Australia: Land, Rail, & Sea

DAYS 1-2: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT Meals In Flight

DAY 3: WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA!

G’day, Mate! Arrive in Melbourne and meet your local guides before embarking on a guided tour of the city. Visit the Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform, for breathtaking views nearly 1000 feet above the city. This evening, check into your hotel for the next four nights and enjoy dinner as a group. L, D

DAY 4: ABORIGINAL TALK, PHILIP ISLAND

The day begins with a guided visit to Federation Square, where an Aboriginal talk offers insights into the history and cultural significance of Melbourne's land. After lunch on your own, travel to Phillip Island to visit the Koala Conservatory and enjoy the stunning clifftop views at the Nobbies, home to Seal Rocks and seasonal whale sightings. In the evening, experience the magical Penguin Parade from the premium “Penguins Plus” seating area. B, D

DAY 5: YARRA VALLEY

This morning, journey to the Yarra Valley, Victoria's historic wine-growing region known for its rich heritage and scenic beauty. Visit Rayner's Orchard, a family-run fruit farm offering a guided tasting tour of tree-ripened fruits. Enjoy a wine tasting and a two-course lunch at a local winery, then visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie to sample their sweet treats. Return to the hotel for time to relax and enjoy dinner on your own. B, L

DAY 6: EXPLORE MELBOURNE, ST. KILDA

Enjoy a morning full of exploring Melbourne. At the Melbourne Aquarium, see how conservation efforts inspire a love for oceans and marine life in the area. Explore the diverse stories that highlight our shared humanity at the Immigration Museum. Travel to St. Kilda, Melbourne’s vibrant seaside playground, known for its sandy beaches, scenic boardwalks, iconic attractions, and diverse dining options. The afternoon is free to explore Melbourne at your leisure. B

DAY 7: EXPLORE ADELAIDE

Adelaide is South Australia’s vibrant coastal capital. Fly to Adelaide this morning and meet your local guide before exploring the city, starting with a visit to the Art Gallery of South Australia, renowned for its Indigenous and expansive art collections. Continue touring highlights like Victoria Square, cosmopolitan Gouger Street, King William Street, Parliament House, and Trinity Church, the city’s oldest church. After lunch on your own, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at your leisure. B

DAY 8: KANGAROO ISLAND

Get ready for a full day exploring Kangaroo Island, South Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destination. After a ferry ride to the island, visit Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among a colony of wild Australian sea lions, followed by lunch at Vivonne Bay Bistro. Spend the afternoon exploring Flinders Chase National Park, home to native wildlife and stunning landmarks like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. B, L

DAY 9: BAROSSA VALLEY, HAHNDORF

Begin today with a visit to the Barossa Valley, Australia’s wine capital, renowned for its Shiraz and Mediterranean climate. Explore Seppeltsfield Estate on a private tour, learning about its history and enjoying wine tastings and lunch. Stroll through the estate's artisan hubs, including the JamFactory, showcasing handcrafted works by local artists. In the afternoon, visit Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, known for its charming architecture, artisanal food, and rich history. Return to Adelaide by early evening, with free time to relax and enjoy dinner at your leisure. B, L

DAY 10: THE GHAN

Today, board The Ghan Train. Settle into your Gold Service Cabin and depart Adelaide at midday. Enjoy a gourmet lunch as the train glides through the scenic North and the ancient Flinders Ranges. In the evening, savor pre-dinner drinks and a fine meal while mingling with fellow travelers. Drift off to sleep in comfort as the train continues its journey through the stunning Australian Outback. B, L, D

DAY 11: ALICE SPRINGS

Rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise in Marla, where the vivid red earth and dramatic colors of the horizon define the Australian outback. Enjoy brunch on The Ghan as you travel into the Northern Territory and through the MacDonnell Ranges. In Alice Springs, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the historic Telegraph Station, and the School of the Air. End with panoramic views from the most visited landmark in Alice Springs, Anzac Hill, offering a glimpse into the region’s cultural and historical significance. Enjoy dinner tonight at the hotel’s restaurant. B, D

DAY 12: YULARA, CURTIN SPRINGS

Embark on a journey from Alice Springs to Uluru, passing through ancient desert landscapes. Stop for a light BBQ lunch at Curtin Springs before continuing to the Voyages Sails in the Desert Resort. On the way, admire Mount Conner, Uluru's "cousin," before reaching Ayers Rock. Check into the hotel then head out for a breathtaking sunset view at Uluru, where the rock’s colors shift from pink to orange and red, offering the perfect photo opportunity. Enjoy dinner on your own. B, L

DAY 13: ULURU, FIELD OF LIGHTS

This morning, at the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing platform, enjoy breathtaking views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunrise, with birdlife welcoming the day. Learn about the sacred Tjukurpa, the foundation of Anangu culture, as you explore the area. Return to the resort for a Dot Painting Workshop with a local Anangu artist. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon, then experience the mesmerizing Field of Lights Dinner, where 50,000 spindles of light illuminate the desert as Uluru is silhouetted against the night sky. B, D

DAY 14: CAIRNS

Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch on your own before boarding a flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel. B, D

DAY 15: GREAT BARRIER REEF

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then walk to the Marina Reef terminal to check in for your full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise aboard the Ocean Spirit catamaran. Set sail to Michaelmas Cay, a pristine sand cay surrounded by fringing reefs and a bird sanctuary. Enjoy activities such as snorkeling, a semi-submarine ride, fish feeding, and birdwatching. Relax on the beach or the catamaran’s decks, depending on your preference. Return to the hotel for a free evening. B, L

DAY 16: KURANDA, THE RAINFOREST

Enjoy a full-day tour of Kuranda and the Rainforest. Begin with a Skyrail ride, including stops for guided walks and scenic views. Explore Kuranda Village and Heritage Markets, then visit Rainforestation for the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Dreamtime Walk, and a buffet lunch. Enjoy a rainforest tour on a WWII Army Duck, followed by a scenic train ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Afterward, return to the hotel and enjoy dinner on your own. B, L

DAY 17: SYDNEY, HARBOR CRUISE

Today it’s off to Sydney. Upon arrival, meet your guide and head to the hotel. Sydney offers a blend of city excitement and nearby beaches like Bondi and Manly. Head to King Street Wharf for a luxury dinner cruise around Port Jackson, commonly known as Sydney Harbor. Enjoy a three-course meal with local wines while taking in stunning 360-degree views of the Harbor Bridge, Opera House, and Luna Park. B, D

DAY 18: EXPLORE SYDNEY, OPERA HOUSE TOUR

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Downtown Sydney, including the Rocks area, Hyde Park, and St. Mary's Cathedral. See inside the world's most recognizable sails during a one-hour Opera House tour, learning about its design and history. Visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and The Gap for scenic views. After lunch, head to Bondi Beach to take in the stunning scenery. Return to the hotel in the afternoon, with free time for dinner and exploration. B, L

DAY 19: THE ROCKS HERITAGE TOUR

This morning, meet your guide for a 90-minute Aboriginal walking tour in The Rocks, exploring the area's cultural and spiritual connection to the land. Then, head to Calmsley Hill City Farm for a BBQ lunch and a personalized talk on farm operations and sustainability. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park to see Australian wildlife like wombats, dingoes, and platypuses. Return to the city with free time for dinner. B, L

DAY 20: SYDNEY “YOUR WAY”

Today is completely free to explore Sydney your way. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local favorite and bid goodbye to our friendly Aussie guide. B, D

DAY 21: RETURN HOME Meals In Flight

Accommodations:
Nights 1-4: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne
Nights 5-7: Sofitel Adelaide, Adelaide
Night 8: The Ghan Train
Night 9: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Alice Springs
Nights 10-11: Voyage Sails in the Desert Hotel, Yulara
Nights 12-14: Shangri-La Hotel The Marina, Cairns
Nights 15-18: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney

Departure Cities:

• St. Louis
• Kansas City
• Springfield

Depart: February 27, 2025
Return: March 19, 2025

Price Per Person:

• Double: $8,999
• Single: $11,799

*Price does not include airfare, estimated at $4,000 per person. Actual airfare available Spring 2025.

Walking Distance
Travelers should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day.

Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone
Western Australia: GMT+8
South Australia: GMT+9:30
Tasmania, Victoria: GMT+10

Identification
Valid passport required to travel.

Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.

Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.

Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available

We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.

We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.

If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.

If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.

If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.

Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.

To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.

Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.

Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.