Inspiring Australia
Inspiring Australia
Inspiring Australia
13 Days Starting in Cairns, Australia and ending in Sydney, Australia
Visiting: Cairns, Daintree Rainforest, Uluru, Melbourne, Sydney, Hunter Valley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IJFLY24
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Inspiring Australia" tour, a 13-day journey through the heart of Australia, offering a blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking natural wonders. Begin in Cairns, exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide, and choose between snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef or a scenic railway journey to Kuranda. Experience the magic of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, with guided walks and a memorable Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Discover Melbourne's vibrant culture and indulge in the Yarra Valley's culinary delights. In Sydney, enjoy a harbor cruise, explore the iconic Opera House, and savor a celebration dinner at Bennelong. With premium accommodations, including The Reef House and The Langham Hotel, and a small group setting, this tour promises unforgettable experiences and insights into Australia's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Cairns - Palm Cove
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: The Reef House
Welcome to Tropical North Queensland! This afternoon join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception followed by a Welcome Dinner at Reef House Restaurant. Nestled under Melaleuca trees with views across the Coral Sea, you will dine on modern Australian cuisine using fresh North Queensland produce.
Day 2: Daintree Rainforest
Location: Daintree Rainforest
Accommodation Name: The Reef House
Meals Included: Lunch
Today will be an incredible day to remember. Join your Indigenous Guide on an exclusive journey to discover the Daintree and gain rich insight into the deep relationship the local Kuku Yalanji people have with their land. Depending on the tide, learn about cultural traditions, bush foods, and traditional medicine; experience traditional hunting techniques, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky and depending on the tide, see a mud crab. Enjoy lunch in the Daintree. Tonight, you can relax and dine at your leisure.
Day 3: Cairns Included Choice
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: The Reef House
Today you can explore tropical Cairns in your own style with an Included Choice option. Choose to board a Quicksilver wave piercing catamaran for your cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The friendly professional crew will take you to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Choose to snorkel (equipment provided) or you can stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi submersible. A hot and cold tropical buffet is served before you return to Palm Cove this afternoon. If breathtaking rainforest views and exploring quaint a village calls to you, select a day in Kuranda on the Skyrail & Scenic Rail. Nestled in the mountaintop rainforest west of Cairns, is the charming 'Village in the Rainforest' Kuranda. Your day begins with the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway journey. Sit back, relax and take in the spectacular views as you wind your way up to quaint village of Kuranda. There is plenty of time to explore, including the Heritage Markets which operate daily. Then it’s time to board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for your return journey, gliding silently over and through the rainforest, enjoying beautiful views along the way.
Day 4: Cairns - Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Sails in the Desert Hotel
Today we fly from Cairns to the heart of the Red Centre, Uluru. This afternoon you’re off to the domes of Kata Tjuta where you’ll join your Travel Director for a guided-walk through Walpa Gorge. The large, steep dome-like formations of Kata Tjuta are amazing to walk through and have great cultural significance for the Anangu people. Later this afternoon you will witness a spectacular Uluru sunset. Enjoy sparkling wine while you watch Uluru change colour as the sun sets below the horizon.
Day 5: Uluru
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Sails in the Desert Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise early to experience the renowned Field of Light by artist Bruce Munro, where 50,000 glass spheres in colours of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white, have been installed within sight of Uluru. Wander through the paths and then, from the dune-top, watch as the dawn creeps across the desert plain and lights up the Red Centre. After breakfast you will have the opportunity to take a walk around part of the base of Uluru and hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole. Then it’s off to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for an insight into the history of the local Anangu people. This evening a Local Dining Experience at the award-winning Sounds of Silence Dinner under the sparkling outback sky will leave you delighted.
Day 6: Uluru - Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: InterContinental Melbourne
Meals Included: Dinner
Start the day with an unforgettable experience as you watch the sun rise over Uluru. Be mesmerised as this sacred monolith is illuminated by a kaleidoscope of colour while taking in the peacefulness of the morning. Then, fly to the vibrant city of Melbourne known for its rich coffee culture, colourful street art and bustling night life. After settling in, be treated to a delicious Welcome Dinner. Tonight, you will be staying in the heart of the city at the InterContinental Hotel, an icon of glamour and grace. Its façade is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, while its elegant interiors weave a tapestry of contemporary elegance.
Day 7: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: InterContinental Melbourne
Meals Included: Lunch
Venture to the Yarra Valley famous for its boutique local food, wine and breathtaking scenery. Firstly, visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie to take a Masterclass. Visit a local winery to learn about their vintages before enjoying lunch with local wines. Explore more of this wonderful wine region including more tastings before returning to Melbourne for a free evening.
Day 8: Melbourne - Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: The Langham Hotel Sydney
Meals Included: Lunch
The morning is yours. Why not explore Melbourne’s world-famous laneways or treat yourself to some shopping at the local stylish boutique stores? Explore all the sites Melbourne has to offer with a city orientation tour, then enjoy lunch at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu. Run by Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero, this restaurant celebrates contemporary Indigenous culture through cuisine, with an explosion of native Australian bush flavours, from finger lime to quandong. You will then jet off to Sydney, a metropolis by the sea.
Day 9: Sydney - Hunter Valley
Location: Hunter Valley
Accommodation Name: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
Enjoy a Sydney sightseeing tour including a visit to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for panoramic views over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Mid morning offers you an Included Choice activity so you can see more of the Harbour City. Escape to a world long ago, before colonial settlement and be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth. Join an Aboriginal guide for a 90-minute leisurely walkabout through the Rocks District, hear dreamtime stories passed down from Elders and discover how Aboriginal people existed by the harbour. For a different pace, say ‘cheers’ to your local guide from Dave’s Tours on a historic walking tour of some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of the Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts, and stories of Australia's first European settlement. This afternoon, depart Sydney for the Hunter Valley wine region.
Day 10: Hunter Valley
Location: Hunter Valley
Accommodation Name: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
Meals Included: Lunch
Spend the day exploring the amazing Hunter Valley Wine Region. It includes good food, great wine and beautiful scenery. Indulge in exclusive private wine tastings at boutique vineyards and sit down to an exceptional tasting lunch. There will be time to explore a cheese shop, chocolatier, and more before spending the evening at leisure. You may like to relax on your balcony with a good book and bottle of wine or treat yourself to one of the dining options.
Day 11: Hunter Valley - Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: The Langham Hotel Sydney
Meals Included: Lunch
Return to Sydney in time to cruise magical Sydney Harbour. Cruise around the glistening harbour while you savour a delicious lunch with a strong focus on local produce and wines. Relax on the spacious deck as you sail past the harbour’s iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and small secluded coves surrounded by multi-million-dollar waterfront homes. This evening is free for you to explore and discover one of Sydney’s local restaurants.
Day 12: Sydney At Leisure
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: The Langham Hotel Sydney
Meals Included: Dinner
Wake up to a day at leisure in the harbour city of Sydney. There are so many sights to experience. You may choose to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take the ferry to Manly Beach, or explore some of the lesser-known interesting pockets of Sydney to see how the locals live. Late afternoon join a VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House before a Celebration Dinner at Peter Gilmore’s Bennelong restaurant under the sails of the Opera House itself, the perfect location for our last meal together.
Day 13: Farewell From Sydney
Location: Sydney
Your Inspiring Journey concludes after breakfast when you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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International Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or taking the ferry to Manly Beach are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Internal-holiday flights are included, with transfers from Cairns to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs to Sydney. Return airport to hotel transfers are also included. Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 12 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at The Reef House in Palm Cove, Sails in the Desert Hotel at Uluru, Intercontinental Melbourne, The Langham Hotel Sydney, and voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 12 Full Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
- 1 Local Dining Experience (LD)
- 3 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 1 Celebration Dinner (CD)
Explore
- Wander through the domes of Kata Tjuta, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and cruise on Sydney Harbour. Wander through the domes of Kata Tjuta.
Fitness Requirement
- Low level of fitness required. Kings Canyon Rim Walk: High level of fitness required. This 6km hike will not be suitable for all guests. The first 30-minute incline is considered 'Difficult'. The Journey Director will offer guest an easier alternative walk along the creek bed for those unable to hike to the rim.
Flight information
- Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 2.00pm into Cairns Airport Day 13 – flights to depart anytime from Sydney Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included Internal-holiday flights IncludedPlease note that prices include land and internal-holiday airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary:Day 4 – Cairns to Ayers RockDay 8 – Alice Springs to Sydney
Immerse
- Delve into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest and meet host Danny in Alice Springs for an Aussie BBQ in the vast outback.
- Delve into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest, and on a walk at the base of Uluru.
- Delve into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest, and on a walk at the base of Uluru.
Indulge
- Dine at the Sounds of Silence in Uluru and devour Australian cuisine at Bennelong inside the Sydney Opera House.
- Dine at the Sounds of Silence in Uluru. Devour Australian cuisine inside the Sydney Opera House at Bennelong.
Relax
- Enjoy serenity at The Langham’s star-dappled ceiling pool and stay in the heart of the Tropics at the Reef House Palm Cove.
- Enjoy serenity at The Langham’s star-dappled ceiling pool and stay in the heart of the Tropics at the Reef House Palm Cove.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as delving into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide, exploring the base of Uluru, and participating in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the outback sky.
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Are there any fitness requirements for the activities on this tour?
A low level of fitness is generally required for the tour, but the Kings Canyon Rim Walk requires a high level of fitness. This 6km hike includes a difficult 30-minute incline, though an easier alternative walk along the creek bed is available for those unable to hike to the rim.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
The tour offers a variety of dining experiences, including a Local Dining Experience at the award-winning Sounds of Silence Dinner, a Welcome Dinner in Melbourne, and a Celebration Dinner at Bennelong inside the Sydney Opera House. There are also opportunities to enjoy local produce and wines during a lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The tour is designed for small groups with a maximum of 16 guests.
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Are internal flights included in the tour package?
Yes, internal-holiday flights are included in the tour package, covering transfers from Cairns to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs to Sydney. However, flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 12 nights of premium accommodation at locations such as The Reef House in Palm Cove, Sails in the Desert Hotel at Uluru, Intercontinental Melbourne, The Langham Hotel Sydney, and voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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