Aboriginal Culture & Australian Highlights
Aboriginal Culture & Australian Highlights
Aboriginal Culture & Australian Highlights
13 Days Starting in Melbourne, Australia and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AMSCF25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Australia's rich Aboriginal culture and stunning landscapes with the "Aboriginal Culture & Australian Highlights" tour. This immersive experience takes you from Melbourne's vibrant art scene to the spiritual heart of Uluru, where you'll witness the mesmerizing Field of Light installation. Discover the stories of the Great Barrier Reef with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel, guided by Aboriginal sea rangers. Enjoy the culinary delights of Big Esso, supporting Indigenous growers, and explore Sydney's iconic landmarks with an Aboriginal guide. Stay in premium hotels and enjoy seamless transfers between Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, and Cairns. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural insights and breathtaking natural wonders, ensuring an unforgettable Australian adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: InterContinental Melbourne
Meals Included: Dinner
Australia’s cultural capital doesn’t disappoint when it comes to exciting (and insightful) attractions. Arrive early to explore art-filled laneways, independent galleries and oh-so-cool boutiques at your own pace. Jump on a tram to take in the sights; there’s a free one that circles the city. Melbourne is also Australia’s food capital – we have something special planned for your Welcome Dinner, to introduce you to your travelling companions.
Day 2: Melbourne Sightseeing
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: InterContinental Melbourne
Meals Included: Lunch
Australia’s Aboriginal culture spans oceans, rivers, rainforest, outback and cities, as you’ll discover on a walking tour with Koorie Heritage Trust. From the organisation’s base at Federation Square, explore Melbourne with a First Nations guide on the Birrarung Wiliam (River Camp) Walk along the banks of the Yarra River – you’ll hear Dreaming stories that point to more than 65,000 years of history, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. It's only a few steps from the Heritage Trust to Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, run by Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero and celebrating contemporary Torres Strait Islander culture through cuisine. Nornie’s menu is an explosion of native Australian bush flavours, from finger lime to quandong, with a drinks list that heroes Indigenous-owned and social-impact businesses – their art also decorates the walls. More awaits at the Ian Potter Centre (NGV) in Federation Square, which hosts one of Australia's most significant collections of art from First Nations Creatives.
Day 3: Melbourne Free Time
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: InterContinental Melbourne
Today, take the pulse of Melbourne in your own time. Need touring suggestions? Your Travel Director can assist, depending on how wide you want to roam. You might choose to stay in the heart of the city exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens with an Aboriginal guide; this is the ultimate way to discover the history of the local Kulin Nation while learning about native plants and medicines. For a bird’s-eye view, zip to the Melbourne Eureka Skydeck – it’s the highest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. While it’s tempting to linger, a bevy of attractions await on the outskirts of the city, not in the least the Great Ocean Road. Choosing to spend a full day driving this World Heritage-listed route with an AAT Kings guide is a rite of passage, uniting stellar surf breaks, pretty seaside towns and wilderness walks. The path is studded with postcard attractions: the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge among them. You might choose to head to the other side of the bay, Phillip Island is a mecca for wildlife, including a gaggle of adorable penguins that waddle from the ocean to their sandy burrows every evening.
Day 4: Melbourne - Uluru
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens
Meals Included: Dinner
Australia’s spiritual heart, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is World Heritage-listed for a reason. Under the gaze of the world’s mightiest monolith, explore spiritual landscapes that are sacred to the Anangu. Your Travel Director on the Kuniya walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole – one of the few permanent water sources around Uluru – will point out rock art and bush foods, while regaling you with a dramatic Creation story. Perhaps the ultimate way to end the day is watching the sinking sun paint the outback all manner of fiery hues – flute of bubbles in hand, of course. When night falls, it’s the Milky Way’s time to shine. This is your backdrop when you enjoy an exclusive Barbecue dinner within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Day 5: Uluru Sightseeing & Free Time
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens
The outback inspires creativity, as you’ll discover meeting the Aboriginal artists and sculptors at Maruku Arts, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Their works capture the drama of this special part of Australia, and they’ll show you how to do the same during an art class. Spend the afternoon visiting the spectacular Gallery of Central Australia (GOCA), which spotlights ethically sourced and authentic Aboriginal art. Or you might prefer to take to the sky on a helicopter or plane scenic flight – when you’re in a landscape this immense, the best way to appreciate it is from above (own expense). Back at ground level, spend the last hours of the day wandering into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature. Say cheers to a blazing Kata Tjuta sunset with a glass of bubbles.
Day 6: Uluru - Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
50,000 – that’s the number of lights that artist Bruce Munro used to create his alfresco artwork, Field of Light. This blanket of bulbs casts a surreal glow over the Uluru countryside, and is particularly beguiling on a sunrise visit, with the stars still twinkling overhea Tonight, is yours to explore Sydney. We have a little black book of hot restaurants to try if you need tips.
Day 7: Sydney Sightseeing
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
You’ll need your stamina for an action-packed day exploring the Harbour City. First stop? The Sydney Opera House for a tour revealing the jaw-dropping architecture of this waterside masterpiece, as well as stories from those who have performed here over the decades. The Opera House sits on land belonging to the Eora Nation, as you’ll discover when you meet an Aboriginal Guide of Dreamtime Southern X, who will guide you on a walking tour around the Rocks district of the city while reliving stories about Sydney’s Aboriginal history. Swap the shore for the water on an expedition to explore Sydney on a Harbour cruise.
Day 8: Sydney Free Time
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
Sometimes, the most rewarding travel experiences are those unplanned. Go your own way today or ask your Travel Director to assist booking all manner of thrilling tours. That might be the BridgeClimb, which sees you scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge – the stories are as fascinating as the views. Or spend the day with an AAT Kings guide in the Blue Mountains, an immense swathe of World Heritage-listed national parkland that unites sheer sandstone escarpments with waterfall-cooled valleys. But you don’t need to go far to have an adventure, as you’ll discover if you choose Dave's Rocks Pub Tour. This essential Sydney experience takes you to some of the most historic drinking establishments in the city, many of them with views over the harbour.
Day 9: Sydney Free Time
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
What’s better than one free day to explore Sydney at your leisure? A second free day. We wouldn’t blame you for spending hours strolling the sand at Bondi Beach or catching the ferry across the harbour to Manly or choose another optional experience. Or stay on dry land on the Rocks Pub Tour. Share a drink in 4 of Sydney’s oldest pubs and tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs, & locals of the past.
Day 10: Sydney - Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort
After your morning flight from Sydney, spend your free afternoon soaking up the steamy climes of Cairns. Explore the vibrant esplanade or spend the rest of the day relaxing by your hotel pool.
Day 11: Great Barrier Reef
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation Name: Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort
Meals Included: Lunch
Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel’s catamaran tours tell the story of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef through First Nations' eyes. The company’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sea rangers regale you with 65,000-year-old Dreamtime creation stories of this record-breaking ecosystem while you cruise to Moore Reef, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience here, slip into warm water to flipper among some of the 1,500 species of fish that call the Coral Sea home. Back on board, rangers showcase Aboriginal artefacts and might just treat you to a tune or two on the didgeridoo.
Day 12: Cairns Free Time
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort
Meals Included: Dinner
Life in Cairns moves at a slow pace. But that doesn’t mean you have to. Spend your free day soaking up the sights of Tropical North Queensland, perhaps joining a tour to catch the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway deep into the rainforest. Or maybe on an Outback Tasting Adventure, uniting distillers, brewers, cheesemongers and farmers. You may opt to discover native bush tucker on a Cape Tribulation, Mossman & Daintree tour, taking you through one of the world’s oldest rainforests, along gorges and across rivers. Humbling is an understatement. End your wild adventure with a Farewell Dinner at Ochre Restaurant on the Cairns waterfront. The menu here showcases native game, herbs and seafood – think, barramundi spring rolls and focaccia with macadamia pesto, or croc basted in native pepper and lemon myrtle.
Day 13: Farewell From Cairns
Location: Cairns
You’ll not only depart Cairns a more seasoned traveller, but also a more thoughtful one thanks to this immersive cultural itinerary. And don’t be surprised if you leave with a posse of new friends – Australia’s Aboriginal guides are as generous with their stories as they are with their time.
What's Included
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Exclusive Sunrise Field of Light art installation experience at Uluru
Experience the exclusive Sunrise Field of Light art installation at Uluru.
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3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney Opera House.
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Centrally located premium hotels
Stay in centrally located premium hotels including the Intercontinental Melbourne, Desert Gardens, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney, and Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort in Cairns.
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Return airport to hotel transfers
Return airport to hotel transfers are included in the trip.
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Internal-holiday flights
Internal-holiday flights from Melbourne to Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock to Sydney, and Sydney to Cairns are included.
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from the start/end of the trip
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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Optional experiences
Optional experiences such as scenic flights, BridgeClimb, and additional tours are not included and are at your own expense.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Return airport to hotel transfers are included, along with internal-holiday flights from Melbourne to Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock to Sydney, and Sydney to Cairns. Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included.
Accommodation
Stay in centrally located premium hotels including the Intercontinental Melbourne, Desert Gardens, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney, and Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort in Cairns.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 12 Full Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Cultural Immersion
- Whether at sunrise or sunset, the beauty of Uluru is mesmerising. Aboriginal creatives at Maruku Arts capture it in their paintings and will show you how to do the same.
Fitness Requirement
- Low Level of fitness required
Flight information
- Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12.00pm into Melbourne Airport Day 13 – flights to depart anytime from Cairns Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included Internal-holiday flights IncludedPlease note that prices include land and internal-holiday airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary: Day 4 - Melbourne to Ayers Rock Day 6 - Ayers Rock to Sydney Day 10 - Sydney to Cairns
Local Connection
- Aunty Margret is a Sydney legend, pioneering Indigenous tourism around the city. Discover Aboriginal sites and stories on one of her Dreamtime Southern X tours.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera
World Class Nature
- Take a deep dive (literally) into the Aboriginal stories behind the creation of the Great Barrier Reef with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel from Cairns.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as exploring Aboriginal sites and stories with Aunty Margret in Sydney, learning about Aboriginal art at Maruku Arts, and hearing Dreamtime creation stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sea rangers during a Great Barrier Reef tour.
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Are there any unique art experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers a unique art experience with the exclusive Sunrise Field of Light art installation at Uluru, created by artist Bruce Munro. Additionally, you can participate in an art class with Aboriginal artists at Maruku Arts.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in centrally located premium hotels such as the Intercontinental Melbourne, Desert Gardens, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney, and Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort in Cairns.
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Is there any free time included in the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time in Melbourne, Sydney, and Cairns, allowing you to explore these cities at your own pace or participate in optional activities.
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What is the level of physical fitness required for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour, making it accessible to most travelers.
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Are internal flights included in the tour package?
Yes, internal flights from Melbourne to Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock to Sydney, and Sydney to Cairns are included in the tour package.
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What is not included in the tour price?
Flights to and from the start and end of the trip, optional experiences, personal expenses, and travel insurance are not included in the tour price.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.