Australia Escorted Tours

13 Days: Australian Icons Over 13 spectacular days AAT Kings' Australian Highlights tour will give you the chance to see Melbourne, Alice Springs, Cairns, Sydney and more for yourself

Notes:

Prices Land Content Only
Prices may vary because of currency fluctuation, fuel surcharge or changes in statutory taxes or charges.

Independent Touring

13 day independent touring Australian Icons

Spectacular sightseeing experiences

• Penguin Parade Phillip Island
• Spectacular Great Ocean Road
• Tour the sights of Alice Springs
• Discover Uluru (Ayers Rock)
• Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
• Great Barrier Reef cruise
• Journey on the Kuranda Train
• Ride the Skyrail Cableway
• Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Sydney Opera House
• Visit the Blue Mountains
• INCLUDED Aboriginal Cultural Experience

Vacation Inclusions

Transportation

Your Driver Guides are the local experts, with vast knowledge of the regions they call home

Dining Inclusions

• Full Buffet Breakfasts (12) B
• Lunches (2) L
• Dinners (1) D

Accommodation

Flexibility to choose your preferred standard of hotel, all centrally located with private facilities

Plus

Airport transfers (see flight information below)

Flight Information

Day 1     Flights anytime into Melbourne
Day 4     Flights to arrive prior to 12.00pm into Alice Springs from Melbourne
Day 7     Flights anytime from Ayers Rock into Cairns
Day 10   Flights anytime from Cairns into Sydney
Day 13   Flights to depart after 8.00am from Sydney

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Tonight you have the option to dine on board the famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Hotel: Mercure Hotel Welcome (standard) or Crowne Plaza (first class), Melbourne, 3 nights.

Day 2: City Sights – Penguins

Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne. This afternoon depart for Phillip Island, stopping at the Warrook Cattle Farm en route to see sheep, cattle, kangaroos and Australian birds. Visit the Koala Conservation Centre and observe the famous Penguin Parade, as the little penguins march up the sand to their resting places. B

Day 3: Great Ocean Road

Travel along the famous Great Ocean Road and see dramatic coastal scenery en route to Port Campbell National Park. See the seaside resorts of Lorne and Apollo Bay, then view the Twelve Apostles, remains of London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge. B

Day 4: Melbourne – Alice Springs

You will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your early morning flight to Alice Springs. On arrival at Alice Springs Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of this outback town. See the historic Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air and the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. Stop to enjoy panoramic views from Anzac Hill.
Hotel: Aurora Alice Springs (standard), or Chifley Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms (first class), Alice Springs. B

Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm where you can take an optional ride. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at Ayers Rock Resort. Enjoy a glass of wine this evening while watching sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the special viewing area known as the ‘sunset strip'. Travel to our exclusive venue to enjoy an Australian barbecue dinner.
Hotel: Outback Pioneer Hotel (standard) or Desert Gardens Hotel (first class), Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights. B D

Day 6: Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, before returning to the Resort. This afternoon travel through desert plains to mysterious Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Enjoy a 2-3 hour walk through the domes to the Valley of the Winds lookout. Take in a spectacular sunset at Kata Tjuta with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. B

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns

This morning you are free to enjoy the facilities of Ayers Rock Resort or just relax. You will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.
Hotel: Rydges Esplanade (standard) or Hilton Hotel (first class), Cairns, 3 nights. B

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef

Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible vessel. Snorkelling gear is included (extra charge for scuba). Enjoy a reef education presentation on this natural living wonder followed by a buffet lunch. B L

Day 9: Kuranda – Skyrail – Tjapukai

Join the famous Kuranda train for a breathtaking rail journey. From the coastal sugarcane fields, travel high into the Tablelands to the picturesque village of Kuranda. Free time in Kuranda to stroll through the famous Kuranda Markets. Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway above the canopy of the rainforest. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Learn about this ancient culture through theatres, stage shows and dance demonstrations. B

Day 10: Cairns – Sydney

You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney, where the remainder of your day is at leisure.
Hotel: Vibe Hotel (standard) or Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbour, (first class), Sydney, 3 nights. B

Day 11: City Sights – Harbour Cruise

This morning tour Sydney and see the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach, then return to the city for a Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and stop at Milsons Point to photograph fabulous views of the city skyline. Visit Manly surf beach before returning to the city. B L

Day 12: Blue Mountains

Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to koalas, kangaroos, wombats and other creatures wild and wonderful. Continue to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Stop at the Skyway and Scenic Railway, where there is the opportunity for an optional ride. Enjoy the views of the Three Sisters. Pass Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Olympic Games, on return to Sydney. B

Day 13: Depart Sydney

You will be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward flight. B

YOUR OWN TOUR DIRECTOR?

Why not join our 13 day Australian Highlights tour and be accompanied by a Tour Director? Tour Code: IMSE.