Set out from Sydney to discover World Heritage-listed mountains, rainforests, and reefs—and gorgeous beaches—along the Queensland coast.

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary Request Itinerary or Ask Us A Question or Call 855-215-8690
 Great Barrier Reef, near Hardy Reef
Great Barrier Reef, near Hardy Reef
 The channel between Hardy and Hook Reefs, Great Barrier Reef
The channel between Hardy and Hook Reefs, Great Barrier Reef
 Hardy Reef, Great Barrier Reef
Hardy Reef, Great Barrier Reef
 Clown Fish at Hardy Reef, Great Barrier Reef
Clown Fish at Hardy Reef, Great Barrier Reef
 Sea fans, Great Barrier Reef
Sea fans, Great Barrier Reef
 Tropical fish and coral, the Great Barrier Reef
Tropical fish and coral, the Great Barrier Reef
 Tropical fish and coral of the Great Barrier Reef
Tropical fish and coral of the Great Barrier Reef
 Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef
 The white beach of Hamilton Island
The white beach of Hamilton Island
 Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island
 Rainbow Beach, along the Sunshine Coast
Rainbow Beach, along the Sunshine Coast
 Trail in Lamington National Park
Trail in Lamington National Park
 Waterfall in Lamington National Park
Waterfall in Lamington National Park
 Noosa Heads Beach
Noosa Heads Beach
 Waiting for a wave
Waiting for a wave
 Govetts Leap Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park
Govetts Leap Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park
 The Three Sisters of Katoomba, Blue Mountains National Park
The Three Sisters of Katoomba, Blue Mountains National Park
 Pulpit Rock overview, Blue Mountains National Park
Pulpit Rock overview, Blue Mountains National Park
 Cockatoos on Hamilton Island
Cockatoos on Hamilton Island
 Regent Bowerbird, Lamington National Park
Regent Bowerbird, Lamington National Park
 Humpback whale breaching near Noosa
Humpback whale breaching near Noosa
 Wallaby on Hamilton Island
Wallaby on Hamilton Island
 Sydney Opera House at dusk
Sydney Opera House at dusk

Australia for Families: A Tailor-Made Journey

14 days from $4,470

Set out from Sydney to discover World Heritage-listed mountains, rainforests, and reefs—and gorgeous beaches—along the Queensland coast.

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary

or call 855-215-8690

Tour Details

TOUR BROCHURE

brochure

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journeys provided me and my son with a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable, adventure. Our long awaited celebration exceeded our expectations. We did and saw things that we never would have managed to plan on our own or with an average tour company. The guides were exceptional and went above and beyond to make us feel special. 

- Valli, T.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

See All Journeys Dispatches ››

Overview

When you travel on a tailor-made journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

  • A Smithsonian annual engagement calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
  • Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. Early access to Smithsonian magazine produced events.
  • Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
  • 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
  • Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll, displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
  • Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
  • Free admission to the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
  • A complimentary copy of the annual Smithsonian museum guidebook.
  • Invitation to a special welcome event for new members at a Smithsonian venue.

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members. 

Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journeys provided me and my son with a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable, adventure. Our long awaited celebration exceeded our expectations. We did and saw things that we never would have managed to plan on our own or with an average tour company. The guides were exceptional and went above and beyond to make us feel special. 

- Valli, T.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 — Sydney, Australia

Arrive in Sydney and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel near Bondi Beach. Take the remainder of the day to relax or discover some of the city’s highlights. You might tour the famous Opera House or walk across Harbour Bridge, or take a walk through the lively Rocks District, the first colonial town in Australia.

Day 2 — Sydney

Head out this morning for a quintessential Australian experience: surfing on legendary Bondi Beach.  Stretching more than a half a mile just outside Sydney, Bondi Beach is one of the top surfing destinations in the world—appropriate for pros as well as beginners. After lessons for the whole family, enjoy time to relax on the beach or take a dip in the onsite saltwater sea baths. (B)

Day 3 — Blue Mountains/Sydney

Set out with your guide on a full-day tour of the majestic Blue Mountains, a World Heritage site of dramatic sandstone cliffs and gorges and thick eucalyptus forests. The mountains provide a pristine habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including some of Australia’s most iconic endemic creatures. Stop at a farm on the way to observe and interact with kangaroos and koalas. Then ascend into the Blue Mountains on a scenic drive, pausing to take in spectacular views of Jameson Valley and the famous Three Sisters. You can shape this day as you wish, taking guided hikes or visiting other important sites, including Blue Mountains Botanic Garden or Govetts Leap Lookout, a starting point of numerous trails that overlooks a stunning waterfall. (B)

Days 4–5 — Lamington National Park

Take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Gold Coast, a coastal city and region in Queensland known for its long, sandy beaches. Pick up your rental car and head inland to your rainforest lodge, situated within Lamington National Park. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage site, the park bears geological evidence of Australia’s split from Antarctica and harbors a wealth of endemic wildlife. Some 160 species of sub-tropical birds have been recorded here—including colorful Australian king parrots and crimson rosellas—and many can be spotted in the gardens surrounding your accommodations. Spend the following day exploring the park on hikes and walks of your choosing, or opt for one of the excursions offered by the retreat, including e-bike tours, zip-lining adventures, or encounters with native wildlife. (B)

Days 6–7 — Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

Travel north to the Sunshine Coast today. If you wish, stop to stretch your legs with a short walk in Glass House Mountains National Park, where 11 rocky volcanic peaks jut out of the rolling countryside. Continue to nearby Noosa, where your home for the next three nights is situated within Noosa National Park. Enjoy a full day explore this beautiful area as you wish. You might hike the park’s coastal path to a secluded beach for a swim, and perhaps catch sight of the sea turtles and dolphins known to frequent these waters. Discover the inviting resort town of Noosa, or go kayaking in the Noosa Everglades. (B) 

Day 8 — Rainbow Beach/Noosa

Embark on an exhilarating beach-hopping adventure! Follow the coast north of Noosa passing one iconic beach after the next, stopping to take in the scenery and look for marine wildlife. Admire a 270-degree ocean view from Double Island Point Lighthouse and then climb into a 4x4 to explore Rainbow Beach, known for its colorful ancient dunes and coastal cliffs. (B)

Day 9 — Brisbane/Hamilton Island

Drive to Brisbane Airport and drop off your car in time for your flight to Hamilton Island, the largest island in the Whitsundays archipelago. With white-sand beaches and a hilly, forested interior laced with trails, the island offers plenty of activities—and a base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Settle into your hotel just steps from the beach and enjoy the rest of the day to discover the island. (B)

Days 10–13 — Hamilton Island

Head to Hamilton Island Marina for a full-day cruise to Hardy Reef. Here, you have more than three hours to discover the incredible marine life of the Great Barrier Reef through a variety of activities. Swim among brightly colored fish and corals or go scuba diving (certification required). Alternatively, glide over the reefs in a glass-bottom boat or immerse yourself in the watery world in a semi-submersible. The next three days are yours to experience Hamilton Island and the Great Barrier Reef as you wish. Consider snorkeling with sea turtles in the fringing reefs or meeting koalas, dingoes, and pythons at the island’s wildlife center. Spend time on beautiful Whitehaven Beach or go kayaking and paddleboarding just off shore. (B)

Day 14 - Return home

This morning, transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

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