Best of Australia

Welcome to Sydney, Australia – or Warrane in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional owners of this land. If you arrive early, perhaps take a stroll to see some of Sydney’s iconic spots: the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens, Hyde Park, and the Sydney Tower Eye. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the evening, followed by a welcome dinner on the picturesque Darling Harbour.

This morning, join your leader for an orientation walk through The Rocks and Circular Quay. Stroll past Hickson’s Reserve, Campbells Cove, and along the Cumberland Walk, taking in iconic views of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Afterwards, step aboard the Mari Nawi for the Tribal Warrior Cruise. Gain a deeper understanding of the area and the enduring connection the Traditional Custodians have with the land and waters around Sydney. Hear stories passed down through generations and discover ancient First Nations wisdom, including traditional fishing and foraging techniques that have sustained communities for tens of thousands of years. The cruise concludes with a powerful performance of traditional music and dance. In the afternoon, travel to Katoomba in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, a region of dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls.

Start your day with a walk to Wentworth Falls and Fletchers Lookout for dramatic valley views. Then, choose to visit Scenic World – a family-run attraction with the world’s steepest railway into Jamison Valley, rainforest boardwalks, a cableway past sandstone cliffs and Orphan Rock, and the Scenic Skyway for views of Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters. Alternatively, hike the 7 km Prince Henry Cliff Walk, passing hanging swamps and waterfalls. Head to Echo Point Lookout for the best views of the Three Sisters, and follow the short Three Sisters Walk for more scenic vistas. For lunch, stop at Lookout Restaurant with views over Echo Point, before heading back to Katoomba to relax.

This morning, visit the ancient Jenolan Caves – estimated to be over 340 million years old and considered the world’s oldest open cave system. Explore chambers filled with dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations. Known as Binoomeal (“dark places”) in the Gundungurra language, the caves are also a sacred site. Learn about the Gundungurra people’s history and deep connection to this land. Afterwards, stop at a truffle farm in Oberon for a tasting experience with expert growers, then return to Sydney. Some in your group may depart tonight, so consider a final dinner together to celebrate.

This morning, your included airport transfer will take you from the hotel to Sydney Airport. Fly to Alice Springs (flight not included), or Mparntwe, in the language of the traditional land owners. Alice Springs is the quintessential laidback Aussie town. Your next adventure begins with a welcome meeting to meet your new leader and travel group. Then, head to Earth Sanctuary for a sunset Outback BBQ with views of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. As night falls, enjoy a guided stargazing session with an astronomer and peer through Deep Sky Telescopes to spot constellations and celestial wonders.

Travel to Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you explore this important spiritual site on a guided walk. Your First Nations guide will share insights about the local flora and fauna and tell the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge, highlighting its significance to the Eastern and Northern Arrernte People. You’ll also walk along the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter Highway, cruising through vibrant semi-desert landscapes until you reach Watarrka National Park, the home of the breathtaking Kings Canyon. Your guide will take you on the Kings Creek Walk, a trail that weaves between towering cliffs and otherworldly rock formations. It’s truly a magical place! Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner before an optional visit to the Light Towers, an immersive visual and sound experience (additional cost).

Start your day with an adventure through the rugged beauty of Kings Canyon! The stunning 3-hour rim walk that takes you across the iconic Kings Canyon plateau. You’ll start at the sandstone domes of the ‘Lost City’ and make your way to the lush oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden’. As you stroll along the red rock cliffs, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the palm forest below. After that, it’s back on the road for a scenic drive through the striking red landscape towards Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Keep your eyes out, there’s chance that you might spot brumbys, camels or wallabies along the way.

First stop today is Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. You’ll head out on a walk to a popular lookout point where you can soak in the mesmerising ochre-coloured shapes of Kata Tjuta. After, you’ll visit one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. From a perfect vantage point, you’ll watch the sunset over the epic sandstone monolith. The changing colours of the landscape as the sun goes down is an unforgettable sight!

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites. Your leader will share fascinating stories about the history and nature of this place, and explain the deep connection the Anangu people have with the land. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. Head back to Yulara to your hotel and say goodbye to your Leader and any group ending their travels today. You will be unaccompanied until the Welcome Meeting in Cairns tomorrow.

The free resort airport shuttle will take you from the hotel to Yulara Airport where you’ll board your flight to Cairns (flight extra cost). Cairns is also known as Gimuy, in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Cairns is now situated. This is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the spectacular Daintree Rainforest. The next part of your adventure starts with a welcome meeting and dinner. If you arrive in Cairns with time to spare, check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens, a lush tropical wonderland or wander the waterfront promenade and explore local shops.

After breakfast, soar over the world’s oldest tropical rainforest via the Skyrail that connects Cairns to the picturesque mountain village of Kuranda. You’ll have some free time to explore this charming little rainforest town. You might choose to visit the famous Kuranda Markets and do a bit of shopping, or enjoy the outdoor dining at one of the restaurants or cafes. Then, it’s off to Port Douglas along the scenic coastal road, where you’ll soak in the stunning ocean views and dramatic cliffs. Head out on an orientation walk around Port Douglas, stopping at Trinity Bay Lookout Point to admire the perfect crescent of sand and surf. Wrap up the day at local restaurant with your fellow travellers.

Today, you’re in for a treat with a visit to the ancient Daintree Rainforest. First up, hop on a one-hour crocodile and wildlife spotting boat tour along the Daintree River (Julaymba). On the electric Solar Whisper, you’ll hear the sounds of nature around you while you keep a look out for crocs, birdlife, snakes, frogs, crabs and fish. With an experienced guide who knows the river, rainforest, and mangroves like the back of their hand, you’ll spot wildlife you’d never notice on your own. After meeting some scaly and feathered friends, head north to Cape Tribulation, with fun stops at Jindalba Boardwalk and a local ice cream factory!

You’re off on a fantastic full-day boat tour to explore the stunning Coral Cays on the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have marine biologists as your guides, sharing all their awesome knowledge and love for the reef as you drift through the beautiful blue waters aboard a sailing boat. Visit an exclusive site for a spot of wildlife-focused snorkelling (equipment provided). Discover vast coral gardens at your own pace in this protected and shallow area. Look out for colourful corals, giant clams, turtles and fish in their natural habitat. Enjoy a buffet lunch and afternoon tea on board (including local Daintree produce) while you continue to spot wildlife from the glass-bottomed boat.

This morning, you’ll head to Mossman Gorge for a fascinating Ngadiku Dreamtime walking tour, led by a local Aboriginal guide. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from a long time ago in the local Kuku Yalanji language. As you walk along easy-going trails, you’ll visit culturally significant sites, traditional bark shelters and cool rainforest streams. Witness a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits. Stroll through the lush rainforest, learning about traditional plant uses, bush food sources and the connection to this unique tropical environment. Next, drive south to explore the scenic beachside town of Palm Cove. You can end your trip here or carry on to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end.