This tour can be taken on its own or as a pre- or post- tour extension for those joining a New Zealand in 14 Days tour.
This tour includes a small group (average 13-20 people), a top-rated professional tour guide, centrally located hotels, all sightseeing mentioned on the itinerary, all breakfasts, 9 other meals (including a special last night dinner), all tips for drivers, local guides and wait staff at group meals, and countless unforgettable experiences.
Experience Highlights
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome!
Overnight: Sydney
Welcome to Australia
Beginning our adventure in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, today we’ll meet around 4pm (time to be confirmed) at our Sydney Hotel – Rydges Sydney Harbour – for our first meeting and welcome drink. Afterwards, a short orientation walking tour takes us through the historic streets of The Rocks, exploring the very first streets which were developed as part of Sydney’s original urban plan. This evening we’ll begin to get to know each other a little better over a casual dinner (included) in the historic Rocks area.
Day 2 - Sydney
Overnight: Sydney
Exploring Sydney
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart on foot. Our first stop, just 10 minutes walk around Circular Quay, is Sydney Opera House, where we’ll enjoy a private guided tour of this iconic architectural marvel and symbol of the nation. We’ll take a tea break after the Opera House and then reconvene at the Australian Museum, which houses artefacts tracing the natural and anthropological history of this land. Finished “structured” touring by around 2pm and the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to soak up more of “the Harbour City”.
Day 3 - Sydney
Overnight: Sydney
Sydney – North Shore and more local sights
Today we’ll step aboard a private coach and cross the Harbour Bridge for a guided visit to Sydney’s North Shore and Manly Beach. We’ll take a walk along the picturesque coastal stretch between Manly and Shelley Beach – home of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, a favoured spot for locals. We’ll discover waterfalls, secluded beaches, military history and even a bandicoot refuge. Enjoy a casual seafood lunch (included) with a cold locally brewed beer or glass of wine. Spend the afternoon exploring neighbouring beaches, rock pools and dramatic sandstone headlands.
Day 4 - Melbourne
Overnight: Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne!
Today we fly from Sydney to Melbourne – Australia’s second largest city and capital of the state of Victoria. Flight time to be confirmed but provisionally arriving in Melbourne around 2pm. Food and wine lovers are spoilt for choice here, and there’s a lively arts culture and fashion scene. The city’s charming laneways, wonderful produce markets, eclectic neighbourhood precincts and string of bayside beaches all invite exploration. Check in to the hotel and free for dinner this evening.
Day 5 - Melbourne
Overnight: Melbourne
Melbourne’s Hidden Secrets, Lanes, and Arcades
This morning we’ll head out on a guided tour of Melbourne’s signature lanes and arcades, we’ll visit local designers and specialty retailers that often are only found in the city. We reveal some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art and architecture – with historical tales of Melbourne along the way. We’ll stop for morning tea/coffee during the tour.
Day 6 - Melbourne
Overnight: Melbourne
Educational wine day
Wine day! Enjoy an entertaining, sociable and educational day out. With the help of our local expert guide, we’ll discover the richness of the Yarra Valley’s thriving wine industry. Tasting at the cellar doors at Yering Farm, Balgownie Estate and Steels Gate Wines. An a La Carte Lunch at Balgownie Estate, accompanied by a glass of the estate’s wine. A privately conducted tour of Domaine Chandon, complemented with a glass of their premium sparkling wine.
Day 7 - Melbourne
Overnight: Melbourne
Vacation from your vacation day
Today at mid tour we take the foot off the gas to have a vacation from your vacation. Spend a lazy day in this hip city or opt for an out of town excursion or some sports activities.
Day 8 - Uluru
Overnight: Uluru
The Heart of the Outback
This morning we fly from Melbourne to Uluru, arriving around lunchtime. The spiritual heart of the Australian Outback, Uluru, dominates the desert landscape. This afternoon we explore the boulder formations and unique flora and fauna of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Our private local guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and its cultural significance as a sacred Aboriginal ceremonial site. At Walpa Gorge walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and learn how they have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above. The spirituality of this place embraces everyone who ventures here. This evening is free for you to relax at our 5 star accommodation Sails in the Desert, enjoy the swimming pool and other facilities, and perhaps dine at one of the resort’s restaurants (dinner at own cost).
Day 9 - Uluru
Overnight: Uluru
Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Australia’s iconic natural land formation
It’s worth the early start today (around 5am) to witness the vast shape of Uluru rising from the sand dunes in the dawn light. Our guide will take us to a special location to watch the sunrise over this amazing monolith. We will hear the Creation stories of the Mala people – about Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python). After a “bush breakfast” in the desert we visit Mutijulu Waterhole, hear it’s story and see the rock art nearby, then drive around the base of Uluru before returning to Sails on the Desert. The afternoon is free to relax and shade from the heat or enjoy the facilities. This evening we visit The Field of Light art installation. More than 50,000 slender stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres bloom as darkness falls. As Uluru is thrown into silhouette, the field of light illuminates. As far as the eye can see gentle rhythms of colour light up the desert. Enjoy a three course dinner (included), followed by an explanation of the southern night sky from the resident star talker.
Day 10 - Cairns
Overnight: Cairns
Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef
As our flight from the heart of the outback descends over the Great Barrier Reef look out for a glimpse of the surrounding mountains covered with dense tropical rainforest. Cairns is the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, renowned for its relaxed and laid back ambience. Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 11 – Cairns
Overnight: Cairns
Tropical Queensland, Great Barrier Reef
After breakfast at the hotel today we visit Cairns Aquarium. Follow the journey of a drop of rain as it descends from the mountain ranges down into rivers and streams, through the rainforest, across the mangroves, into the shallows of the reef and finally into the depths of the Coral Sea. Travel through ten amazing North Queensland ecosystems with over 70 different habitats showcasing the stunning diversity of the species from two world heritage listed areas – the wet tropics rainforest and the great barrier reef. You’ll have guaranteed interaction with the spectacular beauty of over 15,000 aquatic animals without the need to get wet or even leave the city.
Day 12 - Cairns
Overnight: Cairns
Daintree Rainforest excursion
Starting in the mid afternoon when the sun is highest in the sky, experience the magical views of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, perhaps the region’s most scenic coastal highway. Observe the changes in habitat diversity as you venture north to the Daintree Tropical Rainforest where we cruise the Daintree River looking out for wildlife on a quiet, clean, solar-electric boat with zero environmental impact. Arrive at Cape Tribulation, a World Heritage area with pristine beaches, rainforest, cool streams, towering mountains and freshwater valleys. Dinner included, in the Rainforest, with a delicious range of cuisine on offer at Whet Restaurant. A wildlife tour in Far North Queensland is not complete without a night walk. Much of the local wildlife has adopted a nocturnal lifestyle to avoid to heat of the day in the tropical climate. Perhaps the most unique and memorable part of this experience is to observe nocturnal wildlife in the Wet Tropics.
Day 13- Cairns
Overnight: Cairns
Frankland Islands, Great Barrier Reef
On our last full day together we are whisked away to spend the day in and around the Frankland Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Options for all levels of appetite-for-adventure; stay on dry land, snorkel, or scuba. A soul-cleansing natural day out. The spectacular coral formations and underwater gardens of the world-famous reef are awash with vibrantly colored marine creatures. Locations may vary with the day’s conditions however each site is chosen for visual impact, ecological diversity and the challenge of discovery. Enjoy a special last night meal together and toast new friends!
Day 14 – Tour Over
No overnight accommodation
Tour over after breakfast
Breakfast is provided today but there are no group activities. From Cairns you may take your international flight to your onwards destination or back home. Ask us about onward travel advice if you wish to extend your time in Australia. Our Australian partners can assist with booking further accommodation, flights or extended itinerary planning.
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
All details bound by Mondumo Terms and Conditions.
Our Australian travel partner, One Pacific Pty Ltd (a member of the Australian Tourism Export Council) has been certified as COVID ready.
If you have any questions about this tour please email colin@mondumo.com
More Details
Route
Tour starts in Sydney and ends in Cairns.
Tour Dates
Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are holding off on setting dates for future tours until a definite timescale for the restart of international travel becomes available. You can still join our “first to know list” in the meantime.
Minimum NUmbers
This tour requires a minimum of 9 tour members to run due to the group booking requirement of our internal flights. At the time of booking/enquiry we can let you know how many are already booked – just ask!
Accommodation
13 nights accommodation in: Sydney (3 nights), Melbourne (4 nights), Uluru/Ayers Rock (2 nights), Cairns (4 nights). Hotels:
- Sydney – Rydges Sydney Harbour
- Melbourne – The Savoy on Little Collins
- Uluru – Sails in the Desert
- Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) – Riley
Hotels provisionally booked are listed above. Hotels are subject to change. Please re-confirm hotels before making bookings for extra nights.
Activity Level
This tour is fairly active. To get the most out of the experience, you should be in reasonably good shape. The most active days average 5-6 miles of walking (often over uneven surfaces and including climbing hills or steps). You will have to carry your own bag up to your hotel room, so we also advise packing light!
Tour Price
Twin share USD $7,999 per person. Tour price covers: accommodation every night of the tour; all breakfasts; 5 other meals; transportation throughout the tour; all 4 internal flights as mentioned on the itinerary; services of professional tour guides and Mondumo escort; admissions for all group activities mentioned on the itinerary; all tips/gratuities for drivers, local guides and waiting staff at group meals.
Early Bird Price
We have an "Early Pay Discount" price of USD $7,699 per person twin share. This requires paying the full balance 9 months before the tour departure date. (Full Price tour cost requires paying the final balance up until three months before departure).
Single Supplements
Optional single supplements — we have a limited number of private rooms for solo travellers at an additional fee.
Solo Travellers
Solo travellers may be able to arrange a same gender room share. Email colin@mondumo.com to discuss.
Note
You are responsible for the cost of your own drinks at meals and costs of free-time sightseeing. International flights (including flights required between Australia and New Zealand) and airport transfers are not included in the tour cost and should be arranged by yourself or with the help of a travel agent. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of tour and flight booking. See Terms and Conditions for important details regarding all of the above.
