AAT Kings Australian Highlights

• Discover Melbourne’s hidden gems.
• Go on a guided tour inside the iconic Sydney Opera House.
• Enjoy a unique Aussie BBQ experience at Earth Sanctuary.
• Try the exquisite dining experience on board Melbourne’s Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
• Marvel at the breathtaking views of the sunsets in Uluru.
• Experience a spectacular Red Centre sunrise.
• Learn more about Aboriginal culture and art.
• Explore Kata Tjuta & hike through Walpa Gorge
• Dive into the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef and discover the abundant marine life.
• Relax on the beach of the iconic Bondi Beach.

• 12 nights Quality Hotel accommodation
• 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
• Travel by luxury coach
• Experienced Travel Director & Driver Guide
• Airport transfers

Day 1: Welcome to Melbourne

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

Day 2: Melbourne

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.

Day 3: Melbourne Free Time

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 theaters.

Day 4: Melbourne to Alice Springs

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 Center for a home-cooked gourmet Be My Guest BBQ dinner.

Day 5: Alice Springs to Uluru

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.

Day 6: Uluru – Kata Tjuta

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 traveling companions as the sun sets over Kata Tjuta.

Day 7: Uluru – Cairns

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 travelers 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.

Day 8: Cairns Free Time

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.

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef

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 snorkeling (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 traveling companions for an evening meal overlooking the Cairns waterfront.

Day 10: Cairns to Sydney

After a leisurely start, this afternoon fly on to Sydney, where your evening is at leisure.

Day 11: Sydney

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 Harbor’s premier cruise vessels, then spend the rest of your day exploring the city at your leisure.

Day 12: Sydney Free Time

Today is yours for further exploration of Sydney. The energetic might tackle the iconic Sydney Harbor 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 vacation with your Travel Director and companions at a Farewell Dinner.

Day 13: Farewell from Sydney

Say farewell when your vacation comes to an end this morning after breakfast.

To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, ask the team for the range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in during your holiday.

• Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne is located on Spencer Street 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 bank of the Yarra River.
• Situated on the banks of the famous Todd River, Mercure Alice Springs Resort offers spectacular views of the towering River Red Gum. Well-manicured lush green lawns of the hotel create a relaxing atmosphere, letting you soak in the Australian Outback charm in the Northern Territory (NT).
• Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert.
• The Hilton Cairns hotel boasts a unique tropical setting, enjoying spectacular scenery surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel offers bright accommodation with spacious bathrooms and private balconies with stunning waterfront views of Trinity Inlet, the Cairns Esplanade and blue-green mountains beyond.
• Sofitel Sydney Wentworth offers a luxury escape without equal. Ideally situated in the heart of central Sydney’s business and shopping districts, this hotel is conveniently located only minutes from famous Sydney attractions like the Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
• Water bottle
• Camera
• Jacket in cooler months
• Swimwear and beach towel

Flight Information

Day 1 Flights to arrive prior to 12 noon
into Melbourne Airport
Day 13 Flights to depart anytime
from Sydney Airport

Required Internal Flights

These internal holiday flights must be purchased separately in order to fulfill the holiday itinerary.

Day 4 Melbourne to Alice Springs: QF796
Day 7 Ayers Rock to Cairns: QF1854
Day 10 Cairns to Sydney: QF925