Overview
Itinerary
Your tour opens in Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. (D) Stay: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (2 Nights)
Start your day with a guided walking tour of the Royal Botanic Garden followed by a panoramic city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne's bustling “laneways.” After, enjoy time to explore this lively city on your own before heading to Phillip Island, where you'll visit koalas in their natural setting at a conservation center.
Continue to the nature reserve that houses the world's largest colony of Little Penguins. Protected and studied by rangers, hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows. Learn more about these inquisitive birds at the interpretation center. (B)
A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia's second oldest city. An island state of Australia, Tasmania is surrounded by more than 300 scattered isles. Its rugged and pristine beauty provides the backdrop for your 3-night stay. (B/D) Stay: Hadley's Orient Hotel (3 Nights)
Today, it's your choice! Embark on an early morning walking tour of the city -OR- take the morning to relax and enjoy a walking tour in the afternoon. No matter how you start your day, visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Center and learn about this unique marsupial, its fight for survival, and the plan to save it from extinction. Tour the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia's original penal colonies. En route, witness the coastal rock formations of Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen, and the Blow Hole. (B)
Enjoy a free day to explore Tasmania's capital city on your own. Perhaps you'll indulge in the city's up-and-coming café culture, meander along the lively harbor, or just take some time to relax. (B)
Fly to Adelaide, South Australia's bustling cosmopolitan capital. Settle into your home for the next 2 nights. (B/D) Stay: Pullman Adelaide (2 Nights)
Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley's fine food and wine. At Seppeltsfield Winery, a wine educator will take you on a behind-the-scenes look through the estate's treasure trove of historical buildings and spectacular surroundings. Learn history about the Seppelt family and their profound influence on the Australian wine industry. After the tour, enjoy a delicious Barossa-style lunch. Then, your vintner voyage continues at Chateau Tanunda for a private tour and tasting of their world-class wines. (B/L)
This morning, make your way to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. Tour the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta and the beautiful area surrounding the base of “The Rock.” As the day draws to a close, sip a glass of champagne as Uluru's hues change dramatically with the setting sun. (B) Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel
Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world's most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Before your departure, perhaps you will choose to partake in an optional excursion where you will enjoy a camel ride, taking in the magnificent Uluru at sunrise. (B) Stay: Flynn Crystalbrook Collection Hotel (3 Nights)
Rise high on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride over the rainforest canopy. Embrace the opportunity to explore the forest floor up close with access to specially designed boardwalks. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy your tropical surroundings. (B/D)
Board a glass-bottom catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you'll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island, located along the outer reef, or consider snorkeling in the rolling waves, uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also meet with a marine biologist, or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island. (B/L)
Fly to the dynamic city of Sydney.
This evening, personalize your culinary experience with Diner's Choice – choosing from a variety of local restaurants for an included dinner along bustling Darling Harbour. (B/D) Stay: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (3 Nights)
See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. You'll have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. (B)
Enjoy a day at leisure. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor showcasing Sydney's magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. As the most populous city in Australia, Sydney is full of endless ways to spend your day. (B)
Fly to New Zealand and arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails”. A city tour features the America's Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the harborside. (B/D) Stay: Rydges Auckland
Head to Rotorua's dramatic geothermal landscape. Find culture behind every corner – over one-third of Rotura's population boasts Maori roots, making it known as the Maori capital of New Zealand. (B/D) Stay: Millennium Hotel (2 Nights)
Discover Whakarewarewa – a Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Explore an authentic Maori village where people live using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have done for centuries. At the Agrodome, see a sheep-shearing demonstration and learn about the importance of agriculture to the nation. (B)
Make your way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city and the world's southernmost capital city. Built on the foreshore of a harbor and ringed by mountains, this gives the city the nickname “Windy Wellington.” (B/D) Stay: Novotel Wellington (2 Nights)
Come to know Wellington on a tour including the Beehive, New Zealand's Parliament, historic St. Paul's Church, and the Old Government Building – the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongawera, a fascinating center dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture. (B)
Today, experience what has been called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world” as you sail across the Cook Strait on your way to the historic city of Christchurch, the “Garden City.” Enjoy some free time to explore. Perhaps you'll stroll through the city's gardens or learn about its more recent history at the Quake City exhibition.
This evening, dinner is included at the hotel. (B/D) Stay: Distinction Christchurch (2 Nights)
This morning, enjoy a city tour that highlights the city's magnificent gardens and elegant park district. Then, visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand's “Big 5” up close and personal. After, enjoy a Maori cultural performance. (B)
Make your way to Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Nestled on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. (B/D) Stay: Heritage Hotel (3 Nights)
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through a beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the breathtaking Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island.
Following your cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand's Southern Alps. (B/L)
A free day in Queenstown offers limitless activities set amidst breathtaking Alpine scenery. Today, you have the opportunity to partake in a tour through the charming Queenstown countryside, showcasing the filming locations of many blockbuster movies.
Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and toast to a fabulous trip. (B/D)
Your tour comes to a close in Queenstown. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Learn about the endangered Tasmanian Devil and the conservation efforts aimed at its survival.
- See koalas in their natural setting during a stop at a koala conservation center.
- Explore the Great Barrier Reef from a glass-bottom catamaran and choose from a collection of included activities.
- Tour the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta at the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock).
- Witness the Little Penguins on the beach at Phillip Island.
- At sunset, enjoy a champagne toast while gazing at Uluru.
- Taste world-class wines during a private tour of Chateau Tanunda in the Barossa Valley.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $413.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
- Location: Cairns. Cost: $448.
- Jump in and explore the vibrant, colorful world teeming with life at the very edge of the Continental Shelf of the Great Barrier Reef. This massive reef system, the largest in the world, can actually be seen from space. Cruise across the water by catamaran to the Outer Reef pontoon where a diverse, bountiful ecosystem is yours to discover. See the kaleidoscopic underwater sea life up close as you snorkel along the reef. You’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Duration approximately 7 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Guests should be confident swimmers, able to swim at a leisurely pace for 10 minutes without stopping and be familiar with swimming in the open water for this optional. The swell of the ocean on the pontoon can be high at times of the day and can be intimidating for guests who are not confident in the water. There are life jackets and lifeguards on duty, and rest stations in the water for when swimmers need a break. Guests choosing this optional will not visit Green Island.
- Location: Queenstown. Cost: $560.
- Soar over the plunging cliffs, snowfields and alpine lakes of the pristine Southern Alps on a flightseeing plane that carries you back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Seeing Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from the air will give you a whole new perspective on the overwhelming beauty of this region. You’ll be captivated by 9,000 foot peaks and frozen lakes that can only be seen from above. Enjoy amazing views and skip the lengthy return coach ride to Queenstown. A truly spectacular trip! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Availability for flightseeing is limited. This option is only available to purchase while on tour through your Tour Manager. This option operates on a weather permitting basis only. Duration: 40 minutes. This option does have a weight restriction, which your Tour Manager will advise as it varies by aircraft type.
- Location: Yulara. Cost: $364.
- Experience the majesty of sunrise on Ayers Rock from a unique vantage point – the back of a camel! A peaceful one-hour camel ride brings you across the red sand dunes in the cool, clear morning air. Watch the sunrise over Ayers Rock bring the warm hues of the monolith alive. Learn about the flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from your friendly cameleer. After the ride, enjoy fresh-baked damper bread and hot, fresh tea and coffee. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. During winter months this option may not be available due to timing of sunrise. Due to the nature of this option, we require advance notice for any guest weighing 120kg/264lbs or more. Please enquire at time of booking.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
