Today, you'll discover Melbourne through a sightseeing tour! Enjoy seeing the city sights, and then exploring arcades and alleyways on a private walking tour. The rest of your day is at leisure. We recommend an optional excursion to Phillip Island to see the world's smallest penguins! If you'd rather relax near the hotel, you can wander around to find a delicious-looking restaurant to dine in. 

Yarra River sunset • Melbourne

Get excited for a bucket list experience today as you depart Melbourne to the sacred, ancient site of Uluru. Fly over dry salt lakes and red desert before your first of many visits to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park over the next two days. In Aussie’s cultural heartland amidst the rusty red landscape, you’re treated to a classic Uluru sundowner of nibbles and sparkling wine. Sit back and watch the sky ignite in red, yellow, and purple gazing at the massive and powerful Uluru. At 1,140 feet high, ‘The Rock’ is taller than the Eiffel Tower and is a magnificent sight to behold. You’ll conclude your epic day at the Desert Gardens Hotel, an indigenous-owned hotel surrounded by desert trees and distant Uluru, which showcases the natural beauty of the landscape.

Rise early to experience the ethereal Field of Light art installation. Wander through the paths surrounding 50,000 hand-crafted frosted glass spheres of light. As the sun rises, join your fellow travelers on top of a sand dune to watch the desert awakening over Uluru. Join an Indigenous artist today for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art, before painting your own piece of aboriginal art as a memento. Later that day, board your flight to tropical Cairns, the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Board a sleek, high-speed catamaran today and cruise out to the natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have the opportunity to go snorkeling (equipment provided), or view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board before you return to Cairns. After some time to relax, join your traveling companions for an evening meal overlooking the Cairns waterfront.

Great Barrier Reef

There's plenty to discover in Sydney today and you’ll kick it off on a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Entering through the stage door, you’ll hear the story of a building 'that changed the image of an entire country' as you learn the history of this iconic structure and appreciate its beauty from another perspective.

Next up is another iconic Sydney site: Bondi Beach. Not only will you get to see the Bondi Icebergs ocean pool, dip your toes in the sand, and soak up the surfer life, but you will have a local Surf Life Saver take you into the members-only Bondi Surf Life Savers Club, giving you an in-depth understanding of the important work that these members do in saving lives on this famous beach. Your hosts will take you to a celebrated Bondi Beach restaurant for lunch, with views over this stunning beach.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Now that you’ve gotten your bearings in beautiful Sydney, you have a final day in town for more of your own exploring. Why not begin in the famous Rocks District dating back to before the arrival of British settlers in the late 1700s for a look at the historic buildings and pubs? Or, take in the culture by viewing aboriginal artifacts at one of the city’s many museums. For a peaceful break among the flowers, check out the tucked-away Royal Botanic Gardens. And if you’re looking for more of a local scene lined with boutiques and cafes, the hot spot neighborhoods of Paddington and Surry Hills are a great choice. However you chose to spend your day, you’ll end by gathering with your travel companions and Travel Director for a celebratory three-course Farewell Dinner at Portside Sydney Opera House to recap your favorite sites in Australia.

Sydney Harbour Bridge sunset