Operated by Collette

Australia's Outback to New Zealand's South Island

From

CAD 11,199

Duration

20 days

Countries

Australia

Activity

active

Rating

4.4 · 197 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

Explore the diverse wonders of the lands "Down Under." A 3-day adventure that includes a “Dreamtime Tour” in the rugged Outback introduces you to the Aboriginal life and culture of Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. Meet the Drum Atweme, a musical group supported by the Collette Foundation comprised of at-risk youth. Delve into the colorful world of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House and a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. Meet Australia's famous wildlife up close. Explore the snow-capped peaks, vistas, gorges and waterfalls of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Cruise Milford Sound. Settle in for a 3-night stay in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Experience the Franz Josef Glacier and the majestic Mt. Cook region. Discover the beautiful 19th-century gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Cap off your adventure making new friends when dining with a family in their home.

At a glance

Duration

20 days

Route

→

Countries

Australia

Activity level

active

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, National Parks & Wilderness, Wildlife & Safari

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Ask an agent

Day by day

Your journey through

Australia

Day 1Depart from HomeCross the International Dateline (skipping a day ahead) for an adventure discovering the treasures of Australia and New Zealand, including their unparalleled beauty and captivating culture.

Home

Cross the International Dateline (skipping a day ahead) for an adventure discovering the treasures of Australia and New Zealand, including their unparalleled beauty and captivating culture.

Day 2Sydney, AustraliaArrive today in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolises in the world. Tonight join your fellow travellers and toast to the start of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling Harbour.

Arrive today in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolises in the world. Tonight join your fellow travellers and toast to the start of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling Harbour.

Day 3SydneySee where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, starting with a guided walking tour of The Rocks district. Then, head to Circular Quay, famed for two of Sydney’s most recognizable landmarks - the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour, to discover its remarkable architecture and history. Continue your discovery of the city with a visit to the Botanic Gardens and its historic surroundings. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.

Sydney

See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, starting with a guided walking tour of The Rocks district. Then, head to Circular Quay, famed for two of Sydney’s most recognizable landmarks - the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour, to discover its remarkable architecture and history. Continue your discovery of the city with a visit to the Botanic Gardens and its historic surroundings. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.

Day 4SydneyDeepen your exploration of Sydney’s many wonders with a day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy scenic vistas of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Sydney

Deepen your exploration of Sydney’s many wonders with a day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy scenic vistas of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Day 5Sydney - CairnsFly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.

Sydney

Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.

Day 6CairnsBoard a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.

Cairns

Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.

Day 7CairnsSoak up the tropical atmosphere – the day is yours. Perhaps you will take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of unspoiled nature. You might like to wander through Rusty’s Markets in search of the perfect souvenir, or enjoy the unique sea life at the Cairns Aquarium.

Explore the tranquil tropical beach with clear turquoise waters and lush greenery at Dunk Island, Australia.

Cairns

Soak up the tropical atmosphere – the day is yours. Perhaps you will take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of unspoiled nature. You might like to wander through Rusty’s Markets in search of the perfect souvenir, or enjoy the unique sea life at the Cairns Aquarium.

Day 8CairnsThis morning, head to Mossman Gorge for an Indigenous-led walk through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest and Australia’s largest. Learn the unique connection that the local Indigenous population have with the forest. Then, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Enjoy lunch before exploring to see Australian animals like kangaroos, wombats, wild birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures.

Serene forest stream flows over rocks in lush tropical setting, ideal for nature and tranquility themes.

Cairns

This morning, head to Mossman Gorge for an Indigenous-led walk through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest and Australia’s largest. Learn the unique connection that the local Indigenous population have with the forest. Then, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Enjoy lunch before exploring to see Australian animals like kangaroos, wombats, wild birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures.

Day 9Cairns - UluruYour flight takes you to Australia’s Outback to begin exploring this unique region and its famous rock formations. Explore Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through upheaval and erosion. Tour the base of "the Rock," learning about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Experience the vast landscapes and tranquility before enjoying a buffet dinner featuring local flavours and Indigenous seasonings.

A historic train travels across the lush green landscape of Kuranda Scenic Railway in Australia.

Cairns

Your flight takes you to Australia’s Outback to begin exploring this unique region and its famous rock formations. Explore Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through upheaval and erosion. Tour the base of "the Rock," learning about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Experience the vast landscapes and tranquility before enjoying a buffet dinner featuring local flavours and Indigenous seasonings.

Day 10UluruThis morning, set out to explore Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s awe-inspiring neighbour. These towering, domed rock formations stretch across the desert for miles, offering a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape. Wander through the soaring red peaks and be rewarded with sweeping views that capture the raw beauty of the Outback. Return to the resort, where the rest of the day is yours — unwind, recharge, or take advantage of the resort’s activities. Tonight, witness the changing colours of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne toast.

Uluru

This morning, set out to explore Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s awe-inspiring neighbour. These towering, domed rock formations stretch across the desert for miles, offering a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape. Wander through the soaring red peaks and be rewarded with sweeping views that capture the raw beauty of the Outback. Return to the resort, where the rest of the day is yours — unwind, recharge, or take advantage of the resort’s activities. Tonight, witness the changing colours of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne toast.

Day 11Uluru - MelbourneFly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Uluru

Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Day 12MelbourneSet out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s bustling “laneways.” Visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy panoramic views from above at Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest public vantage point -OR- unwind on a scenic cruise along the Yarra River, taking in Melbourne’s sights from the water. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps you will ride a free city tram, try the amazing array of cuisines on offer in this multicultural city, or enjoy the Victorian-era architecture.

Melbourne

Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s bustling “laneways.” Visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy panoramic views from above at Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest public vantage point -OR- unwind on a scenic cruise along the Yarra River, taking in Melbourne’s sights from the water. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps you will ride a free city tram, try the amazing array of cuisines on offer in this multicultural city, or enjoy the Victorian-era architecture.

Day 13Melbourne - Queenstown, New ZealandLeave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts, hiking trails, and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for the next three nights.

Melbourne

Leave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts, hiking trails, and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for the next three nights.

Day 14Queenstown - Milford Sound - QueenstownSoak in the rugged grandeur of Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on South Island. Following the cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Queenstown

Soak in the rugged grandeur of Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on South Island. Following the cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Day 15QueenstownYour day is free to experience Queenstown your way. Shop or people-watch in the village, find a unique eatery for lunch, sample some New Zealand wine – the day is yours to enjoy this stunning city.

Queenstown

Your day is free to experience Queenstown your way. Shop or people-watch in the village, find a unique eatery for lunch, sample some New Zealand wine – the day is yours to enjoy this stunning city.

Day 16Queenstown - Mt. Cook National ParkSet off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded during the gold fever. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park – Mt. Cook. Savour some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to take a nature walk or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps.

Queenstown

Set off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded during the gold fever. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park – Mt. Cook. Savour some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to take a nature walk or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps.

Day 17Mt. Cook National Park - ChristchurchDepart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close and personal. Learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Maori, with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional canoe or waka. Later, join some locals for a home-hosted dinner.

Depart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close and personal. Learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Maori, with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional canoe or waka. Later, join some locals for a home-hosted dinner.

Day 18ChristchurchDevastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. As the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Christchurch

Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. As the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.