Australian icons: Aboriginal culture to the Great Barrier Reef

Melbourne

Day 1: Arrival in Australia

Arrive at the airport in Melbourne, from where you'll be transferred to your hotel. If you have time to do some sightseeing, we recommend Flinders Street Railway Station, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market and the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Melbourne is often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia, so expect a lively street culture with lots to discover. For dinner, why not enjoy the atmosphere on the banks of the Southbank?

Melbourne

Day 2: Melbourne discovery & food tour

The morning is left free for you to catch up on some sleep and take a gentle stroll around the city. Why not follow the banks of the Yarra River, which meanders through the heart of Melbourne. Numerous attractions line the waterfront, including the Melbourne Aquarium. Next, you could take a stroll down Bourke Street or check out Chinatown.

Melbourne has long been hailed as the foodie capital of Australia, and its cuisine is as diverse as the city itself. In the afternoon, embark on a walking food tour to discover Melbourne’s tastiest morsels with a local expert. Along the way, explore the city’s narrow laneways, historical arcades, and vibrant street art — and, of course, sample a variety of delicious foods. Taste authentic Chinese dumplings, savour French-style sweet treats, and tuck into gelato on this 2.5-hour tour.

Melbourne - Great Ocean Road - Melbourne

Day 3: Cruise the Great Ocean Road

Set off early for a full-day journey along Great Ocean Road. Soak up the breathtaking sights of long sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs on this guided, full-day tour. See some of the most spectacular coastal landmarks on earth, including the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks and Gibson Steps. Later, enjoy a bushwalk in Great Otway National Park and perfect your koala-spotting skills. Return to your hotel in Melbourne after a full day of discovery. 

Melbourne - Palm Cove

Day 4: Journey to Cairns for a Beach Sundowner

This morning, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Cairns, followed by a drive to Palm Grove to check in at your hotel. This laid-back beachside village is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a waterfront sundowner along the tea tree-lined esplanade. Gaze out across the golden sands, wander winding paths in the dappled shade of trees, and flit across the colourful beach boutiques and restaurants.

Palm Cove - Great Barrier Reef - Palm Cove

Day 5: Discover the Great Barrier Reef

Set off on a high-speed catamaran for a full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, containing an abundance of marine life and more than 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays. Your adventure begins with an informative briefing from an eco-guide before exploring two pristine Great Barrier Reef locations. The trip includes all snorkelling equipment, a hot and cold buffet lunch freshly prepared by the onboard chef, plus friendly trained staff to teach you the best snorkelling techniques and answer all your questions.

Palm Cove - Daintree Rainforest - Palm Cove

Day 6: Cultural Aboriginal experiences

Today’s tour offers insight into Aboriginal culture, their Dreamtime stories and how their history is shared through painting. Start at Janbal Gallery for a painting class with an Aboriginal artist. Then, drive through Shannonvale and learn about the ancient Aboriginal ‘highways’ that ran through the region. Next up, you'll head to the Mossman Gorge Centre for a traditional smoking ceremony and delicious lunch. 

Afterwards, you'll journey into the rainforest to wander the forest paths of Manjal Dimbi, the ancestral home of the Kuku Yalanji rainforest people. Experience one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful rainforests with the help of your local Aboriginal guide, and learn about the Kuku Yalanji peoples' special relationship with this unique environment.

Palm Cove - Uluru

Day 7: Sunset at the magical Uluru

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight from Cairns to Ayers Rock, for your onward journey to Uluru. Uluru is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Not only is it a spectacular rock formation, it's also a deeply spiritual place. At 348m high, it is one of the world’s largest monoliths, towering over the surrounding landscape.

To start, why not enjoy some of the free activities offered by your resort, such as a guided garden walk, a didgeridoo workshop, or an indigenous art gallery visit. In the early evening, take a sunset tour to Uluru: relax with a glass of sparkling wine and light refreshments as the sun sets in the west and the great rock is illuminated by its warm glow– a truly enchanting experience.

Uluru - Kata Tjuta - Uluru

Day 8: More magical desert experiences

Make an early start today to catch the sunrise over Uluru; at this time of day, the views are especially wonderful. Later, tuck into an outback picnic breakfast before taking a guided walk around the site of Kata Tjuta. These mighty rock formations have evolved over millions of years and your guide will tell you all about their geology and ceremonial use.

Return to the hotel by lunchtime, and relax ahead of your evening visit to the critically-acclaimed Field of Light art installation. As darkness falls and Uluru is thrown into silhouette, the Field of Light gently illuminates with 50,000 glass spheres. You’ll be welcomed to the top of an exclusive dune just after the sun has set, to savour the views along with a selection of Outback canapés and drinks. Beneath a sky brilliant with stars, the Field of Light beckons you to lose yourself in its rhythms of coloured light.

Uluru - Sydney

Day 9: Segway tour around Uluru

Start the day with a segway tour around the base of Uluru. Your friendly guide will show you how to ride and test your skills on a special training course. Once the group is confident, you'll traverse the entire way around Uluru. Your guide will stop along the way to share information about local culture, history and nature, and you'll also have some incredible photo opportunities. After completing the full loop, dismount from your segway and head to the Mutitjulu Waterhole to marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art.

In the afternoon, hop on the shuttle service to the airport for your flight to Sydney, where you'll be transferred on to your hotel.

Sydney

Day 10: Explore Sydney's iconic sights

Few experiences can showcase Sydney and entertain visitors as much as a classic bike tour. Today, knowledgeable tour guides will take you to iconic landmarks and many other noteworthy attractions. It’s always an easy ride through parks, along the harbour, and past all of Sydney’s most famous sights. You’ll get to ride across Sydney Harbour Bridge and relax in one of the city's oldest pubs – there’s a little bit of everything for everyone on this tour.

Later, go behind the scenes on a fascinating tour of Sydney Opera House. Your expert guide will lead you through this World Heritage–listed building, sharing stories and providing access to off-limits areas for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sydney - Hunter Valley - Sydney

Day 11: Wine tour in the Hunter Valley

Today you’ll leave the city for a Hunter Valley wine tour, during which you'll get to enjoy the rich flavours and landscapes of Australia’s oldest wine region. The focus of this tour will be on the area's smaller boutique wineries, and your expert guides will pick from over 80 cellar doors in the lower Hunter Valley to help create a special and memorable day. Along the way, you'll learn about the history of Australia’s wine culture and visit at least three wineries for relaxed private tastings. Learn about local cheeses and how they're made at an organised tasting, and at lunchtime enjoy a light cafe lunch with hot or cold options accompanied by a glass of wine. This is a full-day small group tour with lunch and all tastings included.

Sydney

Day 12: Transfer to the airport

Depending on your departure schedule, you might have some time left to enjoy Sydney a little more. Perhaps head to Bondi Beach, the centre of Sydney’s laid-back beach lifestyle. Browse the boutique shops along Gould Street and sit down for a coffee al fresco. Later, your driver will pick you up for a transfer to the airport, where your flight home awaits.