18-day complete Australia adventure

Melbourne

Day 1: G'day, Australia!

Upon your arrival at the airport, a transfer will be waiting to drive you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy however you wish, sightseeing and making the most of your time at leisure in Melbourne.

We'd recommend exploring Flinders Street Railway Station, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, and the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Since Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, expect cool street art and bohemian coffee shops tucked away in many corners of the city. For dinner, enjoy the lively atmosphere on the banks of the Southbank and visit Federation Square, where art and coffee culture come together.

Melbourne

Day 2: Marvellous Melbourne

Today is all about exploring Melbourne! Starting in South Yarra suburb, enjoy a lovely brunch at Two Birds One Stone Cafe - don't miss their delicious ricotta pancakes topped with fresh figs, marmalade syrup, and pistachio cream. With a full tummy, you'll then head to the boutique-lined Chapel Street.

Continue your adventure to Prahran Market, a gourmet haven, and stroll along the eclectic Greville Street before winding down on St Kilda Beach, where you could enjoy a leisurely esplanade walk. If you're in the mood for a treat, be sure to try the pastries along Acland Street.

In the afternoon, learn all about Melbourne's rich heritage with an expert guide. Visit Federation Square, Melbourne Cricket Ground, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the vast Albert Park Lake. Finish the day with a visit to Eureka Tower's Skydeck 88, offering stunning 360-degree city views.

Melbourne - Great Ocean Road - Melbourne

Day 3: Explore the Great Ocean Road

Embark on an unforgettable day along Australia's Great Ocean Road, tackling it in reverse to best enjoy a crowd-free experience (without missing all the iconic sights, of course). To start, you'll head inland to the Shipwreck Coast and marvel at the breathtaking Twelve Apostles, followed by Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell.

Explore ancient rainforests on a guided walk through Maits Rest or Melba Gully in the Great Otway National Park, home to some of the world's tallest trees. As you continue along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll discover why it's such a celebrated coastal route. Spot wild koalas, behold breathtaking views at every turn, and stop at the iconic Memorial Arch, one of the most-photographed spots along the rugged coastline. Your day concludes with a relaxed drive back to Melbourne.

Melbourne - Kangaroo Island

Day 4: Welcome to Kangaroo Island

Start your day with a flight to Kingscote on Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third-largest island. Despite its vastness, it's easily explored within hours. The island can be divided into an eastern half dotted with major towns, and a wilder western half housing Flinders Chase National Park and beautiful sanctuaries. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, settling into your accommodation.

Kangaroo Island

Day 5: Take a walk on the wild side

Get ready for a wild adventure! Today's full-day tour of Kangaroo Island's Flinders Chase explores its stunning landscapes, from fire-affected areas to the iconic landmarks of Remarkable Rocks, Cape du Couedic and Admirals Arch, a coastal grotto where long-nosed fur seals frolic amidst crashing waves. Learn about fire ecology and discover unique flora species that bloom after fires, witnessing nature's resilience as you go, before sitting down for a picnic lunch in the bush or on a clifftop.

Kangaroo Island - Adelaide

Day 6: A taste of Adelaide

Today, it’s time to embrace the many charms of Adelaide. Fly from Kingscote into South Australia's vibrant capital, transfer and check into your hotel, and prepare to explore this dynamic city at your leisure.

Adelaide is redefining itself with a buzzing small-bar scene, world-class art, and a festival calendar that's second-to-none. Stroll through hidden laneways, admire the varied flora at Adelaide Botanic Garden, and savour culinary delights around every corner. End the day at 2KW Bar and Restaurant, where their signature cocktail - a delightful blend of gin, peach, and pear juice - isn't to be missed.

Adelaide - Cairns

Day 7: Delight by the sea

Today you'll catch a morning flight to Cairns, a laid-back city that's best explored by strolling along its esplanade. Dive into open-air markets and relax at al fresco cafés, or simply kick back and cool down on a sunny day by the saltwater lagoon. Dinner here is always a unique treat: feast on a platter of fresh local prawns aboard a rustic trawler at the marina, and finish the day with a cold beer in hand, bathed in the golden hues of sunset.

Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns

Day 8: The colours of the Great Barrier Reef

Hop aboard a high-speed catamaran for a thrilling full-day journey to the Great Barrier Reef. One of Australia's most astounding natural wonders, this colossal coral reef is home to over 3,000 unique reef systems and coral cays.

The adventure starts with an eco-guide's brief, followed by exploration at two pristine reef locations. Enjoy the all-inclusive package: snorkelling gear, a chef-prepared buffet of hot and cold food, and expert guidance to help you uncover the reef's mysteries.

Cairns - Daintree Rainforest - Cairns

Day 9: The wild delights of Daintree

Jump into your 4x4 this morning and prepare for a day of adventure into the heart of Daintree Rainforest. Your friendly naturalist guide will keep you entertained as you explore, and you'll be part of a small-sized group for a more personal and enjoyable experience. Venture along the unique and less-travelled Bloomfield Track, spot crocs on a Daintree River cruise, deep-dive into the rainforest's history on a guided boardwalk tour, and marvel at the many riches these World Heritage-listed grounds have to offer. Cap the day off with a stop at Cape Tribulation Beach, and perhaps even treat yourself to a delightful home-made Daintree ice cream.

Cairns - Darwin

Day 10: Delightful Darwin!

Kick off today with a flight from Cairns to Darwin. Upon your arrival, transfer to your hotel to check in, then explore the local landmarks: start at the Waterfront Precinct, a gateway to history, then wander to Parliament House. Follow the Heritage and Cultural Trail, discovering maritime tales, local Larrakia heritage, and secret wartime tunnels as you go.

Cool down with a swim at the Recreation or Wave Lagoons, and if it's a Thursday or Sunday (from April to October), don't miss a trip to Mindil Beach Sunset Market for epic food and drink. You could always enjoy the sunset at Darwin Ski Club or sample unique brews at The Trader Bar, Six Tanks Brew Pub, or One Mile Brewery. Cheers to a memorable day!

Darwin - Kakadu National Park - Darwin

Day 11: Into the heart of Kakadu

Embark on a mesmerising journey into Kakadu National Park from Darwin. Today is filled with awe-inspiring cultural heritage, tropical landscapes, and wildlife sightings aplenty.

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed park beholds many ancient wonders. On this tour you'll explore Ubirr's captivating rock art and enjoy sweeping views from the Nadab Lookout. Then, cruise the East Alligator River on a Guluyambi cultural adventure led by indigenous guides, and witness the spellbinding landscapes of Arnhem Land unfolding as you uncover its profound history.

Darwin - Alice Springs

Day 12: The Aussie Outback

Start your day with a flight to Alice Springs, affectionately known as Alice. This vibrant town epitomises the heart of Australia. From the timeless desert to its rich Aboriginal heritage, Alice Springs offers a quintessential Aussie experience. Discover its unique charm at your own pace - be sure to explore the remarkable Aboriginal art galleries scattered throughout this Outback gem.

Alice Springs - Uluru

Day 13: Australia's beating heart

Travel through unforgettable desert landscapes and past the MacDonnell Ranges as you journey by coach to Uluru - one of Earth's great wonders. Beyond its beauty, it emanates deep spiritual significance as a 348-metre, 550-million-year-old monolith. Watch as its colours shift and listen to timeless tales of the land, as told by the locals.

Your adventure continues with a unique Wintjiri Wiru experience. An evening walk will lead you to an open-air theatre atop a dune, where you'll enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Tuck into a gourmet dinner hamper blending local ingredients with modern culinary artistry. As night falls, a fascinating presentation of the Mala story unfolds with drones, lasers, and projections illuminating the desert sky, offering a contemporary take on an ancient Anangu narrative.

Uluru - Kata Tjuta - Uluru

Day 14: Epic Uluru experiences

At dawn, watch Uluru emerge in all its splendour as the sun paints the Outback. Your guide will lead you to a prime sunrise spot to enjoy an Outback picnic breakfast, following which you'll explore Mutijulu Waterhole and learn about the ancestral stories of Liru and Kuniya - a poisonous snake and python.

Next, journey around Uluru's base, delving into the Mala people's stories. Your adventure continues with a trip to the Kata Tjuta Domes in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Learn of the landmark's cultural significance, walk through Walpa Gorge, and feel the area's spirituality on this immersive tour.

In the evening, stargaze with a resident astronomer on an Uluru Astro Tour. Learn about star formations and life cycles, the Big Bang theory, and more on this epic guide through the evolution of the universe.

Uluru - Sydney

Day 15: Sydney's Splendors

Catch a morning flight to Sydney, a must-visit destination as part of your Australia itinerary. You'll be transferred from the airport to your hotel for check-in, after which you'll have free time to explore this incredible city with its natural harbour, beachside walks, and flavour-packed dining scene. Start with a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden and enjoy stunning views from Mrs Macquarie's Chair, an iconic spot for glimpsing the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Come evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner and experience Sydney's lively bar and music scene.

Sydney

Day 16: Ascend to new heights in Sydney

Today, discover the city's fascinating history on a Story of Sydney tour. Start at The Rocks, a neighbourhood near Harbour Bridge where the city's story began as a penal colony. Unfold the narrative that led to Sydney's current status, passing iconic landmarks on your way to Watsons Bay and Bondi Beach. Then, explore the many entertainment and shopping offerings across Paddington, Darlinghurst, and Barangaroo.

After lunch you'll take on the BridgeClimb: ascend to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the nation's most celebrated structure. Enjoy panoramic 360-degree views, and marvel up-close at the engineering wonders of this world-famous icon. You will walk on catwalks, ascend ladders, and celebrate with your group as you hit the top, before making your descent back to the Climb Base.

Sydney - Blue Mountains - Sydney

Day 17: Behold the Blue Mountains

From Sydney, you'll spend the day enjoying the wonders of Blue Mountains National Park, a gem within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Here, you'll encounter captivating sandstone formations, deep ravines, and misty eucalypt forests, all accompanied by awe-inspiring vistas.

Kick off your adventure at Calmsley Hill, a farm inhabited by kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas. Venture further into the Blue Mountains, uncovering hidden viewpoints and stopping at Eaglehawk Lookout, a serene vantage point from which to admire the Three Sisters rock formation. Later, relish a two-course lunch with panoramic views at the Hydro Majestic, before continuing your tour with visits to more picturesque lookouts; Govetts Leap, a real highlight, offers breathtaking views of a 180m waterfall. Stop for a drink at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, before heading back to Sydney.

Sydney

Day 18: End your trip on a high note

Your final day in Australia ends on a high note, with a backstage tour of the iconic Sydney Opera. This intimate small-group experience is perfect for getting to know the behind-the-scenes secrets of one of the country's most famous landmarks. Afterwards, head back to your hotel to pack up and check out, following which you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.