Best of Australia
Best of Australia
Best of Australia
12 Days Starting in Sydney and ending in Cairns
Visiting: Sydney, Blue Mountains / Sydney, Manly / Sydney, Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon, Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara, Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs), Cairns, Kuranda / Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation / Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef / Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge / Palm Cove / Cairns
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PZKAC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
15-0
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Calling all nature lovers – it doesn’t get much more Australian than this 12-day adventure. Start with visits to Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge before dipping into the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains for a daytrip through some incredible scenery. Then, venture into the heart of Australia and experience the awe of Uluru, Kings Canyon and many more significant First Nations sites in the Red Centre. Finally, bask in the natural splendour of the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient wonder of Daintree Rainforest – this trip really shows that Australia can do it all.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
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 now located. Your adventure starts today with a welcome meeting at your hotel at 1 pm. After, you’ll head out with your local leader and fellow travellers for a walkabout tour with an Aboriginal guide in and around The Rocks. Walk through Hicksons Reserve, Campbells Cove, Cumberland Walk and more as your guide teaches you about this area's history, land and water use and spiritual connection with the First Nations peoples. After your journey into the Dreaming, head out on a leader-led orientation walk to Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens, Hyde Park and the Sydney Tower Eye. Join your group for an included welcome dinner along Darling Harbour and then settle into your hotel for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Blue Mountains / Sydney
Location: Blue Mountains / Sydney
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, head out on a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains – a land of rugged peaks, waterfalls and dense eucalyptus forest. Stop at Wentworth Falls for grand valley views at Fletchers Lookout. Head to Katoomba and visit Echo Point Lookout, which overlooks the iconic Three Sisters. Walk the Three Sisters track for views of the national park below. You might like to stop for lunch at the famous Lookout Restaurant for the views overlooking Echo Point Escarpment. Or maybe head into Katoomba town to check out the shops. This afternoon, you’ll head to Scenic World – a private, family-owned tourism spot backdropped by the mountains. Hop aboard the steepest railway in the world and ride into Jamison Valley, where you can explore the many boardwalks through the rainforest, looking out for lyrebirds and ancient tree ferns. Ride the cableway, which cruises past the sandstone escarpment and Orphan Rock. See Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters again, but from above, on the Scenic Skyway, which soars through the mountains. Tonight, return to your accommodation in Darling Harbour.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Manly / Sydney
Location: Manly / Sydney
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning after breakfast, you’ll hop on the public ferry from Sydney Harbour to Manly. Departing regularly from Circular Quay, the ferry cruises past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before passing Kirribilli House (the Prime Minister’s official residence), Bradleys Head and South Head before arriving at Manly Wharf. From here, you’ll walk to Manly Beach where you can enjoy the cafes and laidback beach lifestyle or join your leader for a coastal walk to the nearby Shelly Beach. This afternoon, take the ferry back to Circular Quay and take a short walk back to your accommodation. Some travellers in your group may be leaving tonight, so perhaps head out to dinner together and celebrate.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
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. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town’s sights or tuck into an Outback inspired meal at one of the local cafes.
Day 5: West Macdonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon
Location: West MacDonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning, you’ll hit the road for Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you take part in a guided walk through the important spiritual site. A First Nations guide will share their insights on the local flora and fauna and will tell the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge and its present importance to the Eastern and Northern Arrernte People. 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 of the majestic Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between soaring cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before visiting the Light Towers – an immersive visual and aural display.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara
Location: Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and enjoy the 3-hour rim walk up and across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. You’ll walk across the 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. Keep your eyes out, there’s chance that you might spot brumbys, camels or wallabies on the drive. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. Here, you'll embark on a walk to a popular lookout to admire the stunning formations that make up Kata Tjuta – these ochre-coloured shapes are a mesmerising sight. After, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. From a prime location, you’ll enjoy the view as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the incredible landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Uluru / Yulara (Or Alice Springs)
Location: Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs)
Meals Included: breaksfast
You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the 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 Activities:
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Day 8: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
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.
Day 9: Kuranda / Port Douglas
Location: Kuranda / Port Douglas
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning after breakfast, soar over the world’s oldest tropical rainforest via the Skyrail that connects Cairns to the picturesque mountain village of Kuranda. You’ll glide along 7.5 km of cableway and admire the ancient landscape from a truly unique perspective. You’ll have some free time to explore this charming 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. You might like to check out the famous Kuranda Markets and village shopping or 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. Drive along the coast to Port Douglas, taking in the ocean views and the cliffs covered in native flora. Tonight, head out on an orientation walk around Port Douglas, stopping at Trinity Bay Lookout Point to admire the perfect crescent of sand and surf. Then, head to a local restaurant for drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers before returning to your accommodation for the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation / Port Douglas
Location: Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation / Port Douglas
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
Today, you’ll visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a one-hour crocodile and wildlife spotting boat tour along the Daintree River (Julaymba). On the electric Solar Whisper, you’ll hear the sounds of nature around you as you look out for crocs, birdlife, snakes, frogs, crabs and fish. Your experienced 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Great Barrier Reef / Port Douglas
Location: Great Barrier Reef / Port Douglas
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
This morning, you’ll head out on a fantastic full-day boat tour from Port Douglas. Explore the stunning Coral Cays on the Great Barrier 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, enjoy presentations on the reef by experts on board and head to an exclusive site for a spot of wildlife-focused snorkelling (equipment provided). There are vast coral gardens to explore at your own pace – as a protected and shallow area, you’ll see corals, giant clams, turtles and fish in their natural habitat. Enjoy a buffet lunch (including prawns) and afternoon tea on board (including local Daintree produce) while you continue to spot wildlife from the glass-bottomed boat. Tonight, enjoy a night to relax in Port Douglas after a spectacular day on the water.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Mossman Gorge / Palm Cove / Cairns
Location: Mossman Gorge / Palm Cove / Cairns
This morning, you’ll head to Mossman Gorge for a fascinating Ngadiku Dreamtime 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 and you’ll learn about these stories on a guided walk along private, gentle tracks, visiting culturally significant sites, traditional bark shelters and cool rainforest streams. Witness a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits and then stroll through the lush rainforest, learning about traditional plant use, bush food sources and the connection to this unique tropical environment. After, enjoy a traditional bush tea and damper (a loaf or cake of flour and water that’s baked in wood ashes). Drive south to Palm Cove, stopping along the way to explore the scenic beachside town where you can grab some lunch. You can end your trip here or carry on to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 4pm.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights) -
Sydney - The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour
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Wentworth Falls - Wentworth Falls Lookout
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Katoomba - Scenic Skyway
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Katoomba - Scenic Walkway
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Katoomba - Three Sisters Walk
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Katoomba - Echo Point Lookout
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Katoomba - Scenic Cableway
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Katoomba - Scenic Railway
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Sydney – Harbour to Manly return ferry
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Sydney – Exploration of Manly Beach
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
- DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA
- Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australians are accustomed to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is roughly the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- HOT WEATHER
- From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures over 35C/95F. These extreme temperatures place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your leader will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping cool and hydrated.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- FLIGHTS BETWEEN TRIPS
- Flights from Sydney To Alice Springs and from Yulara to Cairns are not included. Please see the itinerary for information on recommended flight details and book these through your agent or directly with the airline.
- START & END TIMES
- The trip starts in Sydney with a Welcome Meeting at 1 pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes in Palm Cove on Day 12 in the early afternoon or in Cairns at our finish point hotel at approximately 4pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request (Cairns only).
- COMBINATION TRIP
- This is a combination trip made up of three shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Alice Springs or Cairns as some group members leave and new ones join you.
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
- A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.
Mode of Transport
- DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA
- Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australians are accustomed to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is roughly the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- HOT WEATHER
- From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures over 35C/95F. These extreme temperatures place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your leader will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping cool and hydrated.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Flights from Sydney to Alice Springs and from Yulara to Cairns are not included. Please see the itinerary for information on recommended flight details.
This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with good fitness and mobility. See information about specific walks in the itinerary.
Temperatures in Australia's Red Centre can be extreme, so you will need to be well prepared. Depending on the time of the year, daytime can be very hot (and the Australian sun is very strong year-round) so always use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures can really drop, so bring sufficient warm clothing, too as in winter, temperatures can drop below zero at night.
On some days of the trip, you’ll spend many hours driving through very remote areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. The days can be long, but you’ll want to fit as much of this amazing place in as you can in four short days!
As sunrise and sunset times as well as weather conditions vary throughout the year, the order of activities may change to ensure you have the best experience possible. On occasion, the First Nations experiences may not be available should your guides have other cultural commitments, in which case there will be alternative activities.
Some activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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