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. Your adventure begins with a walkabout tour led by an Aboriginal guide in and around The Rocks, where you’ll delve into the area’s rich history and spiritual significance to the First Nations peoples. Afterwards, join your guide for 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. Wrap up your day with a welcome dinner along the picturesque Darling Harbour.

Spend the day exploring the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, a region of rugged peaks, soaring waterfalls, and dense eucalyptus forests. Stop at Wentworth Falls for stunning valley views from Fletchers Lookout. Head to Katoomba and visit Echo Point Lookout, which offers a spectacular view of the iconic Three Sisters. Consider walking the Three Sisters trail for an up-close experience of the sisters and expansive views of the national park below. In the afternoon, visit Scenic World, a family-owned attraction with sweeping mountain views. Board the world’s steepest railway and descend into Jamison Valley, where you can explore numerous boardwalks through the rainforest. For a breathtaking perspective, take the Scenic Skyway, which glides through the mountains offering aerial views of Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters.

After breakfast, catch the public ferry from Sydney Harbour to Manly. The ferry ride offers stunning views as it cruises past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, then by Kirribilli House (the Prime Minister’s official residence), Bradleys Head, and South Head before arriving at Manly Wharf. From there, stroll over to Manly Beach. You can relax and soak in the laidback beach vibe at the cafes or join your guide for a coastal walk to nearby Shelly Beach. In the afternoon, take the ferry back to Sydney Harbour and bid farewell to your guide and any group members ending their travels in Sydney. You’ll be unaccompanied until the Welcome Meeting in Alice Springs tomorrow.

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. Explore some of the local sights or enjoy an Outback-inspired meal at one of the quirky cafes. In the evening, join the welcome meeting to meet your new group leader and fellow travel companions.

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 visiting the Light Towers, an immersive visual and sound experience.

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. 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. Maybe you’ll want to hit up 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.