Highlights of Australia

Highlights of Australia

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12 Days From

$5320

$4880

Highlights of Australia

12 Days Starting in Melbourne, Australia and ending in Sydney, Australia

Visiting: Arrive In Melbourne, Australia, Melbourne, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Uluru, Cairns, Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef, Sydney

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

3350-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $5320 $4880 Operator discount: -$440

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Stunning natural attractions, vibrant cities, remote regions, and friendly people…this is Australia, and on this Australia tour, you’ll experience all of this and more. Start in Melbourne, end in Sydney, and overnight along the way in Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Cairns.

No vacation to Australia is complete without seeing the incomparable Great Barrier Reef. On this Australia tour, you’ll take a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and have the chance to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. With the radiant colors and fish swimming by you, it is nothing short of spectacular! But that’s not all. You’ll also witness the spectacular geological wonders of Uluru, the iconic monolith and symbol of the Outback, and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), with its red rocks and 36 brilliant domes. Tour the base of Uluru with its caves and Aboriginal paintings and enjoy a champagne toast while watching Uluru change colors at sunset--an amazing sight indeed!

Also visit some of Australia’s most famous cities. In Sydney, cruise along the world-famous Sydney Harbour. In Melbourne, enjoy guided sightseeing of the city’s landmarks. In Melbourne, Cairns, and Sydney, you’ll also enjoy plenty of free time to explore and discover on your own. From the remote Outback to the tropical Great Barrier Reef, this Australia tour—designed for value-minded, savvy travel lover—is a dream vacation!

Highlights

  • Explore Melbourne's landmarks including Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance.

  • Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station in Alice Springs.

  • Journey through the Outback and enjoy views of Kata Tjuta and Uluru at sunset.

  • Tour the base of Uluru and see Aboriginal paintings.

  • Board a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and experience snorkeling, glass-bottom-boat tours, and an underwater observatory.

  • Explore Cairns, including the scenic railway to Kuranda and a cable car over the tropical rainforest canopy.

  • Go inside the Sydney Opera House and take a cruise along Sydney Harbour for views of the city skyline.

  • Discover Sydney's attractions such as the Rocks district, Darling Harbour, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Places You'll See

Citadines On Bourke

Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge

Park Regis City Quays

Novotel Sydney City Centre

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Melbourne,Australia

Location: Arrive In Melbourne, Australia

Welcome to Australia! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Welcome to Australia! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.

Day 2: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a city sightseeing tour which includes landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.MELBOURNE This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a city sightseeing tour which includes landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)

Day 3: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

A full free day to explore more of Melbourne on your own. Consider an optional day tour to the scenic Great Ocean Road to see the soaring limestone pillars of the “Twelve Apostles,” chiseled over 10 to 20 million years above the ocean. Perhaps the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is more your speed.MELBOURNE A full free day to explore more of Melbourne on your own. Consider an optional day tour to the scenic Great Ocean Road to see the soaring limestone pillars of the “Twelve Apostles,” chiseled over 10 to 20 million years above the ocean. Perhaps the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is more your speed. (B)

Day 4: Melbourne,Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Location: Melbourne, Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, fly to the heart of the Outback.MELBOURNE–ULURU (AYERS ROCK) Today, fly to the heart of the Outback. (B)

Day 5: Uluru

Location: Uluru

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a tour at the base of Uluru, the extraordinary monolith whose circumference is studded with caves decorated with Aboriginal paintings. Later, travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 36 brilliant domes. Tonight, visit the Sunset Strip, where you will enjoy a champagne toast while experiencing one of the world’s greatest spectacles--Uluru at sunset.ULURU Enjoy a tour at the base of Uluru, the extraordinary monolith whose circumference is studded with caves decorated with Aboriginal paintings. Later, travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 36 brilliant domes. Tonight, visit the Sunset Strip, where you will enjoy a champagne toast while experiencing one of the world’s greatest spectacles--Uluru at sunset. (B)

Day 6: Uluru,Cairns

Location: Uluru, Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” NOTE: Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Uluru to Cairns. Arrival in Cairns may be late in the evening. Luggage restrictions may apply to this flight. Please speak to your Tour Director for full details.ULURU–CAIRNS Today, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” (B)NOTE: Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Uluru to Cairns. Arrival in Cairns may be late in the evening. Luggage restrictions may apply to this flight. Please speak to your Tour Director for full details.

Day 7: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef

Location: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The world’s largest coral reef, made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and over 1,250 miles long, is one of our planet’s most amazing natural wonders. Board a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Experience this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to snorkel, take a glass-bottom-boat tour, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding. Return to Cairns, where your evening is at leisure.CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF The world’s largest coral reef, made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and over 1,250 miles long, is one of our planet’s most amazing natural wonders. Board a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Experience this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to snorkel, take a glass-bottom-boat tour, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding. Return to Cairns, where your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 8: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is yours to relax and explore. Set amid lush rainforests, soaring peaks, and the ocean, Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Explore its many attractions, including a scenic railway, which runs to the picturesque market town of Kuranda and a cable car that glides over Australia’s World-Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.CAIRNS Today is yours to relax and explore. Set amid lush rainforests, soaring peaks, and the ocean, Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Explore its many attractions, including a scenic railway, which runs to the picturesque market town of Kuranda and a cable car that glides over Australia’s World-Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)

Day 9: Cairns,Sydney

Location: Cairns, Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

Board your flight to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Tonight, you may wish to enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant.CAIRNS–SYDNEY Board your flight to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Tonight, you may wish to enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B)

Day 10: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sydney boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, home to the instantly recognizable Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous architectural wonder--the Sydney Opera House. Go inside the Opera House, one of the most well-known buildings in the world, and learn about the history, architectural design and be awed by the acoustics. Later, your sightseeing tour will take you through the heart of Sydney. End the day with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline.SYDNEY Sydney boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, home to the instantly recognizable Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous architectural wonder--the Sydney Opera House. Go inside the Opera House, one of the most well-known buildings in the world, and learn about the history, architectural design and be awed by the acoustics. Later, your sightseeing tour will take you through the heart of Sydney. End the day with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline. (B)

Day 11: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may wish to wander the cobblestone streets of the Rocks district, explore vibrant Darling Harbour, or climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a festive farewell dinner.SYDNEY Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may wish to wander the cobblestone streets of the Rocks district, explore vibrant Darling Harbour, or climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 12: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.SYDNEY Your vacation ends this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Citadines on Bourke, Mercure Alice Springs, Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, Park Regis City Quays, and Mercure Sydney Wynyard.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 1 farewell dinner.

  • City Sightseeing Tour

    Enjoy a city sightseeing tour in Melbourne including landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance.

  • Great Barrier Reef Excursion

    Board a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with options to snorkel, take a glass-bottom-boat tour, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding.

  • Sydney Harbour Cruise

    End the day with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline.

  • Tour Director and Local Guides

    Expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides ensure that your health and safety is our top priority.

  • Small Group Discoveries

    Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and Wet Tropics of Queensland.

What's Not Included

  • Pre-Night Accommodation

    A pre-night is not required for early check-in.

  • Additional Sightseeing and Activities

    Optional day tours to the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, and other additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and other items of a personal nature are not included.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Australia are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Luggage Restrictions

    Luggage restrictions may apply to flights within the tour.

    Please speak to your Tour Director for full details.

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Small Group

Each Cosmos Africa safari tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Safari Guide/Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery African safari vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland

Accommodation

Melbourne:Citadines on Bourke
Uluru:Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge
Cairns:Park Regis City Quays
Sydney:Novotel Sydney City Centre

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in Melbourne?

    In Melbourne, you will have a city sightseeing tour that includes landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. You will also have free time to explore on your own, with suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining provided by your Tour Director.

  • What will I experience at Uluru?

    At Uluru, you will enjoy a tour at the base of the extraordinary monolith, which is decorated with Aboriginal paintings. You will also visit a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and experience a champagne toast while watching the sunset at the Sunset Strip.

  • What can I do during the free day in Cairns?

    During your free day in Cairns, you can relax and explore the city, which is set amid lush rainforests, soaring peaks, and the ocean. Attractions include a scenic railway to the picturesque market town of Kuranda and a cable car that glides over Australia’s World-Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

  • What is included in the Great Barrier Reef excursion?

    The Great Barrier Reef excursion includes a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where you can choose to snorkel, take a glass-bottom-boat tour, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding. You will return to Cairns in the evening.

  • What are the highlights of the Sydney tour?

    In Sydney, you will visit the Sydney Opera House and learn about its history and architectural design. You will also have a sightseeing tour through the heart of Sydney and end the day with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline.

  • What kind of wildlife might I see during the journey from Alice Springs to Uluru?

    During the journey from Alice Springs to Uluru, you may see red kangaroos, dingoes, camels, and feral horses known as 'Brumbies.'

  • What are the accommodation options during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at Citadines on Bourke in Melbourne, Mercure Alice Springs, Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, Park Regis City Quays in Cairns, and Mercure Sydney Wynyard. These hotels offer various amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, restaurants, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast daily, one lunch, and one farewell dinner.

  • Is there a small group option available for this tour?

    Yes, Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. These tours include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, with extra space between travelers and a focus on health and safety.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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Tuesday - Saturday

Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$5320 $4880

Operator discount: -$440

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Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$5474

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Sep 23, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
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Operator discount: -$440

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Operator discount: -$440

Tuesday - Saturday

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Operator discount: -$440

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Feb 03, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
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Operator discount: -$566

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Feb 24, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
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Operator discount: -$566

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Operator discount: -$566

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$5969 $5403

Operator discount: -$566

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Apr 28, 2026 - May 09, 2026
$5969 $5403

Operator discount: -$566

Tuesday - Saturday

Sep 22, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026
$6037 $5471

Operator discount: -$566

Tuesday - Saturday

Oct 13, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
$6037 $5471

Operator discount: -$566

Tuesday - Saturday

Nov 03, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
$6037 $5471

Operator discount: -$566

Tuesday - Saturday

Nov 24, 2026 - Dec 05, 2026
$6037 $5471

Operator discount: -$566

Prices last published on 20-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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