The journey
An island continent brimming with natural wonders and fascinating cultures both ancient and modern, Australia captivates and compels. Add in New Zealand, with its geography worthy of epic fantasy and a history all its own, and you have a truly grand adventure in the rousing Worldway Travels x A&K tradition. Venture from Australia’s fabled Outback and Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand’s dazzling Milford Sound, exploring vibrant cities like Sydney and sampling the best food and wine along the way.
Day 1
Arrive Melbourne, Australia
Tucked into Port Phillip Bay on Australia’s southeastern coast, Melbourne is known for its lively music, art, festival and restaurant scenes. After immediate check-in, explore the heart of Melbourne, taking in the city’s rich and varied architecture. Stroll its atmospheric arcades and alleyways, home to trendy cafés and eclectic boutiques. Gather tonight for a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Melbourne – Yarra Valley Wines
Set out for the renowned Yarra Valley, stopping at a winery for a tasting, followed by a lunch with matched wines.
Day 3
Uluru – An Undeniable Presence
Fly to Uluru for a two-night stay at amazing Longitude 131° — your luxurious camp set in the wilderness of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in central Australia’s arid Outback, overlooking massive Uluru. Also known as Ayers Rock, this iconic red sandstone monolith bears a deep spiritual significance for Indigenous Australians. Witness the changing light
Day 4
Uluru – Sunrise Over Kata Tjuta
Rise early the next day to view sunrise over the majestic domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Walk with your guide through Walpa Gorge before returning to Uluru for a walk at its base, viewing cave paintings and sources of bush tucker. With the walls of Kantju Gorge ablaze with light from the setting sun, toast the inspiring moment with sparkling wine.
Day 5
Daintree Forest – Into the Jungle
Fly to Cairns, gateway to tropical wonders of northern Queensland. Drive up the coast to your lodge and settle into your treetop hideaway, nestled in the unspoiled Daintree Rainforest.
Day 6
Great Barrier Reef – Exploring Underwater Gems
Embark by boat to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel the reef on expeditions to two different locations, delighting in the colorful undersea life inhabiting each.
Day 7
Daintree Rainforest – Private Koala Visit
Travel to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, which you explore privately with a park ranger, enjoying access to the koala and wallaby enclosures as well as the opportunity to interact with a koala, on an Worldway Travels x A&K-exclusive experience. Visit the Wildlife Care Center for rescued animals, and then journey to a private portion of the Daintree Rainforest for an interpretive forest walk.
Day 8
Sydney – A Glittering Seaside Metropolis
Fly to Sydney. Built around a beautiful harbor, Sydney is one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities, a place of outstanding food, live music and an effervescent social scene.
Day 9
Sydney – Harbor Cruise and Opera House Experience
Privately cruise Sydney Harbour, viewing the city’s highlights, such as the Harbour Bridge. Back on shore, tour the iconic Sydney Opera House with a private guide who reveals its secrets. Later, admire alluring Paddington, a neighborhood filled with Victorian and Georgian architecture, and then sink your toes in the sand at the surfer’s paradise of Bondi Beach.
Day 10
Sydney – A Day to Explore
Finish your time in Australia with a day to explore Sydney on your own, checking out the beaches, cafes and boutiques that give this city its distinctive vibe. Tonight, dine at a chef-led experience at a local restaurant.
Day 11
Wellington, New Zealand – An Eclectic Capital
Fly to Wellington, New Zealand’s trendsetting capital, where you encounter authentic “Kiwi” life. This relatively small city brims with hip galleries, fascinating museums, craft breweries and trendy cafés. Take in Wellington’s highlights and ascend by cable car to a scenic outlook point for incredible views over Wellington Harbour.
Day 12
Wellington – Design Your Day
Visit New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa as a group in the morning, and then enjoy one of these **Design Your Day** activities.
Day 13
Queenstown – On the Shores of Lake Wakatipu
Fly to Queenstown, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Flanked by soaring mountains, this sophisticated enclave graces the shores of a pristine lake. It was once a Maori settlement and, later, a gold mining outpost. Today it is an adventure capital, a haven for hiking, vineyard tours and fine dining. Visit a famed bungeejump site and Arrowtown. Eat lunch before checking in to your luxurious hot
Day 14
Queenstown – Magnificent Milford Sound
Take a scenic flight to Milford Sound (weather permitting). Cruise this majestic fjord by boat, viewing sparkling waterfalls while watching for wildlife, such as seals basking on the rocks or dolphins frolicking in the water. Return by air to Queenstown for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 15
Queenstown – Artist Visit and Wine Tasting
Privately visit the home and gallery of a noted local artist to learn about the artist’s history and techniques. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch served with paired wines and visit a local winery for a private tour and tasting.
Day 16
Auckland – Guided Interactive Experience
Fly to Auckland, on New Zealand’s north island. Set on a narrow isthmus framed by rolling hills, the city is a gleaming urban oasis on the doorstep of New Zealand’s wild frontier. Join a private guide for an interactive experience that showcases New Zealand’s iconic rugby team, the All Blacks, revealing the story behind their pulse-pounding rendition of the haka, a Maori ceremonial dance. This eve
Day 17
Depart Auckland
After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
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