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. You'll cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day.

Day 2 - Fly to Australia

You’ll land in Sydney to go through customs. Your flight then continues to Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef State of Queensland.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Cairns

Welcome to Cairns! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel, where you will spend the next three nights. You are free to spend the remainder of the day as you wish, whether you want to catch up on your sleep or begin your own explorations of this tropical paradise. At an included dinner, meet your fellow “down under” travelers.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 4 - Cairns

One of the highlights of your stay in Queensland is this morning’s boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral bed. There will also be opportunities to go snorkeling or view the brilliant colors of the barrier reef from the exciting underwater observatory. Enjoy an included lunch this afternoon.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 5 - Cairns

Spend the day at your leisure. Choose to go out on your own, discovering the cafés and shops of the wharf district or strolling along the harborfront esplanade. You may also opt for a full-day guided trek into the Kuranda Village and Rainforest on the cusp of the Atherton Tablelands.
Included meals: breakfast

$119 USD

Kuranda Village and Rainforest This fascinating excursion takes you deep into the heart of the tropical rainforest aboard the Cairns Scenic Railway. After free time for lunch and browsing in the markets of Kuranda, you’ll ride the skyrail over the treetops for magnificent views of rivers, lakes, the Barron Falls and Red Peak.

Day 6 - Alice Springs

Today, fly to Alice Springs. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy a guided sightseeing of Olgas Sunset, a stunning collection of 36 weathered red domes. At sunset, the domes glow all colors of red and purple.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 7 - Alice Springs

You’ll have free time this morning to make your own explorations of this charming frontier town. Alternatively, join an optional Aboriginal Dreamtime excursion, held just a short distance from Alice Springs in Red Bush country. Learn about the Aboriginal religion and its mythology and music. Later this afternoon, enjoy a comprehensive tour of Alice Springs. You’ll see many buildings dating back to Australia’s colonial days, including the Stuart Town Gaol and the Old Telegraph Station.
Included meals: breakfast

$85 USD

Aboriginal Dreamtime Journey into the bush to learn about the culture, stories and history of Australia’s Aboriginal people as you partake of tea and “damper,” traditional Aboriginal refreshments. Then try your hand at boomerang throwing and playing the didgeridoo!

Day 8 - Ayers Rock

Begin the day with an optional sunrise flight (and champagne breakfast) via hot air balloon over the “Red Centre.” Later this morning, journey by motorcoach through the desert to the breathtaking Uluru National Park, where you will spend the night. Upon arrival, a guided sightseeing tour introduces you to the Olgas, a cluster of towering rock domes.
Included meals: breakfast

$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. Please note: This trip requires an on-tour payment for government insurance tax of $20AUD (approximately $15USD, depending on exchange rate) and is weather dependent.

Day 9 - Melbourne

Visit magnificent Ayers Rock, located nearly 900 miles from the nearest city, in the heart of the Australian outback and close to the Tropic of Capricorn. On a guided sightseeing tour, you’ll learn about the rock’s history. For 20,000 years, native Aboriginal tribes have worshipped this dramatic monolith (which they call Uluru), whose red hues shift with the changing light. Following your visit, board a flight to Melbourne.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 10 - Melbourne

Melbourne has long stood in Sydney’s shadow as Australia’s calling card, but the city (pronounced something like “Melbuhn” by Aussies) is a beautiful, diverse, down-to-earth collection of 19th-century architecture, trams, sprawling parks and charming suburbs. On today’s guided tour of the city, you’ll see Flinders Street Station (meeting point for Melburnians), South Bank, Tudor-influenced Cooks’ Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens (residence of Captain Cook’s parents before it was moved here from Yorkshire), St. Paul’s Cathedral, Town Hall, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne Park, setting for tennnis’ annual Australian Open. This evening, travel to nearby Phillip Island for a memorable optional excursion—the nightly “Penguin Parade” on Summerland Beach, when thousands of tiny penguins waddle up from the sea to nest.
Included meals: breakfast

$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.

Day 11 - Melbourne

Today is free to embark on your own exploration of Melbourne. You might wish to browse the stalls of the Queen Victoria Market or shop along South Bank, which houses the massive Crown Casino complex. Our recommendation: Don’t miss venturing out to Melbourne’s eclectic suburbs—Carlton, Fitzroy, Richmond, South Yarra and St. Kilda among them. You’ll be rewarded with an amazing collection of international cuisine, unique architecture and a true small-town feel. Alternatively, join an optional Steamtrain and Winery excursion to the Yarra Valley to taste the excellent wines of the region. Also included in the optional excursion is a ride on the historic “Puffing Billy” steam train on its way past the spectacular Emerald Lake.
Included meals: breakfast

$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.

Day 12 - Sydney

This morning, bid adieu to Melbourne, as you fly to Sydney, host of the summer 2000 Olympic Games. Upon arrival, relax or begin your own explorations of the city’s iconic beaches, World Heritage areas, lush hinterland and acclaimed wine regions. Later, enjoy a cruise along the harbour, during our optional Sydney Harbour Cruise.
Included meals: breakfast

$115 USD

Sydney harbor cruise and dinner Cruise what’s known as the most beautiful natural harbour in the world before you have dinner onboard your ship.

Day 13 - Sydney

Sydney’s laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities to visit. Situated directly by the harbor of Port Jackson, with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House jutting out into the skyline, the city is truly a sight to behold. On your guided sightseeing tour, learn about the convicted criminals who arrived here in the late 18th century to become Australia’s first European settlers. Pass by Chinatown and the grand public buildings on Macquarie Street. See Darling Harbour, the Rocks and worldfamous Bondi Beach, and step inside the iconic Opera House for a guided tour.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Sydney Opera House

Day 14 - Sydney

Spend the day enjoying Sydney at your own pace today. Consider a visit to the Sydney Jewish Museum, the Chinese Garden of Friendship or the Royal Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, opt for an excursion to the Blue Mountains and the famous “Three Sisters.” Later, relive tour memories with your group at tonight’s Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$145 USD

Blue Mountains Often described as one of nature’s masterpieces, these mountains radiate an exquisite blue hue on a clear day, the result of sunlight striking the drops of eucalyptus oil that hang in the air. Here, visit The Edge Cinema, the Three Sisters rock formation and the Megalong Valley Heritage Centre. Lunch is included.

Day 15 - Sydney

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast (In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may non be included.)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

Passport Information:
In order to enter Australia, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. 

Visa Information:
A visa is also required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to enter Australia. Travelers must obtain an individual visa prior to departure  by either visiting http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ directly or through our recommended provider, Zierer Visa Service by calling 1-866-788-1100 or visiting www.zvs.com/tourkits. (If you get to a page requiring a log in, please use code 73041 to access Go Ahead's visa kits).

If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the relevant embassies as soon as possible for your specific entry requirements.

Health

Health risks in Australia are not much different than in the United States. Travelers should be take particular care of sun exposure and drink plenty of liquids.

If you choose to go swimming, be careful of powerful surf.

Make sure to obey signs and lifeguard orders, and always swim between the well-marked flags.

It is advisable to check with your health-care provider for the latest health updates and overseas travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Cairns and depart from Sydney. Flights are also included from Cairns to Alice Springs, Alice Springs to Melbourne, and Melbourne to Sydney. All other transfers are serviced by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the locations via public transport.

In Melbourne, the Met (M) transportation system covers tram, train and bus travel. The tram is an easy way to see the city. You can purchase tickets in singles or in bulk at shop vendors, Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Central Station.

In Sydney, buses run frequently. One of the best ways to see Sydney and the harbor is by ferry. For ferry travel, go to the Circular Quay near the Opera House. Sydney also features a monorail that runs from the city center to Darling Harbour.

Clothing & Packing Tips

In the tropics, lightweight clothing is suitable year-round. Farther south in Australia, although the days are often warm during the southern summer (December-February), a jacket is needed for the evenings. During the southern winter (June- August), warm clothing is advised. Sneakers are advised for exploring reefs and beaches, as are sun hat and sunscreen. There will rarely be an occasion for formal attire.

Please note: When you check your luggage at the airport, make sure that all of your baggage is checked through to Cairns as your final destination—not Sydney.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The units of currency you will be using on your tour are the Australian dollar. Better rates of exchange are found in those countries. We recommend taking a combination of ATM/bank cards, credit cards and travelers checks, which can be exchanged for local currency as needed. All are widely accepted. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the end of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We suggest $2 per person per day for your driver and $4 to $6 per person per day for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend $1 per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash.