Independent Wonders of Australia

Independent Wonders of Australia

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Independent Wonders of Australia

14 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Melbourne, Australia

Visiting: Sydney, Cairns, Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Alice Springs, Uluru, Melbourne

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IPD1-2024

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Walkabout…it’s when Australian Aborigines go on a long journey by foot far from cities and towns. Your “walkabout” won’t be on foot and far away from civilization, but it will give you a chance to learn about the Aborigines as well explore some of Australia’s most exciting cities. And no one brings you Australia like Globus Independent tour ! In this 14-day vacation, we've arranged your hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, sightseeing, and transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airports for all your intra-vacation flights. Plus, a one-of-a-kind feature: our Globus Local Host, who is there for you in the cities throughout your stays, ensuring everything runs smoothly and helping you get the most out of your trip. You’ll have a Local Host in Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne.

Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Sydney, as we can pick you up at the airport and take you to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will have a warm welcome for you as well as information to help you get settled and start exploring immediately. In both Sydney and Melbourne, we've arranged for a guided sightseeing tour with a local expert. In Sydney, your tour includes stunning Bondi Beach and a photo stop at Harbour Bridge. In Melbourne, we’ll take you to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and more—plus, we’ll entertain you in both cities with insider stories and little-known secrets. A free day in each city gives you the opportunity to explore on your own (with the support of your Local Host). Perhaps watch the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, visit the Old Melbourne Gaol to see where 130 hangings took place, browse the many shops in Sydney's Darling Harbour, or join celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Cameron Diaz, and Prince Harry in climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

From the laid-back port town of Cairns, we’ll take you on a cruise to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. You'll be able to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft t

Highlights

  • Arrive in Sydney and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

  • Visit Bondi Beach, considered the most beautiful beach in Sydney.

  • Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and explore its underwater world.

  • Take a guided walk around Nourlangie Rock in Kakadu National Park to view ancient Aboriginal rock art.

  • Experience a sunrise over Uluru and the incredible art installation, The Field of Light.

  • Tour Melbourne's Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, and St. Kilda Beach.

  • Watch the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

Places You'll See

Swissotel Sydney

Pullman Cairns International

Oaks Elan Darwin Hotel

Doubletree By Hilton Alice Springs

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Desert Gardens Hotel

The Savoy Hotel On Little Collins

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Sydney,Australia

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney

Welcome to Sydney! The rest of the day is at your leisure. Your Globus Local Host will make contact with you and meet to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Welcome to Sydney! The rest of the day is at your leisure. Your Globus Local Host will make contact with you and meet to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.

Day 2: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

The afternoon is at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.SYDNEY Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour that includes an Opera House and Harbour Bridge photo stop. Visit stunning Bondi Beach, considered the most beautiful beach in Sydney by many. (B)The afternoon is at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Day 3: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

SYDNEY Today is at leisure. You can explore on your own or choose from a selection of optional activities. (B)Today’s I-Time TipsYou may wish to take a cruise on Sydney Harbour or climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views; spend the day in Hunter Valley, sampling some of Australia’s best wines; or join a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House.

Day 4: Sydney,Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

Meals Included: Breakfast

SYDNEY–CAIRNS Fly to tropical Cairns and enjoy a 3-night stay in this tropical paradise. The remainder of the day is yours to start exploring.(B)

Day 5: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran for a cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Late this afternoon, return to Cairns.(B,L)

Day 6: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

Meals Included: Breakfast

CAIRNS A full day at leisure. (B)Today’s I-Time TipsYou may wish to take a trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include strolling the Esplanade, relaxing by your resort’s pool, visiting Harley’s Crocodile Adventure, or shopping for a special souvenir at the Cairns Night Markets.

Day 7: Cairns,Darwin

Location: Darwin

Accommodation Name: Oaks Elan Darwin Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

CAIRNS–DARWIN Fly to Darwin at the top end of Australia. (B)

Day 8: Darwin. Excursion To Kakadu National Park

Location: Kakadu National Park

Accommodation Name: Oaks Elan Darwin Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

NOTE:On Mondays & Thursdays, December-March, sightseeing to Kakadu National Park is not available. On Mondays, alternative sightseeing to Katherine Gorge will be given and on Thursdays, alternative sightseeing to Litchfield National Park will be given.DARWIN. EXCURSION TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Depart Darwin for a full-day excursion to Kakadu National Park. Upon arrival, take a guided walk around Nourlangie Rock to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Then, take a guided cruise on Kakadu’s famous wetlands for a chance to see crocodiles in the wild. You will also stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the cultural significance of the park. Return to Darwin this evening. (B,L)NOTE:On Mondays & Thursdays, December-March, sightseeing to Kakadu National Park is not available. On Mondays, alternative sightseeing to Katherine Gorge will be given and on Thursdays, alternative sightseeing to Litchfield National Park will be given.

Day 9: Darwin,Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast

DARWIN–ALICE SPRINGS This morning fly from Darwin to Alice Springs. The rest of the morning is yours to explore on your own. Afternoon sightseeing includes the School of the Air, the Royal Flying Doctor Services, the Old Telegraph Station, and ANZAC Hill.(B)

Day 10: Alice Springs-Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Location: Uluru

Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

ALICE SPRINGS-ULURU (AYERS ROCK) This morning travel by motorcoach through the Red Centre to Uluru. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 11: Uluru,Melbourne

Location: Uluru

Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Meals Included: Breakfast

ULURU–MELBOURNE Rise early for an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and the incredible art installation, The Field of Light. Wander through the pathways that encompass 50,000 spheres of light. Make your way up the hill to the top viewing area and watch the amazing transformation of colors and life as the Red Centre awakens. Then, as the first rays of sunlight creep across the desert sky, gaze in awe as the sun rises in the distance behind Uluru and Kata Tjuta, flooding the landscape with light. Capture some amazing photos before returning to your hotel. Later, fly to Melbourne, the cosmopolitan heart of Australia.(B)

Day 12: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Meals Included: Breakfast

MELBOURNE Morning guided sightseeing tour includes Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market (when open), Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach. Your tour ends at the Melbourne Skydeck for awe-inspiring views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. (B)The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may wish to visit stroll along the Yarra River, shopping on Bourke Street, tour the Old Melbourne Goal, once home to Australia’s notorious outlaw, Ned Kelly, or just relax at one of Melbourne’s famous coffee cafes.

Day 13: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Meals Included: Breakfast

MELBOURNE Enjoy a full day at leisure for independent activities. (B)Today’s I-Time TipsJoin an optional excursion to Phillip Island to watch the world-famous Penguin Parade, travel on the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the magnificent 12 Apostles or explore the hidden lanes and arcades of the city.

Day 14: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Meals Included: Breakfast

MELBOURNE Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Melbourne and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Swissotel Sydney, Pullman Cairns International, Oaks Elan Darwin Hotel, Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Desert Gardens Hotel, and The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins in Melbourne.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily and 2 lunches are included.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Morning guided sightseeing tour in Melbourne includes Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market, Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach.

  • Local Host

    A Globus Local Host will be available to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.

  • Excursions

    Excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with options to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist.

  • Kakadu National Park

    Full-day excursion to Kakadu National Park including a guided walk around Nourlangie Rock, a guided cruise on Kakadu’s wetlands, and a visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, Sydney Opera House, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and Wet Tropics of Queensland.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as a cruise on Sydney Harbour, climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge, visiting Hunter Valley, and guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and souvenirs are not included.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

UNESCO Sites

Auschwitz|Great Barrier Reef|Kakadu National Park|Sydney Opera House|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland

Meals

Breakfast daily; 2 lunches

Accommodation

Sydney: Swissotel Sydney, Cairns: Pullman Cairns International, Darwin: Oaks Elan Darwin Hotel, Alice Springs: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Alice Springs: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Uluru: Desert Gardens Hotel, Melbourne: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Notes

During the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, certain activities may not be available. A different activity may be substituted or a refund offered if your included activity is not available. Intra-tour flights not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I do during my leisure time in Sydney?

    During your leisure time in Sydney, you can explore on your own or choose from a selection of optional activities. You may wish to take a cruise on Sydney Harbour, climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views, spend the day in Hunter Valley sampling some of Australia’s best wines, or join a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House.

  • What can I expect during the excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef?

    During the excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, you will board a catamaran for a cruise to this natural wonder. You can explore the underwater world, which is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. You have the option to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. You will return to Cairns in the late afternoon.

  • What are some optional activities in Cairns during the leisure day?

    In Cairns, you may wish to take a trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include strolling the Esplanade, relaxing by your resort’s pool, visiting Harley’s Crocodile Adventure, or shopping for a special souvenir at the Cairns Night Markets.

  • What will I see during the excursion to Kakadu National Park?

    During the excursion to Kakadu National Park, you will take a guided walk around Nourlangie Rock to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Then, you will take a guided cruise on Kakadu’s famous wetlands for a chance to see crocodiles in the wild. You will also stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the cultural significance of the park.

  • What is included in the morning guided sightseeing tour in Melbourne?

    The morning guided sightseeing tour in Melbourne includes visits to Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market (when open), Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach. The tour ends at the Melbourne Skydeck for awe-inspiring views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform.

  • What are some optional excursions available in Melbourne during the leisure day?

    In Melbourne, you can join an optional excursion to Phillip Island to watch the world-famous Penguin Parade, travel on the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the magnificent 12 Apostles, or explore the hidden lanes and arcades of the city.

  • What can I expect during the sunrise experience at Uluru?

    During the sunrise experience at Uluru, you will rise early to witness an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and the incredible art installation, The Field of Light. You can wander through the pathways that encompass 50,000 spheres of light and make your way up the hill to the top viewing area. As the first rays of sunlight creep across the desert sky, you will gaze in awe as the sun rises behind Uluru and Kata Tjuta, flooding the landscape with light.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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