12 Days - Highlights of Australia
From Melbourne to Sydney
Itinerary & Map
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.
Welcome to Australia! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or start exploring this vibrant city.
DAY 2: MELBOURNE.
This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a city sightseeing tour which includes landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, FITZROY GARDENS, the Botanic Gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
DAY 3: MELBOURNE.
A full free day to explore more of Melbourne on your own. You may wish to consider a day tour to the scenic Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles” or travel to Phillip Island and see the famous Penguin Parade.
DAY 4: MELBOURNE–ALICE SPRINGS.
Today, fly to the Outback and visit the SCHOOL OF THE AIR and ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to learn how education and medical services are provided in remote regions (subject to opening times). Also, visit the OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover how early settlers developed communications.
DAY 5: ALICE SPRINGS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK).
Today, journey through the heart of the Outback, keeping a lookout for red kangaroos, dingoes, camels, and feral horses, known as “Brumbies.” Upon arrival, travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent KATA TJUTA (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 36 brilliant domes. Later, visit the Sunset Strip, where you will enjoy a CHAMPAGNE TOAST while experiencing one of the world’s greatest spectacles—Uluru at sunset.
DAY 6: ULURU (AYERS ROCK)–CAIRNS.
Enjoy a tour at the base of Uluru, the extraordinary monolith whose circumference is studded with caves decorated with Aboriginal paintings. In the afternoon, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.”
DAY 7: CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF.
The world’s largest coral reef, made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and over 1,250 miles long, is one of our planet’s most amazing natural wonders. Board a CATAMARAN CRUISE to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Experience this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to SNORKEL, take a GLASS-BOTTOM-BOAT TOUR, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding. Return to Cairns, where your evening is at leisure. (L)
DAY 8: CAIRNS.
Today is yours to relax and explore. Set amid lush rainforests, soaring peaks, and the ocean, Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. It has many attractions including a scenic railway, which runs to the picturesque market town of Kuranda and a cable car that glides over Australia’s World-Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy.
DAY 9: CAIRNS–SYDNEY.
Board your flight to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Tonight, you may wish to enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
DAY 10: SYDNEY.
Sydney boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, home to the instantly recognizable Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous architectural wonder—the Sydney Opera House. This morning, your sightseeing tour will take you through the commercial and shopping heart of Sydney. End the day with a HARBOR CRUISE along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline.
DAY 11: SYDNEY.
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may wish to wander the cobblestone streets of the Rocks district, explore vibrant Darling Harbour, or climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city.
DAY 12: SYDNEY.
Your vacation ends this morning.
Accommodations:
ALICE SPRINGS Mercure Alice Springs (ST)
CAIRNS Park Regis City Quays (ST)
MELBOURNE Citadines on Bourke (SF)
SYDNEY Travelodge Wynyard (MF)
ULURU Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge (ST)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Sightseeing:
MELBOURNE
Welcome briefing; sightseeing tour, including Fitzroy Gardens
ALICE SPRINGS
School of the Air; Royal Flying Doctor Service; and the Old Telegraph Station
ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
Visit to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas); sunset toast; sightseeing tour around the base of the rock
CAIRNS
Great Barrier Reef cruise with choice of activities
SYDNEY
Sightseeing tour; Sydney Harbour cruise
Transportation:
Private, first-class air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.
MEALS
1 lunch
Indicative Cost : Per Person (In USD)
Notes:
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Prices based on double room occupancy.
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The seats are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
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Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
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A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Cosmos to reserve space for you.
Travel Terms & Conditions:
The purchase of any travel services offered by Cosmos, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Cosmos, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
