13-Nights Essential Australia: Sydney, Rock, Reef & Melbourne from $6,293

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney

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.

Day 2: Full Day Sydney Highlights Tour & Sydney Harbour Luncheon Cruise

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.

Day 3: Full Day Blue Mountains Tour

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.

Day 4: Sydney to Uluru/Ayers Rock with Kata Tjuta Domes & Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner

Transfer: Sydney - City Centre to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

Transfer: Ayers Rock Airportto Ayers Rock

Hotel: Sails in the Desert Hotel (5 Star Rating)

Indulgent escapes await at Sails in the Desert, where soaring white sails shade 228 lavishly appointed rooms and suites. Cool off in the sparkling swimming pool lined with lush gumtrees, or linger over unique Australian flavors paired perfectly with your favorite regional wines at one of the resort's dining, lounge, and bar options. Relax in the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant, unwind after a day of exploring with cocktails and Indigenous-inspired cuisine in the Walpa Lobby Bar, or curl up on one of the daybeds and enjoy a casual lunch and beverage by the pool.

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.

Day 5: Half Day Uluru Highlights Tour & Sounds of Silence Dinner

As you travel towards Uluru its vast shape rises from the sand dunes as the early dawn light highlights it presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location with uninterrupted views to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. Enjoy a picnic breakfast before you experience the highlights of Uluru. Your guide will escort you on a short walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole at Uluru where you will learn the creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (Python). You will drive around the base of Uluru before returning to the resort.

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.

Day 6: Uluru Sunrise & Field of Light & Ayers Rock to Cairns

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: Cairns Airportto Port Douglas

Hotel: The Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas (4 Star Rating)

Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel where tropical luxury awaits…

Our Port Douglas accommodation offers a boutique style adults only hotel experience – enjoying an unrivalled beachside location overlooking Four Mile Beach and is the only hotel in Port Douglas with beach and ocean views. 40 metres to the beach and a 2 minute stroll to the heart of Port Douglas with its cosmopolitan boutiques, restaurants and entertainment options.

Day 7: Full Day Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef

Join your coach transfer to the wharf this morning and board the vessel to enjoy a full day reef and island cruise to Low Isles. Sail to and explore this protected coral cay, with white sandy beaches and coconut palms, surrounded by coral gardens and the Coral Sea. Sailaway moors in the sheltered blue lagoon for five hours. Just relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour, take a trip on the glass bottom boat or laze on the deck after a buffet lunch. Later, enjoy sailing back to the mainland.

Day 8: Full Day Cape Tribulation & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Your tour begins with being met by your friendly accredited guide at your accommodation. After introductions, drive north along the magnificent scenic coastal route learning about the history of the area and admiring spectacular views of the coastline and the Azure waters of the Coral Sea. The first stop is at the Majestic Daintree River for refreshments before enjoying an informative River Cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree Rainforest can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife. Next, we make our way up over the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage, Wet Tropics, and Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea.

Your guide will take you on a journey through ancient Daintree Rainforest, whilst giving you an interpretation of flora and fauna. You will have ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species. Enjoy lunch in a beautiful rainforest setting with opportunity for an invigorating rainforest swim. For over 50,000 years, Cape Tribulation beach (Kalkajaka) has held immense cultural significance for the local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, while providing modern day visitors the unique opportunity to witness the only place on earth where two World Heritage Listed sites converge - where rainforest meets the reef.

The day concludes with a delicious tropical fruit ice-cream followed by a cable ferry crossing back over the Daintree River before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.

Your tour begins with being met by your friendly accredited guide at your accommodation. After introductions, drive north along the magnificent scenic coastal route learning about the history of the area and admiring spectacular views of the coastline and the Azure waters of the Coral Sea. The first stop is at the Majestic Daintree River for refreshments before enjoying an informative River Cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree Rainforest can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife. Next, we make our way up over the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage, Wet Tropics, and Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea.

Your guide will take you on a journey through ancient Daintree Rainforest, whilst giving you an interpretation of flora and fauna. You will have ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species. Enjoy lunch in a beautiful rainforest setting with opportunity for an invigorating rainforest swim. For over 50,000 years, Cape Tribulation beach (Kalkajaka) has held immense cultural significance for the local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, while providing modern day visitors the unique opportunity to witness the only place on earth where two World Heritage Listed sites converge - where rainforest meets the reef.

The day concludes with a delicious tropical fruit ice-cream followed by a cable ferry crossing back over the Daintree River before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.

Day 9: Port Douglas to Melbourne

Transfer: Port Douglas to Cairns Airport

Transfer: Melbourne Airportto Melbourne - City Centre

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Melbourne (4 Star Rating)

For three decades, the iconic Crowne Plaza Melbourne has played a definitive role in Melbourne’s rich cultural history. Recently reimagined, discover Crowne Plaza Melbourne’s new modern era proudly situated within the architectural façade that is innately recognised along the Yarra River.

Escape to our absolute riverfront hotel. With spacious guestrooms and unrivalled city skyline and river views, you’ll wake up feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Our Docklands hotel offers 432 modern rooms with luxurious bedding and premium amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay.

Day 10: Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road

Our guests on this small group tour are picked up from their city hotel or Federation Square and we quickly depart Melbourne via the West Gate Bridge. We travel through the vast volcanic plains on route to Geelong where you have time to stroll along the beautifully transformed waterfront. We start our journey along the Great Ocean Road at Torquay, stopping at various places along the coast including Bells Beach and our scenic morning tea location.

Our focus then turns to Australian native wildlife as we observe Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the wild. This is one of many opportunities to see and hear about our unique and unusual animals in their native habitat. Our journey then begins travelling the very scenic, cliff-hugging section of the Great Ocean Road. While winding our way along we stop to view sites such as the 'Memorial Arch' and tell you of the intriguing story of this incredible road.

After lunch in Lorne, the largest of the seaside villages, we cruise along the spectacular road, stopping at many scenic spots including Kennett River where we can see koalas and many colorful native birds in the wild. Travelling through Apollo Bay we go into the Great Otway National Park. We take you on a 1km guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully to see the world's tallest flowering plants, prehistoric trees and ferns and unique features such as 'Yabbie Chimneys'. We visit the township of Apollo Bay before checking in to 'Beacon Point Ocean View Villas'. Your private self contained villa is set high on a hill overlooking the Southern Ocean provides an amazing setting is a great place to relax and unwind for a couple of hours. There are plenty of birds in this natural bush setting and it is not unusual to spot Koalas, Wallabies or even Echidnas. Tonight, we dine at the award-winning restaurant 'Chris' at Beacon Point'. This is regarded as the best restaurant in the region and has a fantastic menu that utilizes great local produce. Included in the tour is a two-course dinner that can be made up of any of their wonderful entree's, mains or desserts.

Hotel: Beacon Point Ocean View Villas (4 Star Rating)

Relax at Beacon Point Ocean View Villas in your secluded and self-contained one or two-bedroom villa. Enjoy our truly spectacular views of the ocean and the beautiful surrounding countryside of the otway ranges.

Meal(s): Dinner

Day 11: The Great Ocean Road to Melbourne

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Melbourne (4 Star Rating)

For three decades, the iconic Crowne Plaza Melbourne has played a definitive role in Melbourne’s rich cultural history. Recently reimagined, discover Crowne Plaza Melbourne’s new modern era proudly situated within the architectural façade that is innately recognised along the Yarra River.

Escape to our absolute riverfront hotel. With spacious guestrooms and unrivalled city skyline and river views, you’ll wake up feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Our Docklands hotel offers 432 modern rooms with luxurious bedding and premium amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay.

Our journey after breakfast on day two starts with us travelling through the Otway ranges and onto the 'Shipwreck Coast'. Our first stop is at Castle Cove overlooking the Aire river valley. In this area millions of years ago when Australia was part of the great southern land, Gondwana, dinosaurs were roaming the land. A unique find along the coast in 1987 uncovered important clues into the world's pre-historic past. natural beauty. We arrive as the stacks are lit with the morning sun making them perfect for photos and crowd free. This is a bonus for taking a 2-day trip as the stacks are silhouettes in the afternoon and overcrowded.

After hearing of the creation of the stacks and holding some of the limestone rock you can explore the boardwalks or brave a helicopter flight along the coastline (own expense). We then visit 'Loch Ard Gorge', the site of the most famous 19th century Australian shipwreck. While approaching the site you hear of the tragic story composed by a local historian. His story retells the tale of a calm voyage, the tragic wreck, the courageous survivors and their post-wreck lives. While hearing the tale you will be able to see and hold some original artifacts, photos and documents from the 'Loch Ard' contained in our treasure chests.

Port Campbell is our lunch stop for today. The small fishing village of just 500 is set in a beautiful natural port and has some wonderful cafes and restaurants for food and views. After lunch we travel to a lesser known but highly impressive area of the Great Ocean Road west of Port Campbell. This section takes in London Bridge, Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, and Boat Bay before our journey turns inland and travels through open farmland towards Melbourne arriving there around 6pm.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 12: Full Day Melbourne Highlights & Phillip Island Tour

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

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

Day 13: Day at Leisure in Melbourne



Day 14: Depart from Melbourne

Transfer: Melbourne - City Centre to Melbourne Airport