An Australian Journey with Sydney City Stay

19 Day Escorted Tour With 3 Day Extension

Australia, Australasia
27 Meals Included
11 Excursions
Intermediate Pace

The world's oldest culture, its greatest ocean reef, the awe-inspiring monolith of Uluru, mountains tinged with vibrant blue, sun-kissed beaches, rolling vineyards, vast deserts, cosmopolitan cities, kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, it can only be Australia.

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities and is best known for its iconic harbourfront and Opera House.

Highlights

  • Witness the amazing marine diversity of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Visit the iconic sights of Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney on guided city tours
  • Enjoy a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve
  • Travel along the picturesque Great Ocean Road
  • Witness the 'Penguin Parade' at sunset on the shores of Phillip Island
  • Experience the sunset over the desert landscape of Uluru
  • Journey to the stunning Blue Mountains National Park
  • Spot koalas, kangaroos, and wombats in the Featherdale Wildlife Park
  • Enjoy 3 nights in the incredible city of Sydney

Map Key

Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Number of nights

Itinerary

Day 1
UK to Melbourne

Depart the UK on your overnight flight.

Day 2
Melbourne

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Relax in the evening at your hotel.

Day 3
Melbourne

Breakfast & Dinner

This morning you will experience the beautiful sights of Melbourne. Hear about its wonderful history, famous buildings, sensational shopping, great sporting centres, and universities. Stopping to explore the Fitzroy Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance. As you travel over the Westgate Bridge, you’ll drive along the Grand Prix track and admire the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, St Paul's Cathedral, the Arts Centre, Crown Casino and Port Phillip Bay. Return back to your hotel and enjoy this afternoon at leisure before joining your group for dinner this evening.

Day 4
Phillip Island

Breakfast & Dinner

Head South of Melbourne to the Pristine white beaches on Philip Island. On your journey you will encounter iconic wildlife and stunning scenic views. Start the day off with a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve and learn about the importance of the conservation work done by Phillip Island Nature Parks in protecting and supporting mammals such as Koalas, Possums, Wallabies. The Phillip Island Nature Parks is part of the UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Reserve and encompass wildlife sanctuaries, wetlands, woodlands and breathtaking coastlines which are protected and managed by our world-renowned environmental and research programs. Then continue to the Phillip Island Parade Visitors Centre and learn about the life cycle of the little penguins and learn of the environmental and conservation initiatives in place to ensure the wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remains protected. Join your Penguin Parade Tour. Each night at sunset, the world's smallest penguins, the Little Penguins, emerge from the sea and waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows. This is a truly memorable natural wildlife experience. Experience the wonder of Little Penguins coming ashore after a day's fishing at sea. The elevated boardwalks and viewing stands allow you to enjoy all the penguin action' without disturbing them or their burrow homes.

Day 5
Melbourne

Breakfast

With a day at leisure, you can spend some time exploring the most stylish and fashionable city in Australia at your own pace with its maze of hidden laneways and independent cafes, shops, and bars.

Day 6
Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

Breakfast

After breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at the hotel lobby. Board your coach and depart Melbourne to travel along the incredibly scenic Great Ocean Road, a route stretching 250km of Australia’s windswept south-west coast, where a plethora of visual treats await. Saunter amongst a verdant play-ground for adventure lovers, winding through Otway National Park’s vast hinterlands and thundering waterfalls, before retreating to the coast to feast your eyes on a mind-blowing collection of solitary rock formations in Port Campbell National Park. Rising elegantly from the crashing waves of the ocean, marvel at the 8 remaining limestone structures of the 12 Apostles, and take a short drive to the charming sheltered cove of Loch Ard Gorge and later, London Bridge’s freestanding natural arch which resembles its namesake.

Day 7
Warrnambool to Adelaide

Breakfast

After breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at the hotel lobby. Departing Warrnambool early, start your journey to Adelaide along the Limestone Coast and into South Australia, enjoying wildlife sightings and natural landscapes along the way. Drive past the historic fishing town of Port Fairy and continue to Mt Gambier, the heart of the Limestone Coast and the second largest town in South Australia. Then on to Robe before reaching Adelaide.

Day 8
Adelaide

Breakfast

Take a day at leisure to explore this remarkable city at your own pace.

Day 9
Adelaide

Breakfast

Today you’ll tour tour delightful city, which is surrounded by parklands with a blend of historic buildings, wide streets, cafes and restaurants. Drive past Adelaide's cultural precinct - North Terrace, the National Wine Centre, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and the beautiful Botanic Park, home to the Bicentennial Conservatory and the Adelaide Zoo. Continue through historic North Adelaide, where you'll see tree-lined streets, mansions and historic buildings. Stop and visit the iconic St Peters Cathedral or the newly developed Adelaide Oval then travel through the city's east on the way to the Haigh's Chocolates Visitor Centre for a factory tour and tastings of this famous South Australian chocolate. Return to the city via the South Parklands, West Terrace and North Terrace. Visit also the seaside town of Glenelg.

Day 10
Adelaide to Alice Springs

Breakfast

Depart for your flight to Alice Springs. On arrival in Alice Springs, enjoy a Town Tour which includes the sights of 'The Alice' including the School of the Air which provides an educational service for children living in remote areas. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn how this marvelous facility operates to provide a 'Mantle of Safety' to the people of the 'Outback'. Finish the tour with panoramic views of Alice Springs and the ranges from the top of Anzac Hill. You will then travel to your hotel and check in.

Day 11
Alice Springs to UIuru

Breakfast

Board your private coach and travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. While travelling through this remote country, learn about the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna such as the Perentie monitor lizard, the thorny devil, and the red kangaroo. Also, hear about the traditional customs and beliefs of the local Aboriginals. On arrival in Ayers Rock, you will have some free time before check-in to explore or grab a bite for lunch at the hotel if you wish. Enjoy a leisurely drive to Kata Tjuta for one of our favourite sunset experiences in Central Australia. Along the way, your Guide will explain the geological and cultural history of the area. Marvel at the unique flora and admire the view of the central valley of the domes of Kata Tjuta while you take in a magnificent outback sunset and relax with canapés and Australian wines. Returning to your hotel after Sunset.

Day 12
Uluru to Cairns

Breakfast

Today is a very early morning start to experience the Uluru Sunrise & Field of Light. You will be picked up at the hotel by your coach to be taken the very short distance to the exclusive Field of Light location. With just enough time for some background commentary on the internationally renowned artist Bruce Monroe, you will arrive to see his latest artistic endeavour. Arriving in complete darkness, you will be able to enjoy the 50,000 globes of light in the desert, before making your way up the hill to the Field of Light sunrise viewing platform. Enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate as the sun starts to creep light throughout the sky and then watch in awe as it pops up in the distance behind Uluru, flooding the landscape, including Kata Tjuta behind you, with light. As the natural light brightens the landscape, the Field of Light will dim for the day. Enjoy some amazing photos from this unique raised location that allows you to view both Kata Tjuta and Uluru in all their natural glory. After the tour, transfer to straight to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns.

Day 13
Cairns to Great Barrier Reef

Breakfast & Lunch

Walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal to join your Ocean Spirit Cruises’ Michaelmas Cay Cruise. Set sail aboard the beautiful 32 metre sailing catamaran, Ocean Spirit, to experience Michaelmas Cay’s unique reef environment - a pristine sand cay surrounded by fringing reef and a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. Your cruise will combine motor and sailing, depending on the day’s conditions. Enjoy all of the included activities – snorkel in the cay’s protected shallow waters, cruise in the semi-sub for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation and observe the island bird life. Throughout the day, the “beach buggy shuttle” will transfer you between Ocean Spirit and the beach. To protect this renowned bird sanctuary, access on the cay is limited to the roped beach area. If you prefer a more leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef, relax on the beach or onboard Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks. Your cruise includes morning & afternoon teas, Hot and cold buffet lunch, Snorkel equipment, Use of lycra suit, Semi-submarine or glass bottom boat Reef Discovery tour with commentary (depending on availability), Informative ecological presentations by qualified Marine Biologists & Environmental Management Charge.

Day 14
Cairns

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast transfer to Freshwater Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class. Travelling in authentic timber carriages, some of which are up to 100 years old, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery while you wind through the World Heritage listed rainforest. Upon arrival in Kuranda, it's time to explore this fascinating village. This afternoon Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. Your Skyrail experience should take approximately 1 and a half hours and includes spending time at the two rainforest mid-stations. Allow 20 minutes for each station, to enjoy Ranger guided boardwalk tours and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts, and historical displays.

Day 15
Cairns

Breakfast

Today is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city with a laid-back, outdoor lifestyle, the city centre is a short walk away where you could visit the Cairns Aquarium, Art Gallery, or the Esplanade Lagoon.

Day 16
Cairns to Sydney

Breakfast

Fly to Sydney, on arrival you will have some time to relax.

Day 17
Sydney

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, meet your Tour Guide at the hotel lobby for your Sydney Full Day Tour. Tour through the historic Rocks area. Enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Continue on to Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral, Parliament House and the Art Gallery. Stop at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a magnificent luncheon cruise on the famous Sydney Harbour travelling aboard Magistic Cruises. Visit The Gap and enjoy stunning views. Stop at the world-famous Bondi Beach and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Return to Sydney, travelling through Paddington and the exclusive Eastern suburbs.

Day 18
Sydney to Blue Mountains

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, travel to the spectacular Blue Mountains and see the native wildlife whilst you explore UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park. First stop is Scenic World, where you can enjoy 360 degree views of the Jamison Valley. Then our next stop is Echo Point, which is perched on the edge of a 170 metre cliff face. Echo Point has views stretching across to the Three Sisters - a trio of rocky pinnacles. Here you'll learn about the Aboriginal dreamtime legend of the Three Sisters. Next is a stop at the picturesque and quaint town of Leura. This beautiful town will take you back in time and is famous for its antique stores and of course its Candy Store which is stocked floor to ceiling with more than 1,000 unusual sweets gathered from all over the world. You'll stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park, one of Australia's largest private collections of Australian native animals and bird life. Situated on seven acres of natural bush setting, here you'll be able to hand feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus or enjoy a face-to-face encounter with one of the friendly koalas. On your way back to Sydney, stop at the Sydney Olympic Park, home to the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Day 19
Sydney

Breakfast & Dinner

Take a day to relax in Sydney, explore, head to one of the beaches or get some last-minute souvenirs. Before joining your group for dinner as you say goodbye to Australia.

Day 20-21
Sydney

Breakfast

Enjoy this time to explore Sydney at your own pace.

Day 22
Sydney to UK

Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred for your return flight.

View Full Itinerary

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 10 days before you travel
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
4 nights
Melbourne, Australia
More details
Mid City Motel Warrnambool
1 nights
Warrnambool, Australia
More details
View More

Tour Testimonials

Marion Ball

03 Dec 24

Our tour manager, Alex Kelly, was exceptional. Her care and concern for each individual were superb, and she went far beyond what would be expected to ensure that the tour ran smoothly.

Important Information

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

All travellers, except citizens of New Zealand, must obtain a visa or electronic travel authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia. You can find out more about applying for an Australian visa on the website of the Department of Home Affairs (www.homeaffairs.gov.au). Alternatively, we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations? Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.

Please note that your final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at Check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Baggage weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in sufficient time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of steps, getting on and off coaches and at times long walks often across uneven paths and hills. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. The Tour Pace for An Australian Journey is Intermediate.

The currency in Australia is Australian Dollars. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. It is important to budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will be available in major cities throughout the tour to withdraw money in your local currency.

As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.

You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately $600-$800 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.

Tipping in Australia is not compulsory. However, $2.00 per person/per day is recommended for driver and guide.

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 14, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 14 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of the tour, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Your extended stay in Syndey is not escorted by a tour guide. Your time here will be free to do as you wish. Transfers are included.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.

Triple Rooms are available, but please note that these are on a request basis and the 3rd bed is a “rollaway” bed and may reduce the overall floorspace of the room. Where an international flight arrives during early morning, we will endeavour to provide an Early Check In to your hotel, this is subject to availability. The usual hotel check in time is from 2pm onwards.

Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.

Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for. Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.

It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed counties water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way as the UK

On your arrival in Melbourne you will be met by a Tour Guide from our local agent, Goway Travel holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Goway Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day in case of emergency.

Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day in case of emergency. If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:

Goway Travel, 350 Kent Street, Sydney, Australia

Main number: 0061 29262 4755