17-Day Australia Adventure: Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart & Melbourne

DAY 1 | Sunday – Depart for Australia

Begin your unforgettable Australian journey. Depart for Cairns and get ready for a blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and iconic landmarks.

DAY 2 | Monday – En Route

Cross the International Date Line, skipping a day as you make your way to tropical Australia.

DAY 3 | Tuesday – Arrive in Cairns

Welcome to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. Attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5:30 PM, followed by dinner.

Overnight: Cairns | Meals: Dinner

DAY 4 | Wednesday – Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk

Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture on the Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk:

• Led by a local Kuku Yalanji guide

• Traditional smoking ceremony

• Learn about plant uses, bush medicine, and rainforest traditions

• Enjoy bush tea and damper to conclude your experience

Evening dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Cairns | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 | Thursday – Great Barrier Reef Exploration

Sail by catamaran to the Outer Great Barrier Reef:

• Snorkel or explore via semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat

• Observe vibrant marine life and coral (note: coral bleaching has affected viewing)

• Enjoy lunch on the sun deck and relax in this iconic natural wonder

Return to Cairns for an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Cairns | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 | Friday – Flight to Uluru, Sunset & Stargazing

Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock), a sacred monolith in central Australia:

• Explore the base of Uluru with expert commentary

• Sunset viewing with sparkling wine and barbecue dinner

• Stargazing in the desert sky (weather permitting)

Overnight: Ayers Rock | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7 | Saturday – Sunrise Field of Lights & Flight to Sydney

Early morning Sunrise Field of Lights:

• Walk through 50,000 illuminated lights at Uluru

• Watch the sunrise over the iconic monolith with coffee or hot chocolate

Fly to Sydney and enjoy free time to explore.

Overnight: Sydney | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 | Sunday – Sydney Panoramic Tour

Highlights include:

• Bondi Beach, home of Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving club

• Royal Botanic Gardens and Macquarie’s Chair

• Views of the Sydney Opera House and Royal Naval Base

• Historic The Rocks district and Sydney Harbour

Afternoon at leisure to explore on your own.

Overnight: Sydney | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9 | Monday – Sydney Opera House & Aboriginal Walk

Guided Sydney Opera House Tour:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Learn about the visionary design by Danish architect Jørn Utzon

Aboriginal Walking Tour of The Rocks:

• Discover the Gadigal people’s heritage

• Stories, customs, and the impact of colonization

Overnight: Sydney | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10 | Tuesday – Flight to Adelaide

Arrive in Adelaide, South Australia’s vibrant city on St Vincent Gulf:

• Explore at your own pace before dinner at the hotel

Overnight: Adelaide | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11 | Wednesday – Cleland Wildlife Park & Barossa Valley

Morning at Cleland Wildlife Park:

• Encounter kangaroos, dingoes, wallabies, emus, and Tasmanian devils

Afternoon in Barossa Valley, renowned wine region:

• Wine tastings and lunch at a local winery

• Visit additional wineries to sample acclaimed wines

Overnight: Adelaide | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12 | Thursday – Flight to Hobart

Fly to Hobart, Tasmania’s capital:

• Explore at leisure before dinner at your hotel

Overnight: Hobart | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13 | Friday – Port Arthur & Harbor Cruise

Explore Salamanca Place:

• Georgian warehouses, markets, galleries, and restaurants

Travel to Port Arthur Historic Site (UNESCO World Heritage):

• Guided walking tour of this former penal colony

• Scenic harbor cruise including Isle of the Dead

Return to Hobart for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hobart | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14 | Saturday – Bruny Island Discovery

Ferry to Bruny Island:

• Taste artisan cheeses, oysters, premium wines, local honey, and fudge

• Meet local producers and hear their stories

• Lunch at a beachside restaurant with views of Adventure Bay

• Explore the island’s dramatic landscapes and rich ecosystem

Overnight: Hobart | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15 | Sunday – Flight to Melbourne, Walking Food Tour

Arrive in Melbourne, Victoria’s cultural hub:

• Guided walking food tour, sampling street food, coffee, and local specialties

• Discover Melbourne’s culinary scene with insider insights

Overnight: Melbourne | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 16 | Monday – Melbourne City Tour

Highlights include:

• Gardens, riverside complexes, and elegant 19th-century architecture

• Free afternoon for independent exploration

• Farewell dinner with your Tour Manager

Overnight: Melbourne | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 17 | Tuesday – Depart Australia

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Small-Group Package Includes:

• Maximum 22 travelers

• International flights: Los Angeles–Cairns & Melbourne–Los Angeles

• Intra-flights: Cairns–Sydney, Sydney–Uluru, Uluru–Sydney, Sydney–Adelaide, Adelaide–Hobart, Hobart–Melbourne

• 14 nights first-class accommodations

• 23 meals: 14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners

• Modern air-conditioned vehicles with guided sightseeing

• English-speaking Tour Manager throughout

• Entrance fees and comprehensive guided tours

• Hotel porterage, taxes, and service charges

• Tips for porters, wait staff, and local guides on included services

Tour Highlights:

• Explore the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island

• Experience Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk with Aboriginal guide

• Witness Uluru sunrise and changing colors

• Sydney Opera House guided tour and panoramic city sightseeing

• Visit Cleland Wildlife Park and meet iconic Australian animals

• Discover Barossa Valley wineries with tastings

• Walking tour of Hobart and visit Port Arthur

• Explore Bruny Island and sample local gourmet delights

• Melbourne walking food tour in Australia’s foodie capital

Not Included: Optional gratuities unless specified