Overview
Great Sights of Australia
Laugh and the kookaburras laugh with you. Cry and the kookaburras still laugh. That’s the beauty of a journey to happy-go-lucky Australia where sunny days are accentuated by its even sunnier inhabitants. Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats are among the many locals eager to greet you on this breezy tour of Australia. With visits to four wondrous waterfront cities, you’ll easily see why the world gushes about the land Down Under. Go behind the scenes at Brisbane’s Australia Zoo, snorkel above the dazzling coral at the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns and devour the panoramic scenery and a delicious lunch at the iconic Sydney Opera House. With two days in eclectic Melbourne, you can also gobble up all the goodies this hipster city and surrounding areas have to offer. Perhaps take in the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island or chill with a nice chardonnay at a Yarra Valley winery. This 12-day tour shows you all the Great Sights of Australia!
Highlights of Great Sights of Australia
Travelers Notes
Complimentary headsets provided throughout the tour.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Related Option Title
Great Sights of Australia
Product Group
Great Sights of Australia
UNESCO Sites
Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word); to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites!
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA Welcome to Brisbane, The Capital of Queensland Your hotel room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. (D)
Day 2
BRISBANE. EXCURSION TO THE AUSTRALIA ZOO Koalas, Crocs, and Roos, Oh My! Enjoy an orientation tour of Brisbane, including the historical buildings and modern high-rises. Learn about the city’s convict past along with its modern cosmopolitan culture. Afterward, travel to the Australia Zoo, “Home of the Crocodile Hunter” where you’ll see some of Australia’s famous wildlife. You can hand-feed kangaroos, pet a dingo, see the amazing saltwater crocodiles, and more. Return to Brisbane where the evening is at leisure. (B)LOCAL FAVORITECONSERVATION HEROES Go behind-the-scenes for a look at Australia Zoo’s [LF] Wildlife Hospital. Founded by Steve and Terri Irwin, it is home to amazing work being done by an extraordinary team of veterinarians. All proceeds from your included visit directly benefit the hospital to help provide specialized care to wildlife. Whether it’s a kangaroo hit by a car, a flying fox entangled in a fence, or a sea turtle that has ingested plastic, the team at the Wildlife Zoo are dedicated to returning them back in to the wild.
Day 3
BRISBANE Brilliant Brisbane A full day to explore more of vibrant Brisbane. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE with a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, a large Ferris wheel overlooking the city. Maybe just relax at Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach, or enjoy a stroll on the city’s pedestrian street, Queen Street Mall, full of shops and restaurants. For those wanting a little more activity, join an optional bike tour of Brisbane or visit Tangalooma Island where you can swim and snorkel among shipwrecks. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
Day 4
BRISBANE–CAIRNS Diving In Depart Brisbane for Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Upon arrival enjoy an orientation tour of Cairns followed by a visit to the Cairns Aquarium. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSEA STUDIES Touted as Australia’s newest aquarium, the Cairns Aquarium won’t disappoint. Journey through the waterways from freshwater rivers flowing through the rainforest, into the mangroves and finally into the depths of the Great Barrier Reef. Discover 71 different exhibits showcasing this regions extremely rare and unique species. Enjoy animal presentations, habitat talks, and daily shark feeds. It will be a great introduction for your experience on the Reef tomorrow.
Day 5
CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Below the Surface Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of dazzling hues. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTBUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Comprising over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometres), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amongst a kaleidoscope of fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.
Day 6
CAIRNS Aussie Adventures Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore more of Cairns. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE You may wish to take a 4-wheel-drive excursion into the Daintree Rainforest, soar high on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, check out Australia’s famous salt-water crocs at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, stroll Cairns’ famous Esplanade home to shops and art galleries, or just sit back and relax at your resort’s pool. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
Day 7
CAIRNS–MELBOURNE Cosmopolitan Cool Touch down today in one of Australia’s most well-known cities. Melbourne is home to a diverse culture, world-class shopping, art galleries, museums, coffee shops, vibrant street art, hidden laneways and more. Along with its beaches, parks, amazing restaurants and near-flawless weather, it’s the perfect place to visit year round. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour before arriving at your hotel. (B)
Day 8
MELBOURNE Explore More in Melbourne Free time today to explore more of this vibrant city. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Melbourne with a trip to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck for amazing views of the city below. You may also choose to venture to the breathtaking Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Other options include a full-day trip to the Great Ocean Road to see fantastic scenery and the “Twelve Apostles,” or choose to venture to Phillip Island for the famous Penguin Parade. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
Day 9
MELBOURNE–SYDNEY Spectacular Sydney Fly to Sydney one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions. On our sightseeing tour, travel to the famous Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s Botanic Gardens. The sandstone rock chair was carved by convicts in 1810 and is said to be where Mrs Macquaire would sit and watch the ships from Great Britain sail into the harbor. Next, visit the famous Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at your centrally located hotel for a 3-night stay. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEM Go inside the Sydney Opera House, one of the most well-known buildings in the world. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour, hear untold stories, be amazed at the acoustics, and learn how this amazing hall was built. Afterward, sit below the sails and enjoy a [LF] panoramic lunch at one of the Opera House’s restaurants where you’ll enjoy great photo opportunities and sweeping views of the harbor and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Day 10
SYDNEY Surf, Sky, & Sips Today is at leisure to explore all that Sydney has to offer. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Sydney with an optional excursion to experience one of Sydney’s famous beaches, Bondi Beach, where a local surf instructor will give you a tour of the lifesaving club and teach you how to surf. You can also choose to see the city from a different view from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Enjoy amazing views of the harbor and city skyline below from this unique perspective. In the evening, you might want to walk in the footsteps of Australia’s early settlers on the Rocks Pub Tour. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
Day 11
SYDNEY Sights & Bites In Sydney Another day for you to explore Sydney. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE You may wish to visit the elegant Queen Victoria Building with its three levels of fashion, jewellery, and gifts. Other options including visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales, strolling through the Royal Botanic Garden, or enjoying delicious Asian food at one of the restaurants in Spice Alley. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
Day 12
SYDNEY Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2023-04-10 | 2023-04-12 | 2023-04-23 | $3529 | $0 | $4113 | PG30412 | Not Available |
| 2 | 2023-05-08 | 2023-05-10 | 2023-05-21 | $3529 | $0 | $4113 | PG30510 | Not Available |
| 3 | 2023-06-12 | 2023-06-14 | 2023-06-25 | $3689 | $0 | $4273 | PG30614K | Available |
| 4 | 2023-07-17 | 2023-07-19 | 2023-07-30 | $3569 | $0 | $4153 | PG30719 | Available |
| 5 | 2023-08-14 | 2023-08-16 | 2023-08-27 | $3569 | $0 | $4153 | PG30816 | Available |
| 6 | 2023-09-11 | 2023-09-13 | 2023-09-24 | $3569 | $0 | $4153 | PG30913 | Available |
| 7 | 2023-10-09 | 2023-10-11 | 2023-10-22 | $3669 | $0 | $4253 | PG31011 | Available |
| 8 | 2023-11-06 | 2023-11-08 | 2023-11-19 | $3669 | $0 | $4253 | PG31108 | Available |
| 9 | 2023-11-27 | 2023-11-29 | 2023-12-10 | $3729 | $0 | $4313 | PG31129K | Available |
| 10 | 2024-01-22 | 2024-01-24 | 2024-02-04 | $3769 | $0 | $4381 | PG40124 | Available |
| 11 | 2024-02-12 | 2024-02-14 | 2024-02-25 | $3769 | $0 | $4381 | PG40214 | Available |
| 12 | 2024-03-12 | 2024-03-14 | 2024-03-25 | $3959 | $0 | $4571 | PG40314K | Available |
| 13 | 2024-04-08 | 2024-04-10 | 2024-04-21 | $3729 | $0 | $4341 | PG40410 | Available |
| 14 | 2024-05-06 | 2024-05-08 | 2024-05-19 | $3729 | $0 | $4341 | PG40508 | Available |
| 15 | 2024-06-10 | 2024-06-12 | 2024-06-23 | $3899 | $0 | $4511 | PG40612K | Available |
| 16 | 2024-07-15 | 2024-07-17 | 2024-07-28 | $3769 | $0 | $4381 | PG40717 | Not Available |
| 17 | 2024-08-12 | 2024-08-14 | 2024-08-25 | $3769 | $0 | $4381 | PG40814 | Not Available |
| 18 | 2024-09-09 | 2024-09-11 | 2024-09-22 | $3769 | $0 | $4381 | PG40911 | Available |
| 19 | 2024-10-07 | 2024-10-09 | 2024-10-20 | $3879 | $0 | $4491 | PG41009 | Available |
| 20 | 2024-11-04 | 2024-11-06 | 2024-11-17 | $3879 | $0 | $4491 | PG41106 | Available |
| 21 | 2024-11-25 | 2024-11-27 | 2024-12-08 | $3949 | $0 | $4561 | PG41127K | Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane | Ideally located downtown, Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane features well-designed guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, on-site restaurant serving fresh and seasonal fare, and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel also offers guests complimentary Wi-Fi, ATM, currency exchange, and valet dry cleaning. | Brisbane | 99 Mary St | |
| 2 | Pullman Cairns International | Pullman Cairns International is an upscale hotel exuding the architectural grandeur of the city's rich colonial past. Overlooking Cairns Harbour and the lush mountain hinterland, this 321-room hotel is perfectly positioned in the CBD to take advantage of all the city has to offer. After a great day of sightseeing, dine in Coco's Restaurant, grab a drink at the Lobby Bar, or pamper yourself at Vie Spa. Laundry is available through the hotel for a fee. | Cairns | 17 Abbott St | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | Vibe Melbourne | The Vibe Melbourne is currently under construction. Originally built in 1873 in the Renaissance Revival style, the Cobden Building that once served as offices for the maritime trade and later as the clothing manufacturer and retailer Fletcher Jones will be transformed into a stunning new 24-story glass-fronted hotel and residential tower. The hotel will take in views of the Yarra River and Southbank, all the way to Port Philip Bay. The new hotel, which will preserve its classic heritage, will feature 206 guestrooms, an indoor heated swimming pool and gym, and ground floor lobby and restaurant. Please check back for more information about the hotel's amenities. Updates will be made as information is received. | Melbourne | 1 Queen St. | First-Class |
| 4 | Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney | The award-winning luxurious Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney combines space, style and warmth to provide guests ultimate ambience. Their two restaurants and bar offer exceptional wining and dining experiences. A dedicated relaxation zone is available at the Amora Day Spa. Guests can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, and gym. | Sydney | 11 Jamison St | Deluxe |
