Journeys: Discover Australia - G Adventures - Australia

Journeys: Discover Australia

5.0Based on

Explorer Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Melbourne, Australia

Ends

Cairns, Australia

2 other people are considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Experience the Red Centre and witness the majesty of Uluru at sunrise.

Discover Melbourne's hidden laneways.

Enjoy a private tour of the Sydney Opera House.

Set out on an Indigenous walking experience in the Daintree Rainforest.

Itinerary

Australia’s stunning diversity comes alive on the "Journeys: Discover Australia" tour, a 12-day guided adventure for experienced and senior travelers seeking the country’s top sights and hidden gems. Begin in Melbourne, a haven for foodies and culture lovers, before venturing to the iconic red rocks of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Continue to Sydney for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Opera House, then head north to Queensland’s tropical paradise. Cruise the Great Barrier Reef aboard a catamaran, explore lush rainforests, and meet members of the Kuku Yalanji—custodians of the world’s oldest living culture.

What sets this tour apart is its insider access and thoughtful blend of urban excitement, natural wonders, and indigenous heritage. With all logistics taken care of, you can savor every moment, from sampling gourmet cuisine to marveling at coral reefs and ancient landscapes. This tour package is for those who want to experience the true breadth of Australia in one seamless journey.

day 1 - Melbourne

Arrive at any time.
Make your way to the hotel to check in. There are no planned activities during the day, so enjoy some time to explore the city before joining our National Geographic Expedition Leader for a welcome briefing at 8pm.

Accomodation:Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Melbourne

Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the Day at leisure.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar)

Included Activity:Melbourne Foodie Walk

day 3 - Melbourne

Spend the Day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. Wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar)

Optional Activities:12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road

day 4 - Melbourne/Uluru

Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional Indigenous owners. Then take a guided walk along both the northwest and southern sides of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations.
Accommodations in Uluru are limited and of varying amenities. We do our best to secure a mid-range hotel, but on occasion a more simple accommodation with fewer amenities may be used.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Desert Gardens Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 3.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr

Included Activities:Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit, Uluru Mala Walk Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 2 km

day 5 - Uluru

In the morning make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration as you walk along these ancient, red-hued landscapes.

Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before capping off the Day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over this fabled monolith.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Desert Gardens Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:Kata Tjuta Guided Walk Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr, Sunset at Uluru Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

day 6 - Uluru/Sydney

Awaken at dawn to witness the famous Field of Light installation, the artist Bruce Munro created an art installation that becomes illuminated in the changing light.

Enjoy your final moments in the heart of the outback before it’s time to pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney.
Observe the stunning display and watch the sun rise with views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the distance.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and your final moments in the heart of the outback before it’s time to pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney. Check in to our Sydney hotel and opt to join our National Geographic Expedition Leader for a dinner out on the town in one of Sydney's famous neighbourhoods.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar)

Transport:Plane

Included Activity:Sunrise at Field of Light

day 7 - Sydney

Join your Expedition Leader on a walking orientation tour of some of the city’s well known landmarks like the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area’s Indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private boat for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar)

Transport:Metro

Included Activities:Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House Duration : 1.0 hr, Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise Duration : 4.0 hr

day 8 - Sydney

Enjoy a Day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar)

day 9 - Sydney/Port Douglas

Fly to Cairns today and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an Indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next three nights.
We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Mantra PortSea (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 3.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 70 km

Included Activity:Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk Duration : 2.0 hr

day 10 - Port Douglas

Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Mantra PortSea (or similar)

Included Activity:Great Barrier Reef Excursion With Sailaway

day 11 - Port Douglas

Enjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our Expedition Leader will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Mantra PortSea (or similar)

Included Activity:Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach

day 12 - Port Douglas/Cairns

After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas.

Meal:Breakfast

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 70 km

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels – 11 nts.

Meals

11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD585-760 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

National Geographic Expedition Leader

Included activities

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, MelbourneYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House, SydneyYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach, Port DouglasYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and GroupSydney Harbour cruiseIndigenous dreamtime walk through the Daintree Rainforest at Mossman GorgeSunrise interpretive walk at UluruWalk through Walpa Gorge in Kata TjutaFull day excursion snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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based on 12 reviews

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