Down Under Discovery

20 Day Tour from Auckland to Sydney

Vacation Overview

Crikey! If you’ve always wanted a complete tour of Down Under, with no red stone left uncovered, this is it. Doubling the fun with sightseeing in Australia and New Zealand, this exciting vacation covers New Zealand’s North and South Islands as well as Australia’s vibrant cities, golden beaches, and mystical Red Center. From Rotorua’s boiling mud pools to Waitomo’s Glowworm Caves, you’ll kick off your tour with the hottest--and coolest--sights of New Zealand. Aptly named “The Remarkables,” the South Island’s mountain range sets the tone for the incredible sights you’ll see throughout the land of the kiwi--and the home of the kangaroo. As you hop from Melbourne to Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Cairns to Sydney, you’ll marvel at the architectural masterpieces of Australia’s renowned cities, the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, and a special highlight of this encompassing journey--a boomerang-throwing barbecue under the starlit Outback sky.

Itinerary


Day 1 ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND A Māori Welcome Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. AUCKLAND-CITYSCAPE.jpg Dinner
Day 2 AUCKLAND The City of Sails Start your day with a visit to the All Blacks Experience followed by a sightseeing tour of Auckland. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS OF THE GAME Emerge yourself into the legacy, culture and people who have made the All Blacks rugby team an important part of the history of New Zealand. You’ll experience first-hand the excitement and emotion of game day and be inspired by the full force of the haka. Hear about past and present legends of the game and enjoy hands-on interactions. You’ll quickly understand how deeply this team and sport are intertwined with the heart and heritage of the country. AUCKLAND-ALL-BLACKS.jpg Breakfast
Day 3 AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–ROTORUA New Zealand Treasures Depart Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the Famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Enjoy a Hangi dinner this evening. LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient Māori traditions. Tour the village and learn about Māori traditions and customs followed by a delicious Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). You’ll be entertained by master storytellers and singers, and you might even be asked to join in a Haka, the traditional war dance. TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Your visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves starts with a guided tour through the limestone chambers, delicate formations, and passages of the cavern. Next, discover an ancient world of 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. See the lights of thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their light in a subterranean world. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. WAITOMO.jpg Breakfast Dinner
Day 4 ROTORUA Earthly Wonders This morning, enjoy a guided tour and a special visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Then, visit the Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries–sheep! Continue to Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area. The remainder of the day is at leisure. LOCAL FAVORITE CONSERVATION HEROES Only about 5% of all Kiwi birds hatched in the wild survive to adulthood making them endangered. At The National Kiwi Hatchery, you’ll see conservation in action. Known as the national leader in hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing, you’ll see each stage a kiwi chick goes through before being released into the national parks. 100% of your entry goes straight back to the Kiwi hatching program. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Rotorua with an optional floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful region, join a New Zealand family for dinner in their home, or indulge yourself in the relaxing hot springs, sumptuous spa treatments, and massage therapies at the Polynesian Spa. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time. ROTORUA-KIWI.jpg Breakfast
Day 5 ROTORUA–CHRISTCHURCH–MOUNT COOK AREA Night Lights Fly to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, then travel south to magnificent Mount Cook region, named after New Zealand’s highest peak. The Mount Cook region offers some of the darkest skies in the world – perfect for viewing the southern night sky. MOUNT-COOK.jpg Breakfast Dinner
Day 6 MOUNT COOK AREA–QUEENSTOWN Alpine Adventures Start the day with a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Then, time to explore on your own. Continue to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with one of the many spectacular scenic walks or perhaps an optional scenic flight that lands on nearby Tasman Glacier. QUEENSTOWN-CITYSCAPE.jpg Breakfast
Day 7 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND Fjords, Forest & Falls Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late evening return to Queenstown. NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 8 depending on weather and road conditions today. TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Cruise on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. Experience dense rainforest, towering mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Have your cameras ready for marine life such as playful dolphins, seals, and penguins. It will be a day to remember as you experience New Zealand’s wild side at its absolute best! MILFORD-SOUND.jpg Breakfast Lunch
Day 8 QUEENSTOWN Vineyards & Views A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. TOUR HIGHLIGHT AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains. Make sure to have your camera ready for fantastic photo opportunities. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with an optional visit to a local vineyard, or maybe take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time. QUEENSTOWN-SHOTOVER-JET.jpg Breakfast Dinner
Day 9 QUEENSTOWN–MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA On to Australia Board your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Enjoy three nights in the city often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital. Melbourne is a blend of world-class restaurants, museums, shopping, and interesting hidden laneways. MELBOURNE-SKYLINE.jpg Breakfast
Day 10 MELBOURNE G’day Melbourne! Today’s sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, then drive past the Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll soon discover the different architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Following lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck. Enjoy free time the remainder of the day. TOUR HIGHLIGHT REACH NEW HEIGHTS Be ready to be wowed when you travel to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck, the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck. The city comes to you when you take it all in from nearly 1,000 feet/300 metres high. Enjoy awe inspiring views of Melbourne from the observation deck. The Skydeck will change the way you look at Melbourne and maybe the world. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Tonight’s optional excursion is a visit to see the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Experience the magic of little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. Watch as these beloved fairy penguins waddle from the ocean to their burrows in the sand around you. You’ll get up close and personal from the special Penguins Plus grandstand. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time. MELBOURNE-PHILLIP-ISLAND-PENGUIN-PARADE-SIGN.jpg Breakfast Lunch
Day 11 MELBOURNE Cosmopolitan Cool Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Melbourne by dining at a local restaurant to immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene, or walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for great shopping. Take a trip out of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles.” MELBOURNE-YARRA-VALLEY-VINEYARDS.jpg Breakfast
Day 12 MELBOURNE–ALICE SPRINGS Into the Outback Today, fly to the Outback where sightseeing includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station. Tonight, a unique Outback Barbecue features typical campfire fare and awe-inspiring Outback ambiance. NOTE: Due to the remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Melbourne to Alice Springs. LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES A fun filled evening of entertainment and outback cuisine is in store for you this evening. Huddle around a cozy campfire, learn about bush damper cooking, enjoy music, local storytelling, and a boomerang demonstration. Sink your teeth into a mouth-watering meal of prime Australian beef and wet your whistle with a cold drink. There’s even time for some star gazing to finish off this memorable evening. TOUR HIGHLIGHT FLIGHT FOR LIFE The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was established in 1928 to bring much needed medical care to the residents of the remote Outback. Learn the history of Reverend John Flynn, the founder, and hear the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. Through the interactive displays you can experience what it’s like to fly with an RFDS pilot and the issues they have faced from dirt runways, inadequate maps, and more. ALICE-SPRINGS-OLD-TELEGRAPH-STATION.jpg Breakfast Dinner
Day 13 ALICE SPRINGS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK) Rock Stars Travel by coach to Uluru. Upon arrival, visit a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological spectacle of some 36 brilliant domes. There is time to take photos before visiting the “Sunset Strip” for a drink and to witness the changing hues of light painting the rock. TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Experience a spectacular way to end the day at Uluru. This fascinating icon stands 1,141 feet (348 meters) high, however, most of its mass is below ground level. You’ll be overwhelmed by its incredible size, presence, and inherent spirituality. As the sun sinks over the horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of color for which Uluru is famous, you’ll enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles and say goodbye to another wonderful day. ULURU-KATA-TJUTA.jpg Breakfast
Day 14 ULURU–CAIRNS Sunrise & Wheels Up Your Outback adventure continues with free time this morning. Later, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,” one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. 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. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with the extraordinary experience of an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. For an even more amazing view of Uluru, perhaps take an optional aircraft ride to see this scenic region. CAIRNS-AQUARIUM.jpg Breakfast
Day 15 CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Below the Surface Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a brilliant kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure. TOUR HIGHLIGHT BUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Comprising of over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometres), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amid a dazzling array of fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings. CAIRNS-GREAT-BARRIER-REEF.jpg Breakfast Lunch
Day 16 CAIRNS Ticket to Paradise A full day at leisure. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE For a truly amazing experience consider an optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey, you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; or maybe spend the day in the magical Daintree Rainforest thought to be the planet’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest. Your Tour Director will have recommendations for shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing. CAIRNS-SKYRAIL.jpg Breakfast
Day 17 CAIRNS–SYDNEY Koalas, Crocs & Roos, Oh My! This morning, enjoy a special visit to the Koala Gardens. Later, fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Sydney is home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taronga Zoo. TOUR HIGHLIGHT WILD & WONDERFUL See Australia’s famous animals this morning with a visit to the Koala Gardens. See kangaroos, wombats, quokkas, wallabies, gliders and of course the famous salt-water crocodiles. You’ll also have a chance to see koalas doing what they do best – eating, sleeping, and looking adorable. Before your visit ends, you’ll have a photo taken with a koala – the perfect souvenir! SYDNEY-KOALA.jpg Breakfast
Day 18 SYDNEY Sights & Bites Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House and travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s botanic gardens for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Next, visit world-famous Bondi beach for an insider’s tour of Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club with one of the lifesavers. Afterward, a cruise on Sydney Harbour Highlights some of the city’s best views LOCAL FAVORITE HISTORIC SPOT Enjoy lunch at the historic North Bondi Returned Servicemen’s Leagues Club. Learn about the history of this place and the courageous “Rats of Tobruk” that stopped the Nazis in North Africa during WWII. You’ll enjoy delicious food while looking out at amazing waterfront views. TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM The Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was designed by Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect, and was finally completed in 1973, after sixteen years of construction, at a cost of over $100 million dollars. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Opera House and see its interiors and theaters. Hear untold stories, be awed by the acoustics, and learn the history and future of this amazing hall beneath the sails. SYDNEY-OPERA-HOUSE-AND-BRIDGE.jpg Breakfast Lunch
Day 19 SYDNEY Spectacular Sydney Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE You may choose to take an optional excursion to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience or to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even 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. BLUE-MOUNTAINS-THREE-SISTERS.jpg Breakfast Dinner
Day 20 SYDNEY Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast 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-KOALA.jpg Breakfast

Day 1 ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

A Māori Welcome Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.

AUCKLAND-CITYSCAPE.jpg

Dinner

Day 2 AUCKLAND

The City of Sails Start your day with a visit to the All Blacks Experience followed by a sightseeing tour of Auckland. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS OF THE GAME Emerge yourself into the legacy, culture and people who have made the All Blacks rugby team an important part of the history of New Zealand. You’ll experience first-hand the excitement and emotion of game day and be inspired by the full force of the haka. Hear about past and present legends of the game and enjoy hands-on interactions. You’ll quickly understand how deeply this team and sport are intertwined with the heart and heritage of the country.

AUCKLAND-ALL-BLACKS.jpg

Breakfast

Day 3 AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–ROTORUA

New Zealand Treasures Depart Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the Famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Enjoy a Hangi dinner this evening.

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient Māori traditions. Tour the village and learn about Māori traditions and customs followed by a delicious Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). You’ll be entertained by master storytellers and singers, and you might even be asked to join in a Haka, the traditional war dance.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Your visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves starts with a guided tour through the limestone chambers, delicate formations, and passages of the cavern. Next, discover an ancient world of 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. See the lights of thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their light in a subterranean world. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do.

WAITOMO.jpg

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 4 ROTORUA

Earthly Wonders This morning, enjoy a guided tour and a special visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Then, visit the Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries–sheep! Continue to Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

LOCAL FAVORITE
CONSERVATION HEROES Only about 5% of all Kiwi birds hatched in the wild survive to adulthood making them endangered. At The National Kiwi Hatchery, you’ll see conservation in action. Known as the national leader in hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing, you’ll see each stage a kiwi chick goes through before being released into the national parks. 100% of your entry goes straight back to the Kiwi hatching program.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Rotorua with an optional floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful region, join a New Zealand family for dinner in their home, or indulge yourself in the relaxing hot springs, sumptuous spa treatments, and massage therapies at the Polynesian Spa. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

ROTORUA-KIWI.jpg

Breakfast

Day 5 ROTORUA–CHRISTCHURCH–MOUNT COOK AREA

Night Lights Fly to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, then travel south to magnificent Mount Cook region, named after New Zealand’s highest peak. The Mount Cook region offers some of the darkest skies in the world – perfect for viewing the southern night sky.

MOUNT-COOK.jpg

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 6 MOUNT COOK AREA–QUEENSTOWN

Alpine Adventures Start the day with a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Then, time to explore on your own. Continue to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with one of the many spectacular scenic walks or perhaps an optional scenic flight that lands on nearby Tasman Glacier.

QUEENSTOWN-CITYSCAPE.jpg

Breakfast

Day 7 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND

Fjords, Forest & Falls Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late evening return to Queenstown.

NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 8 depending on weather and road conditions today.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Cruise on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. Experience dense rainforest, towering mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Have your cameras ready for marine life such as playful dolphins, seals, and penguins. It will be a day to remember as you experience New Zealand’s wild side at its absolute best!

MILFORD-SOUND.jpg

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 8 QUEENSTOWN

Vineyards & Views A full day at leisure for your own discoveries.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains. Make sure to have your camera ready for fantastic photo opportunities.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with an optional visit to a local vineyard, or maybe take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

QUEENSTOWN-SHOTOVER-JET.jpg

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 9 QUEENSTOWN–MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

On to Australia Board your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Enjoy three nights in the city often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital. Melbourne is a blend of world-class restaurants, museums, shopping, and interesting hidden laneways.

MELBOURNE-SKYLINE.jpg

Breakfast

Day 10 MELBOURNE

G’day Melbourne! Today’s sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, then drive past the Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll soon discover the different architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Following lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck. Enjoy free time the remainder of the day.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
REACH NEW HEIGHTS Be ready to be wowed when you travel to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck, the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck. The city comes to you when you take it all in from nearly 1,000 feet/300 metres high. Enjoy awe inspiring views of Melbourne from the observation deck. The Skydeck will change the way you look at Melbourne and maybe the world.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Tonight’s optional excursion is a visit to see the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Experience the magic of little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. Watch as these beloved fairy penguins waddle from the ocean to their burrows in the sand around you. You’ll get up close and personal from the special Penguins Plus grandstand. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

MELBOURNE-PHILLIP-ISLAND-PENGUIN-PARADE-SIGN.jpg

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 11 MELBOURNE

Cosmopolitan Cool Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Melbourne by dining at a local restaurant to immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene, or walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for great shopping. Take a trip out of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles.”

MELBOURNE-YARRA-VALLEY-VINEYARDS.jpg

Breakfast

Day 12 MELBOURNE–ALICE SPRINGS

Into the Outback Today, fly to the Outback where sightseeing includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station. Tonight, a unique Outback Barbecue features typical campfire fare and awe-inspiring Outback ambiance.

NOTE: Due to the remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Melbourne to Alice Springs.

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES A fun filled evening of entertainment and outback cuisine is in store for you this evening. Huddle around a cozy campfire, learn about bush damper cooking, enjoy music, local storytelling, and a boomerang demonstration. Sink your teeth into a mouth-watering meal of prime Australian beef and wet your whistle with a cold drink. There’s even time for some star gazing to finish off this memorable evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FLIGHT FOR LIFE The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was established in 1928 to bring much needed medical care to the residents of the remote Outback. Learn the history of Reverend John Flynn, the founder, and hear the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. Through the interactive displays you can experience what it’s like to fly with an RFDS pilot and the issues they have faced from dirt runways, inadequate maps, and more.

ALICE-SPRINGS-OLD-TELEGRAPH-STATION.jpg

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 13 ALICE SPRINGS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK)

Rock Stars Travel by coach to Uluru. Upon arrival, visit a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological spectacle of some 36 brilliant domes. There is time to take photos before visiting the “Sunset Strip” for a drink and to witness the changing hues of light painting the rock.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Experience a spectacular way to end the day at Uluru. This fascinating icon stands 1,141 feet (348 meters) high, however, most of its mass is below ground level. You’ll be overwhelmed by its incredible size, presence, and inherent spirituality. As the sun sinks over the horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of color for which Uluru is famous, you’ll enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles and say goodbye to another wonderful day.

ULURU-KATA-TJUTA.jpg

Breakfast

Day 14 ULURU–CAIRNS

Sunrise & Wheels Up Your Outback adventure continues with free time this morning. Later, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,” one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

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.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with the extraordinary experience of an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. For an even more amazing view of Uluru, perhaps take an optional aircraft ride to see this scenic region.

CAIRNS-AQUARIUM.jpg

Breakfast

Day 15 CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF

Below the Surface Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a brilliant kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Comprising of over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometres), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amid a dazzling array of fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.

CAIRNS-GREAT-BARRIER-REEF.jpg

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 16 CAIRNS

Ticket to Paradise A full day at leisure.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE For a truly amazing experience consider an optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey, you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; or maybe spend the day in the magical Daintree Rainforest thought to be the planet’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest. Your Tour Director will have recommendations for shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing.

CAIRNS-SKYRAIL.jpg

Breakfast

Day 17 CAIRNS–SYDNEY

Koalas, Crocs & Roos, Oh My! This morning, enjoy a special visit to the Koala Gardens. Later, fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Sydney is home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taronga Zoo.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WILD & WONDERFUL See Australia’s famous animals this morning with a visit to the Koala Gardens. See kangaroos, wombats, quokkas, wallabies, gliders and of course the famous salt-water crocodiles. You’ll also have a chance to see koalas doing what they do best – eating, sleeping, and looking adorable. Before your visit ends, you’ll have a photo taken with a koala – the perfect souvenir!

SYDNEY-KOALA.jpg

Breakfast

Day 18 SYDNEY

Sights & Bites Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House and travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s botanic gardens for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Next, visit world-famous Bondi beach for an insider’s tour of Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club with one of the lifesavers. Afterward, a cruise on Sydney Harbour Highlights some of the city’s best views

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SPOT Enjoy lunch at the historic North Bondi Returned Servicemen’s Leagues Club. Learn about the history of this place and the courageous “Rats of Tobruk” that stopped the Nazis in North Africa during WWII. You’ll enjoy delicious food while looking out at amazing waterfront views.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was designed by Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect, and was finally completed in 1973, after sixteen years of construction, at a cost of over $100 million dollars. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Opera House and see its interiors and theaters. Hear untold stories, be awed by the acoustics, and learn the history and future of this amazing hall beneath the sails.

SYDNEY-OPERA-HOUSE-AND-BRIDGE.jpg

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 19 SYDNEY

Spectacular Sydney Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE You may choose to take an optional excursion to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience or to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even 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.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 20 SYDNEY

Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.

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Breakfast

Vacation Highlights

Spend New Year’s in Sydney. Ring in the New Year Down Under on this special departure. Start your vacation with a New Year’s Eve dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour with music and dancing, followed by a champagne toast and some of the most amazing fireworks you will ever see. Continue with all the must-see sights of Australia and New Zealand, including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Melbourne, Queenstown, Mount Cook, Rotorua, and Auckland. Enjoy a sunset toast as you watch the changing colors of Uluru, go inside the famous Sydney Opera House, cruise through beautiful Milford Sound, take part in a traditional Māori Hangi dinner, enjoy spectacular views from atop Sky Tower and more. Please refer to tour, “New Year’s Eve Down Under” (Tour code PY and PYE) for more information on this special departure.

Hotels

Auckland

SKYCITY Hotel

First-Class

This spacious hotel allows you to relax in style while enjoying more than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars, a theatre, free live entertainment on selected nights and the iconic Sky Tower - all right on your doorstep! Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Additional amenities include a casino, spa services, and a fitness facility. This is a smoke-free property.

Rotorua

Distinction Hotel Rotorua

First-Class

Situated adjacent to the Whakarewarewa Forest, Distinction Hotel Rotorua is located minutes away from the city center of Rotorua. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool and spa, underground private grotto spas, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry facilities and dry cleaning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Mount Cook Region

Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel

Moderate First-Class

The Mackenzie Basin's best kept secret with stunning mountain views from a relaxed setting. Featuring natural stone, roaring fires and expansive lawns, Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel is the ultimate place to chill out after a day experiencing the activities and sights the region has to offer.

Queenstown

Ramada Queenstown Central

First-Class

The Ramada Queenstown Central is ideally positioned in the heart of Queenstown with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables Mountain Range, and Walter Peak. The hotel features a fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry services, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Melbourne

The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

First-Class

Situated in the heart of downtown Melbourne, The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins is ideally located for exploring the city. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar, gym, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Alice Springs

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Superior First-Class

The modern Crowne Plaza Alice Springs is located at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges, in Australia's red center. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, and in-room dining.

Uluru

Desert Gardens Hotel

First-Class

Centrally located to all resort facilities, the hotel offers a range of accommodation, outdoor pool, coin-operated self-service laundry, and the popular Bunya bar. It's only a short stroll to the Resorts' numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert.

Cairns

Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort

Superior First-Class

Modern and innovative with an appreciation for the arts, Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, celebrates originality and individuality. Positioned in the heart of the Cairns Central Business District, the Bailey is just a short stroll from the Cairns Esplanade boardwalk, lagoon, and the Great Barrier Reef departure terminal. At the hotel, you'll find artists-in-residence and artwork from across Australia displayed in and around the hotel with a different artist featured on each level. The hotel features a swimming pool, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, gift shop, and complimentary Wi-Fi. A laundry service is available for a fee.

Sydney

Swissotel Sydney

Deluxe

The Swissotel Sydney is surrounded by Sydney's most exclusive shopping centres, such as the beautiful Queen Victoria Building and iconic Westfield Sydney and is within walking distance to all of Sydney's famous landmarks and cultural attractions. Enjoy a seasonally inspired dinner menu at JPB or delight in a unique buffet high tea at Crossroads Bar. The hotel offers a wide choice of treatments at the Day Spa as well as a gym, heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.

Dates and Prices

View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your vacation. Below you'll find the date the vacation starts and the date you'll return.

Once you've selected your date, you'll move to the next step to get an airfare quote and to begin booking your vacation. When you book your flights with us, you'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free airfares, plus you'll receive free airport transfers for flights coordinated with vacation dates and you'll avoid strict Internet terms and conditions.

The price listed does not include your airfare from Canada. Once you click "Book Now", you will be able to receive an air quote.

Departure Details	Tour Start Date	Return Date	Land/Cruise Price Only	Status
	2024-05-03	2024-05-22	$11,669	Not Available
	2024-09-06	2024-09-25	$11,869	Not Available
	2024-09-13	2024-10-02	$11,869	Not Available
	2024-09-20	2024-10-09	$11,869	Not Available
Popular Departure	2024-09-27	2024-10-16	$11,869	Book Now!
	2024-10-11	2024-10-30	$12,859	Not Available
Popular Departure	2024-10-25	2024-11-13	$11,959	Book Now!
Popular Departure	2024-11-01	2024-11-20	$12,129	Book Now!
	2025-01-10	2025-01-29	$12,209	Book Now!
	2025-01-24	2025-02-12	$12,209	Book Now!
	2025-01-31	2025-02-19	$12,209	Book Now!
	2025-02-14	2025-03-05	$12,209	Book Now!
	2025-02-21	2025-03-12	$13,199	Not Available
	2025-02-28	2025-03-19	$12,209	Book Now!
	2025-03-07	2025-03-26	$12,209	Book Now!
	2025-03-14	2025-04-02	$13,199	Not Available
	2025-03-21	2025-04-09	$12,319	Book Now!
	2025-03-28	2025-04-16	$12,319	Book Now!
	2025-04-04	2025-04-23	$12,209	Book Now!
	2025-04-11	2025-04-30	$13,249	Book Now!
	2025-05-02	2025-05-21	$12,209	Book Now!
	2025-09-05	2025-09-24	$12,429	Book Now!
	2025-09-12	2025-10-01	$12,429	Book Now!
	2025-09-19	2025-10-08	$12,429	Book Now!
	2025-09-26	2025-10-15	$12,429	Not Available
	2025-10-10	2025-10-29	$13,449	Book Now!
	2025-10-24	2025-11-12	$12,519	Book Now!
	2025-10-31	2025-11-19	$12,699	Book Now!

Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.

Dates & Prices do not include international air travel.

Travel Terms & Conditions

The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travellers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travellers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
View full Terms & Conditions

Important Notes

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per person per vacation is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View full Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
Charges not included in the land vacation price: airfare to/from the start/end of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; GST/HST/PST or other per person taxes imposed by government entities; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Insurance premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with Air

For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers travelling from Canada (with some exceptions from the United States, depending on the selected itinerary). An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable service fee of $80 per person. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations — Applicable Taxes & Fees

Air inclusive price quotes will include all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked. For return travel from some countries, international travellers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveller at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.