Overview
Itinerary
Your tour opens in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolis in the world.
Tonight join your fellow travelers and toast to the start of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling Harbour. (D) Stay: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (3 Nights)
See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, starting with an Aboriginal-guided walking tour of The Rocks district, after which you visit Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. (B)
Deepen your exploration of Sydney's many wonders with a day at leisure.
Tonight, enjoy scenic vistas of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. (B/D)
Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world's most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. (B) Stay: Bailey Crystalbrook Collection Hotel (3 Nights)
Board a glass-bottom catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you'll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island, located along the outer reef. Or, consider snorkeling in the rolling waves, uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also meet with a marine biologist or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island. (B/L)
Soak up the tropical atmosphere – the morning is yours. Perhaps you will take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you above the rainforest canopy for a bird's-eye view of unspoiled nature.
This afternoon, visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures. (B/D)
Experience the vast landscapes and tranquility of the Outback. Your flight takes you to Alice Springs, the perfect place to begin exploring this unique land.
Tonight, continue your cultural immersion with a memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert environment. (B/D) Stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters Hotel (2 Nights)
Access the history and culture of the Arrernte Aboriginal people by enjoying a guided walk on their sacred land, followed by a talk with an Aboriginal guide. Gain insight into their cultural history and discover what makes this place so special.
This afternoon, discover a more modern side to Outback living when you visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a lifeline to thousands across the vast terrain of Central Australia.
Later, tour the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill with its excellent views of Alice Springs and the surrounding area. (B)
Traverse the “Red Centre” and head to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through upheaval and erosion. Tour the base of "the Rock," learning about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Witness the changing colors of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne toast. (B) Stay: Desert Gardens
Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. (B/D) Stay: Crown Promenade Melbourne (2 Nights)
Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne's bustling “laneways.” Then, it's your choice! Enjoy free time to explore on your own -OR- visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps you will join an optional excursion to Phillip Island, home to the world's largest colony of Little Penguins, where you'll see hundreds of these birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their dune burrows. (B)
Leave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of New Zealand's most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts, hiking trails and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for the next 3 nights. (B/D) Stay: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (3 Nights)
Soak in the rugged grandeur of Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island.
Following the cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand's Southern Alps. (B/L)
Your day is free to experience Queenstown your way. Shop or people-watch in the village, find a unique eatery for lunch, sample some New Zealand wine – the day is yours to enjoy this stunning city. (B)
Set off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded in the gold fever. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand's most famous national park – Mt. Cook. Savor some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to take a nature walk or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps. (B/D) Stay: The Hermitage
Depart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand's “Big 5” up close and personal. After, enjoy a Maori cultural performance. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel. (B/D) Stay: Distinction Christchurch (2 Nights)
Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city's magnificent gardens and elegant park district. As the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B/D)
Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the South Pacific. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Overnight in the majestic Mt. Cook National Park.
- Take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House – an architectural wonder.
- Cruise Milford Sound, taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
- Explore the Great Barrier Reef.
- Discover the origins of the Arrernte Aboriginal people on a "Dreamtime Tour."
- Explore Kata Tjuta and the base of Ayers Rock (Uluru).
- Witness Ayers Rock at sunset while you sip champagne.
- Take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.
- Dine with a Kiwi family in their home.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Cairns. Cost: $448.
- Jump in and explore the vibrant, colorful world teeming with life at the very edge of the Continental Shelf of the Great Barrier Reef. This massive reef system, the largest in the world, can actually be seen from space. Cruise across the water by catamaran to the Outer Reef pontoon where a diverse, bountiful ecosystem is yours to discover. See the kaleidoscopic underwater sea life up close as you snorkel along the reef. You’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Duration approximately 7 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Guests should be confident swimmers, able to swim at a leisurely pace for 10 minutes without stopping and be familiar with swimming in the open water for this optional. The swell of the ocean on the pontoon can be high at times of the day and can be intimidating for guests who are not confident in the water. There are life jackets and lifeguards on duty, and rest stations in the water for when swimmers need a break. Guests choosing this optional will not visit Green Island.
- Location: Alice Springs. Cost: $385.
- Drift over the Outback on the gentle winds in the welcome cool of the early morning. The landscape erupts into color as the sun’s rays strike the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Watch as balloons slowly inflate and gracefully rise into the sky. Float aloft and enjoy the spectacular Australian scenery below you. Kangaroos and wallabies love the early mornings, so keep your eyes open for them as you glide over the bush. Return to the ground and enjoy a light breakfast as you toast your airborne experience! Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Actual balloon flight time is 30 minutes. This option operates on a weather permitting basis only. Time is seasonal and will begin approximately one hour before sunrise. This option requires riding in a basket which does not have an entrance. To enter, guests must be able to climb up and into the basket that is approximately 1.2 metres/4ft in height unaided using the basket foot holes which act like a ladder. You will need to be able to swing your legs over and hop in to a small compartment that is approximately 60 cm/25 inches wide. Compartments will accommodate from 2-6 people side by side depending on the size of the basket and the number of people booked for that day. We do require the weight of every passenger when booking and anyone over 110kg/240 pounds should be noted in the booking with supplier.
- Location: Queenstown. Cost: $560.
- Soar over the plunging cliffs, snowfields and alpine lakes of the pristine Southern Alps on a flightseeing plane that carries you back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Seeing Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from the air will give you a whole new perspective on the overwhelming beauty of this region. You’ll be captivated by 9,000 foot peaks and frozen lakes that can only be seen from above. Enjoy amazing views and skip the lengthy return coach ride to Queenstown. A truly spectacular trip! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Availability for flightseeing is limited. This option is only available to purchase while on tour through your Tour Manager. This option operates on a weather permitting basis only. Duration: 40 minutes. This option does have a weight restriction, which your Tour Manager will advise as it varies by aircraft type.
- Location: Queenstown. Cost: $210.
- Step back in time when you board the TSS Earnslaw, the beloved steamship that has been transporting goods and people on Lake Wakatipu since 1912. Nicknamed "The Lady of the Lake," she is the only coal-fired steamship still in operation in the southern hemisphere. Embark on a leisurely cruise across the pristine waters to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy the hospitality of the Colonel’s Homestead at an impressive buffet where you can indulge in the best of New Zealand meats and seafood, fresh vegetables and garden salads. You are sure to find the house dessert specialties hard to resist! An after-dinner visit to the farm provides an entertaining glimpse into farming life in the high country. Cruise back to Queenstown, relaxing or joining in the revelry of the lively sing-along. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option is only available from July through April as it is drydocked during the other months of the year.
- Location: Yulara. Cost: $364.
- Experience the majesty of sunrise on Ayers Rock from a unique vantage point – the back of a camel! A peaceful one-hour camel ride brings you across the red sand dunes in the cool, clear morning air. Watch the sunrise over Ayers Rock bring the warm hues of the monolith alive. Learn about the flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from your friendly cameleer. After the ride, enjoy fresh-baked damper bread and hot, fresh tea and coffee. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. During winter months this option may not be available due to timing of sunrise. Due to the nature of this option, we require advance notice for any guest weighing 120kg/264lbs or more. Please enquire at time of booking.
- Location: Cairns. Cost: $168.
- Glide over and through the lush rainforests of Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the world’s longest gondola cableway. The comfortable gondola carries you 4½ miles through the rugged beauty of Barron Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics, a UNESCO World Heritage area. The gondola dips through the layers of the canopy to bring you deep into the rainforest, stopping at two viewing platforms along the way. Experience the sights, sounds and scents of this vibrant ecosystem up close and see the dramatic Barron gorge and waterfalls. Duration approximately 2 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option is not wheelchair accessible.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
