The Aussie Challenge

Arrive in Adelaide (ADL) and transfer on your own to the Pullman Adelaide Hotel. This afternoon you will have some free time to explore Adelaide before our group meeting at the hotel in the evening for a welcome reception.  Included Meals: Welcome Drinks with Light Food.

The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine regions, renowned for its exceptional Shiraz and Grenache wines. Today, we’ll spend the day visiting local vineyards, tasting regional wines, and enjoying lunch at one of the Barossa Valley’s most iconic wineries. For a more active experience, you may opt for a 1-hour bike ride through the valley instead of participating in one of the tastings.  Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, travel to Cape Jervis (approximately 90 minutes) for the ferry to Kangaroo Island. Upon arrival, enjoy a group lunch before transferring to the Ozone Hotel. This evening, enjoy a two-course dinner at the hotel.  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, explore some of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic sights, including Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, while also visiting local businesses along the way. Part of today’s touring will follow sections of Sunday’s race route through Flinders Chase National Park. This evening, join your fellow runners for a pre-race dinner at the hotel.  Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Race Day!  This morning you will be transferred to the starting line of the Kangaroo Island Marathon in Flinders Chase National Park (approx. 80 minutes).  Return transfers will be provided at the conclusion of the race.  This evening the group will gather for a post-race reception to celebrate your accomplishments!  Included Meals: Breakfast

Join one of MTT’s optional tours or explore Sydney on your own.  Included Meals: Breakfast

Blue Mountains Full Day Tour | $225.00 USD per person – Explore the spectacular Blue Mountains World Heritage Area with an expert guide, venturing beyond the usual tourist routes to remote lookouts and scenic landscapes. Highlights include early access to Calmsley Hill Farm, home to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas; visits to Wentworth Falls, Jamison Creek, and Eaglehawk Lookout; and a self-guided hike (approximately two hours) along the Grose Valley rim. Enjoy a picnic lunch before concluding at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, where you can see the ancient Wollemi Pine. Best suited to active individuals with moderate fitness levels. (Picnic Lunch included) 

Tour Length: 7:30AM – 5:00PM

Sydney’s Northern Natural Wonders Full Day Tour | $280 USD per person – Explore the natural beauty and Indigenous heritage of Ku-ring-gai National Park, featuring stunning views from West Head Lookout, native wildlife, bush morning tea, and ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. Continue through Sydney’s scenic Northern Beaches to enjoy a cliff-top lunch at a local restaurant, before returning to the city via Manly and North Head. (Morning Tea & Lunch included)

Tour Length: 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Hunter Valley Full Day Tour | $410 USD per person – Join us for a day of indulgence in Australia’s oldest and best-known wine region. The day will feature multiple tastings led by in-house wine experts at some of the most prestigious wineries in the area. A lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients will be served with a refreshing beverage while you immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the Hunter Valley. (Tastings & Lunch included)

Tour Length: 7:30AM – 5:00PM

Kick off your Saturday with a group shakeout run!

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Sydney at your leisure. Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, relax at one of its famous beaches, visit Taronga Zoo, or stop by the Sydney Running Show for any last-minute race essentials. This evening, join your fellow runners and MTT hosts for a pre-race dinner.  Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Race Day! This morning, MTT hosts will be in the hotel lobby to provide guidance to the start line. All runners will use complimentary public transportation to reach the starting area. Your hotel is conveniently located approximately 800 meters from the finish line, making for an easy walk back after the race.

This evening, celebrate your achievement with fellow runners and supporters at a post-race reception at a nearby restaurant. Enjoy a selection of canapés and a complimentary drink as we raise a glass to your accomplishment and an unforgettable race experience.  Included Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Drink with Light Food

This morning, enjoy a group transfer from your Sydney hotel to Sydney International Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind – relax at the hotel or head into town to explore the tropical charm of Cairns at your own pace.

This morning, walk from your hotel to the port to embark on a full-day cruise to the breathtaking Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. You’ll visit three unique reef sites selected from an exclusive range of locations, offering over five hours of exploration. Enjoy unlimited snorkeling, with options for up to three certified dives or introductory diving experiences (additional cost applies).

At the end of your reef adventure, return to the hotel to relax and reflect on an unforgettable day.
(Breakfast and lunch included)

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of the local area. Your day begins with a guided walk through the serene Cattana Wetlands, complete with morning tea. Next, visit Barron Falls, where you’ll be joined by a local Djabugay Cultural guide for a boardwalk tour and an insightful discussion about the area’s rich history and Indigenous heritage.

From Barron Falls, continue to Kuranda—the renowned village nestled in the rainforest. Enjoy free time to browse the heritage markets, have lunch at your leisure, and explore local attractions. Your return journey to Cairns will be aboard the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, offering stunning views of the treetops.

Upon arrival back at the hotel, the evening is yours to relax or explore further. (Breakfast included)

Today is a free day to explore Cairns on your own – relax by the pool, discover local shops and cafés, or consider booking another adventure to the Great Barrier Reef.

In the evening, join us for a farewell reception at the hotel to celebrate your journey with fellow travelers over canapés and one (1) complimentary drink. (Breakfast included)

This morning, enjoy a group transfer from your Sydney hotel to Sydney International Airport for your flight to Uluru, previously known as Ayers Rock.  Upon arrival you will be transferred to Sails in the Dessert hotel at Ayers Rock Resort. You will have the afternoon to relax and get acquainted at the resort before the Wintjiri Wiru – Sunset Dinner & Show. Take in a stunning sunset with views out to both Uluru & Kata Tjuta while enjoying a cocktail and canapes. As darkness falls, drones, lights, traditional music, and Pitjantjatjara language will bring to life the Mala story under the desert sky. (Breakfast included)

The day will start bright and early with the Uluru and Kuniya sunrise walk. From the Uluru sunrise viewing area you’ll see the horizon change hue even before the first rays of sunlight break through. Uluru sits in an endless sea of red dunes that provide a stark contrast against the blue sky. The tour will carry on to Mutitjulu Waterhole and showcase a variety of ancient Aboriginal rock art, desert flora and wildlife and the Indigenous history of this sacred site before concluding at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Culture Centre. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the resort and the many activities available. We will gather for a lovely Outback BBQ in the evening. (Breakfast & Dinner included)

This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to join one of the following optional tours available (additional cost):

Camel to Sunrise* – Begin your day with a one-hour camel ride through the desert, taking in the changing colors of the landscape as the sun rises over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. After the ride, return to the camel farm to enjoy light refreshments and browse the camel museum and gift shop. $ 130.00 per person.

*Maximum weight 135 kg (295 lbs) per person. Weight will be collected prior to departure.

15-Minute Helicopter Rock Blast – Launch off on a rock blasting adventure and take in the sights of Ayers Rock Resort and surrounding desert landscape as you make your way towards Uluru by helicopter. Enjoy a panoramic view of the breathtaking scenery unique to the Red Centre. $ 140.00 per person

In the afternoon, travel to the awe-inspiring 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. Upon arrival at Walpa Gorge, enjoy time exploring the striking conglomerate rock formations and learning about the unique geology of the area. This evening is yours to relax or enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. (Breakfast included)

Spend the day exploring Uluru and the resort at your own pace – relax, take in the scenery, or enjoy one of the many activities on site.

In the evening, experience the unforgettable Sound of Silence Dinner, dining under a canopy of stars surrounded by the vast desert landscape and the majestic presence of Uluru stretching for kilometers around. (Breakfast & Dinner included)

This morning, enjoy a group transfer from your Sydney hotel to Sydney International Airport for your flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Join your MTT hosts and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel to celebrate the beginning of this exciting adventure. (Breakfast & Dinner included).

Today you will experience the natural wonder of New Zealand’s South Island on this day of discovery. Enjoy a coach journey to Milford Sound, regarded as one of the Natural Wonders of the world. Cruise on the Sound, enjoy a buffet lunch and weather permitting, return to Queenstown by plane, enjoying views of the spectacular Southern Alps. The evening is yours to explore the many wonderful restaurants in Queenstown. (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Please Note: Flights from Milford Sound to Queenstown are weather dependent. Should weather force cancellation of the flights, travellers will be transported back via coach to the hotel

This morning, you will enjoy a scenic safari 4WD tour offering breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shore of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and the Paradise Valley.

This evening, step into Queenstown’s rich pioneering past. Your experience begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, a century-old steamship. Upon arrival, you’ll disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the region’s earliest established farms, for an immersive glimpse into rural life. Here you will enjoy a dining experience that’s unlike any other in Queenstown, relax in the unique ambience in front of a roaring open fire and soak in the views from this stunning lakeside setting while the chefs prepare a gourmet BBQ on the outdoor grill. On the magical night-time cruise home, you can enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer. (Breakfast & Dinner included)

After breakfast, you will depart the hotel for a group transfer to Queenstown International Airport for your flight to Auckland.

Upon arrival, enjoy a half day Auckland City sightseeing tour to get acquainted with New Zealand’s largest city. With a population of around 1.4 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities earns it consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. You will explore the attractions of New Zealand’s largest city, starting your tour in downtown Auckland and admire the views of the harbour and the city skyline as you make your way towards the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. (Breakfast included).

Enjoy the day at leisure exploring Auckland or join the optional Hobbiton Day Tour. (Breakfast included)

Hobbiton Day Tour: Your tour starts with a private coach journey from the hotel to Hobbiton based in the Waikato region. Your guide will escort you through the twelve acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-Earth. Experience the taste of the Shire with a delicious buffet lunch observed in the Party Marquee. (Lunch included) $185 per person

Join your MTT hosts to walk down to the Auckland’s Viaduct to board your private charter to Waiheke Island to enjoy a day on the beautiful Waiheke Island. This unique island in Auckland Harbor offers culture, culinary delights, community, and more. Indulge in a 3-course lunch at Mudbrick,  overlooking the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf. You will also enjoy a tasting at a local winery before returning to Auckland. (Breakfast & Lunch included).