Independent Wonders of Australia
Independent Wonders of Australia
Independent Wonders of Australia
14 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Melbourne, Australia
Visiting: Sydney, Cairns, Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Alice Springs, Uluru, Melbourne
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IPD1-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Walkabout…it’s when Australian Aborigines go on a long journey by foot far from cities and towns. Your “walkabout” won’t be on foot and far away from civilization, but it will give you a chance to learn about the Aborigines as well explore some of Australia’s most exciting cities. And no one brings you Australia like Globus Independent tour ! In this 14-day vacation, we've arranged your hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, sightseeing, and transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airports for all your intra-vacation flights. Plus, a one-of-a-kind feature: our Globus Local Host, who is there for you in the cities throughout your stays, ensuring everything runs smoothly and helping you get the most out of your trip. You’ll have a Local Host in Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne.Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Sydney, as we can pick you up at the airport and take you to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will have a warm welcome for you as well as information to help you get settled and start exploring immediately. In both Sydney and Melbourne, we've arranged for a guided sightseeing tour with a local expert. In Sydney, your tour includes stunning Bondi Beach and a photo stop at Harbour Bridge. In Melbourne, we’ll take you to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and more—plus, we’ll entertain you in both cities with insider stories and little-known secrets. A free day in each city gives you the opportunity to explore on your own (with the support of your Local Host). Perhaps watch the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, visit the Old Melbourne Gaol to see where 130 hangings took place, browse the many shops in Sydney's Darling Harbour, or join celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Cameron Diaz, and Prince Harry in climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.From the laid-back port town of Cairns, we’ll take you on a cruise to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. You'll be able to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft t
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Sydney,Australia
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! The rest of the day is at your leisure. Your Globus Local Host will make contact with you and meet to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Welcome to Sydney! The rest of the day is at your leisure. Your Globus Local Host will make contact with you and meet to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.
Day 2: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
The afternoon is at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.SYDNEY Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour that includes an Opera House and Harbour Bridge photo stop. Visit stunning Bondi Beach, considered the most beautiful beach in Sydney by many. (B)The afternoon is at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Day 3: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
SYDNEY Today is at leisure. You can explore on your own or choose from a selection of optional activities. (B)Today’s I-Time TipsYou may wish to take a cruise on Sydney Harbour or climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views; spend the day in Hunter Valley, sampling some of Australia’s best wines; or join a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House.
Day 4: Sydney,Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
Meals Included: Breakfast
SYDNEY–CAIRNS Fly to tropical Cairns and enjoy a 3-night stay in this tropical paradise. The remainder of the day is yours to start exploring.(B)
Day 5: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran for a cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Late this afternoon, return to Cairns.(B,L)
Day 6: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
Meals Included: Breakfast
CAIRNS A full day at leisure. (B)Today’s I-Time TipsYou may wish to take a trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include strolling the Esplanade, relaxing by your resort’s pool, visiting Harley’s Crocodile Adventure, or shopping for a special souvenir at the Cairns Night Markets.
Day 7: Cairns,Darwin
Location: Darwin
Accommodation Name: Oaks Elan Darwin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
CAIRNS–DARWIN Fly to Darwin at the top end of Australia. (B)
Day 8: Darwin. Excursion To Kakadu National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Oaks Elan Darwin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
NOTE:On Mondays & Thursdays, December-March, sightseeing to Kakadu National Park is not available. On Mondays, alternative sightseeing to Katherine Gorge will be given and on Thursdays, alternative sightseeing to Litchfield National Park will be given.DARWIN. EXCURSION TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Depart Darwin for a full-day excursion to Kakadu National Park. Upon arrival, take a guided walk around Nourlangie Rock to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Then, take a guided cruise on Kakadu’s famous wetlands for a chance to see crocodiles in the wild. You will also stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the cultural significance of the park. Return to Darwin this evening. (B,L)NOTE:On Mondays & Thursdays, December-March, sightseeing to Kakadu National Park is not available. On Mondays, alternative sightseeing to Katherine Gorge will be given and on Thursdays, alternative sightseeing to Litchfield National Park will be given.
Day 9: Darwin,Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast
DARWIN–ALICE SPRINGS This morning fly from Darwin to Alice Springs. The rest of the morning is yours to explore on your own. Afternoon sightseeing includes the School of the Air, the Royal Flying Doctor Services, the Old Telegraph Station, and ANZAC Hill.(B)
Day 10: Alice Springs-Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
ALICE SPRINGS-ULURU (AYERS ROCK) This morning travel by motorcoach through the Red Centre to Uluru. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 11: Uluru,Melbourne
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Meals Included: Breakfast
ULURU–MELBOURNE Rise early for an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and the incredible art installation, The Field of Light. Wander through the pathways that encompass 50,000 spheres of light. Make your way up the hill to the top viewing area and watch the amazing transformation of colors and life as the Red Centre awakens. Then, as the first rays of sunlight creep across the desert sky, gaze in awe as the sun rises in the distance behind Uluru and Kata Tjuta, flooding the landscape with light. Capture some amazing photos before returning to your hotel. Later, fly to Melbourne, the cosmopolitan heart of Australia.(B)
Day 12: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Meals Included: Breakfast
MELBOURNE Morning guided sightseeing tour includes Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market (when open), Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach. Your tour ends at the Melbourne Skydeck for awe-inspiring views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. (B)The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may wish to visit stroll along the Yarra River, shopping on Bourke Street, tour the Old Melbourne Goal, once home to Australia’s notorious outlaw, Ned Kelly, or just relax at one of Melbourne’s famous coffee cafes.
Day 13: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Meals Included: Breakfast
MELBOURNE Enjoy a full day at leisure for independent activities. (B)Today’s I-Time TipsJoin an optional excursion to Phillip Island to watch the world-famous Penguin Parade, travel on the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the magnificent 12 Apostles or explore the hidden lanes and arcades of the city.
Day 14: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Meals Included: Breakfast
MELBOURNE Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Melbourne and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Swissotel Sydney, Pullman Cairns International, Oaks Elan Darwin Hotel, Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Desert Gardens Hotel, and The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins in Melbourne.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and 2 lunches are included.
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Guided Sightseeing
Morning guided sightseeing tour in Melbourne includes Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market, Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach.
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Local Host
A Globus Local Host will be available to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.
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Excursions
Excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with options to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist.
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Kakadu National Park
Full-day excursion to Kakadu National Park including a guided walk around Nourlangie Rock, a guided cruise on Kakadu’s wetlands, and a visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, Sydney Opera House, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and Wet Tropics of Queensland.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a cruise on Sydney Harbour, climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge, visiting Hunter Valley, and guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and souvenirs are not included.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Auschwitz|Great Barrier Reef|Kakadu National Park|Sydney Opera House|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Meals
Breakfast daily; 2 lunches
Accommodation
Sydney: Swissotel Sydney, Cairns: Pullman Cairns International, Darwin: Oaks Elan Darwin Hotel, Alice Springs: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Alice Springs: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Uluru: Desert Gardens Hotel, Melbourne: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Notes
During the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, certain activities may not be available. A different activity may be substituted or a refund offered if your included activity is not available. Intra-tour flights not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I do during my leisure time in Sydney?
During your leisure time in Sydney, you can explore on your own or choose from a selection of optional activities. You may wish to take a cruise on Sydney Harbour, climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views, spend the day in Hunter Valley sampling some of Australia’s best wines, or join a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House.
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What can I expect during the excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef?
During the excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, you will board a catamaran for a cruise to this natural wonder. You can explore the underwater world, which is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. You have the option to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. You will return to Cairns in the late afternoon.
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What are some optional activities in Cairns during the leisure day?
In Cairns, you may wish to take a trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include strolling the Esplanade, relaxing by your resort’s pool, visiting Harley’s Crocodile Adventure, or shopping for a special souvenir at the Cairns Night Markets.
-
What will I see during the excursion to Kakadu National Park?
During the excursion to Kakadu National Park, you will take a guided walk around Nourlangie Rock to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Then, you will take a guided cruise on Kakadu’s famous wetlands for a chance to see crocodiles in the wild. You will also stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the cultural significance of the park.
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What is included in the morning guided sightseeing tour in Melbourne?
The morning guided sightseeing tour in Melbourne includes visits to Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market (when open), Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach. The tour ends at the Melbourne Skydeck for awe-inspiring views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform.
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What are some optional excursions available in Melbourne during the leisure day?
In Melbourne, you can join an optional excursion to Phillip Island to watch the world-famous Penguin Parade, travel on the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the magnificent 12 Apostles, or explore the hidden lanes and arcades of the city.
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What can I expect during the sunrise experience at Uluru?
During the sunrise experience at Uluru, you will rise early to witness an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and the incredible art installation, The Field of Light. You can wander through the pathways that encompass 50,000 spheres of light and make your way up the hill to the top viewing area. As the first rays of sunlight creep across the desert sky, you will gaze in awe as the sun rises behind Uluru and Kata Tjuta, flooding the landscape with light.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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