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AAT Kings: Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush 25/26

5 days 4 nights
Sydney to Melbourne
from AUD$2,314pp
was AUD$2,414pp
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You can drive between Melbourne and Sydney in a day. But what fun would that be? In between Australia’s two largest cities on this epic Sydney to Melbourne trip, take in the dreamy landscapes of the Southern Highlands, the country’s cool little capital on Canberra guided tours, and historic gold rush towns. With plenty of time for fun-fuel adventures, like a Melbourne laneway tour or Phillip Island penguin tour, of course.

This Tour Also Features

  • Be My Guest BBQ Dinner
  • Guided Tour of Parliament House
  • Melbourne City Tour
  • Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Tour full itinerary
Itinerary
Parliament

It’s hard to believe that just 1.5 hours from Sydney lies a patch of countryside that could have been transplanted straight from the English Cotswolds. Think atmospheric villages amid rolling hills of grape vines – the Southern Highlands is the closest wine region to Australia’s largest city, after all. And then there are the grand gardens and emerald farms, one of which you’ll visit to meet Craig Starr and his family. Gold Creek Station farm is your backdrop for a Be My Guest BBQ lunch and tales about life on the land. This is your entrée to the country’s cool little capital of Canberra, home to Parliament House, where you’ll go behind the political scenes. Tonight, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.

Staying in:

  • Crowne Plaza Canberra (1 night)

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Beechworth

Thanks to architect Walter Burley Griffin, Canberra is an urban planner’s delight – the city is that well laid out, as you’ll discover when you head to the summit of Mt. Ainslie for panoramic views. You won’t yet be able to see the mighty Murray River, but you’ll soon cross it en route to Beechworth. From Australia's longest river, travel through Victoria's High Country to the well-preserved gold rush town of Beechworth. Beechworth saw an influx of fortune-seekers from all over the world during the 1850s. Get the lowdown on Beechworth over a chat with the publican of the historic local pub and enjoy afternoon tea in the oldest hotel in town. Then you'll be set on your way to explore honey and gold shops, galleries and museums at your leisure, before Wangaratta beckons.

Staying in:

  • Quality Hotel Wangaratta (1 night)

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Melbourne

Meandering south toward historic Glenrowan, you’re well and truly in Ned Kelly country – this is where the infamous bushranger and his gang were finally captured in 1880. The story is remembered on pretty much every city corner, whether in enormous statues or at the museum. We’ll tell you all the tales – some of them true, many of them hearsay. All of them entertaining. Then we’ll tell you a bit more about Melbourne, like how it’s the home of Aussie rules football, covets some of the country’s best arts institutions, and has a swag of stellar restaurants, cafés and bars. Small wonder it’s known as Australia’s cultural, culinary and sporting capital. After a city tour, immerse yourself in a guided galleries tour of our First Peoples arts and cultural centre, Koorie Heritage Trust, then head off to explore. Forget your map – one of the joys of being in Melbourne is getting lost. Discovering a hidden jazz bar. Stumbling upon a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or another gallery that catches your eye. Enjoy.

Staying in:

  • Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne (1 night)

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The Yarra River

You could spend weeks exploring Melbourne and its surrounds and not tire of the attractions. But you just have today, so make the most of it. We wouldn’t hold it against you if all you want to do is jump on a tram and ride the rails to the city’s character-filled neighbourhoods. But if you want to explore further afield, we’ve got you covered on an optional experience. For a bird’s-eye view of the bay, sign up to scale the Melbourne Skydeck, offering dizzying vistas in every direction. Or, perhaps exploring the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing. Animal lover? Venture to Phillip Island to see hundreds of little penguins pad along the sand en route to their burrows (all own expense). The choice is yours.

Staying in:

  • Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne (1 night)

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Melbourne Tram

Wait, how did you just pack so much action into such a short amount of time? Cities, countryside, farms … This Sydney to Melbourne trip has been quite the adventure.

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AAT Kings: Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush 25/26

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Starts Status   Double (2 people sharing) Single occupancy  
Apr 10, 2025
(Thursday)
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was AUD$2,414
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Aug 28, 2025
(Thursday)
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was AUD$2,414
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Oct 16, 2025
(Thursday)
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was AUD$2,414
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Nov 20, 2025
(Thursday)
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was AUD$2,584
now AUD$2,484
was AUD$3,426
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Feb 5, 2026
(Thursday)
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was AUD$3,426
now AUD$3,326
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Feb 19, 2026
(Thursday)
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was AUD$2,584
now AUD$2,484
was AUD$3,426
now AUD$3,326
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Mar 19, 2026
(Thursday)
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departure date
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was AUD$2,584
now AUD$2,484
was AUD$3,426
now AUD$3,326
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