Best of Australia with Sightseeing Tours

This morning, enjoy a half-day small-group tour of Melbourne. Embark on an immersive journey through the wonders of Melbourne, a city renowned for its enchanting gardens, vibrant culture and rich history. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll delve into the heart of Melbourne's inner city and uncover its captivating secrets.

Begin your adventure at the elegant “Paris-end” of Collins Street, where the fusion of sophistication and vibrant energy sets the tone for your exploration. Immerse yourself in Melbourne's sporting culture as you visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sports Precinct, where champions have made history. Capture a picture-perfect moment at the striking St Patrick's Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that radiates serenity and grandeur. Pay tribute to the fallen heroes at the Shrine of Remembrance, a solemn memorial that stands as a symbol of reverence and gratitude. Enjoy the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens, where lush landscapes, vibrant flower beds and serene lakes create an oasis in the heart of the city. Indulge yourself in art, culture and natural history as you explore the historic Exhibition Buildings and Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens.

This afternoon’s free to explore on your own. We suggest going to check out the colourful laneways of Melbourne, café hopping with the coffee aficionados, dining at a choice of 100’s of top restaurants and just wandering this great city.

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel before joining a full-day tour of Victoria’s Surf Coast. Head out of Melbourne and hit the road - the Great Ocean Road, that is. This 151-mile (243-km) highway winds its way along the southeastern coast of Victoria and is the world's largest war memorial. 

Your first stop en route is at Surf Beach, where you can take a beach walk while watching surfers catch waves before continuing on to Memorial Arch. Venture into the forest to look for koalas perched in the treetops, colourful parrots and lorikeets and the gum tree-loving kookaburra. In Apollo Bay, relax over lunch (own expense) as you soak in the atmosphere of this waterfront locale and then work off your meal with a guided bush walk through the towering trees that line the Maits Rest boardwalk in the Otway Ranges, a cool and ancient temperate rainforest. 

The drive continues to the striking 12 Apostles, limestone stacks rising up from the waves, and Loch Ard Gorge, where you can take a walk while listening to the tale of Australia's most notorious shipwreck. Your final stop is at the arch nicknamed London Bridge, where you can feel the breeze off the sea before heading back to Melbourne.

Check out of your hotel this morning, then at the appropriate time make your own arrangements to catch a taxi or shuttle bus to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Ayers Rock Airport. Upon arrival, catch a taxi to your hotel. Then you are free to settle in and enjoy the resort facilities.

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Late this afternoon, sit back and relax as you travel into the amazing Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Your Driver Guide will provide expert commentary while you enjoy the amazing surroundings and the sight of Uluru in the distance. As you approach, you’ll be overwhelmed by its incredible size, presence and inherent spirituality. After sunset continue to our exclusive venue for a barbecue dinner, with Uluru as your 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 guide will conduct a tour of the night sky, pointing out some of the visible constellations and will also explain some Aboriginal stories that relate to the stars.

This morning it is up early to join your sunrise tour of Uluru, hear dreamtime stories and visit the kaleidoscopic art installation in the desert, the Field of Light. Your Driver Guide will provide insights and background into this emotive and unique desert art installation. Under the cover of darkness, you’re invited to wander through the pathways that encompass the 50,000 spheres of light in colours of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white.

Then make your way up the hill to the dune top viewing area. Watch the amazing transformation of colours and life as the Red Centre awakens, while enjoying tea, coffee or hot chocolate. You’ll have an incredible view through stunning desert scenes as the sun rises. As the natural light brightens the landscape, the Field of Light will dim for the day. Capture some amazing photos from this unique raised location, which allows you to view both Uluru and Kata Tjuta in all their natural glory.

Free morning for a sleep-in before being making your own to the airport for your flight to Cairns in the early afternoon (subject to flight schedules). Upon arrival at Cairns Airport, please catch a taxi or make your own way to the hotel, where you are free to spend the evening at leisure in the tourist capital of tropical North Queensland and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

This morning, enjoy hassle-free pickup from your hotel and board the impressive Quicksilver catamaran at Port Douglas Marina. Admire the unforgettable scenic views over the coastline towards the Daintree Rainforest as you cruise to Agincourt Reef, located on the edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, and land at the moored activity platform in the middle of this turquoise paradise.

During the next 3.5 hours, experience a wide range of activities suited to both swimmers and non-swimmers. Take the plunge into the waters and snorkel with tropical fish, or dive deeper with all equipment provided (first-time divers are welcome for this option). Stay dry and take as many trips as you like in the semi-submersible vessel for a diver's view of the reef. From the underwater observatory, be mesmerised as tropical fish go about their day in this amazing underwater world. Learn more with a marine biologist-guided snorkel tour or take the plunge with Ocean Walker - helmet-diving suitable for all levels of swimming ability - or even take to the sky for a scenic helicopter flight and a whole new perspective of the reef (optional activities at an additional cost).

After a cruise back to the port, your hotel shuttle will be waiting to return you to the hotel after an incredible day. When joining the cruise from Cairns, you'll see one of the most spectacular scenic coastlines in Australia by a luxury coach with commentary.

Today you will be collected and taken out on a full day tour to the Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy a tour on the Daintree River Croc spotting. Gain a greater understanding of the Mossman Gorge ecosystem from top to bottom on this outdoor excursion. Stroll through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, cruise down the Daintree River, walk along the beach at Cape Tribulation, and enjoy stunning views of the region from popular lookout points.

The tour begins with a convenient morning pickup, then travel to the Mossman Gorge Centre. Enjoy morning tea before boarding the shuttle bus into the Gorge. Follow your informative guide into the Daintree Rainforest, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the enchanting woodland setting.

After exploring the Gorge, we make our way to the Daintree River for a 1-hour river cruise; marvelling at the abundant wildlife species that call its calm water home, including the estuarine crocodile.

Next stop is the private access rainforest of Noah Valley. Enjoy a walk through the creek-side rainforest before a delicious BBQ lunch. Set up under the sky-high forest canopy, this mid-day meal features fresh fish and tropical fruit, followed by a steaming cup of regional Daintree Tea. 

Emerging from one of the world's oldest rainforests, venture to Cape Tribulation on the coast. Amble along the beach and take in vistas of the stretching coastline and captivating coral reefs from the Kulki Lookout. Time for an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Here you will enjoy a delicious cup of fruit ice cream made from exotic fruits grown on their own on-site orchard.

The final stop is at Alexandra Lookout. Situated over the Daintree River estuary, this breathtaking ledge offers widescreen views of Snapper Island, the Alexandra Range, and the glimmering Coral Sea. Now sit back and relax on the journey home after exploring the World Heritage Rainforest.

It’s time t check out of your Cairns accommodation this morning and make your own way by taxi to the airport for your flight to Sydney.

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Upon arrival in Sydney, please catch a taxi or shuttle bus (own expense) to your hotel. This evening, we suggest taking a walk around Darling Harbour, where there are some great restaurants and people watching can be enjoyed.

Today enjoy a 24-hour hop on, hop off bus pass to see many of Sydney’s main sights. Discover the streets of Sydney and the sandy shores of Bondi Beach as you cruise around town on an open-air, double-decker bus. Experience all the excitement of Australia's famous harbour city, hopping on and off at convenient stops near great attractions.

With 2 routes and up to 34 stops, this is an easy way to make sure you don't miss a thing as you tour around town. When you want a closer look, step off the bus for a while to hang out, and then catch the next one when you're ready to move on. Plan out your own itinerary and visit the landmarks that interested you most, whether you want to dig your toes into the sand at Bondi Beach, soak up the history of The Rocks, or take a stroll around Darling Harbour.

There’s plenty of free time to explore on your own today, as well as enjoy an included Sydney harbor cruise with a barbeque lunch. Experience the vastness of Sydney Harbour, while enjoying a buffet-style lunch and live commentary on this shared harbour cruise. While on board you will discover the harbour with its many secluded beaches and spectacular sandstone cliffs.

After convenient pick-up in Sydney, voyage into the heart of the Blue Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at secluded lookouts offering magnificent views of the Three Sisters rock formation away from large crowds.  

At Scenic World, ride on the Scenic Cableway that spans between two cliffs and awards you amazing panoramic views. Learn about local flora from your guide as you walk through the ancient rainforest on the Scenic Walkway. Listen for the native lyre bird and enjoy a peaceful moment in the trees. Discover the thrill of a 52-degree incline while riding the steepest passenger railway in the world—the Scenic Railway. The Railway experience through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging out of the ancient rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor, is a definite highlight for many visitors. 

Your included lunch comes with a variety of menu options and gorgeous mountain views. Visit one final lookout, only accessible to small groups away from large coaches, before your next stop at Featherdale. At this wildlife park, see native animals like koalas, echidnas and salt water crocodiles, with the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos. 

This morning, it’s time to check out of your hotel and reflect on the amazing Australian sites and highlights that you’ve witnesses. If you’re flying out today, please allow plenty of time to catch a taxi or make your own way to the airport.