One of nature’s most jaw-dropping landscapes beckons you. From The Great Barrier Reef—astonishing with its kaleidoscopic topography—to rust-dusted Ayers Rock, Australia will undoubtedly amaze and inspire you. Along the way, you’ll marvel at Uluru National Park at sunset, explore down-to-earth Melbourne and acquaint yourself with Sydney.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Australia
Board your flight to Australia.
Day 2 - Fly to Australia
"Lose" a day as you cross the International Date Line.
Day 3 - Cairns
Arrive in Cairns. Meet your group at tonight’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)
Day 4 - Cairns
Spend the day exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s biggest coral reef and the largest structure made by living organisms on earth. Your tour of the reef by boat features an underwater observatory and plenty of snorkeling opportunities. (B, L)
Day 5 - Cairns
Today is free to explore Cairns and the nearby beaches on your own, or join an optional excursion into the Kuranda Village and Rainforest. (B)
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$119 USD |
Kuranda Village and Rainforest
Travel deep into the heart of the tropical rainforest aboard the Cairns Scenic Railway. After lunch, you'll ride the sky rail over the treetops for an amazing view of the rainforest.
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Day 6 - Alice Springs
Fly from Cairns into the rural Outback. (B)
Day 7 - Alice Springs
Learn about the Aborigines on this morning’s optional Aboriginal Dreamtime excursion. A local guide then leads a tour of colonial-influenced Alice Springs. (B)
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$85 USD |
Aboriginal Dreamtime
*A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!*
Journey into the bush to learn about the culture, stories and history of Australia's Aboriginal tribes. Enjoy tea and "damper," play the didgeridoo and throw a boomerang!
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Day 8 - Ayers Rock
After an optional early morning balloon ride over the “Red Centre,” travel to Uluru National Park. A local guide leads a tour of the Olgas, a geologically intriguing cluster of weathered red-hued domes. (B)
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$235 USD |
Sunrise ballooning
Sail through the gentle morning air high above the desert surroundings of Alice Springs on this breathtaking sunrise excursion. Upon landing, enjoy breakfast accompanied by champagne.
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Day 9 - Melbourne
On a guided tour, explore the monolith native's call Uluru—Ayers Rock. Watch as the red hues shift with the light. Later, fly to Melbourne. (B)
Day 10 - Melbourne
View the 19th-century architecture of Melbourne on this morning’s guided tour, including views of Flinders Street Station, Southbank, Town Hall and Melbourne Park, site of the annual Australian Open. Tonight, opt for an excursion to Summerland Beach on Phillip Island to view the famous “penguin parade.” (B)
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$135 USD |
Fairy Penguin Parade
Arrive on Phillip Island to bask in a sunset on Summerland Beach, where you'll see the procession of hundreds of tiny "fairy penguins" emerging from the sea.
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Day 11 - Melbourne
During your free day today, browse the stalls of the Queen Victoria Market. Or opt to join an excursion on board a steam train to the Yarra Valley, home of celebrated Victorian wines and rare wildlife. (B)
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$155 USD |
Yarra Valley Winery via steamtrain
Enjoy a delicious lunch in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley vineyards, along with a wine-tasting event to sample the region’s vintages.
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Day 12 - Sydney
Fly to Sydney, home of the summer 2000 Olympic Games. Tonight, opt to take a Sydney Harbour cruise and enjoy spectacular views of the city. (B)
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$115 USD |
Sydney harbor cruise and dinner
Take a relaxing cruise through Sydney Harbor, offering stunning views of the surrounding city and Harbor Bridge.
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Day 13 - Sydney
Today's guided sightseeing tour of Sydney includes the Rocks district, Darling Harbour and the Opera House, which you'll step inside for a guided tour. (B)
Day 14 - Sydney
Explore Sydney on your own, or join a full-day optional excursion to the Blue Mountains. Later, relive tour memories with your group at tonight's Farewell Dinner. (B, D)
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$145 USD |
The Blue Mountains
Enjoy a visit to The Edge Cinema, the Three Sisters rock formation and the Megalong Valley Heritage Centre. Lunch is included, followed by a visit to a koala park.
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Day 15 - Sydney
Board your return flight home. (B)