Inspiring Australia
Inspiring Australia
Tour Overview
Venture on a journey through Australia's most iconic sights. Experience the ancient Gondwana Rainforests of Northern Australia, majestic Uluru in the spiritual Red Centre, get set to explore Melbourne, and the iconic harbour city of Sydney. Truly, the journey is as magnificent as the destinations on this Bucket List expedition of Australia. Encounter ancient cultures, indulge in delicious local cuisine from around the country, and experience natural wonders that are simply out of this world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Cairns - Palm Cove
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: The Reef House
Welcome to Tropical Far North Queensland. This afternoon meet your Journey Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at Reef House Restaurant, nestled under Melaleuca trees.
Day 2: Daintree Rainforest
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: The Reef House
Join your Aboriginal guide on an exclusive experience to discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest and gain an insight into the deep relationship the local Kuku Yalanji people have with their land. Depending on the tide, learn about cultural traditions, taste bush foods and sample traditional medicine of the Aboriginal people.
Day 3: Cairns Included Choice
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: The Reef House
Today you can explore tropical Cairns in your own style with an Included Choice option. Either board a Quicksilver wave piercing catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The professional crew will take you to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Or if breathtaking rainforest speaks to you, your day begins on the Scenic Railway. Winding your way up to the quaint village of Kuranda. There's time to explore the ‘village in the Rainforest', including the Heritage Markets, before returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Day 4: Cairns - Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Sails in the Desert Hotel
Today we fly from Cairns to the heart of the Red Centre, Uluru. This afternoon you’re off to the domes of Kata Tjuta, where you’ll join your Journey Director for a guided walk through Walpa Gorge. Later sparkling wine while you watch Uluru change colour as the sun sets below the horizon.
Day 5: Uluru
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Sails in the Desert Hotel
Rise early to experience the renowned Field of Light by artist Bruce Munro, where 50,000 glass spheres in colours of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white, have been installed within sight of Uluru. Wander through the paths and then, from the dune-top, watch as the dawn creeps across the desert plain and lights up the Red Centre. After breakfast you will have the opportunity to take a walk around part of the base of Uluru and hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole. This evening enjoy a Local Dining Experience under the sparkling outback sky at the award-winning Sounds of Silence Dinner.
Day 6: Uluru - Melbourne
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Intercontinental Melbourne
Start the day with an unforgettable experience as you watch the sun rise over Uluru. After this, fly to the vibrant city of Melbourne where you will be treated to a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Day 7: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Intercontinental Melbourne
Indulge your senses in the Yarra Valley with a chocolate tasting and winery masterclass followed by lunch at a local winery, serving dishes made from locally sourced produce.
Day 8: Melbourne - Sydney
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: The Langham Hotel Sydney
The morning is yours. Why not explore Melbourne’s world-famous laneways or treat yourself to some shopping at the local stylish boutique stores? Explore all the sites Melbourne has to offer with a city orientation tour, then enjoy lunch at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, where you will fill your belly with delicious native Australian bush flavours before jetting off to Sydney.
Day 9: Sydney - Hunter Valley
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
Enjoy a Sydney sightseeing tour including a visit to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for panoramic views over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Midmorning offers you an Included Choice activity so you can see more of the Harbour City. Escape to a world long ago, before colonial settlement and be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth. Join an Aboriginal guide for a 90-minute leisurely walkabout through the Rocks District, hear dreamtime stories passed down from Elders and discover how Aboriginal people existed by the harbour. For a different pace, say ‘cheers’ to your local guide from Dave’s Tours on a historic walking tour of some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of the Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts, and stories of Australia's first European settlement. This afternoon, depart Sydney for the Hunter Valley wine region.
Day 10: Hunter Valley
Location: Hunter Valley
Accommodation Name: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
Spend the day exploring the amazing Hunter Valley Wine Region. It includes good food, great wine and beautiful scenery. Indulge in exclusive private wine tastings at boutique vineyards and sit down to an exceptional tasting lunch. There will be time to explore a cheese shop, chocolatier, and more before spending the evening at leisure. You may like to relax on your balcony with a good book and bottle of wine or treat yourself to one of the dining options.
Day 11: Hunter Valley - Sydney
Location: Hunter Valley
Accommodation Name: The Langham Hotel Sydney
Return to Sydney in time to cruise magical Sydney Harbour. Cruise around the glistening harbour while you savour a delicious lunch with a strong focus on local produce and wines. Relax on the spacious deck as you sail past the harbour’s iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and small secluded coves surrounded by multi-million-dollar waterfront homes. This evening is free for you to explore and discover one of Sydney’s local restaurants.
Day 12: Sydney At Leisure
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: The Langham Hotel Sydney
Wake up to free day in the harbour city of Sydney. There are so many sights to experience. You may choose to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take the ferry to Manly Beach, or explore some of the lesser-known interesting pockets of Sydney to see how the locals live. Late afternoon, join a VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House before a Celebration Dinner at Peter Gilmore’s iconic Bennelong restaurant under the famous ‘sails’, the perfect location to celebrate this inspiring journey.
Day 13: Farewell From Sydney
Location: Sydney
Bid farewell to the Harbour City as you are transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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International Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or taking the ferry to Manly Beach are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Internal-holiday flights are included, with transfers from Cairns to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs to Sydney. Return airport to hotel transfers are also included. Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 12 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at The Reef House in Palm Cove, Sails in the Desert Hotel at Uluru, Intercontinental Melbourne, The Langham Hotel Sydney, and voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as delving into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide, learning about cultural traditions, tasting bush foods, and sampling traditional medicine. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of Uluru.
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Are there any special dining experiences included?
Yes, the tour includes several special dining experiences. You will dine at the Sounds of Silence in Uluru, enjoy Australian cuisine at Bennelong inside the Sydney Opera House, and have a Welcome Dinner in Melbourne. Additionally, there is a lunch at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu in Melbourne, and a Celebration Dinner at Peter Gilmore’s iconic Bennelong restaurant in Sydney.
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What kind of physical fitness is required for this tour?
A low level of fitness is generally required for this tour. However, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk requires a high level of fitness as it includes a 6km hike with a 30-minute incline considered 'Difficult'. An easier alternative walk along the creek bed is available for those unable to hike to the rim.
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What are the internal flights included in the tour?
The tour includes internal flights from Cairns to Ayers Rock on Day 4 and from Alice Springs to Sydney on Day 8.
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What activities are available in Cairns?
In Cairns, you can choose to either board a Quicksilver wave piercing catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef or take the Scenic Railway to the village of Kuranda, explore the Heritage Markets, and return on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Hunter Valley?
In the Hunter Valley, you will explore the wine region with private wine tastings at boutique vineyards, an exceptional tasting lunch, and visits to a cheese shop and chocolatier. You will have the evening at leisure to relax or explore dining options.
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What unique experiences are included in Uluru?
In Uluru, you will experience the Field of Light art installation by Bruce Munro, take a guided walk through Walpa Gorge, and enjoy a Local Dining Experience under the outback sky at the Sounds of Silence Dinner. You will also have the opportunity to watch the sunrise over Uluru and take a walk around part of its base.
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What are the highlights of the Sydney portion of the tour?
In Sydney, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour including a visit to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a cruise around Sydney Harbour with lunch, and a VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. You will also have free time to explore the city, with options to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take a ferry to Manly Beach, or explore local neighborhoods.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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