Explore Australia image
Operated by G Adventures

Explore Australia

From
Price on request
Duration
12 days
Countries
Australia
Activity
easy

The adventure

Experience the wonders of the land down under, journeying from sunny Sydney to the edge of the Great Barrier Reef and into the heart of the mystical Red Centre. Meet members of Australia’s indigenous community—the world’s oldest living culture—in Daintree Rainforest and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park; get up close to fascinating marine creatures at a research aquarium founded by a National Geographic grantee; and cap off your adventure in quirky, colourful Melbourne.

At a glance

Duration
12 days
Route
Sydney → Melbourne
Countries
Australia
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Explore Australia image

Day by day

A picturesque rural road winds through the rolling hills of the Australian countryside under a cloudy sky.
Your journey through

Australia

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalPlease make your own way to the joining hotel. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and enjoy exploring the city before joining the welcome meeting at 6pm. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit The Rocks neighbourhood, the Australian Museum, Bondi Beach, or Darling Harbour.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and enjoy exploring the city before joining the welcome meeting at 6pm. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit The Rocks neighbourhood, the Australian Museum, Bondi Beach, or Darling Harbour.
Day 2Enjoy a traditional welcome ceremony this morningSydney
A vibrant view of Sydney Harbour Bridge with Luna Park and sailboats highlighting the iconic skyline.Sydney
Enjoy a traditional welcome ceremony this morning, followed by a guided tour of the historic Rocks district. This waterfront neighbourhood marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia, and holds a spiritual significance for the area’s indigenous people. In the afternoon, board a private yacht for a sunset cruise and barbecue dinner on the Sydney Harbour, taking in views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Map showing Sydney
Day 3Fly to Cairns and travel up the scenic…
Fly to Cairns and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next two nights.
Day 4Enjoy a day of leisure in charming Port Douglas
Enjoy a day of leisure in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches.
Day 5Return to the tropical city of Cairns…
Return to the tropical city of Cairns and visit James Cook University for a behind-the-scenes tour of its research aquarium, founded by marine biologist and National Geographic Grantee Dr Jamie Seymour. Get an up-close view of some of the aquarium’s fascinating creatures, from sea snakes to box jellyfish, and hear about the latest aquatic research from Jamie or one of his colleagues.
Day 6Spend the day on your own in beautiful CairnsGreat Barrier Reef
Explore the vibrant underwater world of a coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.Great Barrier Reef
Spend the day on your own in beautiful Cairns, relaxing at the beach or setting out on an optional excursion. Choose to go scuba diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, which teems with thousands of marine species, or enjoy spectacular views along the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Map showing Great Barrier Reef
Day 7Catch a flight to Uluru
Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional indigenous owners. Cap off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over the fabled Uluru monolith.
Day 8Awake at dawn to take in an unforgettable…
Awake at dawn to take in an unforgettable sunrise over Uluru, then delve into a full-day exploration of the ancient, red-hued landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Set out on a guided walk around the base of the monolith, gaining insight into its sacred significance to the Anangu. Later, make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighbouring natural wonder. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore.
Day 9Enjoy one last sunrise over spectacular Uluru before…Melbourne
Stunning view of Melbourne's skyline featuring Princes Bridge and Yarra River.Melbourne
Enjoy one last sunrise over spectacular Uluru before catching a flight to Melbourne, known as the cultural capital of Australia.
Map showing Melbourne
Day 10Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne
Illuminated Melbourne waterfront cityscape at night showcasing vibrant urban life and architecture.Melbourne
Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, one of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world; visit some of the region’s top wineries; or wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colourful murals.
Map showing Melbourne
Day 11Embark on a food tour of Melbourne…
Vibrant Melbourne cityscape at night with illuminated buildings and reflections on the Yarra River.Melbourne
Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a local author and culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll enjoy lunch at three popular venues and experience a range of flavours and cuisines. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Map showing Melbourne
Day 12Departure dayDepartureIf you want more time to explore Melbourne, we recommend booking post nights with your agent
If you want more time to explore Melbourne, we recommend booking post nights with your agent

Discover Australia

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Exotic Eucalyptus wandoo trees growing on sandy terrain against cloudless sunset sky in Yathong Nature Reserve
Discover the serene beauty of a winding country road under a clear blue sky with distant mountain views.
A picturesque meadow under a bright sky with Tasmania's lush landscape and distant mountains.
Serene sunrise over Cape Le Grand, capturing tranquil waters and golden hues.
Explore the breathtaking limestone rock formations along the rugged coast of Western Australia.
Operated by G Adventures

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