Travel Kuoni

Australia’s Highlights Multi-Centre

Two cities, the Great Barrier Reef, and enigmatic Uluru in one incredible trip.

Bookended with two of Australia’s finest cities – Melbourne and Sydney – this trip reveals some of Australia’s highlights, including the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, with just enough time in each location to explore them properly.

Self-drive
12 nights

From £3,550 per person

City slickers with an adventurous side, who won’t say no to a dip into the Great Barrier Reef and a moment in the desert in the shadow of Uluru.

Itinerary overview

Days 1 to 3

Melbourne

First stop: Melbourne. Get to know what makes this a sought-after city over two full days, explor...

Day 4 to 5

Uluru

You’ll fly inland to Uluru in time for sunset. Visit the Field of Lights, ablaze with 50,000 ligh...

Days 6 to 9

Port Douglas

Before you leave Uluru, there’s one last chance to see the captivating sunrise over Uluru or the ...

Days 10 to 12

Sydney

Your final stop is Sydney. Choose an iconic city adventure that’ll give you an excellent overview...

Days 1 to 3

Melbourne

First stop: Melbourne. Get to know what makes this a sought-after city over two full days, exploring the laneways that hide boutiques and cafes (you’ll find an excellent cup of coffee here). You might want to venture further and spot Little Penguins on the island sanctuary of Phillip Island or have a beach day at Wilsons Promontory, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia before your adventure continues.

Hidden Secrets Lanes & Arcades Tour

Australia

Get under the skin of Melbourne’s vibrant personality on this walking tour through beautiful back streets. Discover artisan and specialty retailers, and see quirky cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture and learn of historic tales in these walkways. Soak in the city via all your senses and engage with passionate creatives.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Start time: 2pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
The meeting point for this tour outside the Time Out Café in Federation Square.

Day 4 to 5

Uluru

You’ll fly inland to Uluru in time for sunset. Visit the Field of Lights, ablaze with 50,000 lights or head to the dunes for a private dining experience with a view — you have two nights here, so enough time to experience both. Don’t miss the sunrise over Uluru, when the morning light casts an ethereal glow.

Desert Awakenings in Uluru

Uluru & The Red Centre

Experience the peace and stillness of the early morning desert under a canopy of stars. Witness the incredible transformation of colours and life as the sun rises and the desert comes to life, with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as an incredible backdrop. Accompanied by an expert guide, Desert Awakenings is a specially designed tour introducing you to this fantastic region's natural and cultural landscapes. As you watch the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view, you'll enjoy a delicious Aussie breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, along with tea, coffee, and homemade treats.

After breakfast, your guide will explain the region's natural history. As the daylight reveals animal tracks in the sand, you’ll gain insight into what activity occurred during the night. Once the sun is up, there’s a guided tour at the base of Uluru. The first stop is Kuniya, where you will take a short walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole. Visiting here will help you appreciate its cathedral-like proportions and why it is a powerful and spiritual place for Anangu, local Aboriginal people. Your guide will explain some of the rock paintings as told by the Anangu people. The next stop is the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging learning place where Anangu's local lore is explained in detail.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Timings vary
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

A Night at Field of Light

Australia

Savour canapés and sparkling wine as the sun slowly sets over Uluru, with the sound of the didgeridoo setting the scene. Watch the coloured lights of 50,000 glass spheres illuminate the vast night sky while enjoying a three-course bushtucker-inspired buffet menu. Learn about the background and significance of the installation before following illuminated paths through the field.

• Duration: 4½ hours
• Start time: varies
• Departure days vary
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Tali Wiru

Australia

Tali Wiru means ‘beautiful dune’ in the local Anangu language and this open-air restaurant offers an intimate dining experience under the starry Southern Desert sky. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views of Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta whilst dining on a four-course dinner of world-class cuisine, premium Australian wine and indigenous storytelling.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Timings vary
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Sunrise and Breakfast at Kata Tjuta

Uluru & The Red Centre

Experience the serene beauty of Kata Tjuta during the early morning hours. As the sun rises, witness the iconic Central Australian landmark's changing colours. Enjoy a picnic breakfast while taking in the magnificent view. Walking through Walpa Gorge, you will learn about the diverse environment and how the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take a moment to listen to the sound of the wind above and appreciate the scale of the rock walls surrounding you.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Timings vary
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Days 6 to 9

Port Douglas

Before you leave Uluru, there’s one last chance to see the captivating sunrise over Uluru or the rock domes of Kata Tjuta before returning to the airport for a two-and-a-half-hour flight to Cairns. Collect a hire car or transfer to Port Douglas on an hour-long journey north, arriving in time for a memorable sunset cruise departing from its glitzy marina. You have two full days to experience the Great Barrier Reef or take a Daintree Rainforest or Cape Tribulation tour.

Ngana Kulkinga Dungay, Port Douglas

Tropical North Queensland

On a full-day Nagana Kulkinga Dungay tour, you'll be collected from your hotel and taken on an adventure through Kuku Yalanji country. You'll see some culturally significant sights and local attractions, including the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. A local Aboriginal guide will lead the way, and you'll learn about the relationship the Kuku Yalanji people still have with their land. You'll walk through the world's oldest living rainforest, see natural wonders, and see where the rainforest meets the reef. Plus, you'll explore coastal habitats and learn about the environment, different foods, and medicines that are derived from nature. There’s the chance to sample some bush tucker and take a dip in one of the pristine freshwater streams in the area.

• Duration: 8½ hours
• Start time: 8am
• Monday to Saturday departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise Snorkelling

Australia

Board Quicksilver’s 45-metre high-speed catamaran on a full-day cruise to Agincourt Reef on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from a semi-submersible, an underwater observatory or snorkel and dive. This cruise is ideal for those keen to do lots of activities and for those wanting to add a wonderful airborne perspective, helicopter transfers are also available (at a supplement). Departs from Port Douglas.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 9am
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Sailaway Sunset Sail

Australia

Board your Sailaway vessel at Port Douglas Marina and set off on a sunset sail cruise along the Port Douglas coastline on board a first class sailing catamaran. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea with spectacular mountain views, and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink alongside a selection of canapés.

• Duration: 1½ hours
• Start time 4.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Calypso Cruise: Bay to Bay

Rhodes

Your exclusive pass to explore the resort in style, cruise from the sparkling south to the east coast of Rhodes. A steady series of breathtaking vistas serve a feast for the eyes, while a sprinkling of leisurely beach stops welcome you to kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes. You’ll also call on a bevy of famous hotspots and hidden gems alike, granting a unique glimpse into Rhodes’ remarkable history and culture. Sun-seekers will love soaking up the rays on the top deck, while shade-bathers can find their calm on the much cooler lower deck, the perfect place to indulge in some freshly-prepped Grecian cuisine and endless cooling sips.

• Duration: Full day
• Daily departures
• Operates: Year-round
• Group experience

Days 10 to 12

Sydney

Your final stop is Sydney. Choose an iconic city adventure that’ll give you an excellent overview, whether that’s a calm harbour cruise or you fancy climbing the bridge. Then delve into the detail on a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House or join the surfers on the shores of Bondi by taking a lesson. You’ve enough time here to explore beyond Sydney if you wish —the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley are within striking distance.

The Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

You’ll meet at the Welcome Centre on the Lower Concourse of the Opera House to start your one-hour Sydney Opera House Tour. During the tour, you’ll explore the iconic theatre and foyers that bring to life over 1800 performances yearly. Hear inspiring stories of the Opera House artists and performances from a knowledgeable guide who will take you through the building and explain how Jorn Utzon's vision came into existence against impossible odds. You will also get the opportunity to take photos from rare vantage points that are off-limits to the public.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Start time: 9am or 10.30am
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Blue Mountains Deluxe Day Tour

Sydney & New South Wales

The Blue Mountains is a real journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. The first stop is Calmsley Hill, a working farm based attraction involved in animal rehabilitation offering fabulous bush surrounds located near the heart of Sydney. Arrive early to get up close to a range of native and farmyard animals including Kangaroos and Koalas while enjoying a light morning tea. Departing from Calmsley Hill, head to the Blue Mountains. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley with beautiful vistas, where possible away from the crowds. Continue on to Eaglehawk Lookout for views of the famous Three Sisters and to learn of the legends behind this famous rock formation. You'll make your way to Blackheath where you can enjoy a two-course lunch at the Hydro Majestic. After lunch, spend the afternoon visiting a selection of scenic lookouts. The view from Govett's Leap is one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. Here the magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. The last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens to enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road and its fruit orchard industry.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 7am
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Sydney Dinner Cruise

Sydney & New South Wales

Take in one of the world’s most famous city skylines from the harbour on this evening dinner cruise. Take in the views of the lights reflecting on the water as you sit down to a three-course meal with regionally source ingredients and wines.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 6pm to 9pm
• Departure days vary
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Call our Australia experts on

0800 047 3516

Available until 5pm

Call our Australia experts on

0800 047 3516

Available until 5pm

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