14-Nights Great Aussie Journey: Cities, Culture, Reef & Uluru from $5,765

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane

Transfer: Brisbane Airportto Brisbane - City Centre

Hotel: Voco Brisbane City Centre (4 Star Rating)

Brisbane isn’t lovingly called BrisVegas for nothing, and charming, playful voco Brisbane City Centre is right at home in the buzzing, sun-drenched Queensland capital.

Conveniently located on the banks of the Brisbane River in a precinct undergoing an exciting renaissance, voco Brisbane City Centre’s North Quay position delivers on premium yet unstuffy accommodation for the leisure-seeker and business traveler alike.

Stroll to your next business meeting, or indulge in retail therapy at Queen Street Mall, just a ten minute walk away. King George Square and the Museum of Brisbane are all nearby, and the city’s celebrated Art Precinct at South Bank is just a quick drive across the Brisbane River.

With cushy bedding, vibrant art, smart in-room technology and bathroom amenities that melt the stress of any day away, our 194 premium rooms are more than just a place to rest your head. In the morning, kick-start your day with a proper barista coffee and get the lowdown on where to go, what to see and where to eat in Brisbane from our warm, genuine staff. Every creature comfort has been considered at voco Brisbane City Centre, and like our fun-loving Flamingo mascot, so have opportunities to play. A rooftop pool offers fun in the sun, and our lobby dining space, Kraft, serves up craft brews, local wines and cocktails, shape-shifting from café to lounge to bar as the day turns to night.

The Koala and River Cruise is a memorable journey on the Brisbane River to the oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary in the world. The cruise travels through the city's most historic landscapes, iconic attractions, historical home sites and interesting wildlife habitats as you listen to an entertaining and informative commentary.

Lady Elliot Island is one of only six island resorts on the Great Barrier Reef and one of only three with direct flight access to the island airstrip. The island is located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the highest possible classification of Marine National Park Zone. Lady Elliot is an island teeming with life and live corals, famous for a resident population of 40 Manta Rays which form the iconic logo of the island. The Lady Elliot Island Great Barrier Reef all-inclusive Day Tour is the only one of its type in Australia. The visit allows you to view one of the most pristine sections of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from the air as well as from above and below the water all in one day with approximately 5 hours on the island

Your tour commences with a pickup from your city hotel at approx 6.30am and a complementary transfer to Redcliffe Airport for a scenic flight to the coral cay of Lady Elliot Island. Lady Elliot is regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving locations on the reef, famous for its unspoilt coral reef and amazing array of marine life! Upon arrival on Lady Elliot Island, the guide will take you on a brief orientation tour of the island and will escort you to the Day Guest facilities to collect your snorkel equipment.

You will then join a glass bottom boat & guided snorkel tour to view a large variety of coral and brilliantly coloured fish, with the possibility to encounter turtles, dolphins and the resident manta rays. A hot & cold buffet lunch is served in the restaurant and includes a choice of wine, beer and soft drink. After lunch, join your guide for fish feeding in the Fish Pond and at 2.30pm depart on a scenic flight back to Redcliffe. The tour concludes at approximately 4.15pm with a return transfer back to your hotel. A light breakfast and afternoon tea (Bottled water & chocolate) are served inflight.

Transfer: Brisbane - City Centre to Brisbane Airport

Transfer: Ayers Rock Airportto Ayers Rock

Hotel: Emu Walk Apartments (4 Star Rating)

Only 20km from Uluru, Ayers Rock Resort’s Emu Walk Apartments offer the luxury of modern, fully serviced apartments with all the practicalities of home. With one and two-bedroom self-contained apartments available, Emu Walk Apartments is ideal for families or couples and friends travelling together.

Travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment. Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that makeup Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Your guide will return you to your hotel in time for those joining Sounds of Silence or Tali Wiru dinner or Field of Lights.

Your Wintjiri Wiru experience begins deep in the desert. After a short journey from Ayers Rock Resort, take a gentle evening stroll through the desert along an elevated walkway until you reach the open-air theatre, set upon a dune top. You'll be greeted with delicious cocktails, infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views and watch on in awe as the sun slowly sets over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Embark on a culinary adventure with a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern culinary techniques to create a masterpiece for the palette.

With the heart of Australia as the backdrop, a story passed on for thousands of generations, now passes to you. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told like never before with ground-breaking technology. Choreographed drones, lasers, and projections will take flight, lighting up the night sky in a modern, artistic expression of an ancient, Anangu story. Feel a powerful connection to country as you listen to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language and immerse yourself in a living story.

Experience the tranquility of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Watch the amazing transformation of colours and life as the desert awakens with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. In the company of an expert guide, Desert Awakenings is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region.

Watch the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view and enjoy a traditional Aussie breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, tea, coffee and homemade damper with golden syrup in the open air. After breakfast, the guide will explain the natural history of the region, and as the daylight reveals the myriad of animal tracks in the sand an insight into what activity took place during the night.

Once the sun is up, enjoy a guided tour at the base of Uluru. First stop is Kuniya where you will take a short walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole. A visit here will help appreciate its cathedral like proportions and why it is such a powerful and spiritual place for visitors and Anangu (local Aboriginal people) alike. The guide will explain some of the rock paintings and stories from the creation period as told by the Anangu people. Next stop is the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging place of learning where the local lore of the Anangu is explained in detail. Return to your Ayers Rock Resort hotel.

Entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence offers the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours - an evening of dining under the sparkling outback sky.

The Sounds of Silence experience begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of a didgeridoo and join your table of fellow travelers for an unforgettable dining experience.

The attentive staff will keep your glass full with a quality selection of Australian wine and beer while the first course is served. As the night sky twinkles to life, help yourself to a bush tucker-inspired buffet that incorporates native bush ingredients.

Settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. Locate the Southern Cross, the signs of the zodiac, the Milky Way, as well as planets and galaxies that are visible due to the exceptional clarity of the atmosphere.

As you wind down after a delicious dinner, you are offered a choice of tea, coffee or port. In winter, guests gather around a campfire to savour a special treat of hot mulled wine.

Travel from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, stopping along the way for a cooked breakfast at Kings Creek Station. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for breathtaking views of Watarrka National Park. Hike along the rim, stopping to look down into the canyon at key focal points. Along with your Guide you will descend into the lush green oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden' before climbing back up to continue along the rim. The hike takes over 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. Or, for something more relaxing, set off on a two-kilometre stroll along the creek bed that leads to impressive views of the canyon rim. After your hike you can take a break for lunch (own expense) at Kings Canyon Resort. Then board your coach to return along Lasseter Highway to Ayers Rock Resort. Keep an eye out for spectacular Mt. Conner along the way as you travel across Curtin Springs Station.

Your tour begins with a short drive to the exclusive Field of Light location. With just enough time for some background commentary on the internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro, you will arrive to see his artistic endeavour. In complete darkness this Field of Light will be etched in your mind forever. Walk through the field of 50,000 spheres of light at your own pace and then make your way to the top of a large sand dune to the Field of Light sunrise viewing area. The site is dark, so to ensure you make the most out of your Uluru experience, we recommend you use your phone light or bring a small torch to help navigate your way on the pathway provided. At the viewing area the AAT Kings team will serve you tea, coffee or hot chocolate as the sun starts to rise and lights up the surrounding desert. From the viewing area you can see both Uluru and Kata Tjuta as the desert comes to life.

Transfer: Ayers Rock to Ayers Rock Airport

Transfer: Melbourne Airportto Melbourne - City Centre

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank (3 Star Rating)

The brand-new Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is situated in Melbourne's premier culture and entertainment destination. Positioned in the arts hub of Melbourne, Southbank is home to the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is within close proximity to many of the city’s renowned restaurants and bars, being within walking distance to the Crown Casino complex and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The hotel’s location also allows for easy access to Melbourne’s sporting and entertainment precinct which hosts the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Arena and AAMI Park.

Take in some of Victoria's best wineries in the stunning region of the Yarra Valley, only one hour from Melbourne. The tour features visits to some special wineries with outstanding scenery to match. Enjoy tutored tastings at up premium wineries, a superb A La Carte lunch winery restaurant lunch with a glass of estate wine. This is a sociable and educational day out. With the help of an expert guide - a real wine expert, you will discover the richness of the Yarra Valley’s thriving wine industry.

Welcome to Melbourne, a city of contrasts, world famous sporting arenas and historic gardens. Be dazzled by the wondrous sights of Australia’s most vibrant city and learn about Melbourne’s fascinating history with your expert guide. Join a small group tour - to make the most of your stay as you zoom in and around the city, visiting such wonders as Federation Square, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne's world-famous sports precinct, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Albert Park Lake (Formula 1) and over to Brighton Beach. You will also enjoy a guided walking tour through Melbourne's famed laneways and arcades as part of your morning.

Next, get whisked away to discover Phillip Island’s unique nature experiences and dramatic landscapes. Your small group tour will help to further the protection and conservation of the local fauna and flora. Drive south-east from Melbourne to reach Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles. The journey then leads onto Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the island, depending on the time of year and your particular interests, we will visit Woolamai beach to see surfers riding the waves. From here, we go to the western corner of the island to enjoy magnificent views of Bass Strait and the Nobbies, which is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia.

During the daylight savings months (early Oct - early Apr), you will travel to the town of Cowes where you will have free time for dinner. In the winter months (early Apr - early Oct) you can have something to eat at the Penguin Parade Visitor Center or wait for your arrival back at your city hotel. Finally, a trip to Phillip Island is not complete without its black tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. You will head to the Visitor Centre to shop, have a coffee and meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform where you will see the little penguins come ashore, as they hurry off to find their burrows. Return to Melbourne

Transfer: Melbourne - City Centre to Melbourne Airport

Transfer: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airportto Sydney - City Centre

Hotel: Paradox Sydney (5 Star Rating)

Set within a beautifully restored 169-year-old sandstone building in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Paradox Sydney blends timeless elegance with bold individuality. More than a luxury hotel, it’s a destination where heritage meets modern design, and every detail reflects the city’s vibrant spirit. Whether you're here for business or discovery, Paradox Sydney invites you to rest, connect, and return transformed.

Step inside the iconic Sydney Opera House and discover the extraordinary stories of one of the globe's most recognized landmarks. Throughout your experience, the passionate guide will take you inside theatres and foyers that are otherwise off-limits, while letting you in on some insider secrets pertaining to the history of the building and the people who were behind its creation. Following the tour, soak up the views while enjoying your choice of the main meal at the Opera Bar (an iconic Sydney venue focusing on Australian cuisines), House Canteen (a harbourside all-day hawker-style venue offering pan-Asian cuisine), or Midden by Mark Olive (Celebrates Ambassador Chef Mark Olive’s Indigenous Australian heritage with a menu focused on native Australian ingredients), accompanied by a refreshing beverage (either wine, beer, or soft drink).

No reservations are required to dine and your meal and beverage is available before or after your tour. At Opera Bar and House Canteen the meal and beverage is available from 11.30am to 6pm. On arrival please find a table before making your way to the bar and presenting your Tour & Dine ticket to bar staff. At Midden by Mark Olive the meal and beverage is available between 11.30am-2.30pm for lunch and 5pm-6pm for dinner. On arrival to Midden, please present your Tour & Dine ticket to wait staff before being seated.

Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. We continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 19th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. We will continue to Mrs Macquaries Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We then continue through Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the world’s most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay.Time permitting, you may have the option for a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.

Travel on to famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi. Re-board your bus and continue on to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Arrive at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Departing from the Eastern Pontoon @ 12 noon you will spend 2 relaxing hours discovering the secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you will get to learn something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck. Included is an expansive fresh buffet including seafood and beverages are also included

Your cruise concludes at 2.15pm at Circular quay and on arrival, make your way at leisure back to your hotel. Your cruise includes a full buffet lunch with a mix of hot and cold selections, and fresh seafood, as well as a beverage package.

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region.

7:00 - 7:30 AM Depart from the hotel with AEA Luxury Tours. Our first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill a working farm also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure.

From Calmsley Hill we continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. We will visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus our guests will enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by their guide.

Continuing on we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can't help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos.

We then make our way around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Hydro Majestic. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. We enjoy a 2-course lunch with One NON Alcoholic Beverage Per person. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Additional Beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you'll know why it's one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you're not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you'll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. We then stop at the delightful Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, where we enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road and its fruit orchard industry. We arrive back at your hotel approximately 4.30 - 5.00pm.

Transfer: Sydney - City Centre to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport