Home > 9 Day Australia: Melbourne, Cairns & Sydney

9 DAY AUSTRALIA: MELBOURNE, CAIRNS & SYDNEY

CODE

AMCS

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SYDNEY TOUR

Australia is filled with fresh flavours, welcoming people and open spaces.

Start Location: Melbourne End Location: Sydney

TOP HIGHLIGHTS

Bondi Beach
Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise
Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Tjapukai Cultural Centre
Kuranda Scenic Train
Kuranda Rainforest Tour
Hartley
Tropical North Queensland
Penguins of Phillip Island
Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Dinner
Melbourne City Tour
Sydney City Tour

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ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is generally considered to have some of the best dining in Australia, especially aboard the converted 1927 tram that has become the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. This glossy, burgundy restaurant on wheels is the only travelling tramcar restaurant in the world, and a delightfully innovative approach to dining. Sipping sparkling wine or a beverage of your choice, you will travel along Toorak Road, renowned for its stylish and beautiful shops. See the famous "Paris end of Collins Street", tree-lined and stately St Kilda Road, the city's imposing Arts Centre and the gaping jaws of Luna Park. They're all just part of the passing parade that is Melbourne. Enjoy the fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines - the atmosphere is cozy, the service friendly, and the décor as inviting as the colonial period it reflects. The food is prepared on the tram and a maÃ®tre d' oversees the traditional silver and white linen service. Dining is not only a culinary delight, but a trip into a little piece of Victoria's history. The tour includes a short walk to the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant terminal and a late dinner at the restaurant.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is listed as one of the most livable cities in the world, with a multi-cultural population of over three million people. The city boasts magnificent architecture, fine restaurants and bars, beautiful gardens, a fascinating history, a great diversity of arts and culture and some lovely beaches. During the tour you will see the highlights of this wonderful city, incorporating modern Melbourne, its history and cultural diversity. See the beautiful architecture of some famous landmarks including the Melbourne Town Hall, St Paul's Cathedral, Victorian Parliament, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square and visit the beach and café cultures of St Kilda. See the beautiful Shrine of Remembrance located on Melbourne's most recognized boulevard, St Kilda Road, just south of the Melbourne central business district. A permanent and lasting memorial to the ANZAC spirit, it is Victoria's largest and most visited war memorial and probably Melbourne's most recognized landmark. Travel past other Melbourne icons including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Tennis Centre and Melbourne University. See the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and visit Cook's Cottage. In the afternoon, enjoy the Phillip Island tour. This amazing tour includes private charter motorcoach for eight hours of touring, a local guide for sightseeing assistance and admission to Phillip Island Reserve - Penguins Plus viewing platform.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Melbourne - Cairns, Australia

This day tour includes a meet and greet and sightseeing assistance by a local guide with hotel check-in assistance, private charter motorcoach for airport transfer, transfer to Hartley's Creek Crocodile Adventure Park and hotel drop-off and general admission to Hartley's Creek. Just 40 minutes north of Cairns and 25 minutes south of Port Douglas, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is simply the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. There is over 2,100 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways leading you on a journey of discovery through woodlands and rainforest, where you can see an array of wildlife including beautiful tropical birds, reptiles, insects and other native fauna. Enjoy the entertaining and educational wildlife presentations including snakes, cassowaries, koalas, crocodiles, quolls and much more. Take a boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon to see crocodiles and other wildlife on the melaleuca wetland and learn about sustainable use and conservation on the Crocodile Farm tour. The remainder of day is at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Cairns, Australia

After breakfast, continue your Australian adventure with the Kuranda tour. The tour includes a private transfer from your hotel to Freshwater Station, a local guide for sightseeing assistance, one-way train ride on Kuranda Scenic Train, free time in Kuranda to visit the markets and perhaps purchase some lunch, one-way ride on Skyrail - Kuranda to Caravonica Station, a short walk to Tjapukai, general admission to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and private transfer back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Cairns, Australia

After breakfast, there is a short walk to Reef Fleet Terminal. Start the Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Sunlover Cruises including tea and coffee upon boarding the vessel, an informative presentation hosted by the marine naturalist, four hours at the outer reef, a tropical buffet lunch including seafood, hot dishes, salads and tropical fruit; guided coral viewing from the semi-submersible vessel and glass bottom boat. There is also an onboard touch tank to experience unique marine life up close, snorkelling equipment and expert instruction, snorkelling enclosure with rest and view stations, underwater observatory and a fish feeding presentation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Cairns - Sydney, Australia

After breakfast, check out at 10am and private transfer hotel to airport. Arrive at Sydney, private transfer airport to hotel, meet and greet by a local guide with hotel check-in assistance. After check-in at 2pm, there is a short walk to King St Wharf, Darling Harbour for the dinner cruise. Enjoy Captain Cook Cruises Sunset Dinner cruise including a limited choice menu of three courses, Tyrell's sparking and still wines and beer, and tea and coffee. Departs 5pm and returns 6:30pm from King St Wharf only. Then, take a short walk back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Sydney, Australia

After breakfast, commence a sightseeing tour of Sydney including famous Bondi Beach. Pass by important historic buildings including Conservatorium of Music, State Library, State Parliament House, Hyde Park Barracks, St Mary's Cathedral and visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. Here a stop will be made for a photo opportunity before continuing on via Australian naval base Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and then along New South Head Road through the elite eastern suburbs of Rushcutters Bay, Rose Bay, and Double Bay to The Gap. Here a short walk is included to view the entrance to Sydney Harbour before continuing on to Bondi Beach. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade before reboarding your motorcoach and travelling to Watsons Bay. Enjoy a delicious fish and chips luncheon with a view of the harbour and city from famous Doyles on the Beach. After lunch reboard your motorcoach and continue on to Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a private guided tour of Sydney's famous icon and world-famous performing arts centre before arriving back at the hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Sydney, Australia

After breakfast, explore another gem of Sydney through the Blue Mountains Excursion. This magnificent tour includes a private charter motorcoach for ten hours, Blue Mountains excursion, local guide for sightseeing assistance, admission to Featherdale Wildlife Park, and a Scenic World "Ultimate Pass" including three rides. Also included is the Scenic Railway, Scenic Cableway, Scenic Skyway and two-course Heritage Feast at The Lookout Restaurant, with one glass of wine per person or a soft drink and tea and coffee. Transfer back to the hotel and take a short walk to the Waterfront Restaurant for a farewell dinner overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. Three-course choice menu and tea and coffee are included; other drinks are at your own expense. After dinner, there is a short walk back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Depart Sydney, Australia

After breakfast, transfer to airport as your tour through magnificent Australia has come to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

DATES & PRICES

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Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transportation on deluxe motorcoach
Guided sightseeing with local specialist guides
Professional Tour Leader
8 nights of accommodation (3-4 star)
Domestic airfare
18 meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners

EXCLUSIONS

Tour Groups Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
Items of a personal nature
Meals not listed
Attractions not listed
Credit card payment fees, where applicable
Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Tour Questions

What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?

Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.

What are Guaranteed Departures?

After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.

What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?

We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.

What is the average age of passengers for this tour?

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.

How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?

Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.

Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?

Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.

Booking & Flight Questions

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.

Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?

Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.

How much luggage should I bring?

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.

I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.

Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.

Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?

Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.

Are gratuities included in the tour cost?

For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.

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