Best of Australia Tour by Intrepid Travel

13 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Sydney, Australia

Ends

Cairns, Australia

Highlights

Deepen your understanding of Sydney Harbour on the Tribal Warrior Harbour Cruise. Join First Nations hosts to listen to cultural stories, learn about ancient food gathering techniques and watch a traditional dance performance.

Explore the Blue Mountains and walk through the gorgeous scenery of Katoomba Falls, Echo Point Lookout and the Three Sisters.

Discover the ever-changing colours of Uluru, one of Australia’s most spiritually significant sites, as you marvel at the epic sandstone monolith at both sunrise and sunset.

Embark on a guided walk through Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) and short a hike across the famous Kings Canyon plateau.

Take a full-day sailing and snorkelling tour of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas, learning about the underwater ecosystem and the fragility of the environment from professional marine biologists.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature.

Itinerary

Australia’s highlights come alive on the 12-day "Best of Australia" walking tour, beginning in Sydney and concluding in Cairns. This itinerary is tailor-made for moderately active travelers, blending world-famous urban icons with awe-inspiring natural wonders. Start your journey with the architectural masterpieces of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then escape to the Blue Mountains for spectacular vistas and lush trails.

In the heart of the Red Centre, discover the spiritual significance and majestic presence of Uluru and Kings Canyon, with opportunities to learn about First Nations culture. The adventure crescendos in the tropical north—snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, trek through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and unwind on sun-soaked beaches.

With guided walks woven throughout, this tour package delivers the best of Australia’s scenery and heritage. Its unique selling point? A perfect balance of iconic sights and immersive nature experiences, ideal for those wanting to connect deeply with Australia’s diverse landscapes.

day 1 - Sydney

Welcome to Sydney, Australia – or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Sydney is located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at your hotel at 6 pm. After, join your local leader and fellow travellers for an included welcome dinner along Darling Harbour. Maybe take a post-dinner stroll to take in the views of the waterfront, then head back to your hotel to settle in for the night.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Dinner

day 2 - Sydney / Blue Mountains

This morning, join your leader for an orientation walk of The Rocks and Circular Quay. Walk through Hickson’s Reserve, Campbells Cove and Cumberland Walk, and see Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Botanical Gardens. Then, it’s time to board the Mari Nawi, meaning ‘big canoe’, for the Tribal Warrior Cruise. You’ll develop a richer appreciation of the area and the deep and continuing connection the Traditional Custodians have to the land and waters surrounding Sydney. Listen to stories and learn about ancient First Nations wisdom – including fishing and foraging techniques that have supported First Nations peoples for tens of thousands of years. End the cruise with a traditional dance and music performance. In the afternoon, drive to Katoomba in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains – a land of rugged peaks, dense forests and waterfalls – where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

included:Sydney - Tribal Warrior Harbour Cruise with Aboriginal Guide, Sydney - Leader-led Orientation Walk of the Rocks & Circular Quay

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Blue Mountains

Start your day with a walk to Wentworth Falls and Fletchers Lookout for dramatic views over the valley. You then have the option to visit Scenic World – a family-owned attraction backdropped by the mountains. Here, you could board the world’s steepest railway and ride into Jamison Valley, look out for lyrebirds as you explore rainforest boardwalks, ride the cableway past sandstone escarpments and Orphan Rock, or see Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters on the Scenic Skyway. Alternatively, tackle the Prince Henry Cliff Walk – a 7 km hike that takes you past hanging swamps and waterfalls. Then, head to Echo Point Lookout – the main viewpoint for the legendary Three Sisters rock formations – and do the Three Sisters Walk for more views of the national park below. You might like to stop at Lookout Restaurant for lunch overlooking Echo Point before returning to Katoomba to relax.

included:Blue Mountains - Echo Point Lookout, Blue Mountains - Wentworth Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains - Three Sisters Walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 4 - Jenolan Caves / Blue Mountains / Sydney

This morning you'll visit Jenolan Caves. Estimated to be over 340 million years old, many scientists consider this the oldest open cave system in the world. It's an incredible sight, with huge stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the ceiling and large crystal speleothems decorating the chambers. Jenolan Caves – or Binoomeal, meaning ‘Dark places’ in the Gundungurra language – is also a sacred place for the Traditional Owners. While you’re here, learn about the Gundungurra people’s history, culture and continuing connection to the caves and their ecosystems. After, visit a truffle farm in Oberon for an immersive tasting experience with expert truffle growers, then drive back to Sydney. Some travellers in your group may be leaving tonight, so perhaps head out to dinner together and celebrate.

included:Blue Mountains - Private Truffle Tasting Experience, Blue Mountains - Jenolan Caves

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Sydney / Alice Springs

Your included airport transfer will take you from the hotel to Sydney Airport this morning. Fly to Alice Springs (flight not included) or Mparntwe, in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located. This is the classic laidback Aussie town and your launching pad to reach some of the top spots over the next few days. The next part of your adventure officially kicks off with another welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your new group leader and new travel companions. After a quick intro, drive to Earth Sanctuary where you’ll get to know each other over a delicious Outback barbeque while the sun sets over the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Then, watch the Southern Sky come alive with constellations and stories on a guided star gazing experience with an astronomer. You’ll also get the chance to look through Earth Sanctuary’s Deep Sky Telescopes to spot a range of celestial objects.

included:Alice Springs - Visit to Earth Sanctuary with Dinner & Stargazing

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 6 - West MacDonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon

Hit the road to Simpsons Gap in West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies on a guided walk through this spiritual site with a First Nations guide. They’ll share insights on the local flora and fauna and the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge. The walk will also take you along the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter Highway and through the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between huge cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before an optional visit to the Light Towers – an immersive visual and aural display.

included:Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Simpsons Gap Guided Aboriginal Cultural Walk, Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Creek Walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara

Spend the morning exploring the rugged Kings Canyon and do the famous rim walk up and across the Kings Canyon plateau. From the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden', you’ll walk across red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the sprawling landscape to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a collection of 36 towering rock domes – and walk to a popular lookout to admire the formations. After, head to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. Enjoy the view from a prime location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!

included:Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk, Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Uluru / Yulara

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable: watching sunrise over Uluru. Then, walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole where you'll see some traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. 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 members who may be finishing their travels today. You’ll be unaccompanied until the next meeting in Cairns tomorrow.

included:Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Viewing, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 9 - Yulara / Cairns

The free airport shuttle will take you from the hotel to Yulara Airport today, then you’ll fly to Cairns (flight not included). Cairns is also known as Gimuy, in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns is now located. This is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest. The next part of your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your new trip leader and the new travellers joining you. Until then, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or wander the waterfront promenade, popping into a local bar. Later, head out with your group for an included dinner. 

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 10 - Kuranda / Port Douglas

This morning, glide over the world’s oldest tropical rainforest on the Skyrail cable car that connects Cairns to the mountain village of Kuranda. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore this rainforest town and its surroundings – Kuranda is a delightful mix of colourful characters and natural beauty, perched at the top of a rainforest-clad mountain. Maybe wander through the Kuranda Markets and village shopping or simply kick back and relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. Later, take in scenic views of the ocean and cliffs covered in native flora as you drive along the coast to Port Douglas. Tonight, head out on an orientation walk around town, stopping at Trinity Bay Lookout Point to see the distinctive crescent of sand and surf. Later, head to a local restaurant for drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers. 

included:Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda - Kuranda Markets, Kuranda - Kuranda Village Visit, Port Douglas - Leader-lead Orientation Walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 11 - Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation / Port Douglas

Today, you’ll visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a 1-hour crocodile and wildlife spotting boat tour along the Daintree River (Julaymba). On the electric Solar Whisper, you’ll hear the sounds of nature as you look out for crocs, birdlife, snakes, frogs, crabs and fish. Your experienced tour guide will be accustomed to the nuances of the river, the rainforest and the mangroves, meaning you’ll be able to find wildlife you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. After you find some feathered friends and long-toothed foes, head north to Cape Tribulation, stopping at Jindalba Boardwalk and a local ice cream factory on the way. Later, head back to your accommodation and maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.

included:Daintree National Park – Solar Whisper Daintree River Wildlife Cruise, Daintree National Park - Nature Walk, Daintree National Park - Cape Tribulation Lookout & Beach Walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Lunch

day 12 - Great Barrier Reef / Port Douglas

This morning, head out on a daytrip boat tour from Port Douglas to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Explore the stunning Coral Cays on the reef on a sailing boat guided by marine biologists, who will share their passion and knowledge of the reef as you float along the expansive blue waters. Learn about the fragile environment and head to an exclusive site for a spot of wildlife-focused snorkelling. There are vast coral gardens to explore – as a protected and shallow area, you’ll see corals, giant clams, turtles and fish in their natural habitat. Enjoy a buffet lunch and afternoon tea on board, while you continue to spot wildlife from the glass-bottomed boat. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner and toast to the final night of your trip.

included:Port Douglas - Full-day Great Barrier Reef tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Lunch

day 13 - Mossman Gorge / Palm Cove / Cairns

After breakfast, travel to Mossman Gorge. When you arrive, set out on a Ngadiku Dreaming 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, listen to these stories, visit culturally significant sites, traditional bark shelters and rainforest streams and learn about traditional plant use, bush food sources and the connection to this tropical environment. Watch a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits, then sit down to a bush tea and damper (a loaf or cake of flour and water that’s baked in wood ashes). After, drive south to Palm Cove to explore the scenic beachside town and maybe grab some lunch. You can end your trip here or carry onto Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 4 pm.

included:Mossman Gorge - Ngadiku Dreamtime walk

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights)

Meals

9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 6 Dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Sydney - Tribal Warrior Harbour Cruise with Aboriginal GuideSydney - Leader-led Orientation Walk of the Rocks & Circular QuayBlue Mountains - Echo Point LookoutBlue Mountains - Wentworth Falls LookoutBlue Mountains - Three Sisters WalkBlue Mountains - Private Truffle Tasting ExperienceBlue Mountains - Jenolan CavesAlice Springs - Visit to Earth Sanctuary with Dinner & StargazingTjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Simpsons Gap Guided Aboriginal Cultural WalkWatarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Creek WalkUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge WalkWatarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim WalkUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset ViewingUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise ViewingUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural CentreUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu WaterholeKuranda - Skyrail Rainforest CablewayKuranda - Kuranda MarketsKuranda - Kuranda Village VisitPort Douglas - Leader-lead Orientation WalkDaintree National Park – Solar Whisper Daintree River Wildlife CruiseDaintree National Park - Nature WalkDaintree National Park - Cape Tribulation Lookout & Beach WalkPort Douglas - Full-day Great Barrier Reef tourMossman Gorge - Ngadiku Dreamtime walk

What's Excluded

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