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Internal-vacation flights included
Internal-vacation flights included
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Aboriginal Culture & Australian Highlights

13 Day Guided Vacation | Melbourne to Cairns

If you want to immerse yourself in the world’s oldest continuous living culture, you’ve come to the right place. From the spiritual heart of Australia to its cities, discover the country’s Aboriginal heritage through activities ranging from climbing bridges to creating paintings. You’ll also get to meet some of the characters who nurture Indigenous culture and keep it alive for future generations.

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$6894

Adult Twin i A person 16 years and over (note a person 16–17 years must be accompanied by a person 18 years and over). All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2024-10-10 departure

$8713

Single i A person, who must be 18 years and over, travelling alone, must pay the single room price. All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2024-10-10 departure
Prices above are per person in USD
Single rooms are limited and subject to availability
Child prices may be available on request

*Internal-vacation flights: Please note that prices include land and internal-vacation airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary.
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Trip Details

trip-details-whats-includedWhat's included


  • Exclusive Sunrise Field of Light art installation experience at Uluru
    3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House
    Centrally located premium hotels

trip-details-diningDining

  • • 3 Dinners with Wine
  • • 12 Full Breakfasts
  • • 2 Lunches
  • • 1 Farewell Dinner

trip-details-flight-infoFlight Information

  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
    Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 1.00pm into Melbourne AirportDay 13 – flights to depart anytime from Cairns Airport
    Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
    Internal-holiday flights: Please note that prices include land and internal-holiday airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary:
    Day 4 - Melbourne to Ayers Rock Day 6 - Ayers Rock to SydneyDay 10 - Sydney to Cairns

trip-details-what-to-bringWhat to Bring

  • • Warm layers in cooler months
  • • Camera
  • • Comfortable walking shoes
  • • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • • Water bottle

trip-details-fitness-level-requirementsFitness Requirements

    Low Level of fitness required.

Itinerary Generating PDF...

image map

Arrive early in Australia’s cultural capital to explore art-filled laneways, galleries and boutiques at your own pace. Melbourne is also Australia’s food capital – we have something special planned for your Welcome Diinner.

  Hotel: Intercontinental Melbourne

  Included Meals: Dinner with Wine

Australia’s Aboriginal culture spans oceans, rivers, rainforest, outback and cities, as you’ll discover with Koorie Heritage Trust. From the organisation’s base at Federation Square, explore Melbourne with a First Nation's guide along the banks of the Yarra River, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. It's only a few steps to Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, celebrating contemporary Torres Strait Islander culture through cuisine. The menu is an explosion of native Australian bush flavours, from finger lime to quandong, with a drinks list that heroes Indigenous-owned businesses – their art also decorates the walls. More awaits at the Ian Potter Centre (NGV) in Federation Square, which hosts one of Australia's most significant collections of art from First Nations Creatives.

 

 

  Hotel: Intercontinental Melbourne

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take the pulse of Melbourne in your own time. Need touring suggestions? Your Travel Director can assist. You might choose to stay in the heart of the city exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens with an Aboriginal guide. Or for a bird’s-eye view, zip to the Melbourne Eureka Skydeck – it’s the highest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. While it’s tempting to linger, a bevy of attractions await on the outskirts of the city, including the Great Ocean Road. Spending a day driving this World Heritage-listed route is a rite of passage, uniting surf, seaside towns and wilderness walks. You might choose to head to the other side of the bay – Phillip Island is a mecca for wildlife, including penguins that waddle from the ocean to their sandy burrows every evening.  

  Hotel: Intercontinental Melbourne

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa is World Heritage-listed for a reason. Explore spiritual landscapes that are sacred to the Anangu people; your guide on the Kuniya walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole will point out rock art and bush foods. The ultimate way to end the day is watching the sinking sun paint the outback all manner of fiery hues – flute of bubbles in hand. This is your backdrop for an exclusive Barbecue dinner.

  Hotel: Desert Gardens

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

The outback inspires creativity, as you’ll discover meeting Aboriginal artists and sculptors at Maruku Arts, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Their works capture the drama of Australia, and they’ll show you how to do the same during an art class. Spend the afternoon visiting the Gallery of Central Australia (GOCA), spotlighting ethically sourced Aboriginal art. Or, take to the sky on an optional scenic flight. Back at ground level, wander into Walpa Gorge, then say cheers to another Kata Tjuta sunset with a glass of bubbles.

  Hotel: Desert Gardens

  Included Meals: Breakfast

50,000 – that’s the number of lights that artist Bruce Munro used to create his alfresco artwork, Field of Light. This blanket of bulbs casts a surreal glow over the Uluru countryside, and is particularly beguiling on a sunrise visit. Tonight, is yours to explore Sydney. We have a little black book of hot restaurants to try if you need tips.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Bring your stamina for an action-packed day exploring the Harbour City, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Opera House. It sits on land belonging to the Eora Nation, as you’ll discover when you meet Aunty Margret of Dreamtime Southern X on a walking tour around the Rocks district. Swap the shore for the water on an expedition to explore Sydney from the water on a harbour cruise.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Go your own way or ask your Travel Director to assist booking tours like the Burrawa Indigenous Climb, which sees you scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge accompanied by an Aboriginal guide. Or spend the day with an AAT Kings guide in the Blue Mountains. You don’t need to go far to have an adventure, as you’ll discover on Dave's Rocks Pub Tour, taking you to some of the city’s most historic drinking establishments. Or take in the harbour in a helicopter, swooping over beaches and bushland. It’s an outlook that inspires creativity, as you might choose to discover on a guided tour of the Art Gallery of NSW.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Breakfast

What’s better than one free day to explore Sydney at your leisure? A second free day. We wouldn’t blame you for spending hours strolling the sand at Bondi Beach or catching the ferry across the harbour to Manly or choosing another Optional Experience.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

After your morning flight from Sydney, spend your free afternoon soaking up the steamy climes of Cairns. Explore the vibrant esplanade or opt for an Indigenous-owned cruise by Mandingalbay Tours.

  Hotel: Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel’s catamaran tours tell the story of the Great Barrier Reef through First Nations' eyes. The company’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sea rangers regale you with 65,000-year-old Dreamtime creation stories, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, while you cruise to Moore Reef; here, slip into warm water to flipper among some of the 1,500 species of fish.

  Hotel: Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend your free day soaking up the sights of Tropical North Queensland, perhaps joining a tour to catch the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway deep into the rainforest. Or maybe on an Outback Tasting Adventure, uniting distillers, brewers, cheesemongers and farmers. You may opt to discover native bush tucker on a Cape Tribulation, Mossman & Daintree tour, taking you through one of the world’s oldest rainforests. End your wild adventure with a Farewell Dinner at Ochre Restaurant on the Cairns waterfront. 

  Hotel: Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

You’ll not only depart Cairns a more seasoned traveller, but also a more thoughtful one. And don’t be surprised if you leave with a posse of new friends – Australia’s Aboriginal guides are as generous with their stories as they are with their time.

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.


Aboriginal Culture & Australian Highlights

First Choice

13 Day Guided Vacation

Melbourne to Cairns

If you want to immerse yourself in the world’s oldest continuous living culture, you’ve come to the right place. From the spiritual heart of Australia to its cities, discover the country’s Aboriginal heritage through activities ranging from climbing bridges to creating paintings. You’ll also get to meet some of the characters who nurture Indigenous culture and keep it alive for future generations.

Highlights

Local Connection

Aunty Margret is a Sydney legend, pioneering Indigenous tourism around the city. Discover Aboriginal sites and stories on one of her Dreamtime Southern X tours.

Cultural Immersion

Whether at sunrise or sunset, the beauty of Uluru is mesmerising. Aboriginal creatives at Maruku Arts capture it in their paintings and will show you how to do the same.

Sustainable Footprints

Big Esso not only crafts menus using sustainably grown native produce, but also supports Aboriginal growers, makers, bakers and brewers.

Wildlife & Nature

Take a deep dive (literally) into the Aboriginal stories behind the creation of the Great Barrier Reef with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel from Cairns.

Accommodation

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:

Optional Experiences

Please note, prices for Optional Experiences are subject to change.

To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Experiences for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The experiences can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.

Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles (Melbourne)

Adult Price: AUD 189.00
Child Price: AUD 129.00

Take a breath and enjoy a relaxed and unhindered view of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge all before lunch, beating the traditional afternoon rush. En route let us take you on a journey inland, reaching Port Campbell National Park to marvel at the iconic limestone stacks in the morning. Spend the afternoon with your experienced Driver Guide, meandering along the winding Great Ocean Road, taking in the spectacular coastal scenery, the Otway Rainforest and seaside townships.

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Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles

Phillip Island - Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife (Melbourne)

Adult Price: AUD $199.00 

Child Price: AUD $139.00

If you’re curious about our native wildlife or just love animals, we’ve got you covered today! Start the day off with a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve where you’ll join an experienced park Ranger and explore the tree top boardwalks to see the koalas up close in their natural habitat. Then there is the main attraction – The little penguins waddling up the sand to their dune burrow homes returning from their daily fishing excursion. Arrive at 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.  As the sun goes down, head to the beach and watch as the Little Penguins battle the surf and make their way to their dune burrows. See the Little Penguins up close as they return to their nests to greet their families.

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Phillip Island - Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife

Melbourne Skydeck (Melbourne)

Adult Price: AUD $30.00  

Child Price: AUD $20.00

 

Experience the awe-inspiring 360 degree floor-to-ceiling views of Victoria's capital city at the Melbourne Skydeck, Eureka Tower. This viewing platform is the highest in the Southern Hemisphere!

Melbourne Skydeck

Uluru Scenic Flights (Uluru (Ayers Rock))

Adult: $130.00

Child: 130.00

A 20 minute, fixed wing scenic flight is a great way to take in the amazing landscape of Uluru. This small plane operator offer extended flights that include both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Uluru Scenic Flights

Uluru Helicopter Scenic Flight (Uluru (Ayers Rock))

Adult: $180.00 AUD
Child: $180.00 AUD

Experience a unique view with a scenic helicopter flight over the Red Centre and see Uluru from the Air. You might choose the 15 minute flight to appreciate Uluru from the air or the recommended longer flight to witness Uluru as well as the extraordinary Kata Tjuta.

Uluru Helicopter Scenic Flight

Blue Mountains & Australian Wildlife (J15) (Sydney)

Adult Price: AUD 135.00
Child Price: AUD  95.00

Discover the vast wonders of the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage-listed site spanning over one million hectares. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscape, from lush rainforests to untouched bushland and awe-inspiring cliffs. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Leura and then witness the magnificent Three Sisters rock formation up close at Echo Point. From there, embark on your personalized exploration of this remarkable region, creating your own unique adventure.

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Blue Mountains & Australian Wildlife (J15)

Bridge Climb (Sydney)

Adult Price: AUD 344.00
Child Price: AUD 149.00

The Bridge Climb is a 3 1/2 hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. Climbing in groups of up to 14 people, you’ll be led by one of BridgeClimb’s professional Climb Leaders on an adventure of the world’s most recognisable Bridge. Various tours available and prices from:
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS / NEED TO KNOW: A general level of fitness is required. Guests aged 75 years of age or older require a Certificate of Fitness signed by a medical professional. To download the certificate template and view all health and safety advice, please visit https://www.bridgeclimb.com/plan-your-visit/pre-climb-checklist.
Bridge Climb

The Rocks Pub Walk (Sydney)

Adult Price: From AUD 115.00

Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of The Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts and stories of Australia's first European settlement. Tour includes: A choice of a beer (285ml/10oz), house wine or soft drink at each pub. 2.5 hours in duration. Runs 2:30pm & 6.30pm daily. Commences from Harts Pub, Essex St & Gloucester Street, The Rocks.

The Rocks Pub Walk

Sydney Heli Tours - 20min Flight (Sydney)

Adult Price: AUD 240.00
Child Price: AUD 240.00

This is the best way to see Sydney in all its glory. See full panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Manly Cove and Sydney’s spectacular Harbour and city skyline. This tour will leave you breathless! Throughout your 20 minute flight your pilot will be providing you with expert commentary via voice activated headsets. The photo opportunities are once in a lifetime on this journey in the sky.

If your tour ends in Sydney, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details

Sydney Heli Tours  - 20min Flight

Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise (Cairns)

Adult: $99.00 AUD
Child: $59.00 AUD

As the sun begins to get low over the Great Dividing Range to the west of Cairns, met your Mandingalbay Yidjinji guide and push off from Cairns Marina in our new, covered River Cruise vessel, bound for wetlands and mangrove forests of East Trinity Reserve. Discover an Indigenous Protected Area where ancient knowledge meets latest science to deliver world-first conservation programs. Cruise along an avenue of ancient mangrove forests. Upon arrival at the Stingray Shelter, enjoy the ancient Mandingalbay custom of a Welcoming to Country and Smoke Cleansing Ceremony. Listen to our Mandingalbay Yidinji rangers speak of ancient language, practices and traditional implements that are still made and used.

Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise

Down Under Tours Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway (Cairns)

Adult Price: AUD $199 Child PriceAUD $105

Join your Down Under Tours coach transfer to Smithfield Station. Here you join Skyrail and marvel at the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience, including time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with spectacular lookouts. On arrival in Kuranda, the Village is yours to explore. The vibrant and colourful Heritage markets take place daily. Your return to Cairns is aboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail. Winding around curves, across bridges and through hand-hewn tunnels, this amazing engineering feat is a tribute to our pioneers. Upon arrival at historic Freshwater Station, you will board your coach back to your accommodation.

Down Under Tours Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway

Down Under Tours Daintree Dreaming With Ngadiku Walk (Cairns)

Adult Price: AUD $306 Child Price: AUD $275

A cultural journey taking you from coast to rainforest experiencing natural beauty and ancient culture. Learn traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish and mussels before tasting and sharing what you have caught and gathered. A short drive away is the lush rainforest of Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. Here you will experience the splendour of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy a guided interpretive walk through the ancient rainforest and along the banks of the pristine waters of the Mossman Gorge. Lunch & damper included.
Down Under Tours Daintree Dreaming With Ngadiku Walk

Brett's Outback Tasting Adventure (Cairns)

Adult: $235.00 AUD
Child: $235.00 AUD

This boutique food and wine experience from Cairns will be tasting some of the best food and wine that the Atherton Tablelands has to offer. Outback Tasting Adventures will take you through a variety of contrasting landscapes, from lush rainforest to stunning ochre savannah plains. The rich volcanic soil allows farmers to grow many and diverse crops from Bananas, coffee, sugar cane, avocados, mangoes, macadamia nuts, citrus and more which you will learn about as you taste our way around the regions 'Food Bowl.' Take in the beautiful views as they take you on a fascinating and tasty journey through another gem of Far North Queensland.

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