- Australia Escorted Tours
- Australia: Uluru, Reefs and Wildlife
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Australia: Uluru, Reefs and Wildlife
22 Day Escorted Tour
Australia, Australasia
28 Meals Included
15 Excursions
Intermediate Pace
Renowned for its vast desert landscapes, unique wildlife, and world-famous coffee culture, Australia offers an exceptional touring experience that blends natural wonders with a rich cultural heritage. This journey showcases the nation’s most iconic highlights, from dramatic coastal drives and cosmopolitan cities to the heart of the Outback, the sacred beauty of Uluru, and the dazzling ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef.
Highlights
- Visit the iconic sights of Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney on guided city tours
- Travel along the picturesque Great Ocean Road
- Watch the adorable 'Penguin Parade' at sunset on the shores of Phillip Island
- Experience an unforgettable sunset over the desert landscape of Uluru
- Witness the amazing marine diversity of the Great Barrier Reef
- Journey to the stunning Blue Mountains National Park to see the famous Three Sisters
Map Key
Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Melbourne
Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Melbourne.
Day 2
Melbourne
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Relax in the evening at your hotel.
Day 3
Melbourne
Breakfast
This morning you will experience the beautiful sights of Melbourne. Hear about its wonderful history, famous buildings, sensational shopping, great sporting centres, and universities. Stopping to explore the Fitzroy Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance. As you travel over the Westgate Bridge, you’ll drive along the Grand Prix track and admire the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, St Paul's Cathedral, the Arts Centre, Crown Casino and Port Phillip Bay. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, before welcome drinks in the evening.
Day 4
Melbourne
Breakfast
With a day at leisure, you can spend some time exploring the most stylish and fashionable city in Australia at your own pace. Wander through Melbourne’s maze of hidden laneways and independent cafes, shops, and bars; browse the Queen Victoria Market or ride the free City Circle tram to see the sights of the city centre. In the evening, witness the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade: watch as the world's smallest penguins emerge from the sea and waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows, a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. Elevated boardwalks and viewing stands allow you to enjoy the action without disturbing the penguins or their burrow homes.
Day 5
Great Ocean Road to Portland
Breakfast & Dinner
Depart Melbourne to travel along the scenic Great Ocean Road, stretching along 250km of Australia’s windswept south-west coast. A verdant playground for adventure lovers, wind through Otway National Park’s vast hinterlands and thundering waterfalls, before returning to the coast to feast your eyes on a mind-blowing collection of solitary rock formations in Port Campbell National Park. Rising elegantly from the crashing waves of the ocean, marvel at the eight remaining limestone structures of the iconic Twelve Apostles, take a short drive to the charming, sheltered cove of Loch Ard Gorge before arriving in Portland for a relaxing evening.
Day 6
Portland to Robe
Breakfast & Dinner
Continue along the coast to the charming town of Robe with scenic stops along the way, including Mount Gambier, renowned for the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole, and the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park, home to stunning cave formations. Arrive in Robe, a picturesque seaside village that transforms into a bustling holiday hotspot each summer, when holidaymakers soak up the sun on Robe’s long sandy beaches and relax in the towns’ cosmopolitan cafes.
Day 7
Robe to Victor Harbour
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel along South Australia’s Southern Ocean Drive, enjoying the change of scenery as towering sand dunes give way to snow-white beaches. The route encompasses saltwater lagoons and wildlife-rich wetlands, as well as the nearby home of the oldest recorded cabernet sauvignon vines in the world, Langhorne Creek. Your day ends in Victor Harbour, well-known for its early colonial architecture and fantastic opportunities for whale-watching. Enjoy the town’s relaxed charm, beautiful coastal views, and rich maritime history.
Day 8
Kangaroo Island to Adelaide
Breakfast
Tuck into your takeaway breakfast on your way to Kangaroo Island, ideal for wildlife-spotting and often referred to as a ‘zoo without fences. Here you’ll find expansive bushland that provides a habitat for kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and koalas, as well as a large colony of sea lions and wide variety of reptiles, birds, and insects. Admire dramatic coastal scenery such as the surreal Remarkable Rocks, sculpted by the wind over millennia into unique shapes, before continuing to Adelaide.
Day 9
Adelaide
Breakfast
Enjoy a tour of the delightful city of Adelaide, surrounded by parklands with a blend of historic buildings, wide streets, high-quality cafes, and sophisticated restaurants. See Adelaide's cultural precinct – the North Terrace, National Wine Centre, Botanic Gardens and beautiful Botanic Park, home to the Bicentennial Conservatory and the Adelaide Zoo. Continue through historic North Adelaide’s tree-lined streets, admiring mansion houses and historic buildings, the iconic St Peter’s Cathedral, and newly developed Adelaide Oval. The afternoon is free to explore the city further at leisure.
Day 10
Adelaide
Breakfast
A full day at leisure in this remarkable city allows you to explore at your own pace. Discover Adelaide’s highlights or opt to take a tour of the nearby Barossa Valley, one of the world’s top winegrowing regions. You might consider a tour of the German Village of Hahndorf or an enchanting river cruise or simply spend the day relaxing ahead of your next adventure.
Day 11
Adelaide to Alice Springs
Breakfast
This morning, depart for your flight to Alice Springs. On arrival, visit the School of the Air, which provides an innovative educational service for children living in remote areas. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn how this marvellous facility operates to provide a 'mantle of safety' to people in the Australian Outback. Your tour concludes at the top of Anzac Hill, offering panoramic views of Alice Springs and the dramatic East MacDonnell mountain ranges.
Day 12
Alice Springs to Uluru
Breakfast & Lunch
Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Observe the rugged desert landscapes of the region, travelling via Erldunda, Mount Ebenezer & Mount Conor. While traversing this remote countryside, learn about the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique flora and fauna of the Australian desert, such as the Perentie monitor lizard, the thorny devil, and the red kangaroo. Discover the traditional customs and beliefs of local Aboriginals as you enjoy a tour of the base of Uluru, followed by a visit to Kata Tjuta for one of the best sunset experiences in Central Australia. A sacred site and stunning natural wonder, admire views of the immense, dome-shaped rocks of Kata Tjuta while you take in a magnificent outback sunset before returning to your hotel. Please note Lunch will be at a roadhouse en route
Day 13
Uluru to Cairns
Breakfast & Lunch
A very early start allows you to experience the Uluru Sunrise and Field of Light. Listen to an informative commentary on internationally renowned artist Bruce Monroe before you arrive to see his latest artistic endeavour. Beginning in complete darkness, feel awe-struck by the site of 50,000 globes of light illuminating the desert, before making your way up the hill to the Field of Light viewing platform. Watch the sun rise in the distance behind Uluru, flooding the landscape, including Kata Tjuta behind you, with golden light. Take some amazing photos of this unique, unforgettable experience, viewing both Kata Tjuta and Uluru in all their natural glory. After the tour, transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your afternoon flight with lunch onboard to Cairns, where you’ll enjoy a short orientation tour on arrival.
Day 14
Cairns
Breakfast
Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda village for an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed tropical rainforest canopy. Spend time at the two rainforest mid-stations, enjoying Ranger guided boardwalk tours, and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts, and historical displays. Return to Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, travelling in authentic timber carriages, some of which are up to 100 years old. Sit back and admire the scenery, including the picturesque Barron Falls.
Day 15
Great Barrier Reef
Breakfast & Lunch
Today, embark on a cruise to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Set sail and experience the area’s unique environment, where pristine sands and fringing reefs provide a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. Enjoy all of the included activities onboard, snorkelling, cruising in a semi-submersible for a diver’s view of the reef, watching a fish feeding presentation, and observing island bird life. For the adventurous there is also the option of scuba diving.
Day 16
Cairns
Breakfast
Today is at leisure to enjoy the vibrant city of Cairns, with its laid-back outdoor lifestyle, you could choose to visit the Cairns Aquarium, Art Gallery, or Esplanade Lagoon, or simply relax and unwind by your hotel pool. A visit to a nearby crocodile farm is also optional.
Day 17
Cairns to Sydney
Breakfast & Lunch
Board your flight with lunch onboard, to Sydney, where you’ll take a city tour on arrival. Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral, and Parliament House. Stop at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and stroll along Darling Harbour, with its collection of waterfront restaurants, alfresco cafes and trendy bars.
Day 18
Sydney
Breakfast & Lunch
After a morning to relax or explore at your own pace, board a scenic cruise on the famous Sydney Harbour. Sail past sightseeing highlights including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, and Luna Park, with spacious outer decks providing uninterrupted views and wonderful photo opportunities. Enjoy a buffet lunch onboard.
Day 19
Blue Mountains
Breakfast
Travel to the spectacular Blue Mountains and discover the region’s native wildlife whilst you explore the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Visit Scenic World, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the rugged Jamison Valley. Stop at Echo Point, perched on the edge of a 170-metre cliff face, offering views stretching across to the famous Three Sisters, a trio of rocky pinnacles towering above the valley. Learn about the site’s deep connection to local Aboriginal Dreamtime legends.
Day 20
Sydney
Breakfast & Dinner
Today is at leisure to relax or further explore the highlights of Sydney before a farewell dinner.
Day 21
Sydney to UK
Breakfast
Transfer to airport for your flight home.
Day 22
Arrive in the UK
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
What's Included
Hand-picked Accommodation
28 Meals
15 Excursions
Expert Local Guides
All entrance fees
International Return Flights
Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)
Hold Luggage for all flights
ABTA & ATOL Protection
Your tour of Australia is just a phone call away
Call our Travel Specialists today on 0800 408 0506
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 8.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Sunday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
The Windsor Hotel
3 nights
Melbourne, Australia
Quest Portland
1 nights
Portland, Australia
Extend Your Tour
Important Information
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £390.14pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
To enter Australia, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. All travellers must obtain a visa or electronic travel authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia. You can find out more about applying for an Australian visa on the website of the Department of Home Affairs (www.homeaffairs.gov.au).
Alternatively, we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations. Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.
Please note that your final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at Check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Baggage weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in sufficient time before your departure. Sources of information include www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and incluThis tour is suitable for most travellers with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It includes full days of sightseeing, much of it on foot, with some stair climbing, regular boarding and disembarking from coaches, and occasional longer walks over uneven paths and hilly terrain. As a result, the tour is not recommended for anyone with significant walking difficulties. The overall pace for An Australian Journey is Intermediate.
Please note: When visiting Uluru and the Blue Mountains National Park, temperatures in the warmer months can reach 35–45°C, and some walks may exceed 10 km. Please ensure your fitness level is appropriate for walking in these conditions. des some climbing of steps, getting on and off coaches and at times long walks often across uneven paths and hills. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. The Tour Pace for An Australian Journey is Intermediate.
The currency in Australia is Australian Dollars. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. It is important to budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will be available in major cities throughout the tour to withdraw money in your local currency.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Budget approximately $1000-$1500 per person for the duration of the tour (this is just a basic guide). It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.
Tipping in Australia is not customary. However, if you are happy with the service provided by the guide and or driver, then we would suggest between $10-$40 per person for the tour.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 15, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 15 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we cannot operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date, and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of the tour, ensuring that you always have first-hand knowledge.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Where an international flight arrives during early morning, we will endeavour to provide an Early Check In to your hotel, this is subject to availability. The usual hotel check in time is from 2pm onwards.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for. Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed counties water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way as the UK.
On your arrival in Melbourne, you will be met by a Tour Guide from our local agent, Australia Pacific Vacations holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/APV representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day in case of emergency.
Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day in case of emergency.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are: 000 for ambulance,
or
+61 5368 2572 for APV 24/7 service
- Sunglasses, Sunscreen and hat in summer
- Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera and charger/ spare batteries
- Small day pack for excursions
- Waterproof, lightweight jacket and lightweight clothing
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Sweater and jacket for the cooler months
- You will be visiting different regions of Australia, and the climate can vary significantly – please be prepared for all weather conditions when you are packing
- Fly spray for the red centre