hand to provide insight into the fascinating life of the world’s smallest penguins. Ideal for those people seeking a closer viewing of the penguins and more in-depth knowledge of their lives and environment.

Extended Afternoon Excursion – Nature Interest – Unforgettable
Join us on an afternoon into evening excursion to Phillip Island, home to the largest colony of Little Penguins. This area allows you to experience a more personalised wildlife vie...

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Australia - Cairns - Kuranda Railway and Skyrail

Australia - Cairns - Kuranda Railway and Skyrail

A fantastic opportunity to see the Atherton Tablelands. Your first stop this morning will be Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you will glide over and through world heritage rainforest, including time at the two rainforest mid-stations. After some free time in the village of Kuranda you will continue on the second part of your tour, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. As part of this unforgettable journey through a tropical paradise, you will spend time viewing the Barron Falls, a wonderful photo opportunity, before arriving at Freshwater Station.

Please note due to recent extreme weather damage, the scenic railway is not currently operating, and the itinerary of this excursion will be amended accordingly. Reopening is expected on the 1 May 2024.

Full Day – Scenic
A fantastic opportunity to see the Atherton Tablelands. Your first stop this morning will be Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you will glide over and through world heritage rainf...

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Australia - Cairns - Daintree Rainforest and Cruise including Lunch

Australia - Cairns - Daintree Rainforest and Cruise including Lunch

Departing from Cairns, we will start with a drive to the stunning Mossman Gorge, in the Daintree Rainforest. Arriving at the Mossman Gorge Centre you will enjoy morning tea before taking the shuttle bus into the rainforest for a guided walk. We then travel to the Daintree River for an Environmental Wilderness Cruise in the World Heritage National Park. Then, following some crocodile spotting you will head to Daintree Tea House for lunch and some free time in the village before departing back to Port Douglas, where the tour concludes at our hotel.

Full Day – Not to Be Missed
Departing from Cairns, we will start with a drive to the stunning Mossman Gorge, in the Daintree Rainforest. Arriving at the Mossman Gorge Centre you will enjoy morning tea before ...

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Australia - Alice Springs - West MacDonnell Ranges and Standley Chasm

Australia - Alice Springs - West MacDonnell Ranges and Standley Chasm

Enjoy a tour of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. The first stop of the tour is Simpsons Gap, a stunning gorge carved out of the Western MacDonnell Ranges, where water flows through a small gap in the range. This gap is sacred to the Central Aboriginal people. The next stop will be Standley Chasm, which is also very important to the Aboriginal people. After a short walk you will be able to see the stunning red rocks, which have created an incredible natural alleyway. When the light is right, you will be treated to a magnificent display of colours and forms.

Half Day – Moderate / Strenuous Walking – Scenic
Enjoy a tour of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. The first stop of the tour is Simpsons Gap, a stunning gorge carved out of the Western MacDonnell Ranges, where water flows through a...

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Uluru - Field of Light

Uluru - Field of Light

Your Field of Light experience begins with a hotel pick up and transfer to a remote desert location. Guests then have time to immersive themselves in the monumental light installation as they walk through Field of Light. As darkness falls and Uluru is thrown into silhouette, Field of Light, art installation by international artist Bruce Munro, illuminates. As far as the eye can see gentle rhythms of colour light up the desert creating several options for you to immerse in Munro's grand-scale experiential artwork taking one of the pathways.

Evening Excursion – Moderate Walking – Once in a Lifetime
Your Field of Light experience begins with a hotel pick up and transfer to a remote desert location. Guests then have time to immersive themselves in the monumental light installat...

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Brisbane - North Stradbroke Island

Brisbane - North Stradbroke Island

Leave busy Brisbane for a full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. You’ll start with a cruise across Moreton Bay to Dunwich. Spend your morning at Brown Lake and drive through the Blue Lake National Park to Main Beach. This is perfect stop for swimming, shell collecting and photographs. Later head to Point Lookout’s North Gorge where an abundance of marine life can be easily spotted. Aussie lunch barbecue will keep you going as we’ll continue to Amity in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas.

Full Day – Moderate Walking - Memorable
Leave busy Brisbane for a full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. You’ll start with a cruise across Moreton Bay to Dunwich. Spend your morning a...

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Sydney - Sydney Zoo and the Magical Blue Mountains

Sydney - Sydney Zoo and the Magical Blue Mountains

You will start today driving through the Blue Mountains to the Three Sisters and along the Jamison Valley (Australia's Grand Canyon), before departing for Scenic World where you will have the chance to ride the world's steepest incline railway, as well as take a ride in the scenic cable car with views of the World Heritage listed Jamison Valley. Later you will continue to Sydney Zoo for the chance to see hundreds of species of Australian wildlife from koalas and kangaroos to primates and reptiles.

Full Day – Highly Recommended
You will start today driving through the Blue Mountains to the Three Sisters and along the Jamison Valley (Australia's Grand Canyon), before departing for Scenic World where you wi...

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Australia - Sydney - Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Australia - Sydney - Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Join the Summit climb, the original climb experience and discover 360 degree views of Sydney.

The Journey - Latching on in the Climb Base below the Bradfield Highway, you will walk on catwalks below the road-deck until you reach the South-East Pylon. Here you will ascend four ladders to the start of the upper arch, all the while surrounded by the hum and buzz of Sydney's traffic. With the summit in your sight, your journey continues along the Bridge's outer arch on the Opera House side until you hit the top. After a summit celebration with your group, you cross the spine of the Bridge to the Darling Harbour side to make your descent to our Climb Base.

Half Day - Day Climb - Unforgettable

Please be advised that Sydney Bridge Climb has updated its pre-climb health & safety requirements for climbers over the age of 75. Climbers over the age of 75 can climb with a Certificate of Fitness, signed by your GP. You can get the form (which you need to take with you) and more details on their website on https://www.bridgeclimb.com/things-you-need-to-know-to-climb

Please note: You will need to bring photographic identification.
Join the Summit climb, the original climb experience and discover 360 degree views of Sydney.

The Journey - Latching on in the Climb Base below the Bradfield Highway, you ...

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Australia - Sydney - Sydney Opera House Tour

Australia - Sydney - Sydney Opera House Tour

Step beneath the sails to find out what makes the Sydney Opera House so inspiring. Discover insider secrets and stories of the Opera House artists and performances, and step inside the iconic theatres and foyers that bring 1800 performances to life each year. Explore the building with our knowledgeable guides, learn about how Jorn Utzon’s vision came into existence against impossible odds, and capture photographs from rare vantage points, off limits to the general public.

One Hour Tour - Cultural Must See
Step beneath the sails to find out what makes the Sydney Opera House so inspiring. Discover insider secrets and stories of the Opera House artists and performances, and step inside...

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Personalise your trip

Choose to extend your stay with an organised add-on. 

Highlights of Australia with New Zealand Add-on

Highlights of Australia with New Zealand Add-on

Extend to 40 days from £5,199.00 Departures from: Feb 2025 - Oct 2025

Make the most of your journey and visit both Australia and New Zealand. First its Australia; Iconic cities, famous landmarks and natural wonders are waiting to be discovered as you journey from Melbourne to Brisbane. Then take a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to New Zealand featuring the best of both the North and South Islands.

Make the most of your journey and visit both Australia and New Zealand. First its Australia; Iconic cities, famous landmarks and natural wonders are waiting to be discovered as ...

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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

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