Begin your incredible 22-day Australia and New Zealand tour in the natural areas of Australian cities Cairns, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. Then, travel to the more populous cities in beautiful Australia and New Zealand. Your guided tour is sure to give you a whole new understanding of the cultures of Australia and New Zealand.
Trip costs include:
- Round-trip and internal air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers
- The services of a professional Tour Director
- A licensed local city guide in Alice Springs, Olgas, Ayers Rock, Melbourne, Sydney, Christchurch and Auckland
- 19 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
- All hotel service charges and baggage handling
- Buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch; 3 three-course dinners
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- Private deluxe motorcoach with reclining seats, air conditioning and restroom
- Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
- Go Ahead travel gift and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Australia
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled flight aboard an internationally recognized airline.
Day 2 - Fly to Australia
Cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day. You’ll land in Sydney to go through customs. Your flight then continues to Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef State of Queensland.
Day 3 - Cairns
Welcome to Cairns! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and then 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 this evening, meet your fellow “down under” travelers.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), 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 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 half-day guided trek into the Kuranda Village and Rainforest on the cusp of the Atherton Tablelands.
Included meals: breakfast
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$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.
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Day 6 - Alice Springs
This morning, board a plane bound for the very center of the Australian continent—Alice Springs and the Australian Outback. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
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 Aboriginal religion, 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
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$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!
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Day 8 - Ayers Rock
Begin the day with an optional sunrise flight (and champagne breakfast) via hot air balloon over the “Red Center.” This afternoon, 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
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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.
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.
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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 Melburians), 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 tennis’ 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
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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
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 (including some of the best Chinese and Vietnamese food outside of Asia), unique architecture and a true small-town feel. Alternatively, join an optional Steam train and Winery excursion to the Yarra Valley, where you will have the opportunity 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 to spectacular Emerald Lake.
Included meals: breakfast
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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
Board your flight to Sydney, host of the summer 2000 Olympic Games. After transferring to your hotel, you may explore the city on your own or join an optional cruise of famous Sydney Harbor.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
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$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.
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Day 13 - Sydney
Sydney boasts one of the world’s best natural city settings. Situated directly by the harbor of Port Jackson, with the gargantuan Harbor Bridge and Opera House jutting out into the skyline, it is truly a sight to soak in. Step inside the iconic Opera House for a guided tour. 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 Harbor, the Rocks and world famous Bondi Beach.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Sydney Opera House
Day 14 - Sydney
Spend the day enjoying Sydney at your own pace today. Alternatively, opt for an excursion to the Blue Mountains and the famous “Three Sisters.”
Included meals: breakfast
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$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.
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Day 15 - Christchurch
Depart Australia this morning by plane and touch down in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 16 - Christchurch
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s “Garden City.” View its award winning gardens, modern buildings, Cathedral Square, the city’s first European settlement, the University of Canterbury and Hagley Park. Then travel along the Summit Road to the Sign of Takahe, a historic roadhouse. After the tour, you’ll have free time to browse on your own or take a “punt” boat ride on the Avon River. Tonight, enjoy a special opportunity to become acquainted with some “Kiwis” (as New Zealanders are nicknamed) over a home-hosted dinner with a local family.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 17 - Queenstown
Travel through some of New Zealand’s most captivating vistas today. Pass through the Canterbury Plains and the sheep-farming region around Ashburton. Then travel through Burton’s Pass into the high Mackenzie Country. After passing beautiful Lake Tekapo, follow the Kawarau River into Queenstown.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 18 - Queenstown
After a free morning in Queenstown, take the Gondola Aerial Cableway 1,500 feet up Bob’s Peak, which overlooks beautiful lakes and mountain scenery. This evening, you might choose an optional steamship ride across Lake Wakatipu to visit the Walter Peak Sheep and Cattle Station, including a typical local dinner at the Homestead Restaurant.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Gondola Aerial Cableway
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$85 USD |
Walter Peak
Departing Queenstown, take a scenic steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu to visit Walter Peak. This original homestead is one of New Zealand’s most famous sheep and cattle stations. Enjoy a high-country dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant.
Please note: From May through July, the cruise portion will not be offered.
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Day 19 - Queenstown
Depart early this morning for a full-day included excursion to see the breathtaking scenery of Milford Sound. The journey takes you through the Five Rivers farming region and around the shores of Te Anau Lake and into fjord country. After climbing to the Homer Saddle and driving through the Homer Tunnel, follow the beautiful Cleddau River into Milford Sound. On arrival, board a boat for a cruise around the Sound. Created during the Ice Age, the fjord around which you’ll travel knifes out into the sea between native forests and sheer cliff faces. This is some of the most memorable scenery in the world, and the view of the mile-high Mitre Peak is truly unforgettable.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 20 - Rotorua
Fly this morning to Rotorua in the heart of the North Island’s Maori country. This evening, enjoy a bountiful Maori Hangi Feast with your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Please note: On some departures, flights to Rotorua may not be available. In these cases, an extra night in Auckland will be substituted for Rotorua on Day 20.
Day 21 - Auckland
Transfer to the city of Auckland, where you’ll have free time to explore on your own.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 22 - Auckland
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the City of Sails, built upon two natural harbors, the Waitemata and the Manukau. Behold the fantastic vista of the cityscape and harbors from atop the volcanic slopes of Mount Eden. If you are continuing on our tour extension, transfer to the airport for your flight to Fiji. Otherwise, transfer to the airport for your flight home. By recrossing the International Date Line, you’ll reclaim the day you lost on departure, arriving home on Day 22.
Included meals: breakfast
Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights in Fiji for only $689 USD (Single room: add $270 USD)
With over 300 islands in its archipelago, each fringed with coral reefs and warm azure waters, Fiji has an overabundance of natural beauty. There is something here for everyone - gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, uninhabited coral islands and crystal clear lagoons, truly beautiful coral reefs, lush tropical rainforest with high mountains and a traditional village-orientated culture. But its true magic lies with its people and the fascinating blend of their diverse cultures. Once you travel here, you'll finally have meaning for the phrase, "This is paradise."
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 and New Zealand (as well as the Republic of Fiji, on extension), 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.
When entering Fiji, U.S. and Canadian citizens are automatically issued a visa upon arrival.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalency of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalency of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.