Walkabout…it’s when Australian Aborigines go on a long journey by foot far from cities and towns. Your “walkabout” won’t be on foot and far away from civilization, but it will give you a chance to learn about the Aborigines as well explore some of Australia’s most exciting cities. And no one brings you Australia like Monograms! In this 14-day vacation, we've arranged your choice of hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, sightseeing, and transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airports for all your intra-vacation flights. Plus, a one-of-a-kind feature: our Monograms Local Host®, who is there for you in the cities throughout your stays, ensuring everything runs smoothly and helping you get the most out of your trip. You’ll have a Local Host in Sydney, Port Douglas, and Melbourne.Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Sydney, as we can pick you up at the airport and take you to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will have a warm welcome for you as well as a packet of materials to help you get settled and start exploring immediately. In both Sydney and Melbourne, we've arranged for a guided sightseeing tour with a local expert. In Sydney, your tour includes stunning Bondi Beach and a photo stop at Harbour Bridge. In Melbourne, we’ll take you to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and more—plus, we’ll entertain you in both cities with insider stories and little-known secrets. A free day in each city gives you the opportunity to explore on your own (with the support of your Local Host). Perhaps watch the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, visit the Old Melbourne Gaol to see where 130 hangings took place, browse the many shops in Sydney's Darling Harbour, or join celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Cameron Diaz, and Prince Harry in climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.From the laid-back beach town of Port Douglas, we’ll take you on a cruise to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. You'll be able to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. A definite trip highlight!On this vacation, you’ll also learn about the native cultures. You'll enjoy a visit to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre with its amazing collection of art and crafts from the Anangu people. Outside of Darwin, we've arranged for a full-day excursion to Kakadu National Park, where a guided walk will show you the ancient Aboriginal rock art, and a visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre will give you the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of the park.With these sights, as well as the other sightseeing we've included and the transportation we've arranged, and the time you save by letting us take care of the details for you, you've got yourself the vacation of a lifetime.
Click for larger view.
Transportation:
As outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and transfers to/from all intra-vacation flights (intra-vacation flights not included)
American breakfast daily; 2 lunches
Day 1
Welcome to Sydney. The rest of the day is at your leisure
Day 2
Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour that includes an Opera House and Harbour Bridge photo stop. Visit stunning Bondi Beach, considered the most beautiful beach in Sydney by many. The afternoon is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 3
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Choose from our selection of optional excursions, including a cruise on Sydney Harbour and a climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge
BreakfastDay 4
Fly to tropical Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, a beachside town surrounded by rainforest and the Coral Sea. Enjoy a 3-night stay in this tropical paradise
BreakfastDay 5
Today, prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Return to Port Douglas, where the evening is at leisure
BreakfastLunchDay 6
A full day at leisure. You may wish to take a trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include strolling the beach, relaxing by your resort’s pool, or shopping at the unique boutiques and galleries in downtown Port Douglas, where you are sure to find a favorite souvenir
BreakfastDay 7
Transfer to Cairns and fly to Darwin at the top end of Australia
BreakfastDay 8
This morning, depart Darwin for a full-day excursion to Kakadu National Park. Upon arrival, take a guided walk around Nourlangie Rock to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Then, take a guided cruise on Kakadu’s famous wetlands for a chance to see crocodiles in the wild. You will also stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the cultural significance of the park. Afterward, return to Darwin. (B,L)
NOTE:
On Mondays & Thursdays, December-March, sightseeing to Kakadu National Park is not available. On Mondays, alternative sightseeing to Katherine Gorge will be given and on Thursdays, alternative sightseeing to Litchfield National Park will be given
BreakfastLunchDay 9
Today, fly to Uluru. The rest of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 10
This morning, rise early for an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Witness incredible views over the dunes and stunning desert landscape. Continue to Walpa Gorge for a guided walk through Kata Tjuta. Later this afternoon, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which houses an amazing collection of ceramics, paintings, and punu (woodwork) from the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of Uluru. Finish the day at “Sunset Strip” for a drink & canapes, and to witness the changing colors of the rock
BreakfastDay 11
Fly to Melbourne, the cosmopolitan heart of Australia. The remainder of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 12
Your morning guided sightseeing tour includes Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market (when open), Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach. Your tour ends at the Eureka Skydeck for awe-inspiring views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. The remainder of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 13
Enjoy a full day at leisure for independent activities. You may want to join an excursion to Phillip Island to watch the world-famous Penguin Parade, travel the spectacular Great Ocean Road, or explore the famous lanes and arcades of the city
BreakfastDay 14
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
BreakfastDay 15
ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Day 16
SYDNEY
Day 17
SYDNEY
Day 18
SYDNEY–CAIRNS–PORT DOUGLAS
Day 19
PORT DOUGLAS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF
Day 20
PORT DOUGLAS
Day 21
PORT DOUGLAS–CAIRNS–DARWIN
Day 22
DARWIN. EXCURSION TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
Day 23
DARWIN–ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
Day 24
ULURU
Day 25
ULURU–MELBOURNE
Day 26
MELBOURNE
Day 27
MELBOURNE
Day 28
MELBOURNE
Day 29
Breakfast
Day 30
Breakfast
Day 31
Breakfast
Day 32
BreakfastLunch
Day 33
Breakfast
Day 34
Breakfast
Day 35
BreakfastLunch
Day 36
Breakfast
Day 37
Breakfast
Day 38
Breakfast
Day 39
Breakfast
Day 40
Breakfast
Day 41
Breakfast
Day 42 ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.
Welcome to Sydney. The rest of the day is at your leisure
Day 43 SYDNEY.
Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour that includes an Opera House and Harbour Bridge photo stop. Visit stunning Bondi Beach, considered the most beautiful beach in Sydney by many. The afternoon is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 44 SYDNEY.
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Choose from our selection of optional excursions, including a cruise on Sydney Harbour and a climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge
BreakfastDay 45 SYDNEY–CAIRNS–PORT DOUGLAS.
Fly to tropical Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, a beachside town surrounded by rainforest and the Coral Sea. Enjoy a 3-night stay in this tropical paradise
BreakfastDay 46 PORT DOUGLAS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF.
Today, prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Return to Port Douglas, where the evening is at leisure
BreakfastLunchDay 47 PORT DOUGLAS.
A full day at leisure. You may wish to take a trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include strolling the beach, relaxing by your resort’s pool, or shopping at the unique boutiques and galleries in downtown Port Douglas, where you are sure to find a favorite souvenir
BreakfastDay 48 PORT DOUGLAS–CAIRNS–DARWIN.
Transfer to Cairns and fly to Darwin at the top end of Australia
BreakfastDay 49 DARWIN. EXCURSION TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK.
This morning, depart Darwin for a full-day excursion to Kakadu National Park. Upon arrival, take a guided walk around Nourlangie Rock to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Then, take a guided cruise on Kakadu’s famous wetlands for a chance to see crocodiles in the wild. You will also stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the cultural significance of the park. Afterward, return to Darwin. (B,L)
NOTE:
On Mondays & Thursdays, December-March, sightseeing to Kakadu National Park is not available. On Mondays, alternative sightseeing to Katherine Gorge will be given and on Thursdays, alternative sightseeing to Litchfield National Park will be given
BreakfastLunchDay 50 DARWIN–ULURU (AYERS ROCK).
Today, fly to Uluru. The rest of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 51 ULURU.
This morning, rise early for an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Witness incredible views over the dunes and stunning desert landscape. Continue to Walpa Gorge for a guided walk through Kata Tjuta. Later this afternoon, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which houses an amazing collection of ceramics, paintings, and punu (woodwork) from the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of Uluru. Finish the day at “Sunset Strip” for a drink & canapes, and to witness the changing colors of the rock
BreakfastDay 52 ULURU–MELBOURNE.
Fly to Melbourne, the cosmopolitan heart of Australia. The remainder of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 53 MELBOURNE.
Your morning guided sightseeing tour includes Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market (when open), Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach. Your tour ends at the Eureka Skydeck for awe-inspiring views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. The remainder of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 54 MELBOURNE.
Enjoy a full day at leisure for independent activities. You may want to join an excursion to Phillip Island to watch the world-famous Penguin Parade, travel the spectacular Great Ocean Road, or explore the famous lanes and arcades of the city
BreakfastDay 55 MELBOURNE.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Sir Stamford at Circular Quay
Deluxe
93 Macquarie Street Sydney NSW Australia
Conveniently located in downtown Sydney steps from Sydney Harbour, Sir Stamford at Circular Quay is an elegant, European style hotel featuring eight open fire places, one of Australia's largest private collections of fine art, and 18th Century Louis XV and Georgian antique furniture. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant and bar, high tea, fitness center, outdoor heated pool, sundeck, and sauna.
Travelodge Wynyard
Moderate First-Class
7-9 York Street Sydney NSW Australia
The Travelodge Wynyard is ideally located adjacent to the Wynyard railway station and is a stones throw away from many major Sydney attractions including The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the historical The Rocks area. The hotel features a restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness center, concierge service, internet access, and coin-operated, self-service laundry.
Rydges World Square
First-Class
389 Pitt Street Sydney NSW Australia
Feel right at home when checking into Rydges World Square and enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. After a great day of sightseeing, wine and dine in their Italian & Mediterranean-inspired Sphere Restaurant or relax while sipping a cocktail at the Cidery Bar and Kitchen with a great outside deck overlooking the World Square area. The hotel features coin-operated, self-service laundry.
Peppers Beach Club
Superior First-Class
20-22 Davidson Street Port Douglas QLD Australia
Situated a short walk from both Queensland's famous Four Mile Beach and Port Douglas's equally renowned restaurant and bar scene, Peppers Beach Club features an elegant, open-air design, calming water features, and lush tropical gardens. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar, 24-hour fitness facilities, and lagoon-style pool with premium lounge chairs and pool bar.
Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Superior First-Class
9-13 The Esplanade Port Douglas QLD Australia
The Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel offers a boutique style hotel experience -- enjoying an unrivalled beachside location overlooking Four Mile Beach. Rooms enjoy stunning views with the comforts and facilities, friendliness and personal service that only a small property can provide. An oasis of tiered heated pools and Jacuzzi spa, offers a quiet tranquil setting while relaxing on the sun lounges or in your suite. Little things like fresh flowers, aromatherapy burners coupled with individual, personal service sets this Port Douglas Hotel apart from the rest. The hotel features coin-operated, self-service laundry. **The Peninsula Hotel in Port Douglas does not accept any children under 16 years of age.**
Ramada Resort Port Douglas
First-Class
316 Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD Australia
Nestled within a pocket of Melaleuca rainforest just a short walk from world-renowned Four Mile Beach, Ramada Resort Port Douglas features picturesque rainforest gardens, a tropical lagoon-style pool with waterfall and swim-up bar, coin-operated, self-service laundry, and on-site restaurant.
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
7 Kitchener Drive Darwin NT Australia
The Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront is located on Darwin's waterfront, perfectly positioned to explore the city's newest restaurants, boutique shops and seafront promenade. Relax after a busy day at the hotel's restaurant or pool. Or indulge at the Deckchair Cinema, where guests can watch a movie under the stars.
Hilton Darwin
Superior First-Class
32 Mitchell Street Darwin NT Australia
Overlooking Darwin Harbour, Hilton Darwin offers fabulous Esplanade views and an ideal location in the heart of the city. The impressive, marble-floored lobby, surrounded by warm colors and Aboriginal artwork, immediately welcomes you with a touch of authentic Australian style. The attentive hotel staff always make for a great stay. Enjoy the sunshine at the 10th floor outdoor swimming pool, or sip drinks at the stylish bar before savoring a delicious meal in their restaurant, which features an innovative menu of local specialties, including kangaroo, crocodile and barramundi. Laundry is available through the hotel for a fee.
Desert Gardens Hotel
First-Class
Yulara Drive Uluru NT Australia
Centrally located to all resort facilities, the hotel offers a range of accommodation, outdoor pool, coin-operated self-service laundry, and the popular Bunya bar. It's only a short stroll to the Resorts' numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert.
Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge
Superior Tourist-Class
317 Yulara Dr Yulara NT Australia
Australian hospitality has its own style of service that combines both professionalism and genuine warmth. You'll find this authentic brand of service at the Outback Pioneer Hotel. It offers comfortable rooms and is perfect for the demands of travelers looking for quality service in relaxed surroundings. The hotel features an outdoor pool, restaurant, lounge, and complimentary Wi-Fi. As a guest, you have access to all the facilities the resort has to offer including swimming pools, Resort Town Square shops, tennis courts, coin-operated self-service laundry, visitor centre, tour desk, and more.
Sails in the Desert
Superior First-Class
174 Yulara Drive Uluru NT Australia
Named after the soaring white sails that crown its roof, this is Voyages Ayers Rock Resort's premium hotel. The interior decor focuses on Aboriginal heritage and culture, with a gallery in the lobby and significant artworks featured throughout the public areas and in the private rooms