Inspiring Australia

Inspiring Australia

14 Views
13 Days From

$11995

$10430

Inspiring Australia

13 Days Starting in Cairns, Australia and ending in Sydney, Australia

Visiting: Cairns, Daintree Rainforest, Uluru, Melbourne, Sydney, Hunter Valley

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

IJFLY24

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $11995 $10430 Operator discount: -$1565 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Inspiring Australia" tour, a 13-day journey through the heart of Australia, offering a blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking natural wonders. Begin in Cairns, exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide, and choose between snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef or a scenic railway journey to Kuranda. Experience the magic of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, with guided walks and a memorable Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Discover Melbourne's vibrant culture and indulge in the Yarra Valley's culinary delights. In Sydney, enjoy a harbor cruise, explore the iconic Opera House, and savor a celebration dinner at Bennelong. With premium accommodations, including The Reef House and The Langham Hotel, and a small group setting, this tour promises unforgettable experiences and insights into Australia's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

Highlights

  • Delve into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy an Aussie BBQ in Alice Springs.

  • Dine at the Sounds of Silence in Uluru and savor Australian cuisine at Bennelong inside the Sydney Opera House.

  • Wander through the domes of Kata Tjuta and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Cruise on Sydney Harbour and explore the vibrant city of Melbourne.

  • Experience the renowned Field of Light art installation at Uluru.

  • Indulge in a chocolate tasting and winery masterclass in the Yarra Valley.

  • Enjoy a Sydney sightseeing tour with panoramic views over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Cairns - Palm Cove

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: The Reef House

Welcome to Tropical Far North Queensland. This afternoon meet your Journey Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at Reef House Restaurant, nestled under Melaleuca trees.

Day 2: Daintree Rainforest

Location: Daintree Rainforest

Accommodation Name: The Reef House

Join your Aboriginal guide on an exclusive experience to discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest and gain an insight into the deep relationship the local Kuku Yalanji people have with their land. Depending on the tide, learn about cultural traditions, taste bush foods and sample traditional medicine of the Aboriginal people.

Day 3: Cairns Included Choice

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: The Reef House

Today you can explore tropical Cairns in your own style with an Included Choice option. Either board a Quicksilver wave piercing catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The professional crew will take you to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Or if breathtaking rainforest speaks to you, your day begins on the Scenic Railway. Winding your way up to the quaint village of Kuranda. There's time to explore the ‘village in the Rainforest', including the Heritage Markets, before returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Day 4: Cairns - Uluru & Kata Tjuta

Location: Uluru

Accommodation Name: Sails in the Desert Hotel

Today we fly from Cairns to the heart of the Red Centre, Uluru. This afternoon you’re off to the domes of Kata Tjuta, where you’ll join your Journey Director for a guided walk through Walpa Gorge. Later sparkling wine while you watch Uluru change colour as the sun sets below the horizon.

Day 5: Uluru

Location: Uluru

Accommodation Name: Sails in the Desert Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rise early to experience the renowned Field of Light by artist Bruce Munro, where 50,000 glass spheres in colours of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white, have been installed within sight of Uluru. Wander through the paths and then, from the dune-top, watch as the dawn creeps across the desert plain and lights up the Red Centre. After breakfast you will have the opportunity to take a walk around part of the base of Uluru and hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole. This evening enjoy a Local Dining Experience under the sparkling outback sky at the award-winning Sounds of Silence Dinner.

Day 6: Uluru - Melbourne

Location: Uluru

Accommodation Name: Intercontinental Melbourne

Meals Included: Dinner

Start the day with an unforgettable experience as you watch the sun rise over Uluru. After this, fly to the vibrant city of Melbourne where you will be treated to a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Day 7: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: Intercontinental Melbourne

Meals Included: Lunch

Indulge your senses in the Yarra Valley with a chocolate tasting and winery masterclass followed by lunch at a local winery, serving dishes made from locally sourced produce.

Day 8: Melbourne - Sydney

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: The Langham Hotel Sydney

Meals Included: Lunch

The morning is yours. Why not explore Melbourne’s world-famous laneways or treat yourself to some shopping at the local stylish boutique stores? Explore all the sites Melbourne has to offer with a city orientation tour, then enjoy lunch at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, where you will fill your belly with delicious native Australian bush flavours before jetting off to Sydney.

Day 9: Sydney - Hunter Valley

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley

Enjoy a Sydney sightseeing tour including a visit to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for panoramic views over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Midmorning offers you an Included Choice activity so you can see more of the Harbour City. Escape to a world long ago, before colonial settlement and be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth. Join an Aboriginal guide for a 90-minute leisurely walkabout through the Rocks District, hear dreamtime stories passed down from Elders and discover how Aboriginal people existed by the harbour. For a different pace, say ‘cheers’ to your local guide from Dave’s Tours on a historic walking tour of some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of the Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts, and stories of Australia's first European settlement. This afternoon, depart Sydney for the Hunter Valley wine region.

Day 10: Hunter Valley

Location: Hunter Valley

Accommodation Name: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley

Meals Included: Lunch

Spend the day exploring the amazing Hunter Valley Wine Region. It includes good food, great wine and beautiful scenery. Indulge in exclusive private wine tastings at boutique vineyards and sit down to an exceptional tasting lunch. There will be time to explore a cheese shop, chocolatier, and more before spending the evening at leisure. You may like to relax on your balcony with a good book and bottle of wine or treat yourself to one of the dining options.

Day 11: Hunter Valley - Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: The Langham Hotel Sydney

Meals Included: Lunch

Return to Sydney in time to cruise magical Sydney Harbour. Cruise around the glistening harbour while you savour a delicious lunch with a strong focus on local produce and wines. Relax on the spacious deck as you sail past the harbour’s iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and small secluded coves surrounded by multi-million-dollar waterfront homes. This evening is free for you to explore and discover one of Sydney’s local restaurants.

Day 12: Sydney At Leisure

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: The Langham Hotel Sydney

Meals Included: Dinner

Wake up to free day in the harbour city of Sydney. There are so many sights to experience. You may choose to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take the ferry to Manly Beach, or explore some of the lesser-known interesting pockets of Sydney to see how the locals live. Late afternoon, join a VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House before a Celebration Dinner at Peter Gilmore’s iconic Bennelong restaurant under the famous ‘sails’, the perfect location to celebrate this inspiring journey.

Day 13: Farewell From Sydney

Location: Sydney

Bid farewell to the Harbour City as you are transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight.

What's Included

  • Small Group Experience

    Enjoy a small group experience with a maximum of 16 guests.

  • Unforgettable Experiences

    Participate in 17+ unforgettable experiences throughout the tour.

  • Included Meals

    Enjoy 22 included meals during your journey.

  • Premium Accommodation

    Stay for 12 nights in premium accommodation, including The Reef House in Palm Cove, Sails in the Desert Hotel at Uluru, Intercontinental Melbourne, The Langham Hotel Sydney, and voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.

  • Internal-Holiday Flights

    Internal-holiday flights are included, with transfers from Cairns to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs to Sydney.

  • Return Airport Transfers

    Return airport to hotel transfers are included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.

  • Personal Expenses

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

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or taking the ferry to Manly Beach are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

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

Mode of Transport

Internal-holiday flights are included, with transfers from Cairns to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs to Sydney. Return airport to hotel transfers are also included. Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included.

Accommodation

Enjoy 12 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at The Reef House in Palm Cove, Sails in the Desert Hotel at Uluru, Intercontinental Melbourne, The Langham Hotel Sydney, and voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.

Check out our Q&As

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes several cultural experiences such as delving into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide, exploring the base of Uluru, and participating in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the outback sky.

  • Are there any fitness requirements for the activities on this tour?

    A low level of fitness is generally required for the tour, but the Kings Canyon Rim Walk requires a high level of fitness. This 6km hike includes a difficult 30-minute incline, though an easier alternative walk along the creek bed is available for those unable to hike to the rim.

  • What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?

    The tour offers a variety of dining experiences, including a Local Dining Experience at the award-winning Sounds of Silence Dinner, a Welcome Dinner in Melbourne, and a Celebration Dinner at Bennelong inside the Sydney Opera House. There are also opportunities to enjoy local produce and wines during a lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour.

  • What is the group size for this tour?

    The tour is designed for small groups with a maximum of 16 guests.

  • Are internal flights included in the tour package?

    Yes, internal-holiday flights are included in the tour package, covering transfers from Cairns to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs to Sydney. However, flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 12 nights of premium accommodation at locations such as The Reef House in Palm Cove, Sails in the Desert Hotel at Uluru, Intercontinental Melbourne, The Langham Hotel Sydney, and voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Sunday

Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025
$11995 $10430

Operator discount: -$1565

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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