21-Nights Highlights of Australia and New Zealand from $13,168

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1556771

Highlights Of Australia And New Zealand
Connect with the Outback, untamed fiords, and fascinating Maori legends as you explore the highlights of Australia and New Zealand - every bit as enchanting as looking up with a sense of awe and wonder at New Zealand's dark night sky.

Dining Summary

7 Dinner (D)
21 Breakfast (B)
5 Lunch (L)

Must-see Highlights

Explore Sydney Opera House, Hobbiton Movie Set, National Kiwi Hatchery, and the Dark Sky Reserve
Discover Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Auckland, Lake Tekapo, Arrowtown, Queenstown, and Christchurch
Visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Bondi Beach in Sydney, and Te Po Maori Experience in Rotorua
View Geothermal activity in Rotorua, and turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo
Scenic Cruise On the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour, and Milford Sound

Trafalgar Difference

Uluru: Discover the stunning heart of the Red Centre at Ayers Rock Resort. Revealing natural beauty of this unique landscape, the accommodation offer incredible views of towering gums, flowering native shrubs and flowing red dunes.
Lake Tekapo: This resort overlooks the pristine waters of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Uluru: Explore the foundations of life and society of the local Aboriginal people in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Learn about the spiritual connection the local Anangu caretakers have with the land at Uluru.
Uluru: At Walkatjara Art Uluru an Indigenous Anangu artist will explain just what makes this part of the world so spiritual, over an introduction to Western Desert Art, introducing totems and symbols important to the region and represented in paintings and installations. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Rotorua: A feel-good encounter on your New Zealand tour, support the population of New Zealand’s national bird by teaming up with ‘Operation Nest Egg’ on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at The National Kiwi Hatchery. Get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks. Located in Rotorua, this national leader in kiwi husbandry is helping to prevent kiwis from becoming extinct and without their crucial ongoing support it’s estimated that the brown kiwi will be extinct in the wild within two generations. You’ll learn how The National Kiwi Hatchery was launched in 2008 to become the most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world and has since hatched over 1850 eggs with a 98% survival rate. As you learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, know that on your travels you’re contributing to this valuable conservation effort.

Dive into Culture

Auckland: An immersive and emotive state-of-the-art guided journey that showcases the All Blacks though exceptional innovation and technology.

Be My Guest

Hurunui: Step onto a working hill-country sheep farm. Experience what it is like to farm Merino sheep & Angus cattle in this beautiful part of the country. See the animals graze pastures in the open air and learn about where the best natural products come from.

21 nights from $13,168 per person

Valid for new bookings made October 31, 2026 – December 7, 2026 for travel from January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028.

*The promotional savings are already reflected in the published price. Promotion may be combined with 5% Past Guest Savings and benefits for group bookings of 10+, but cannot be combined with any other promotions. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. Ask your Travel Advisor for more information.

Valid for new bookings deposited October 31, 2026 – December 7, 2026 for travel from January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028.

*The promotional savings are already reflected in the published price. Promotion may be combined with 5% Past Guest Savings and benefits for group bookings of 10+, but cannot be combined with any other promotions. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. Ask your Travel Advisor for more information.

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Trafalgar Tours: Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Day 1 - Welcome to Melbourne
Melbourne’s elegant façades and broad boulevards are your launchpad to an immersive encounter with the highlights of Australia and New Zealand (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You'll be transferred and welcomed to your hotel on the banks of the city’s own Yarra River before getting to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers over dinner at popular restaurant on the Yarra River’s South Wharf, a relaxing welcome to this cosmopolitan city.
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Uncover Melbourne's Eclectic Laneways
Jump into city life joining your Travel Director on a walking tour admiring Melbourne’s Victorian architecture, arcades, and eclectic little laneways revealing some of the world’s most incredible street art. Encounter the aroma of Melbourne’s coffee culture around every corner. The rest of your day is free to take in Melbourne's well-known food and culture. Or join an Optional Experience such as a trip to Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parade. Wildlife fans won’t want to miss seeing the tiny penguins make their daily trip from the sea to their onshore burrows. It’s a fascinating experience to watch and only happens right here on Phillip Island.
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Melbourne, It's All Yours
Enjoy a day exploring stylish Melbourne just the way you like, indulging in world class fare at one of the city's famous eateries and stopping in unique shops. Browse Brunswick Street’s quirky boutiques and pop into one of laneways’ cafes to people watch and refuel on a strong flat white coffee. Or, tick something else off your bucket list and join an Optional Experience to travel the Great Ocean Road - the ultimate road trip along a stunning coastline. You’ll learn how the jagged rocks were formed and stop at the world famous Twelve Apostles. Admire these towering limestone formations rising out of the sea against windswept cliffs. Take advantage of photo ops around every bend and stretch your legs in the seaside town of Apollo Bay. If you prefer to soak up the city life, perhaps explore the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing. Wherever you chose to explore today, Melbourne and its surroundings are yours for the taking.
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Journey to Spiritual Uluru
The rusty red landscapes of Uluru beckon as we leave Melbourne for Ayers Rock Resort, near the sacred ancient site of Uluru and your home for the next two days in Aussie’s cultural heartland. You’ll drive through red dirt on long roads before your first of many mesmerizing encounters with Uluru, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the desert sun begins to set, you’re treated to a classic Uluru sundowner: nibbles and sparkling wine amidst the red dirt and blowing spinifex grasses as the Outback sky ignites in shades of red, yellow, and purple. Gazing at massive Uluru - which at 348 metres high is taller than the Eiffel Tower - you'll experience a kind of magical connection to the land. Relaxed and happy, you’ll make your way to the Desert Gardens Hotel for a Stays With Stories experience. Surrounded by desert trees and distant Uluru, this indigenous-owned hotel showcases the natural beauty of the landscape. Stay in this evening or, after sunset, join an Optional Experience Uluru BBQ Dinner as you watch the changing desert colours and are treated to an informative star talk in one of the best places to view the southern night sky.
Accommodations: Desert Gardens
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Magical Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta
Watch night turn to day as you head to the National Park at dawn - hot cocoa in hand - to witness a magical sunrise as the dawn creeps across the desert and lights up Uluru. Then, day underway, at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, hear stories about the Anangu, caretakers of this remote arid landscape, touring the base of Uluru to discover its ancient rock art with your Travel Director. You’ll be amazed at their deep knowledge and passion for this land through stories that enhance the natural beauty you surely can’t get enough of. Later, an Anangu artist will explain just what makes it so spiritual over an introduction to Western Desert art, introducing totems and symbols important to the region and represented in paintings and installations, another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Try your hand at creating one during an intro to Western Desert Art. Continuing your journey through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta, walk amidst its towering, mindboggling domes through Walpa (meaning “wind”) Gorge to a lookout. From sunrise to sunset, tonight you’ll marvel over a magnificent sunset over Kata Tjuta paired with sparkling wine. Without many of the crowds at Uluru, you may have the beauty of this hidden gem to yourself.
Accommodations: Desert Gardens
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Head to Tropical Cairns
The only reason to get up before dawn on your last day in Uluru is to glimpse the kaleidoscopic Field of Light art installation of artist Bruce Munro on an optional experience. Watch the darkness of night change to a rainbow-coloured dawn lit up from a field of changing colours with Uluru in the distance. You’ll feel like you're walking through flowers in this totally unique Uluru sunrise experience, then as dawn continues to creep across the land, you’ll end the experience watching the desert awaken over Uluru from the top of a sand dune, coffee or tea in hand. Head to your next stop, Cairns, for a change of scenery and more beautiful sites.
Accommodations: Hilton
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Explore Cairns in Your Own Time
Ease into the laidback lifestyle of Cairns with a full free day to explore this tropical city or take your pick of the many tempting optional experiences. There’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for. Take to the skies for a bird’s eye view with a balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands, the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere. Or, dive into nature learning traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish, and mussels in the Daintree Rainforest. Taste and share your catch before a guided interpretive walk through the ancient rainforest. Another option is to take a historic rail journey winding across bridges and through tunnels to Kuranda village, nestled in a tropical rainforest to explore its colourful and interesting arts and crafts. Return to the lowlands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over and through the some of the oldest rainforest in the world. You can also choose to pair your trip to Kuranda with a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile for a wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands, the home of the saltwater crocodile. Top off your day with dinner at a restaurant on Cairns’ waterfront, highlighting fresh, local ingredients.
Accommodations: Hilton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Great Barrier Reef Up-Close
Get ready for a bucket list adventure today as you board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s up to you how you’d like to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site and underwater wonderland: Don your mask and fins (equipment provided) for an up-close encounter with a kaleidoscope of fishes and reef or stay dry and explore the world’s largest living reef system from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft. Whichever you choose, your local guide enhances your time on board with plenty of insights on the local ecology and the importance of preserving this fragile environment. Before your return to Cairns, you’ll enjoy an onboard tropical buffet lunch under the glorious Aussie sunshine.
Accommodations: Hilton
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Sparkling Sydney
We say farewell to Cairn’s flying south to Sydney and spend the rest of the day exploring the beauty of this harbour city. From your centrally located hotel, you can take a stroll around the waterfront at Circular Quay. Whether you’re called by land or sea, Sydney city is walkable and offers something for everybody. Stopping for a bite is its own adventure, wining and dining in the famous Rocks District dating back to before the arrival of British settlers in the late 1700s, visiting Chinatown for some tasty yum cha, popping into one of city’s many craft breweries, or finding the perfect rooftop bar to sit back and take it all in.
Accommodations: InterContinental
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Must-See Sights of Sydney
A day of sightseeing around this stunning harbour city awaits! Begin your day with a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House with a Local Specialist, delving into the story of a building 'that changed the image of an entire country' and learning the history of this iconic structure. Continue sightseeing on a Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise sailing past Sydney’s dazzling harbour sights enjoying million-dollar views and a menu focusing on local food and wine. Back on land, it's off to the beach to wiggle your toes in the sand at breathtaking Bondi, and where you are free to wander along the promenade, potter in and out of surf shops or grab a coffee at one of Bondi's sidewalk cafés.
Accommodations: InterContinental
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 - Sydney, the Choice is Yours
Enjoy a full free day to explore Sydney or consider joining an Optional Experience to discover even more further afield. Animal lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Sydney Zoo to see some of Australia’s unique native animals including the wombat, Tasmanian devil, and yes, the koala. Continue to the spectacular Blue Mountains, whose eucalypt haze you’ll see looming in the distance, for fresh mountain air and stunning natural scenery. You’ll see the famous Three Sisters rock formation - each of which stands over 900 metres high - and hear the Aboriginal legend behind these massive structures. Or consider joining an Optional Experience climbing up (and over) the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Guided by a professional Climber Leader, you’ll ascend 134 metres above Sydney Harbour for priceless views at the top.
Accommodations: InterContinental
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Last Chance in Sydney!
You’re free to explore Sydney at your own pace. You might choose to walk along Circular Quay, browse local galleries and shops, or enjoy a coffee overlooking the harbour. For those keen to stretch their legs, the Rocks district offers cobbled laneways and convict-era buildings full of character. Later, walk through the Royal Botanic Garden to the Art Gallery of New South Wales and join a guided tour with a Local Specialist, who shares insights into First Nations and Australian art. Discover how artists express connection to land, story and identity. Later, toast your journey and share a meal, enjoying the company of your fellow travellers and Travel Director.
Accommodations: InterContinental, Swissotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 - Hoo Roo Sydney - Kia Ora Auckland
Set your sights on New Zealand as you fly to Auckland, the City of Sails. You’ll see how the city got its nickname as you fly in over the islands and boats in the harbour. In fact, one in four New Zealanders is involved in recreational boating. On land, Auckland is known for being built on 53 dormant volcanoes (two of which you have the opportunity to see!) Enjoy dinner at The Grill, celebrating Aotearoa's culinary treasures.
Accommodations: Horizon by SkyCity
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 - Sights of Auckland, City of Sails
After a relaxed start, Dive Into Culture and set your sights firmly on New Zealand's national game: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture. Afterwards get the lay of the land with city highlights viewing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial showing off views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. You pass the Auckland Museum, located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828.
Accommodations: Horizon by SkyCity
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Rotorua, Cultural Capital
Get ready for a much-anticipated trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Upon arrival, set off on a guided tour through the 12-acre set. You'll have plenty of time for photo opportunities in the interactive hobbit hole. After a stop for lunch continue to Rotorua, where this evening, Dive Into Culture and embark upon Te Po at Te Puia. Learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Then view the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands. This is followed by a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine.
Accommodations: Millennium Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 - Take off to Adventure in Queenstown
Your destination this morning in Rotorua is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where you’ll join a Local Specialist for a tour. Learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national bird. The feel-good vibes will follow you all the way to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand. It makes perfect sense – there are ski fields, white-water river and bridges strapped with bungy cords wherever you turn. And then there’s the dining scene; Queenstown is home to some of the country’s most awarded restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for bulging burgers or lakeside tapas, ask us for recommendations on this leg of your Queenstown New Zealand tour.
Accommodations: Millennium Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17 - Cruise on Magical Milford Sound
Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and over the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. Experience magnificent scenery afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm. Emerge from the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching Piopiotahi (Milford Sound). Take to its still waters for a cruise filled with pinch-me moments. Return to Queenstown for a free evening. Speak to your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.
Accommodations: Millennium Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 18 - Your Choice in Queenstown
The day is yours to explore Queenstown as you like, and good news...you have plenty of options to choose from. Take to the water riding the thrilling Skippers Jet boat through cliffs and gorges. Or explore a slice of Kiwi farming history and soak in the views cruising Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you’ll be treated to a farm tour and morning or afternoon tea. Tonight, exchange stories of your Queenstown adventures as you join your Travel Director and group for dinner at the historic Postmasters Cottage, built in 1907, in nearby Arrowtown. Hear the history of this quaint house that was almost demolished by developers and then saved and purchased by the passionate local community. The community continued to rally together restoring the cottage’s verandas and adding charming gardens and paths. Stroll the grounds before sitting down to dinner with a focus on fresh, local food and wines.
Accommodations: Millennium Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19 - To Turquoise Lake Tekapo
Today your New Zealand tour takes you to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan, travelling to lovely Lake Takapo. Visit Mrs. Jones' Fruit Stall to taste of some of the region's juicy stone fruit including apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums. Next (pit) stop is the Highlands Museum. Even if you’re not a motorsport fan, you’re sure to be impressed when you come face to face with these top-of-the-line machines. There’s just something about being in the same room as these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing. The museum is home to some of the rarest cars in NZ motorsport history but also some hidden gems.Visit the grounds of the quaint, lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd and see the friendly bronze sheepdog statue. As evening falls, you’re treated to a guided stargazing experience with a Local Specialist in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. See the famous Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way and getter a better look at these sparkling wonders with a powerful optical telescope. You'll conclude the day in a Stays With Stories accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. In this area known for its dazzling night sky, there’s plenty to enjoy just stepping outside your room.
Accommodations: Peppers Bluewater Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 20 - Innovative Christchurch
Visit the lovely country town of Geraldine, known for the preserves created from local produce. Arriving in Christchurch see the local sights including the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and many streets lined with bars, cafés, and riverside markets. View the Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral. Admire its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction giving it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral” and a striking example of the city’s revitalizing rebuild.
Accommodations: Distinction Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast

Day 21 - A Taste of Farm Life
Travel through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill-country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884, with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool, and Angus cattle. Soak up the stunning scenery, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Then visit a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it's time to relax and enjoy wine tasting and a platter-style lunch among the vines. All good things must come to an end and you’ll spend your last night with your Travel Director and the group raising a glass to your travels at dinner showcasing food from the Canterbury region.
Accommodations: Distinction Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22 - Farewell Christchurch
Bid farewell to your newfound friends as your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast as you're transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. You’ll surely leave with plenty of stunning photos and, most importantly, memories of this beautiful part of the world (flights anytime).
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Christchurch

Lake Tekapo

Queenstown

Rotorua

Auckland

Sydney

Sydney

Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Kayak under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24-7 fun.

Five Sydney Experiences Not to Miss:

1. Explore the historic Rocks

Discover Sydney’s colorful convict history in the harbourside quarter where it all began. Just five minutes from Circular Quay, you can hear stories of hangings and hauntings on a ghost tour, wander the weekend markets or climb the span of the Harbour Bridge. In amongst the maze of sandstone lanes and courtyards, you’ll find historic workman’s cottages and elegant terraces, art galleries, hotels with harbour views and Sydney’s oldest pubs. See people spill out of them onto a party on the cobblestone streets when The Rocks celebrates Australia Day on January 26th, Anzac Day on April 25th and New Years Eve.

2. Hit the world-famous harbour

Sail past the Opera House on a chartered yacht or paddle from Rose Bay in a kayak. Take a scenic cruise from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, past waterfront mansions, national parks and Shark, Clark, Rodd and Goat islands. Tour historic Fort Denison or learn about the life of Sydney’s first inhabitants, the Gadigal people, on an Aboriginal cultural cruise. Watch the harbour glitter from the green parklands of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which curves around its edge. Or take in the view from a waterfront restaurant in Mosman, on the northern side of the bridge, or Watsons Bay at South Head. Walk from Rose Bay to Vaucluse or Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay, on just some of the 16 spectacular routes hugging the harbour foreshore.

3. Visit Manly on the ferry

Travel across Sydney Harbour on a ferry to Manly, which sits between beaches of ocean surf and tranquil inner harbour. Wander through native bushland on the scenic Manly to Spit Bridge walk, learn to scuba-dive at Cabbage Tree Bay or ride a bike to Fairy Bower. Picnic at Shelly Beach on the ocean and sail or kayak from Manly Wharf round the harbour. Hire a scooter and do a round trip of northern beaches such as Narrabeen and Palm Beach. Explore the shops, bars and cafes along the bustling pine tree-lined Corso and dine at world-class restaurants with water views.

4. Enjoy café culture and top shopping in Paddington

Meander through the Saturday markets, browse fashion boutiques on bustling Oxford Street or discover the antique shops and art galleries in upmarket Woollahra. Visit the 1840s Victoria Barracks Army base, open to the public once a week, and see restored Victorian terraces on wide, leafy streets. Ride or roller-blade in huge Centennial Park, then stop for coffee and lunch on Oxford St or in the mini-village of Five Ways. Catch a movie at an art-house cinema or leaf through a novel at midnight in one of the huge bookstores. Crawl between the lively, historic pubs. They hum even more after a game at the nearby stadium or a race day, when girls and guys arrive in their crumpled trackside finery.

5. Walk from Bondi to Coogee

Take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you walk the winding, sea-sculpted sandstone cliffs between Bondi and Coogee. Swim in the famous Bondi Icebergs rock pool or just watch the swimmers with a sunset cocktail from the restaurant above. See wild waves in Tamarama, nicknamed Glamarama for the beautiful people who lie on its golden sand. From mid-October to November, the stretch from here to Bondi is transformed into an outdoor gallery for the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition. You can surf, picnic on the grass or stop for a coffee at family-friendly Bronte. Or swim, snorkel or scuba dive in Clovelly and tranquil Gordon’s Bay. See the graves of poets Henry Lawson, Dorothea Mackellar and aviator Lawrence Hargrave in Waverley Cemetery, on the edge of the cliffs. Finish your tour in the scenic, backpacker haven of Coogee.

Cairns

Uluru

The world's largest monolith, located 280 mi/450 km southwest of Alice Springs, is a truly stunning sight, especially at sunset when its burnt-orange glow seems to set the desert on fire. Called Uluru by the Aborigines, the sandstone rock is huge (1,140 ft/350 m high, 9 mi/13 km around) and reddish brown most of the time, taking its color from iron oxide, or rust. Its presence is made more powerful by the mostly barren plain that surrounds it and disappears into the horizon. In 1985, ownership of the rock was returned to its traditional owners. It is rarely referred to as Ayers Rock anymore.

Considered sacred by the Aborigines for thousands of years, the rock is now part of the expansive Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, one of the country's biggest tourist attractions. The park includes the Olgas/Kata Tjuta, a cluster of 36 giant domelike rock formations about 20 mi/35 km west. If you want to visit both, plan to spend at least one night. You'll want to see Uluru at both sunset and sunrise. The Olgas are equally magnificent at both times of day. (But be prepared to jockey for position at either place; tour buses disgorge hundreds of visitors laden with binoculars, cameras and video equipment.)

Start your visit to the park with a stop at the cultural center. Run by the Anangu (a local Aboriginal clan), the center is a wonderful introduction to the unusual rock formations and to the people who lived in their harsh shadows for centuries. Aboriginal artwork and artifacts are on display. You can also see re-enactments of life in the bush and watch informative videos. Most visitors explore the rock as part of a tour led by park rangers, Anangu guides or private tour companies. But you can also pick up a printed walking guide at the cultural center and set off on your own.

Only one trail leads to the top of the rock, and it's fairly steep—those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, asthma, fear of heights or the like should remain earthbound. The Anangu prefer you walk around—not on—the rock because of its spiritual importance. If you do decide to climb it, allow two to three hours and take along a snack and plenty of water. The view from the top is spectacular, but hiking around the base is more educational and less strenuous. We suggest taking one or more of the shorter walks that pass water holes and rock paintings, allowing you to observe the rock's many faces at a leisurely pace. (Walking around the entire base of the rock takes about three hours.)

Allow at least an afternoon to visit the Olgas/Kata Tjuta. A frequent debate among visitors is whether the Olgas outshine the rock. It's a close call—the Olgas are taller, reaching 1,790 ft/545 m at the highest point. Made of conglomerate (pebbles and boulders cemented together by mud and sand), they are off-limits to climbers, but you can explore some of the valleys and chasms between the rocks.

Most visitors fly to Uluru or drive from Alice Springs. About the only place to stay in the area is the Ayers Rock Resort, or Yulara, whose five hotels and a campground can accommodate visitors in all price ranges. Longitude 131 is a magnificent safari camp with 15 luxury tents. Dozens of tours leave from Ayers Rock Resort, including sunrise camel rides around the rock, sunset champagne dinners in the desert, Aboriginal culture tours and stargazing. You can also rent a car there and explore on your own.

Because of the excessive heat in summer, the best time to visit is April-November (winter in Australia). Always take along plenty of drinking water. If you are flying to the Outback, we suggest going overland one way from Alice Springs (four to five hours) but flying the other way—the desert drive is scenic, but it can be tedious the second time around. http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru.

Melbourne

Melbourne

Melbourne is a maze of hidden laneways, opulent bars, exclusive restaurants and off-the-beaten-track boutiques. Here you can soak up culture, hit the sporting grounds, taste the dynamic food and wine scene, dance til dawn or wander the parks and leafy boulevards. Visit Federation Square, the city's landmark cultural space, and enjoy a sunset beer on the St Kilda promenade. Shop till you drop on funky Brunswick Street or upmarket Chapel Street. Wander Southbank's cafes, bistros and bars and get a world tour of cuisines in Carlton, Richmond and Fitzroy. Take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and cheer with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Five Must-Have Melbourne Experiences:

1. Shop till you drop

Bag a bargain at the Rose Street Artist's Market and browse the funky boutiques on Brunswick Street. Buy designer labels such as Akira Isogawa and Zimmerman on Chapel Street in Prahran or in the historic Melbourne General Post Office, which covers an entire city block. For everything from fashion to furnishings at fantastic value, visit Bridge Road in Richmond. Melbourne is a shopper's haven, offering eclectic boutiques, high-end fashion, funky homeware stores and European style piazzas in the city's arcades and hidden laneways.

2. Bar hop and dance till dawn

Sip a cocktail in a converted sea container in Chinatown, enjoy a sunset beer in a St Kilda pub or listen to cabaret in lush retro surroundings in jazz bars in the city. Linger over exquisite tapas and exotic wine in a Little Collins Street bar and mingle in a pink parlour with fake grass in Bourke Street. You can party from dusk in the bars of Brunswick Street. Or dance till dawn in bars in the city's lantern-lit laneways, secret apart from the spill of coloured light under heavy brass doors.

3. Get into the gourmet goodness

Let the aroma of good coffee waft over you in Melbourne's gothic European laneways. The city is famous for its coffee and old-world café culture but there's so much more to explore. Once you've downed a 'short black' or taken an afternoon aperitif, try tea in a nineteenth-century hotel or salivate over your silver spoon in acclaimed restaurants like Nobu, Botanical and Becco. Pick up fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood at the Queen Victoria Market on a Saturday, known for its bustling crowds and buskers. Try out the restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars in Southbank or Federation Square. Make your way around Melbourne's multicultural cosmos of cuisines: Carlton for Italian classics, Richmond for budget-friendly Vietnamese and Fitzroy for Spanish tapas.

4. Fill up on culture

See a performance by the Australian Ballet, which is based here in Australia's cultural capital. Or enjoy a dazzling musical at the Princess Theatre. Browse the Southern Hemisphere's best collection of international art at the National Gallery of Victoria. Or visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square, a landmark cultural 'space' for Melbournians. Challenge yourself with the creative collections in the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank. To learn more about Melbourne's Aboriginal cultural heritage, see contemporary and dreamtime art or take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens.

5. Go sports mad

Cheer for an Australian Rules Football game with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over winter. Go cricket mad in summer, when the city hosts the Ashes and one day internationals. Or join the huge crowds watching the Australian Tennis Open at Melbourne Park. Rev heads head to Melbourne in March for the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Albert Park. And whether you are a racing fan or just a casual punter, you won't want to miss the Melbourne Cup - the world's richest horse race on the first Tuesday in November.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

11/22/2026 - 12/13/2026

from $14,135 per person *

01/03/2027 - 01/24/2027

from $13,168 per person *

01/24/2027 - 02/14/2027

from $14,309 per person *

02/07/2027 - 02/28/2027

from $14,309 per person *

02/14/2027 - 03/07/2027

from $13,168 per person *

02/28/2027 - 03/21/2027

from $14,309 per person *

03/07/2027 - 03/28/2027

from $14,309 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $13,168 per person

Length

21 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1556771

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