Highlights of Australia
Highlights of Australia
$5578
Highlights of Australia
12 Days Starting in Melbourne, Australia and ending in Sydney, Australia
Visiting: Melbourne, Alice Springs, Uluru, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Sydney
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3350-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Highlights of Australia" tour, a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia. Begin in Melbourne, exploring iconic landmarks and enjoying free time to discover the city's charm. Fly to Alice Springs to experience the Outback's unique wildlife and history, then marvel at the stunning Uluru and Kata Tjuta. In Cairns, dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours. Conclude in Sydney, where you'll visit the Sydney Opera House, cruise the harbor, and enjoy leisure time to explore. This tour offers a perfect blend of art, history, wildlife, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Melbourne,Australia
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Citadines on Bourke
Welcome to Australia! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4pm for a welcome meeting.
Day 2: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Citadines on Bourke
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a city sightseeing tour which includes landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Day 3: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Citadines on Bourke
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full free day to explore more of Melbourne on your own. You may wish to consider a day tour to the scenic Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles” or travel to Phillip Island and witness the famous Penguin Parade.
Day 4: Melbourne,Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Mercure Alice Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, fly to the Outback and visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn how medical services are provided in remote regions (subject to opening times). Also, visit the Old Telegraph Station to discover how early settlers developed communications.
Day 5: Alice Springs,Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, journey through the heart of the Outback, keeping a lookout for red kangaroos, dingoes, camels, and feral horses, known as “Brumbies.” Upon arrival, travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 36 brilliant domes. Later, visit the Sunset Strip, where you will enjoy a champagne toast while experiencing one of the world’s greatest spectacles--Uluru at sunset.
Day 6: Uluru,Cairns
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Park Regis City Quays
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a tour at the base of Uluru, the extraordinary monolith whose circumference is studded with caves decorated with Aboriginal paintings. In the afternoon, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” NOTE: Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Uluru to Cairns. Arrival in Cairns may be late in the evening. Luggage restrictions may apply to this flight. Please speak to your Tour Director for full details.
Day 7: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation Name: Park Regis City Quays
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The world’s largest coral reef, made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and over 1,250 miles long, is one of our planet’s most amazing natural wonders. Board a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Experience this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to snorkel, take a glass-bottom-boat tour, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding. Return to Cairns, where your evening is at leisure.
Day 8: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Park Regis City Quays
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to relax and explore. Set amid lush rainforests, soaring peaks, and the ocean, Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. It has many attractions including a scenic railway, which runs to the picturesque market town of Kuranda and a cable car that glides over Australia’s World-Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Day 9: Cairns,Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Mercure Sydney Wynyard
Meals Included: Breakfast
Board your flight to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Tonight, you may wish to enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
Day 10: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Mercure Sydney Wynyard
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sydney boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, home to the instantly recognizable Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous architectural wonder--the Sydney Opera House. Go inside the Opera House, one of the most well-known buildings in the world, and learn about the history, architectural design and be awed by the acoustics. Later, your sightseeing tour will take you through the heart of Sydney. End the day with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline.
Day 11: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Mercure Sydney Wynyard
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may wish to wander the cobblestone streets of the Rocks district, explore vibrant Darling Harbour, or climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a festive farewell dinner.
Day 12: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Mercure Sydney Wynyard
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Citadines on Bourke, Mercure Alice Springs, Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, Park Regis City Quays, and Mercure Sydney Wynyard.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 1 farewell dinner.
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City Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour in Melbourne including landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance.
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Great Barrier Reef Excursion
Board a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with options to snorkel, take a glass-bottom-boat tour, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding.
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Sydney Harbour Cruise
End the day with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline.
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Tour Director and Local Guides
Expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides ensure that your health and safety is our top priority.
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Small Group Discoveries
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and Wet Tropics of Queensland.
What's Not Included
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Pre-Night Accommodation
A pre-night is not required for early check-in.
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Additional Sightseeing and Activities
Optional day tours to the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, and other additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and other items of a personal nature are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Australia are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Luggage Restrictions
Luggage restrictions may apply to flights within the tour.
Please speak to your Tour Director for full details.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch. 1 farewell dinner
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Accommodation
Citadines on Bourke in Melbourne offers a vibrant and modern stay with a fitness center, indoor pool, sauna, sundeck, business corner, dining options, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Mercure Alice Springs provides spectacular views, a swimming pool, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge features comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and access to resort facilities. Park Regis City Quays in Cairns offers a rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, and business center. Mercure Sydney Wynyard is ideally located near major Sydney attractions with a restaurant, lounge, and fitness center.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights between Melbourne, Alice Springs, Uluru, Cairns, and Sydney. Additionally, a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef is provided. Ground transportation is available for city sightseeing tours and excursions.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in Melbourne?
In Melbourne, you will have a city sightseeing tour that includes landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. You will also have free time to explore on your own, with suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining provided by your Tour Director.
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What will I experience at Uluru?
At Uluru, you will enjoy a tour at the base of the extraordinary monolith, which is decorated with Aboriginal paintings. You will also visit a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and experience a champagne toast while watching the sunset at the Sunset Strip.
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What can I do during the free day in Cairns?
During your free day in Cairns, you can relax and explore the city, which is set amid lush rainforests, soaring peaks, and the ocean. Attractions include a scenic railway to the picturesque market town of Kuranda and a cable car that glides over Australia’s World-Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
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What is included in the Great Barrier Reef excursion?
The Great Barrier Reef excursion includes a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where you can choose to snorkel, take a glass-bottom-boat tour, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding. You will return to Cairns in the evening.
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What are the highlights of the Sydney tour?
In Sydney, you will visit the Sydney Opera House and learn about its history and architectural design. You will also have a sightseeing tour through the heart of Sydney and end the day with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline.
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What kind of wildlife might I see during the journey from Alice Springs to Uluru?
During the journey from Alice Springs to Uluru, you may see red kangaroos, dingoes, camels, and feral horses known as 'Brumbies.'
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What are the accommodation options during the tour?
The tour includes stays at Citadines on Bourke in Melbourne, Mercure Alice Springs, Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, Park Regis City Quays in Cairns, and Mercure Sydney Wynyard. These hotels offer various amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, restaurants, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, one lunch, and one farewell dinner.
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Is there a small group option available for this tour?
Yes, Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. These tours include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, with extra space between travelers and a focus on health and safety.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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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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