This fifteen day itinerary to Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Ayers Rock and Sydney highlights the many contrasts of Australia from cosmopolitan cities to breathtaking coastlines, red desert encompassing awe inspiring Ayers Rock to the stunning beauty of Sydney harbor.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip International Economy Class Flights from Los Angeles (domestic US flights can be added at an additional cost)
- 3 nights Melbourne at the 4.5* Crown Metropol – Luxe King Room
- Half Day Laneways & Arcades Walking Tour
- Full Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Ultimate Eco Tour
- 3 days medium size automatic transmission car rental inclusive of insurance
- 1 night Apollo Bay at the 4* Captains at the Bay – Terrace Room including full breakfast
- 1 night Dunkeld at the 4.5* Royal Mail Hotel – Garden view Room including full breakfast
- 1 night Daylesford at the 4* Grange Bellinzona – Superior Room
- 2 nights Ayers Rock at the 4* Desert Gardens Hotel – Garden View Room
- A Night at the Field of Light including Sounds of Silence Dinner
- Small group Uluru sunrise tour
- 4 nights Sydney at the 5* Amora Jamison in a Deluxe King Room
- Half day small group city sights of Sydney
- Small boat Sydney Harbour morning highlights cruis
- Sydney Opera House Tour & Tasting Plate
- Private car service airport transfers in Melbourne & Sydney
- Courtesy airport shuttle transfers in Ayers Rock
- All taxes & fuel surcharges
Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart Los Angeles non-stop to
Melbourne
Ask about our options with Premium Economy and Business class
airfare.
Day 2 - Cross International Dateline
Day 3 -
Arrive Melbourne
On arrival into Melbourne, you will be transferred to the Crown
Metropol by car service. Enjoy 3 nights in exciting Melbourne
– named the world’s most livable city for the sixth
consecutive year.
ACCOMMODATION - Crown Metropol offers fresh, vibrant, modern and stylish accommodation. From the moment you take in the hotel's elegant form and enter the uniquely designed reception area, you will feel a sense of peace and calm that makes every visit to Crown Metropol a welcome escape from day-to-day life. Crown Metropol is conveniently located adjacent to the Crown Entertainment Complex, home to a 24 hour casino, more than 50 restaurants, cinemas, luxury and general fashion shopping and entertainment.
Wander through Melbourne’s labyrinth of connecting laneways and arcades, intimate spaces and mystery, as well as home to many of Melbourne’s bar, dining and shopping secrets. Melbourne also has a strong cultural and intellectual heritage. With a range of galleries and museums, the city provides a canvas for artistic expression – the laneways are home to constantly changing street art. Melburnians love a party, with the year-round calendar of events offering something for everyone, see live music, go to a football match or join in at a festival! Melbourne’s multicultural population contributes to the city’s unique atmosphere – and more importantly, the city’s incredible dining scene. With a vibrant energy and unique offerings, Melbourne’s lifestyle is sure to find something for all visitors to enjoy.
Day 4 - Melbourne - Lanes & Arcades
tour
This morning Indulge with a casual small group guided walking tour
through Melbourne's lanes and arcades in small groups to engage in
the life of this city which many miss. Discover local designers and
specialty retailers, tiny cafes and more. A little history and
attention to amazing architecture will inspire locals and visitors
alike. Get orientated and return to those places you like best in
the afternoon, at your leisure.
Day 5 - Melbourne - Phillip
Island
Late morning depart Melbourne on your small group tour for Phillip
Island. Get up close and personal with the friendly residents of
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, hand-feed kangaroos
and wallabies, have your photo taken with a koala (small fee
applies) and learn about the conservation of these amazing animals.
This Eco-certified sanctuary showcases the famous and endangered
faces of Australias wildlife, including the southern bettong,
eastern quolls and rare fluffy gliders. From here we travel to
historic Churchill Island, where you will see sheep shearing and
working dogs in action. On Phillip Island we visit the stunning
Cape Woolamai surf beach, see the Nobbies and Seal Rocks before
arriving at the Penguin Parade where you will view the penguins
from the "Penguins Plus" viewing platform; Home to Victorias
largest colony of little penguins, Summerland Beach provides the
backdrop to the world famous Penguin Parade. Watch as hundreds of
little penguins make their way across the beach and return to their
sand dune burrows.
Day 6 -
Melbourne - Apollo Bay
Collect your car this morning and travel south west from Melbourne
on the Princes Highway to Geelong, the largest provincial city in
Victoria. Depart Geelong and travel onto Torquay, the surfing
capital of Australia. Follow the coast road through Anglesea to
Lorne and visit the nearby Erskine Falls. The coastline from Lorne
to Apollo Bay has been described as one of the most beautiful and
breathtaking drives in the world.
GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL
PARK
An ancient, pristine place where waterfalls thunder, goliath trees
reach for the sun and wildlife thrives in the cool temperate
rainforest. Such is the Great Otway National Park. Over 103,000
hectares of natural environment spanning the coast and hinterland
from Torquay to Princetown. Awesome forests. Spectacular coastline.
It’s a natural adventure space that will keep you wondering
at every turn. Walk it, bike it or drive it … just make sure
you do it.
ACCOMMODATION - Apollo Bay - Captains At The Bay caters especially for couples, located in the heart of town a stroll away from the foreshore, beach and restaurants.
Day 7 - Apollo Bay -
Port Campbell - Dunkeld
Depart Apollo
Bay this morning and travel along the fabulous Great Ocean Road to
Port Campbell. The road does leave the coast and wind through the
ferny slopes of Cape Otway, this rainforest country is silent and
untouched. When the road meets the coast again you will see some
amazing rock formations including the Twelve Apostles, which are
huge stone pillars in the surf, carved over time by the crashing
Southern Ocean waves. Continue on to Port Campbell where you will
see London Bridge the broken arch.
From Port Campbell travel north west to Dunkeld where you will stay for the night. Dunkeld's historic Royal Mail Hotel is idyllically located at the base of Mount Sturgeon, at the southern tip of western Victoria's Grampians Ranges. Originally established in 1855, the hotel retains its historical charm while providing guests with contemporary, architecturally designed facilities that take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings.
TWELVE
APOSTLES
These world-famous wavesculpted rock formations stand defiant
against the surging waves of the Southern Ocean and are located in
the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park. For a fresh perspective,
descend Gibson Steps to the beach and see how the Twelve Apostles
stack up at ground level. What could possibly beat standing on a
cliff-top viewing deck soaking up the beauty of the Twelve
Apostles? A breathtaking helicopter flight to view the entire coast
from above. Imagine soaring over the Twelve Apostles and the Bay of
Islands.
PORT CAMPBELL NATIONAL
PARK
The park hugs the wild coastline for 27km between Princetown and
Peterborough. Just 4km narrow at its widest, the park attracts
literally millions of visitors each year and envelopes one of
Australia’s most iconic stretches of shoreline. Dramatic
wave-sculpted landforms such as the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge
and Loch Ard Gorge are the superstars of the park. But
there’s an amazing support cast off the beaten track.
ACCOMMODATION - Dunkeld's historic Royal Mail Hotel is idyllically located at the base of Mount Sturgeon, at the southern tip of western Victoria's Grampians Ranges. Originally established in 1855, the hotel retains its historical charm while providing guests with contemporary, architecturally designed facilities that take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings. This historic hotel features sweeping views, restaurant, open fires, bars and luxurious motel rooms
Day 8 -
Dunkeld to Grampians & onwards to
Daylesford
Depart Dunkeld this morning for Halls Gap the heart of the
Grampians National Park in the picturesque Fyans Valley. The
township offers a comprehensive shopping centre and National Park
visitor centre. The sandstone ranges of the Grampians National Park
surround Halls Gap, provide views of rugged escarpments and
tranquil atmosphere. The ridges and valleys are filled with
Australian fauna, wildflowers, treefern gullies, strange rock
formations, Aboriginal rock art, crystal clear rock pools, and may
waterfalls, such as the McKenzie falls.
Departing Halls Gap join the Grampians Road past the towns of Ararat, Beaufort, Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh towards Daylesford – just 40 minutes from Melbourne Airport for your overnight stay at the Grange Bellinzona Hotel.
ACCOMMODATION - Situated in the centre of a pretty and historic village of Hepburn Springs, Grange Bellinzona welcomes you with its elegant heritage style. In a great location only 3km from Daylesford with lively cafes, galleries and bookshops to explore. The property has a wonderful view of the wombat state forest and is walking distance to the Mineral Springs.
Day 9 -
Melbourne – Ayers Rock (Uluru)
This morning self-drive to Melbourne airport (approx 1 hr) and
return your rental car before boarding your flight to Ayers Rock
via Sydney. On arrival into Ayers Rock take the courtesy shuttle
transfer on arrival to the Desert Gardens hotel - your base for two
nights.
Uluru (Ayers Rock), in the heart of the Red Center, has a desert climate - mostly dry, with brilliant blue skies all year. It is a World Heritage Area, managed jointly by the Aboriginal traditional owners and the Australian Nature Conservation Agency. You will spend two nights at the centrally Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort. The resort is a short stroll to numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert.
ACCOMMODATION - Magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs are the setting for this hotel. Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert. Relax in the comfort of your own private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the pool, sipping cocktails from the Bunya bar. It is only a short stroll to the numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably one of the best sunsets, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert. Once the sun has set, dine at White Gums Restaurant and savour Australian native delicacies.
This evening enjoy sunset over Uluru & “The Field of Light”. A Night at Field of Light' experience begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. With Uluru as the backdrop, guests enjoy canapés and chilled sparkling wine to the sounds of a didgeridoo as the sun slowly sets. As darkness gradually falls and the coloured lights of the 50,000 glass spheres come to life guests enjoy local Indigenous performance, welcoming them to this unique country, before being invited to join their fellow travellers at their dinner table for a special three-course bush tucker inspired buffet menu. A knowledgeable guide will provide insights and background to the monumental installation and guests are invited to immerse themselves and walk through Field of Light. After dinner guests are welcomed back at the dune viewing area to enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port whilst viewing the illuminated installation in the darkness.
Day 10
- Ayers Rock - Uluru Sunrise Tour
This morning you will be picked up from the Desert Gardens Hotel
for your small group Uluru Highlights sunrise tour. Travel towards
Uluru where its vast shape rises from the sand dunes in the early
dawn light highlighting its presence in this country. Stop at a
special location to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith
and enjoy a picnic breakfast. Travel to Mutitjulu Waterhole where
you will learn the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and
Kuniya (python). Then drive around the base of Uluru hearing the
cultural stories of the Mala people before returning to the
resort.
This afternoon consider adding an afternoon camel ride through
the desert (additional cost applies)
Catch the camel train and ride the good-natured camels for 45
minutes through beautiful sand dune country with Uluru and Kata
Tjuta as your stunning backdrop. The knowledgeable cameleer
describes the landscape around you on your ride. Back at the farm
explore the camel museum and learn about the importance of camels
to the history of the Red Centre
Day 11
- Ayers Rock - Sydney
Enjoy the morning at leisure before taking the courtesy shuttle to
Ayers Airport for your flight to Sydney.
Blessed with a temperate climate, Sydney is Australia’s favorite city with the world’s most beautiful harbor. The harbor provides a playground for jet boating, sailing, swimming, harbor scenic flights, dining, fishing, climbing the harbor bridge and sightseeing at the Opera House. On arrival into Sydney you will be met by your driver and transferred to the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
ACCOMMODATION - Stay 4 nights in the Heart of Sydney This award-winning 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Sydney features stylish accommodations, along with 2 restaurants, 2 bars, a day spa, swimming pool, fitness center and business center. Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney is just a 10-minute walk from Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks. It is a 15-minute walk from Darling Harbour. The city’s best shopping, dining and nightlife are on the hotel’s doorstep
Day 12
- Sydney - Half Day City Sights tour
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for your small
group Sydney Sights tour. First stop is Observatory Hill which has
a beautiful view of the Harbour and Harbour Bridge from the Gazebo
Platform. Learn about the arrival of the first fleet and convicts,
and see the historic Rocks area. Drive through the city to view
iconic buildings on the way to Mrs Macquarie's Chair with views of
the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Head to famous Bondi Beach for
the opportunity to walk from Icebergs Restaurant South Bondi around
the Esplanade to North Bondi. Then head to Watsons Bay for views of
the city and shimmering water, and South Head. Travel back into the
city and cross over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to North Head to view
Balmoral Beach and enjoy a leisurely walk. Visit a secret location
in Middle Head with amazing panoramic views of all of the Sydney
region from North Head to the South including the City. Tour
concludes at Taronga Zoo Ferry Wharf with an option of taking the
ferry back to Circular Quay or enjoying the rest of the day at
Taronga Zoo (entry at own expense). Or re-join your vehicle for
transfer back to the city with drop off at Circular Quay or Darling
Harbour.
Day 13
- Explore Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera
House
This morning, enjoy the company of a small group aboard a 52 foot
motor yacht. Your captain and host will share the rich history of
Sydney Harbour and its foreshore as you take in the sights of the
Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the bays and
coves of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a light morning tea with coffee,
tea, juice and water.
This afternoon, see inside the world's most recognizable 'sails' and experience this miracle of architecture and engineering. A work of art that came into existence against impossible odds to become one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world. Working with new, rich audio-visual components, where images are projected onto the fabric of the building, your guide will take you on an emotional journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns. Some 1,500 performances, from opera to circus, rock and cabaret, are staged each year to audiences of around 1.5 million. After your tour, please proceed to the Opera Kitchen which is located on the lower concourse between Kenji Restaurant and the Opera Bar. Enjoy a three-tier gourmet tasting plate, which can be enjoyed before or after the guided tour. Sit back and be spoilt for choice as you relish some of Sydney's best cuisine and soak in the Sydney Harbour views. The perfect way to experience one of the world's most stunning icons.
Day at
Leisure or add World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains day tour for
$125 per person
Consider enhancing your Sydney experience by adding a full day tour
to the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains. This boutique tour
provides an intimate touch, travelling in the luxury of a Mercedes
Benz minivan. Explore the Blue Mountains and see hidden locations
and beautiful views of the region. From Echo Point, the closest and
best view of the Three Sisters, you will be able to witness the
blue haze and the vast expanse of the Jamison Valley and experience
for yourself the raw magic the Blue Mountains creates. Take a 1.5
hour hike down the Furber Steps walking track which offers scenic
views and waterfalls, to the bottom of the valley. Visit a
beautiful waterfall with great photo opportunities at Katoomba
Falls Cascade and see breathtaking views of either Jamison Valley
or Megalong Valley away from the crowds in a private location.
Enjoy a hot filling lunch including a glass of beer, wine or soft
drink. After lunch visit Featherdale Wildlife Park to see some of
Australia's native wildlife. Your trip to Sydney is not complete
without a cruise on the Parramatta River to Sydney Harbour. You
will travel under the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House
before disembarking at Circular Quay, where your tour will conclude
at approximately 4.30pm-5.00pm.
Day 15
- Depart Sydney
This morning you will be transferred by car service to Sydney
International airport for your flight back to Los Angeles.
request a quote or virtual appointment
Costing Per Person
Starting from | $3,899 |
Additional Charges
ETA to enter Australia $25 per person. Before committing to your trip please ensure you hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date you plan to return to the USA.
Read More about Australian ETA
Additional departure gateways & pricing
Add on airfares (coach) available from most major airports - Add $200 from San Francisco, Add $250 from Dallas, Seattle, add $300 from New York, Denver, Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, add $400 from Boston, Miami, Add $450 from Washington DC, Atlanta - ask an Aspire consultant for a quote from your local airport.
Optional Activities, Extensions or Add-Ons & pricing
- Upgrade to premium economy from $700 per person each way*
- Upgrade to business class from $2,000 per person each way* Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket
* Starting from pricing based on Monday through Thursday departures - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee for travel Friday through Sunday
Terms & Conditions:
Package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) for travel Monday - Thursday. $60pp air supplement applies each way for travel on Friday to Sundays. $40 per person supplement applies for a Saturday night at the Crown Metropol Hotel Melbourne. Ask an Aspire consultant for pricing for other travel dates. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Certain blackout dates apply on the accommodation and tour value add offers - check with your Aspire consultant. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect a discount for purchases made by cash/wire transfer/check, please see terms and conditions for credit card payments. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.