Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the vibrant landscapes and iconic cities of Australia. From the artsy avenues of Melbourne to the sun-soaked harbor of Sydney, this tour delivers a quintessential Aussie experience with every stop.
Discover the best of Australia on this 12-day tour by Cosmos, departing from Melbourne and ending in Sydney. Along the way, you’ll stay in scenic locations including Uluru and Cairns. Highlights include a sightseeing tour of Melbourne, optional excursions to the Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, and immersive experiences in the Red Centre at Uluru. In Cairns, explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran cruise before concluding the tour with a harbor cruise in Sydney.
This package combines cultural insights, natural marvels, and urban elegance. Hotel accommodations are a mix of superior tourist to moderate first-class, and meals include 11 breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner. The tour includes intra-vacation airfares and is ideal for travelers looking to see Australia’s diversity in comfort and style.
With departures from November 2025 to April 2026, this tour offers exceptional value by bundling iconic excursions, expert guidance, intra-country flights, and select meals. Whether you’re snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, marveling at Uluru at sunset, or soaking in the culture of Sydney’s harbor, this experience offers more than a vacation—it delivers memories that will last a lifetime.
Over 12 unforgettable days, the Highlights of Australia tour offers a sweeping journey across vibrant cities, spiritual landmarks, and natural wonders. From sipping coffee in Melbourne’s laneways to diving into the underwater marvels of the Great Barrier Reef, this tour balances guided experiences with ample free time for personal exploration.
Cultural discovery takes center stage at Uluru, where a sunset viewing offers profound moments amid the sacred red earth. In Cairns, travelers are immersed in marine beauty with a full-day cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The tour ends on a high note in Sydney, where the harbor, Opera House, and coastal walks leave lasting impressions.
Day 1-2: Arrive in Melbourne – guided sightseeing and optional excursions.
Day 3: Free day with options like the Great Ocean Road or Penguin Parade.
Day 4-5: Flight to Alice Springs and coach to Uluru; sunset viewing.
Day 6-7: Travel to Cairns; leisure and optional rainforest excursions.
Day 8: Full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef cruise.
Day 9-10: Fly to Sydney – city sightseeing including Opera House and harbor cruise.
Day 11: Free day in Sydney with optional Blue Mountains tour.
Day 12: Departure.
Expect a mix of urban cityscapes, desert outback, tropical reef ecosystems, and coastal serenity. Weather conditions vary from Melbourne’s mild climate to the warm, humid tropics of Cairns, and the dry desert heat of the Red Centre.
Accommodations include well-rated superior tourist to moderate first-class hotels. Lodging is centrally located where possible and offers comfortable amenities. Notable stays include:
Crown Promenade (Melbourne)
Desert Gardens Hotel (Uluru)
Pacific Hotel Cairns (Cairns)
Rydges World Square (Sydney)
Included Flights: Intra-tour flights (Melbourne–Alice Springs, Ayers Rock–Cairns, Cairns–Sydney)
Meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transportation: Air-conditioned motorcoaches and catamaran reef cruise
Group Size: Typically small to mid-sized groups
Physical Activity: Moderate; some walking and heat exposure in the Outback
From vibrant city avenues to ancient desert silence and the vivid hues of the reef, this tour connects every thread of the Australian tapestry. You’ll experience bustling urban life in Melbourne and Sydney, sacred indigenous landmarks at Uluru, and the thriving marine wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. Every stop is seamlessly arranged for depth, comfort, and discovery—making this a once-in-a-lifetime way to explore Australia’s most iconic experiences, all in one expertly guided journey.
