Discovery Down Under
Destination
Australia
Duration
11 Days
Activity Level
Active
Comfort Level
Superior
Australia is enormous—about the same size as the United States—and offers a tremendous number of opportunities for adventure, many more than you can fit into one trip. We’ve taken what we consider the must-see highlights and compiled them into a comprehensive itinerary that will give you a good overview of the country.
During your time in Australia, you’ll experience the drama of modern Sydney, the desert Outback, and tropical Queensland where the rainforest meets the reef. You’ll have the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, explore the famous Ayers Rock, cruise and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and search the rainforest for the elusive platypus. This is an unforgettable experience!
It is nothing short of pure delight for adults to experience the topsy-turviness of it all: the funny animals, the inverted seasons, the strange colors of the land, and the silly way that folks talk. This trip is perfect for small groups of all ages.
Great For
- Flexibility
- Variety
Every day for two weeks, we saw new and interesting things. We were impressed by all of the guides who were excellent and extremely knowledgeable. Great job!
Itinerary
Day 1 Sydney
Upon arrival in Sydney, you will be picked up from the airport and head straight to the historic Rocks area to hear tales of Sydney’s early convict history. Driving along Macquarie Street you will see colonial buildings and Parliament House, and pass Hyde Park and St Mary’s Cathedral. Make the most of your stop at Mrs Macquarie’s Point for great photographs of the spectacular Bridge and Opera House views. Then travel through several exclusive Eastern Suburbs to Watsons Bay at South Head. There’s time for a short scenic walk before arriving at Bondi Beach. See other beautiful surf beaches before a drive through Centennial Park and Paddington. Your return to the city is via Oxford Street, China Town and Darling Harbour.
After the tour you’ll be taken to your hotel for check-in. (3 pm)
Lodging
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
Day 2 Botanical Garden / Lunch Cruise
Welcome to Sydney, one of the most vibrant and panoramic cities in the world! This morning you will be picked up at the hotel for a transfer to the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney. Here you’ll spend the morning with your tour leader exploring the oasis in the city. Walk around and observe the Garden’s highlights, including spectacular views, stunning flowers, and significant sites, while discovering new interesting facts along the way.
Then this afternoon, enjoy a luncheon cruise on the harbour. Join a small group aboard a 52-foot motor yacht. Your personal captain and host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbour and its foreshore as you take in the sights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a gourmet 3-course BBQ lunch with regional wines, local beers and 5-star service. Immerse yourself in all the activities that a private vessel offers including, swimming, fishing and kayaking – or sit back, relax on the expansive sunbed and do nothing at all.
Duration: 12:30 pm -4:30 pm
Rest of the evening at leisure.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
Day 3 Blue Mountains
Today you’ll discover the best of the Blue Mountains as you travel to the heart of this unique World Heritage Region. The first stop is at Calmsley Farm at the base of the Blue Mountains. Here you’ll enjoy morning tea and have a relaxed time away from mainstream tourism as you enjoy close encounters with koalas and kangaroos.
Travel west through the foothills of the Blue Mountains through picturesque little villages. Next, you’ll enjoy some short walks to lookout points for spectacular views of bushland and waterfalls. Enjoy lunch at the iconic Hydro Majestic Hotel with its sweeping valley views. The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of scenic lookouts, including Govett’s Leap, one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens to once again enjoy the magnificent views and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice before traveling back to your hotel.
Duration: 7 am – 5 pm
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
Day 4 Fly to Ayers Rock & the Olgas
This morning, say goodbye to Sydney and head to the airport by private vehicle for your flight to Australia’s “Red Center.” Upon arrival, transfer by AAT Kings shuttle to your accommodations, where you can get settled and freshen up.
Then it’ll be time for your exploration to begin! Departing the resort, the tour will travel through the landscapes to the entrance of the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, a place where unique flora and fauna thrive and also known as The Olgas. Here your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and describe the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site.
Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that makeup Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here.
Duration: 1:45-4:45 pm
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Dessert Gardens Hotel
Day 5 Sunrise Aboriginal Uluru Tour
The Aboriginal Uluru Tour is one of the most famous tours of Uluru. Start your day with an early pick-up so you can witness a spectacular sunrise. As you travel towards Uluru, its vast shape rises from the sand dunes in the early dawn light highlighting its presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sunrise over this amazing monolith and enjoy an outback picnic breakfast.
You will visit Mutijulu Waterhole on the Kuniya Walk and learn the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python). After this short walk, drive around the base of Uluru and hear the story of the Mala people before returning to the resort.
Duration: 4:45-7:45 am
This evening, journey into the desert where you’ll be welcomed by the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo as you view the sunset behind the Olgas. Enjoy a barbecue dinner that includes kangaroo, emu, chicken, and barramundi, all accompanied by salads, vegetables, and your choice of beverages. After dessert, the lights will be dimmed so you can focus on the sounds of the great outback and see the stars in the southern skies. An astronomer will introduce you to the planets and constellations, with the opportunity to view them through an on-site telescope. After stargazing, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Dessert Gardens Hotel
Day 6 Ayres Rock / Queensland
Today you’ll take a 3-hour flight from Ayres Rock to Cairns, and make a dramatic switch from the red desert, over the Great Dividing Range, to the lush green of Queensland‘s tropical coast. Your transportation will meet you at the hotel to take you to the airport.
You will be greeted at the Cairns Airport and transferred just an hour north to your hotel in Port Douglas, located on the spectacular coastline. This will be your home for a full five nights while you explore tropical Queensland.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas
Day 7 Wildlife Habitat / Twilight Sailing
Your Wildlife Habitat is a 2-hour personalized private tour with amazing opportunities for you to interact with Australian animals. Enter the koala enclosure for one on one time, visit the Wildlife Care Centre to learn about wildlife rescue efforts, a private reptile presentation, and 1.5 hours with a wildlife keeper.
Duration: 11- 1 pm
This evening enjoy the thrill of pure sailing! Experience an exhilarating twilight sail on board the luxury “Lagoon”. Soak up the peace and tranquility of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea with spectacular mountain views. This Sunset Cruise is for adults only to relax, unwind and enjoy the peace and tranquility of pure sailing.
Duration: 4:30-6:30 pm
Both tours provide transportation from the hotel.
Meals
Continental Breakfast
Lodging
Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas
Day 8 Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef will be one of the most memorable days of your life. You’ll have exclusive access to a stunning coral reef location selected for its superior water clarity, coral quality and overall diversity of marine life. The all-weather Marine World platform caters for all activity levels. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, go scuba diving (no experience necessary; optional; additional charges) or join the Marine Biologist on a Guided Snorkel safari. Not a confident swimmer? then stay dry and view the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass-bottom boat or underwater observatory, try a Helmet Dive (optional; additional charges) for a scuba-style experience without getting your hair wet, or soar above it all on a spectacular Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight (optional; additional charges). Aboard the fast catamaran from Cairns, you’ll have 5 hours at the reef with time to do it all. Transportation will be provided from hotel to the port by the company doing the tour.
Duration: 8:30 am – 4;30 pm
Meals
Continental Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas
Day 9 Cape Tribulation Rainforest
Starting in the mid-afternoon when the sun is highest in the sky, observe the changes in habitat diversity as you venture north to the Daintree Tropical Rainforest where you’ll cruise the beautiful Daintree River spotting wildlife on a quiet, clean solar electric boat with zero environmental impact. Transportation from the hotel is included.
Arrive at Cape Tribulation, a World Heritage area with pristine beaches, rainforest, cool streams, towering mountains, and freshwater valleys. Dining in the evening Rainforest is an experience you won’t forget. The delicious range of cuisine at Whet Restaurant is sure to make your visit to the Daintree memorable.
A wildlife tour in Far North Queensland is not complete without a night walk. Much of the local wildlife has adopted a nocturnal lifestyle to avoid the heat of the day in the tropical climate. Perhaps the most unique part of this experience is observing nocturnal wildlife in the Wet Tropics.
Duration: 12 n – 10:30 pm
Meals
Continental Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas
Day 10 Walkabout Adventure
Spend part of your day with a local Aboriginal tour guide, who will pick you up at the hotel, learning about the amazing relationships the Kuku Yalanji still have with their land. You will visit the majestic Daintree rainforest and coastal habitats learning about the environment, different foods and medicines utilized from nature, sample some bush tucker, collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab. Learn the history, culture and traditions of the local Aboriginal people and the area. To complete the adventure cool off in a pristine freshwater stream.
Meals
Continental Breakfast
Lodging
Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas
Day 11 Cairns / Onward
Sadly, your Australia adventure has come to an end and it’s time to make your way to the airport for your flight home.
Not ready to leave? Ask us about extensions in Australia, Tasmania, or New Zealand, or consider a stay at one of the Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts.
Meals
Continental Breakfast
Dates & Price
Dates
Custom & private on your dates. Contact an Adventure Specialist to create your dream trip! Schedule a call or tell us more about your dream trip!
For dates and customization options for this adventure, please contact us.
Best Time of Year to Visit
Australia is enormous—about the same size as the United States—and offers a tremendous number of opportunities for adventure, many more than you can fit into one trip. We’ve taken what we consider the must-see highlights and compiled them into a comprehensive itinerary that will give you a good overview of the country.
During your time in Australia, you’ll experience the drama of modern Sydney, the desert Outback, and tropical Queensland where the rainforest meets the reef. You’ll have the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, explore the famous Ayers Rock, cruise and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and search the rainforest for the elusive platypus. This is an unforgettable experience!
It is nothing short of pure delight for adults to experience the topsy-turviness of it all: the funny animals, the inverted seasons, the strange colors of the land, and the silly way that folks talk. This trip is perfect for small groups of all ages.
International and domestic airfare not included.
International airfare costs approximately $2,000 per person.
Domestic airfare costs approximately $600-$800 per person.
For those coming from Sarett Nature Center -Coordinated Travel To and From Australia: Sarett Nature Center will work with participants who would like to coordinate flights as a group and provide transportation between the nature center and the airport.
Need to Know
Prices may fluctuate based on the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Australian Dollar.
International airfare costs approximately $2,000 per person.
Domestic airfare costs approximately $600-$800 per person.
For those coming from Sarett Nature Center -Coordinated Travel To and From Australia: Sarett Nature Center will work with participants who would like to coordinate flights as a group and provide transportation between the nature center and the airport.
Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.
Please note: Prices on this trip may fluctuate based on the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Australian Dollar.
Expenses covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses not covered
Costs not included in the price may include: all flights, meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; gratuities; and insurance.
Payment and Deposit Schedule
An initial payment of 20% per person per trip or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. Final payment for land arrangements is due 90 days prior to departure. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, Master Card or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.
Airfare
We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Insurance
When you make your reservation, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.
Itinerary Change Fee
There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.
Duration 11 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 12-18
Join small, local group tours
Comfort Level
Superior
Delightful and superior hotels
Activity Level
Active
Easy walking and some optional activities
Extensions
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.