BUYER FAMILIARISATION PROGRAM
CHOOSE FROM 24 ITINERARIES
Buyer delegates attending ATE Live in Sydney are invited to apply to attend a pre-ATE Live familiarisation hosted by State and Territory Tourism Organisations (STOs). We encourage you to consider joining one of these specially curated famils, in particular to support Australian industry partners in bushfire-affected areas and regions significantly impacted by the downturn in international visitors due to COVID-19. Itineraries range in length from 3 - 7 days. Buyer delegates will be asked to preference preferred famils at time of acceptances.
All required domestic flights from the buyer delegate's home gateway to the start of the famil and into Sydney for ATE Live will be covered by Tourism Australia. Buyer delegates will be given instructions on how to book flights in accordance with the acceptance of famil application in early May.
Please refer to your notification of assessment email for instructions on how to preference famils or contact us. Deadline to express interest in famils is 28 April 2021.
Note: famils and itineraries are subject to change.
Australian Capital Territory
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Discover more than you expect in Canberra
Dates: Thursday 3 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 4
Location: Canberra
Prepare to discover more than the Capital. Explore a city full of passionate locals, hidden collections and unexpected gems. Begin your day with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Canberra’s picturesque centrepiece, Lake Burley Griffin. Back on ground, treat yourself to some of Canberra’s best experiences. Hunt for prized black truffles; sample cool climate wines at boutique cellar doors; and discover a thriving arts and culture scene at a range of Canberra’s galleries and museums.
New South Wales
Wine & Valleys
Dates: Wednesday 2 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 5
Starting location: Orange
Finish location: Sydney
Discover the pretty regional town of Orange - a food and wine lovers’ delight. This cool climate wine region is located three-and-a-half hours’ drive west of Sydney and is the perfect place to escape for wine, food and culture, offering highly acclaimed restaurants, fashionable cafes, grower’s markets, designer shopping, art galleries and more.
Return to Sydney via the Blue Mountains, the million-hectare World Heritage-listed wilderness of the Blue Mountains in Sydney’s backyard. Follow the winding road to where nature is wilder, the stars brighter and ancient escarpments hold the secrets of a living culture with a 40,000-year pedigree. Go slow. Stop often. And don’t forget to breathe, filling your lungs with the fresh air infused with eucalyptus oil.
Simply Spectacular South Coast
Dates: Wednesday 2 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 5
Starting location: Merimbula
Finish location: Sydney
Fly down to Merimbula and start your journey exploring breathtaking beaches, freshly shucked oysters, curious seals, laid-back coastal towns and world-famous surf breaks await you on the NSW South Coast. Stretching from Sapphire Coast in the south to Wollongong in the north, it’s one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations and the perfect place to unplug from the world.
Northern Territory
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Tropics to the Outback
Dates: Monday 31 May - Sunday 6 June
Days: 7
Starting and finish location: Darwin
Your tropical Top End adventure begins in Darwin, the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital city. Start your journey taking in a spectacular Top End sunset on-board a Darwin harbour cruise before hitting the road and experiencing the highlights of the Nature’s Way drive. Journey to where the ‘Tropics Meets the Outback’, Nitmiluk National Park, famous for the stunning Katherine Gorge. Then it’s off to dual World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park - the jewel of the Top End.
In Kakadu, learn about Aboriginal culture that dates back more than 50,000 years; take to some of the great bushwalking trails and cruise the famous rivers and billabongs teeming with wildlife including birds, water buffalos, brumbies and the mighty saltwater crocodile.
Alice Springs and Kings Canyon Highlights
Dates: Wednesday 2 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 5
Starting and finish location: Alice Springs
Start your Red Centre adventure in Alice Springs – one of Australia’s famous outback towns. Known for its stunning natural wonders, pioneering history and adventure activities such as mountain biking, hiking and hot-air ballooning.
After exploring ‘The Alice’ , hit the road to Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon to tackle the spectacular Rim Walk and watch the sun light up the dramatic 100-metre high walls of the canyon. Enjoy dinner under the stars, before retiring to your glamping tents for the evening.
Return to Alice Springs the following day where you will be able to get up close with the iconic Red Kangaroo at The Kangaroo Sanctuary, before making your way to Sydney.
Best of the Red Centre
Dates: Wednesday 2 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 5
Starting location: Uluru
Finish location: Alice Springs
Your journey starts in the spiritual heart of Australia, World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Marvel at one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, as you tour around the base of Uluru and hear the stories been passed down by generations.
You will also get to explore magnificent Kata Tjuta, meaning ‘many heads’ in the local language. Sleep overnight in permanent tented accommodation or under a blanket of millions of stars, if you choose. Travel on to another Red Centre wonder, Kings Canyon - Watarrka National Park. Take in the spectacular sheer cliffs and ancient cycad palms on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, before retiring to your glamping tented accommodation at Kings Creek Station.
You final stop will be the pioneering outback town of Alice Springs where you will have the opportunity to get close to the iconic Red Kangaroos at the Kangaroo Sanctuary and take a balloon flight over the outback!
Queensland
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Gold Coast
Dates: Monday 31 May - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Gold Coast
Famous for its swell, sand, and iconic skyrises, the Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s most recognised and popular residents. It’s also Australia’s largest non-capital city; but despite its size, slipping into laid-back holiday mode in the 57km stretch of golden beaches along the southern coastline doesn’t take long. Switch off the stress with an invigorating escape to this vibrant yet relaxed natural playground.
Brisbane
Dates: Monday 31 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Brisbane
Queensland’s capital has almost 300 days of sunshine per year and blissfully long summers (even the winter days hover around 24 degrees), and invites you to explore Queensland’s capital and take full advantage of the incredible weather.
The sub-tropical climate makes for a city of lush green parks and gardens, miles upon miles of riverside walkways, and dozens of world-class al fresco bars and restaurants that make the most of balmy evenings, begging to be explored by foot or by boat. The adjacent islands are packed with sand dunes, ancient shipwrecks and pristine beaches. Brisbane is a place to relax, recharge and get outdoors.
Australia's Nature Coast
Dates: Monday 31 May - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Sunshine Coast
You’re invited to hit the road and embark on a Queensland journey that takes you through nature in its purest (and most impressive) form, from the world’s largest sand island to pristine national parks. Think nature, amplified: this is where you can be eye-to-eye with humpback whales, and snorkel among 1200 species of marine life on the Great Barrier Reef, where you can kayak through one of only two everglades systems on earth, and where two biospheres exist side by side. Where you can learn with one of the world’s oldest cultures and start to see the world differently, and where you can sink your toes into one of many sandy beaches, or feast on the ocean’s bountiful fresh produce.
This phenomenal route through Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast is one never to be forgotten.
Whitsundays & Airlie Beach
Dates: Monday 31 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Airlie Beach
Introducing the Whitsundays: an island-laden paradise, where guests are frequently humbled by its sheer ever-changing beauty. Home to 74 idyllic islands, a beach frequently named as the most beautiful in the world, expansive tropical coastline, and the colourful reef that surrounds it, this is an extraordinary natural paradise where unforgettable memories are forged.
This world-renowned tropical archipelago is where you can kick back or kick up adventure – or do a bit of both. Enjoy the turquoise waters on a sailing boat, explore the mainland’s lush national parks and watch the sun set over the Great Barrier Reef from an island resort.
Cairns and GBR - Luxury
Dates: Monday 31 May - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Cairns
Introducing you to experience a place that’s not short on a natural wonder or two: in fact, the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region is the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed wonders meet.
From the thriving Great Barrier Reef and the flourishing Daintree Rainforest, to vibrant city culture, sophisticated seaside villages and vast landscapes, a visit to this part of Queensland can be as adventurous or laid-back as you like. Gain a deeper understanding of the land through the stories of local cultures and environmental conservation practices as you experience the definition of barefoot luxury. This experience offers bountiful opportunity to refresh the body, mind and spirit.
Cairns and GBR - Chasing Waterfalls
Dates: Monday 31 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Cairns
The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region is a trio of rainforest, reef, and outback. Fringed by kaleidoscopic reef, enveloped by primordial rainforest, and surrounded by spectacular red earth, visitors get the best of three worlds in this region. Countless thundering waterfalls, towering trees and crater lakes contrast against a tapestry of farms along self-drive trails to timeless villages and fascinating markets.
Discover the exotic tropical flavours, unique wildlife, unforgettable locals, and outdoor pursuits that make the Atherton Tablelands and Kuranda one of the many must-dos within the region.
South Australia
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Adelaide and Kangaroo Island
Dates: Wednesday 2 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 5
Starting and finish location: Adelaide
During the summer of 2019/20 Kangaroo Island was greatly impacted by bushfires with approximately 50% of the Island burnt.
The road to recovery has been long and although the local community was tested greatly over this time, they are a proud and resilient bunch that love their part of the world and can’t wait to share what has risen from the ashes.
Enjoy 2 nights in region and witness the incredible landscape of Kangaroo Island as it recovers from the fires and explore areas that were untouched before returning to Adelaide to enjoy a night in one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
Adelaide and Adelaide Hills
Dates: Thursday 3 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 4
Starting and finish location: Adelaide
If you’re looking for amazing produce, stunning landscapes, native wildlife and luxurious accommodation, you’ll love the Adelaide Hills.
After the devastating bushfires tore through the region at the end of 2019 the local community has rallied together to rebuild and expand their tourism offerings to showcase their beautiful part of South Australia.
Spend 2 nights in region discovering the land of the long lunch before returning to Adelaide and enjoying a night in one of Adelaide’s newest and most luxurious hotels.
TASMANIA
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Northern Forage
Dates: Wednesday 2 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 5
Starting and finish location: Launceston
Launceston – Wynyard - Stanley – Woolnorth – Burnie - Launceston
Pure air, rich land, great produce, fresh ideas.
This is a journey to feed your soul. Starting and ending with a night in Launceston, plus two nights in Stanley, join Tourism Tasmania for a five day drive tour to experience and explore the north and north-west of Tasmania.
This is where the world's freshest air feeds one of the planet's great temperate rainforests. Bordered by the wild coastline of Bass Strait, a journey across northern Tasmania is a chance to slow down, forage or follow your food from paddock to plate from some of the most fertile land in Australia.
Southern Edge Escape
Dates: Wednesday 2 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 5
Starting and finish location: Hobart
Hobart – Far South – Bruny – Hobart
Find life on a human scale and nature on a grand scale at Tasmania’s southern edge.
With two nights in Tasmania’s far south, plus two nights in Hobart, join Tourism Tasmania for a five day drive tour to journey through southern Tasmania.
Known for its abundant fresh produce, forage for food in the far south, then detour by ferry to experience Bruny Island cheeses, oysters and more.
Finish with two nights in Hobart, exploring the markets at Salamanca, seeing the views from a seaplane and wandering through the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona).
Victoria
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Gippsland
Dates: Tuesday 1 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Melbourne
Finish location: Merimbula
Reignite your love of Melbourne before heading east and exploring the delightful villages of South Gippsland – expect great cheese and wine, abundant produce stores and incredible baked goods. Meet the penguins at Phillip Island, then head to spectacular Wilsons Promontory. Get the adrenaline pumping as you visit Skull Rock with Wilsons Promontory Cruises, take a walk along a beach where the sand’s so fine, it squeaks. Continue east through an ancient rainforest and relax next to Australia’s biggest inland lake system. You’ll have days filled with gourmet delights, koalas and stunning wilderness, especially at your final stop, in bushfire-affected Mallacoota.
Melbourne
Dates: Friday 4 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 3
Starting and finish location: Melbourne
Melbourne is less about what you see and more about what you feel. It’s immersive, authentic and best experienced by exploring - the real Melbourne is hidden below the surface, waiting to be found. 2021 has brought a swathe of new product to the city – sensational hotels, extraordinary restaurants, more hidden bars and new twists on old favourites. Creative spaces open in Melbourne with a regularity that no visitor map can ever hope to keep pace with, so Visit Melbourne with the experts and let us show you the newest hidden secrets of our city.
Go Beyond Melbourne
Dates: Wednesday 2 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 5
Starting location: Melbourne (Avalon)
Finish location: Melbourne (Tullamarine)
Rediscover Melbourne and Surrounds
Go Beyond Melbourne to nourish the body & soul across four regions. Start at the Bellarine Peninsula, for wine, gin and great food. Cross the bay on Searoad Ferries to make your way to the Mornington Peninsula, offering vineyards and incredible art installations, and relax in the hot springs. Get your nature fix on Phillip Island with a journey to visit Australian fur seals and witness the Penguin Parade. Head to the Yarra Valley, recognised as a premier wine growing region, there’s wildlife experiences as well as local orchards for hands-on activities, before heading to Tullamarine airport for your flight to Sydney.
Melbourne - Sydney Inland Discovery
Dates: Wednesday 2 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 5
Starting location: Melbourne
Finish location: Canberra
Heritage Delight
Reacquaint yourself with Melbourne’s creative riches, and discover new adventures, then head north to Bendigo to uncover its gourmet and heritage delights. From here it’s on to the Murray River, and the twin towns of Echuca-Moama. Experience the banks of the Murray, including Cactus Country, and Rich Glen Olives as we head towards Yarrawonga for an overnight stay on the banks of the lake.
Continue via Rutherglen Muscat enroute to Albury and Wodonga, by looping around the banks of Lake Hume before crossing over the high country of Australia to Canberra. This is Man From Snowy River country. Stay overnight in Canberra, before heading into Sydney.
Great Southern Touring Route
Dates: Tuesday 1 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Melbourne
Finish location: Melbourne (Avalon)
From History to Nature
Spend time rediscovering Melbourne, before you head to the Goldfields township of Ballarat. Discover Sovereign Hill before exploring local distilleries and microbreweries. Take in the Grampians National Park and gain an understanding of Aboriginal culture, head out on walking tracks that lead to waterfalls, wildlife and lookouts.
Take one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. Explore the wonders of the volcano at Tower Hill, discover the Twelve Apostles in a helicopter, and see koalas in the Otways. Continue your adventure exploring the villages of the Bellarine Peninsula and the Geelong’s burgeoning dining scene, before your morning flight out of Avalon airport.
western australia
East Kimberley Adventures
Dates: Tuesday 1 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Perth
Finish location: Perth
Feel like an outback explorer in this adventure-packed beautiful East Kimberley region. Embark on a journey to one of the last great wilderness areas, discovering wonders such as one-million-acre El Questro Wilderness Park, rare wildlife as you cruise the Ord River, and the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park with its unique bee-hive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. Observe ancient Aboriginal rock art, swim in crystal-clear pools, shower under dramatic waterfalls and maybe even spot a crocodile. You’ll get to relax in the views overlooking Chamberlain Gorge and also stay overnight in Purnululu National. Your adventure starts in Kununurra about three hours’ flight from Perth, and includes travel by road and air to Purnululu and El Questro.
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Perth and Margaret River Moments
Dates: Tuesday 1 June - Sunday 6 June
Days: 6
Starting location: Perth
Finish location: Perth
At the start of the famil you’ll see the sights of Australia’s sunniest capital city with a visit to the vibrant waterfront precinct of Elizabeth Quay, new heritage precinct Yagan Square, and witness the stunning views from one of the largest inner city parks in the world – Kings Park. Venture to the port city of Fremantle to discover buzzing 100-year-old markets brimful of local produce and wares. Relax on one of Rottnest Island’s pristine beaches or get a selfie with the world-famous quokka. From Perth you will travel south to the Margaret River region promises gourmet food, unspoilt beaches, friendly locals and stunning scenery. With more than 100 top-notch wineries, fine dining restaurants and boutique breweries in the region, you’ll get a tantalising taste of the region's freshest flavours. Stock up on local chocolate, cheese, wine and craft beer while tasting a range of other delectable produce. Top that off with exploring the region’s underground limestone caves, amazing local art galleries, stunning Cape to Cape track, captivating Indigenous cultural experiences and a visit to the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll soon find Margaret River’s not just about world class wine! Your journey will be in a comfortable small group charter vehicle, travelling 3 hours’ from Perth.
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