red gravel road near alice springs in red centre of australia

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Grand Tour of Australia

with Adelaide & Kangaroo Island extension

Duration: 12 or 16 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 58

An island, a country, and a continent all in one.

Experience the allure of the Land Down Under when you explore the Sydney Opera House, set out into Mossman Gorge, and snorkel above the Great Barrier Reef. But these iconic adventures are only the beginning. From cosmopolitan Sydney to multicultural Melbourne, Australia is full of surprises for you to discover.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
1 lunch
3 dinners with beer or wine
4 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Bondi Beach
Sydney Opera House
Mossman Gorge
Great Barrier Reef
Carlton Gardens

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight2 nights

Day 1: Travel day

Cross the International Date Line in flight and “lose” a day.

Day 2: Travel day

Your flight continues to Australia.

Sydney3 nights

Day 3: Arrival in Sydney

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Sydney! Transfer to your hotel and then gather with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Sydney

Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director for a guided tour of one of the world’s most pleasant cities.

Pass Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens
See the Rocks neighborhood and stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair to take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Soak in views of Bondi Beach and the Gap in Watsons Bay
Step inside the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House with a local guide

Day 5: Free day in Sydney

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Sydney or add excursions.

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Taronga Conservation Society & Wildlife Visit

Excursion (additional cost)

Great Barrier Reef Region3 nights

Day 6: Transfer to the Great Barrier Reef Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Cairns, a coastal city in the state of Queensland. Then, make your way to the Great Barrier Reef region stopping at Mossman Gorge en route.

Enter the Mossman Gorge Centre before taking a shuttle into the gorge
Walk over elevated boardwalks as you stroll through the surrounding rainforest.

Later, sit down to an included dinner.

Day 7: The Great Barrier Reef

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a full day at the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system.

Board a boat in Port Douglas and head out into the Coral Sea
Enjoy both morning and afternoon tea on the water
Learn about the reef and its inhabitants during a presentation by a marine biologist
Choose to view the coral's colors from above, on a glass-bottom boat ride, or hop in the sea with a snorkel to see them up close
Sit down to an included buffet lunch onboard the boat, then watch as members of the crew feed the fish that call the reef home

Day 8: Free day in the Great Barrier Reef Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in the Great Barrier Reef region or add an excursion.

Cape Tribulation Daintree National Park & Crocodile River Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Melbourne3 nights

Day 9: Flight to Melbourne

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Melbourne this morning. Then, spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion.

Colonial Tramcar Ride & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Melbourne

Included meal: Breakfast

Set off with your Tour Director to admire the city's beautiful 19th-century architecture, historic landmarks, and sprawling parks.

Explore Carlton Gardens, home of the Royal Exhibition Building, and the Melbourne Museum
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Shrine of Remembrance
Pass the Yarra River and the Sports and Arts Precinct, site of the Australian Open, and enter the National Opal Collection
Stroll through Queen Victoria Market

Enjoy a free afternoon in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 11: Free day Melbourne

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Melbourne or add an excursion.

This evening, join your group at a farewell dinner.

Yarra Valley Winery via Steamtrain

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Extension to Adelaide & Kangaroo Island

Fly to Adelaide to continue your exploration of Australia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city before heading to nearby Kangaroo Island. You’ll visit Flinders Chase National Park to admire the diverse wildlife and scenic vistas. Then, take a ferry back to Adelaide where you'll board your flight home.

Adelaide1 night

Day 12: Adelaide

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Adelaide, then set out on a sightseeing tour of South Australia’s capital city with your Tour Director leading the way.

Drive past the Colonial-era buildings along the North Terrace boulevard
Pass by the River Torrens, Adelaide Zoo, South Australian Museum, and Adelaide Botanic Garden
End your tour in Victoria Square, then enjoy time to peruse the famed produce stalls of the Adelaide Central Market, one of Australia’s largest

Kangaroo Island1 night

Day 13: Ferry ride to Kangaroo Island

Included meal: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Adelaide this morning and drive through the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis. Here, you’ll board a ferry to Kangaroo Island, a haven for Australia’s diverse animal species and one of the country’s top spots for wildlife sightings.

Please note: Due to the nature of ferry schedules, the visit to Kangaroo Island may take place on either day 13 or 14.

Adelaide2 nights

Day 14: Flinders Chase National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas, tammar wallabies, and little penguins as you drive through Flinders Chase National Park.

Try to spot New Zealand fur seals at Admiral’s Arch and view Remarkable Rocks, naturally occurring rock formations along the coast
Take in views of the ocean from Cape du Couedic, the most south westerly point on Kangaroo Island
Before boarding a ferry back to Adelaide, make your way to Seal Bay Conservation Park and get up close to the resident sea lions on a tour led by a ranger

Please note: Due to the nature of ferry schedules, the visit to Kangaroo Island may take place on either day 13 or 14.

Day 15: Free day in Adelaide

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Adelaide or add an excursion. Then, join your fellow group members and raise a toast to your trip with a farewell drink.

McLaren Vale Wine Tasting & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 16: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Grand Tour of Australia

07/08/2019 by 9th time traveler Steven P.

This was a great tour. The weather was pretty good. Melbourne had a bit of rain but the rest of the trip was sunny and dry. The temperature was seasonal for Australia. Good food and great fun.

Do it, do it, do it!

04/11/2019 by 4th time traveler Lori H.

This trip is beyond amazing! Well worth all those hours on an airplane.

02/04/2019 by 2nd time traveler Marguerite P.

It was a vacation dream of a lifetime. We did some wonderful things and would recommend it highly

Australia tour January 2019

01/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Beth J.

Tour didn't start well....the Vancouver to L.A. booking put us in different parts of the aircraft ! and we were told ....sorry it's completely booked ! Then we were told we had NO LUGGAGE allowance....unbelievable ; we had thoughts that this tour was going to be a real mess ! Luckily....the Quantas...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/28/2019

Dear Beth, Thank you for your feedback. We are tru...

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Down under under

11/01/2018 by 4th time traveler Laura M.

Tour guide awful . Taken to opera house and told to find back to hotel own .Hurried tours .Guide with no personality.

Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/01/2018

Dear Laura, Thank you for leaving us a review. We ...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne

You will love the convenience of staying in the very heart of all the action in the Melbourne city center. Blending the zest of the Vibe Hotel brand w...

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DoubleTree By Hilton Alice Springs

This majestic hotel is located within walking distance of downtown. Guests enjoy a fitness center, heated pool, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Si...

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Desert Gardens Hotel

This scenic hotel is located within view of Uluru. Guests enjoy an art gallery, sprawling gardens, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find scenic lookouts...

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Rydges Esplanade Resort Hotel

This contemporary hotel is located on the Cairns Esplanade. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a spa, and 24-hour room service. Nearby, you'll find Cairns Esplan...

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Pacific Hotel Cairns

This centrally located hotel is located on the Cairns Esplanade. Guests enjoy a heated pool, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Esp...

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The Sydney Boulevard Hotel

This centrally located hotel is found in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. Guests enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and a gym. Nearby, you'll find Hyde Park...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Adelaide, Australia

Weather averages

Today
High 53°F Low 43°F

Melbourne, Australia

Weather averages

Today
High 55°F Low 43°F

Sydney, Australia

Weather averages

Today
High 58°F Low 46°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Australia, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the Australian government’s Electronic Travel Authority website ceta.immi.gov.auprior to departure.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Sydney and depart from Melbourne (or Adelaide on the extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Flights from Sydney to Cairns and Cairns to Melbourne, as well as a boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef, are included in the price of your tour. On the tour extension, a flight from Melbourne to Adelaide plus a round-trip ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island are included.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
The Australian sun is very hot. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bug repellent is also useful for the visit to Mossman Gorge.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Australia.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website atcdc.gov.
Take particular care for sun exposure and drink plenty of liquids. If you choose to go swimming, be careful of powerful surf. Make sure to obey signs and lifeguards’ orders, and always swim between the marked flags.
Travelers prone to seasickness may want to take special precautions for the boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef.
There are inherent risks associated with water activities, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Australian menus emphasize high-quality steaks and lamb chops, though meat pies are also popular. Regional specialties include shellfish (such as Sydney rock oysters and crabs) and smoked sausages brought to South Australia by German settlers. The national beverage is beer, and a visit to an Aussie pub is a popular pastime, but the country’s wines are also superb.

Electricity & air conditioning

Australia operates on the standard 220-240 volts and uses Type I plugs with three large, flat pins set on an angle.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

You’ll travel through Australian Central Standard Time (14.5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time) and Australian Eastern Standard Time (15 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 3:30am in Cairns and 4am in Melbourne.

Currency

You will use the Australian dollar on this tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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2019