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Coastal cities, exotic wildlife, magnificent Uluru and Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef... in just 14 days? Without any long drives? Our cleverly planned 14 Day Quintessential Australia Fly and Seek offers all this and more. Absolute Australia takes care of every booking and offer 24/7 support while you are travelling, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Duration: 14 Days
Starts: Melbourne
Finishes: Sydney
Crowned "The World's Most Liveable City" for seven years in a row, friendly Melbourne is the perfect place to begin
This compact, diverse metropolis is begging to be explored after settling into your comfortable accommodation. There are hidden charms around every corner, beautiful Botanic Gardens and chic city squares where you can soak up the atmosphere to your heart’s content.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Melbourne:
Join this indulgent morning walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love.
Discover local designers and specialty retailers, that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways, there is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.
Morning tea is included before a restaurant lunch with a glass of wine. See over 30 stores on this casual stroll and return to those you like best in the afternoon: make a day of it in Marvellous Melbourne.
See the Penguin Parade and other natural treasures of Phillip Island on a full-day tour from Melbourne
Phillip Island is brimming with memorable wildlife experiences, but its headline act is the nightly Penguin Parade. Each night at dusk, thousands of little penguins—the largest colony in Australia of the world’s smallest penguin breed—can be seen along the shores of Summerland Beach, waddling back to their beachside burrows after a day at sea.
Bid farewell to the city and fly to Australia's Red Centre for your first glimpse of magnificent Ayers Rock-Uluru
Ayers Rock stands 348 metres above the ground and reaches over 700 metres underground. Uluru is also home to the World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which is of extreme importance to the local Aboriginal people.
The Magical “Field of Light”
Tonight enjoy the Field of Light Installation with a Star Pass. Marvel at this desert spectacle of 50,000 glass spheres of Bruce Munro’s amazing Field of Light installation.
You will be welcomed at a raised viewing area for canapés and chilled sparkling wine to the sounds of a didgeridoo. As the sun slowly sets, the coloured lights of 50,000 glass spheres come to life before you. Created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, this magical installation has to be seen to be believed.
Guests at Longitude 131° can embark on a signature itinerary of guided adventures
Guests at Longitude 131° can embark on a signature itinerary of guided adventures, allowing a personal discovery with the Red Centre’s iconic natural attractions and Aboriginal heritage. The Red Centre provides many options for guests looking to explore more or pursue a personal interest. Longitude 131° works with local operators to offer these special adventures.
Other activities · Helicopter Flights · Dot Painting · Camel Tours · Scenic Plane Flights · Motorcycle Tours · Outback Cycling
Travel to Kings Canyon - From Ayers Rock Resort, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station along the way
Suggested Activity
Climb to the rim of the canyon – Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden’.
Circuit walk – The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor.
Return to Ayers Rock Resort – After lunch (own expense).
Fly from Ayers Rock to Cairns, charter flight to Lizard Island
Arrive at Lizard Island via an hour long scenic flight from Cairns. Flying over a 200-kilometre expanse of the Great Barrier Reef, this part of the journey will surprise and delight you as you take in the beauty, scale and visual diversity of the reef.
The only resort located on a 1,013-hectare National Park and literally on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island offers seclusion and natural privacy that you will cherish.
With only 40 rooms and villas and your choice of private beaches, escape to your own private beach for a day exploring the reef, taking in the incredible nature around you and all while never seeing another person.
Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world
With 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious suites, it is the most northern resort in tropical Queensland and is located directly on the Great Barrier Reef. A National Park covering 1,013 hectares with 24 sandy beaches and a lagoon.
Lizard Island is accessible only by private charter from Cairns Airport in northern Queensland, Australia. Enjoy secluded picnics and sunset beach degustation on private beaches, five-star cuisine in the beautiful Salt Water restaurant and indulgent spa treatments in the Essentia Day Spa.
Experience Lizard Island on the reef, on land or in the tranquility of the spa.
Guided and self-guided activities include snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, visits to the Research Centre, tennis under night lights, morning yoga on the beach and indulgent spa treatments.
Fly onwards to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities.
Fly onwards to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia’s big cities. Blessed with a glorious natural harbour, golden beaches and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis makes a stunning final destination on your Contrasts of Australia Tour.
Settle in with a stroll along Circular Quay. With the Harbour Bridge at one end and the Opera House at the other, is there any more iconic place to begin your Australian dream vacation?
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Australia's most recognised landmarks, famous beaches and historical precincts
Your tour starts in the historic Rocks precinct. Witness the birthplace of Sydney and explore the convict-built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Climb Observatory Hill for views of Anzac Bridge and Darling Harbour.
Next, it’s across the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia’s most recognised landmarks. Later we pass by Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay, before traversing along the coastline to Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will have some time to soak up the atmosphere of the beachside mecca. Stroll down the esplanade with the locals.
Explore Sydneys sparkling harbour - another perspective of this beautiful city
Explore Sydney on a 5-hour tour that includes a comprehensive city tour, lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay, and a visit to Bondi Beach.
In Sydney, see highlights including the historic Rocks district, Royal Botanical Gardens, Parliament House, Hyde Park Barracks, St Mary’s Cathedral, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House enjoying informative commentary along the way.
Sydney also has an abundance of outstanding natural attractions, from the harbour and golden beaches to national parks and lush botanic gardens.
Sydney is a wonderland of beautiful beaches, historical sites, fantastic restaurants and much more, Sydney is brimming with memorable experiences from the majestic Sydney Opera House on one of the world’s great natural harbours to iconic Bondi Beach you’ll find incredible things to do in Sydney all year round.
Sydney also has an abundance of outstanding natural attractions, from the harbour and golden beaches to national parks and lush botanic gardens. There are championship golf courses, harbour cruises, scenic coastal walks, surfing and cycling tours.
Transfer to Sydney International for your onward flight
Say farewell to Sydney today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 14-day vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.
“Experience the diversity of place and scene on this 14 day trip that includes all the must do highlights of Australia. From the spiritual Uluru, to the eclectic buzz of city life in Melbourne and Sydney, and the majesty of the Great Barrier Reef in the Tropical North of Queensland - this is one massive experiential extravaganza!”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
ENQUIRELike what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. Each Absolute New Zealand tour is tailored to who you are and what you want to do.
Coastal cities, exotic wildlife, magnificent Uluru and Lizard Island
Our team has access to New Zealand's most unique accommodation, superb activities, and flight specials. Contact us for a personalised New Zealand experience.
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Overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fitzroy Gardens, and the cosmopolitan mix of Victorian and modern architecture, Park Hyatt Melbourne offers exclusive luxury accommodation. The beautifully appointed 5-star hotel is centrally located in Melbourne’s CBD . The 245 guestrooms and suites are the biggest in the city. A warm ambience, exceptional levels of personalised service, and luxurious amenities with exquisite surroundings provide guests with a private haven in the city’s heart.
Nestled among rich red dunes, Longitude 131° overlooks Australia’s best-known natural icon, Uluru. The welcoming open spaces of the central Dune House include a restaurant and bar with ever-changing views of the monolith as a backdrop for dining as well as lounging areas in contemporary campaign style, ideal for relaxing with an icy drink and exchanging stories of the day’s adventures in the outback.
Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. With 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious suites, it is the most northern resort in tropical Queensland and is located directly on the Great Barrier Reef. A National Park covering 1,013 hectares with 24 sandy beaches and a lagoon, Lizard Island is accessible only by private charter from Cairns Airport in northern Queensland, Australia. Enjoy secluded picnics and sunset beach degustation on private beaches, five-star cuisine in the beautiful Salt Water restaurant and indulgent spa treatments in the Essentia Day Spa.
Don’t waste your time trying to find that cool local café you were told about and join this half-day walking tour of Melbourne’s famous lanes and arcades. Your knowledgeable guide shows you the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art and architecture, sprinkled with historical tales of the city along the way.
Morning tea is included, as is a restaurant lunch with a glass of wine. See over 30 stores on this casual stroll and return to those you like best in the afternoon: make a day of it in marvellous Melbourne.
Phillip Island is brimming with memorable wildlife experiences, but its headline act is the nightly penguin parade. Each night at dusk, thousands of little penguins—the largest colony in Australia of the world’s smallest penguin breed—can be seen along the shores of Summerland Beach, waddling back to their beachside burrows after a day at sea.
With views to Uluru and across the desert to Kata Tjuta, Longitude 131˚ is Australia’s most celebrated luxury camp. Dotted among the red-rust-coloured dunes of the Central Desert are sixteen tented pavilions, each connecting you with the outback landscape and its heritage. A truly glamorous base from which to explore the incredible Red Centre and discover vibrant Aboriginal artworks alongside relics from the region’s explorers. The bar and restaurant offer contemporary Australian dining and the friendly staff are ready to share a yarn.Uluru
Gathered as if around a campfire, the fifteen luxury tents at Longitude 131° each offer views to Uluru – from the end of your bed! The premium Dune Pavilion is the only accommodation with views to both World Heritage-listed wonders Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Guests may choose two out of the four daily options, which vary according to the season.
Here is a taste of the many cultural and wilderness experiences on offer:
Uluru Sunset Capture the changing lights reflecting from Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips down below the horizon. With a chilled glass and canapé in hand, this is the essential outback experience!
Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta Explore the impressive formation of Kata Tjuta on a walk through Walpa Gorge and discover how aeons of continental upheaval have created today’s landscape.
Table 131° Dine out and discover the wonders of the night sky at an exclusive venue between the dunes. Enjoy the view of the natural theatre over four courses, complemented with fine Australian wines.
Field of Light Experience Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed art phenomenon, Field of Light. Created from 50,000 bud-like stems and frosted glass spheres, the installation blooms and appears to sway as darkness descends over Australia’s spiritual heartland.
Your private Essential Sydney tour starts in the historic Rocks precinct. Wander through the birthplace of Sydney and explore the convict-built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Climb Observatory Hill for views of Anzac Bridge and Darling Harbour.
Drive across the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia’s most recognised landmarks. Pass by Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay, before traversing along the coastline to Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here, you will have some time to soak up the atmosphere of the beachside mecca. Stroll down the esplanade with the locals or go for a swim, the choice is all yours.
This unique day is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Sydney. Begin the day touring the streets of Sydney with your own private guide and vehicle. Enjoy lunch overlooking the harbour and then finish with a private 2-hour sail on a 40ft Beneteau Yacht on Sydney Harbour.
Melbourne is the second biggest and the most cosmopolitan of the Australian cities. Melbourne is Australia’s mecca for all things trendy and tasty. The city offers up exquisite dining, exhilarating sport and abundant opportunities to experience art. Take a river cruise on the Yarra from Southbank and the Docklands and Williamstown and return via St Kilda. Ride the free City Circle Tram and enjoy easy access to many of the city’s attractions and highlights. See the city glide past while you dine in the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Discover Australia’s shopping capital’s secrets at Southgate, South Yarra, fashionable Collins Street, Melbourne’s historical grand arcades or Queen Victoria Market.
Uluru / Ayers Rock is Australia’s most recognisable natural icon. Standing 348 metres high, the monolith has a great cultural significance for the traditional Aboriginal owners, the Anangu people.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is located 440 kilometres by road south-west of Alice Springs and encompasses both Uluru and the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), both dating back hundreds of million of years. Visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park can also browse through the informative and award-winning Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
Cairns is situated in the Northern end of Tropical Queensland. The city is framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea. The World Heritage-listed Wet Tropical Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback are all within easy reach. Cairns is both an adventure and a nature lover’s paradise. From white-water rafting to bungee jumping and skydiving, you’ll find the perfect activity to suit your penchant for thrills and with hundreds of tours visiting the Great Barrier Reef each year, you’re sure to find one, or a couple, to try out.
Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. With 24 powdery-white beaches, it is the most northern resort in tropical Queensland and is located directly on the Great Barrier Reef. A national park covering 1,013 hectares with sandy beaches and a lagoon, Lizard Island is accessible only by private charter from Cairns Airport in northern Queensland, Australia.
A city of iconic attractions and brilliant beaches, Sydney is a destination you’ll never forget. Sydney is home to must-visit icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but this Harbour City is constantly evolving. New rooftop bars, theatre shows and designer shops pop up at every turn, and the urban excitement is perfectly balanced by afternoons spent lying on the sand. With diverse destinations at its doorstep, Sydney is the perfect base for day trips and weekends away.