This website uses cookies to collect information about how you use this site.
This information is used to make the website work as well as possible.
See our Cookie Policy for more details.
We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions.
The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site.
We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website, store your preferences, and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you. These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent.
You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies, but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience.
From Sydney's beautiful beaches and iconic landmarks, to the Red Centre's rich indigenous culture, to Melbourne's killer food and coffee scene, this nine-day adventure hits so many highlights it'll be hard to keep track. Kick back in Sydney and check out nearby beaches and hidden cafes. Then, take in the sunset at Uluru, hike through Kata Tjuta National Park, and spot street art on Melbourne's laneways. Oh yeah, the very best of Australia is ready and waiting for you.
The Australian currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Australia and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of local currency (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), traveller's cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is easy to find in Australia in the gateway cities and most banks do accommodate.
Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Sydney
- Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Melbourne
- 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
16
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Spend a day at the beach in seaside Manly, Explore Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, Hike in Kings Canyon, Explore the Laneways of Melbourne on a guided tour.
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Hotels (7nts), Outback Tented Camp (2nts, shared facilities)
Private vehicle, plane, walking.
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
From Sydney airport (SYD), to reach your starting accommodation you can take the Sydney Airport Shuttle, the Train or a local taxi. Please go to the airport information desk for assistance.
Please note, if taking the train, the station is under the airport terminal.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
1. Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in Australia as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.
2. Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions.
3. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
4 & 5
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Melbourne laneways walk. Guided walks at Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Desert Tented Camp stay in the Red Centre. Sunset at Uluru. Guided Hiking at Kings Canyon. Visit to Telegraph Station. Ferry to Manly Beach. Visit to Victoria Market. Visit to Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne. Internal Flights. All Transport to and from included activities.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Max 16, avg 12
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Your CEO will advise you along the trip where you will be able to do your laundry.
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Eating is a big part of traveling. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together for most meals but there is no obligation to so. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
We love checking out what the locals are doing and what makes up their daily routines. In Italy that could be starting the day with an espresso and cornetto standing at the bar in a local café. in Australia it might include an iced coffee and sausage roll by the beach and in Vietnam it could be slurping a steaming bowl of pho sitting on a plastic stool on a busy street corner. Hey, variety is the spice of life!
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
Sunny Sydney welcomes you and hit the road right away with your CEO to dive into exploring this stunning city. Set off on a walking orientation tour of some of the city's well known landmarks. Slowly make your way to Circular Quay, where you'll hop onto a ferry to cross the harbor to Manly beach. Your CEO will point out some must do's while you're in Manly, like the coastal walk to Shelly beach, and some places to grab some local food. You can't go wrong with some fish and chips by the sea.
Today is your's to spend as you see fit. There is quite literally too much choice in Sydney, so use your time wisely. Choose from exploring on foot the Rock's neighborhood, which is also home to the city's Museum of Modern Art. The cafe on the roof is a great spot for lunch or a famous Aussie coffee. Or get the blood pumping by booking a jet boating tour or climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Join your CEO and fellow travelers in the evening for a meal together at a local restaurant.
Board a flight bound for Yulara, the gateway to Uluru and the Red Centre. Spend the afternoon getting straight out there and exploring-starting first with Kata Tjuta National Park and the Walpa Gorge walk. Catch the sunset over Uluru before making your way to the tented camp. Enjoy an outdoor meal cooked at camp with lots of local ingredients.
Sunrise over Uluru is not to be missed, so rise early and catch sunrise over Australia's most iconic indigenous landmarks. This morning, take the time to explore Uluru on foot on a guided walk through some of the most culturally significant areas of the site. These sacred spaces are some of the oldest on the planet, and understanding the interpretation behind them makes them even more impactful. Later, head to the Kings Canyon region overland, to your next tented camp in the bush.
The mornings in the desert offer cooler temperatures, and so head out early to hike throughout Kings Canyon. Choose between the harder 3 hour hike and a more approachable one hour option. The Rim walk is a 6km walk along the upper rim of Kings Canyon. The most difficult part of the hike is the very beginning with a 500 step ascent, but the landscapes and views you are rewarded with are more than worth the effort. You won't even remember the effort it took to get up there. (Sort of!) If you prefer to take it easy, enjoy a 2km hike through canyon valley. Later on, rest up on a drive East to Alice Springs.
In addition to its rich indigenous history and cultural, Alice Springs is home to the Telegraph Station that linked Australia top to bottom in the 19th century. This telegraph connection also integrated Australia into the wider network within the British Empire, allowing Australia to be connected to the outside world in a matter of hours, versus days. Take a moment to learn about some of the troubling history that took place not too far in the distant past when the station ceased to operate as a telegraph station and became a boarding house for indigenous children.
In the afternoon, grab a flight to quirky, cool, Melbourne and settle in with an optional dinner with your CEO.
Melbourne is one of the easiest cities to traverse on foot and by public transport-so you will be getting your steps in today. Start the morning off with a guided laneways tour where you will be led through some of the famous-and off the beaten track-spots in Melbourne's famous laneways. Then join your CEO at the Queen Victoria markets where you can choose to grab some lunch from one of the many stalls. End the afternoon at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, a sprawling 38 hectares of green space housing over 800 species of plants from the world over.
Another Australian city with tons to do, so a day at leisure gives you plenty of time to craft the perfect day. You may want to take a trip out to see the Phillip Island Penguin Parade or embark on a full day tour out along the Great Ocean Road.
Depart at any time.
Details
Prices from: €3199.00
Duration: 10 Days
Trip Type: Small Group
Travel Style: Classic
Service Level: Standard
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Merchandising: New Trips
Prices from: €3199.00
10 day Classic tour
The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise