G Adventures
Save 25%Australia & New Zealand: A Month Down Under
New Zealand, Australia · 38 days · Moderate
fromCAD 6,749
Next: 20 JunThe adventure
Whether you're a nature lover, city slicker, or total beach bum, Australia's east coast has something to thrill every traveller — and this 23-day adventure serves it all up in classic Aussie style. Starting and ending in Sydney, you'll fall in love with the city's culture and nightlife, although your time in Melbourne might steal your heart all the same. You'll fly to the Red Centre to learn about aboriginal culture, swim along the Great Barrier Reef that's teeming with life and colour, and trek through lush rainforests that'll have you feeling immersed in another world. With some laid-back beach towns and fresh seafood too, this is Australia done oh-so right.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Australia
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
Day 2Sunny Sydney welcomes you and hit the road…
SydneySunny Sydney welcomes you and hit the road right away with your CEO to dive into exploring this stunning city. Set off on a walking orientation tour of some of the city's well known landmarks. Slowly make your way to Circular Quay, where you'll hop onto a ferry to cross the harbor to Manly beach. Your CEO will point out some must do's while you're in Manly, like the coastal walk to Shelly beach, and some places to grab some local food. You can't go wrong with some fish and chips by the sea. In the evening, opt to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a meal together at a local restaurant.
Day 3Today is yours to spend as you see fitSydney
SydneyToday is yours to spend as you see fit. There is quite literally too much choice in Sydney, so use your time wisely. Choose from exploring on foot the Rocks neighborhood, which is also home to the city's Museum of Contemporary Art. Or get the blood pumping by booking a jet boating tour or climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Day 4Board a flight bound for Yulara
Board a flight bound for Yulara, the gateway to the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Spend the afternoon getting straight out there and exploring, starting with the Walpa Gorge walk at Kata Tjuta. Catch the sunset at Uluru before making your way back to your permanent tented camp. Enjoy an outdoor meal cooked at camp and some time under the stars.
Day 5Sunrise over Uluru is not to be missed
Sunrise over Uluru is not to be missed, so rise early and catch sunrise over Australia's most iconic Indigenous landmarks. This morning, take the time to explore Uluru on foot on a guided walk through some of the most culturally significant areas of the site. These sacred spaces are some of the oldest on the planet, and understanding the interpretation behind them makes them even more impactful. Later, head to the Kings Canyon region overland, to your next permanent tented camp in the bush.
Day 6In the desert morning
In the desert morning, head out for an early hike throughout Kings Canyon. Choose between the harder 3 hour hike and a more approachable one hour option. The Rim walk is a 6km walk along the upper rim of Kings Canyon. The most difficult part of the hike is the very beginning with a 500 step ascent, but the landscapes and views you are rewarded with are more than worth the effort. You won't even remember the effort it took to get up there. (Sort of!) If you prefer to take it easy, enjoy a 2km hike through canyon valley. Later on, rest up on a drive East to Alice Springs, where you will have dinner with your group.
Day 7In addition to its rich Indigenous history and culture
In addition to its rich Indigenous history and culture, Alice Springs is home to the Telegraph Station that linked Australia top to bottom in the 19th century. This telegraph connection also integrated Australia into the wider network within the British Empire, allowing Australia to be connected to the outside world in a matter of hours, versus days. Enjoy a tour of Alice Springs including insight into Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill. Next up, grabbing a flight to quirky, cool, Melbourne, the city of food and arts.
Day 8Melbourne is one of the easiest cities…
Melbourne is one of the easiest cities to traverse on foot and by public transport, so you will be getting your steps in today. Start the morning off by exploring the Queen Victoria markets with your CEO, before jumping into a guided tour where you will be led through some of the famous and off the beaten track-spots in Melbourne's famous laneways. Choose from one of dozens of lunch spots for a bite to eat and catch your breath, before ending the afternoon at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, a sprawling 38 hectares of green space housing over 800 species of plants from the world over.
Day 9Another Australian city with tons to do
Another Australian city with tons to do, so a day at leisure gives you plenty of time to craft the perfect day. You may want to take a trip out to see the Phillip Island Penguin Parade or embark on a full day tour out along the Great Ocean Road.
Day 10Fly to the oceanside city of CairnsGreat Barrier Reef
Great Barrier ReefFly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 11Head north to Cape Tribulation
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take a Dreamtime walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 12With a free dayGreat Barrier Reef
Great Barrier ReefWith a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Day 13Depart the Rainforest and return to Cairns…
Depart the Rainforest and return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas for lunch and opt to check out the local market.
Day 14Depart early for a full day of travel…
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way, including some of Australia's 'Big Things' such as Tully's Golden Boot & the Big Mango.
Day 15Spend the day out on the water boating…Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier ReefSpend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
Day 16Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay…
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights. A blend of laid-back surf culture and stunning natural beauty, it is Australia’s easternmost point and the first to see the sun each morning.
Day 17Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt…
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Day 18Spend the morning wandering the town checking out…
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Day 19Before departing Port Macquarie stop at Guulabaa -…
Before departing Port Macquarie stop at Guulabaa - Place of Koala, to see the work they are doing to protect the local koala population. Then travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.
Day 20Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains…
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Day 21This morningSydney
SydneyThis morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Day 22Get a feel for the city
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Day 23Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover Australia
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