Highlights of Australia: A Tailor-Made Journey

Arrive in Sydney and meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free so that you can recuperate after your long flight. If you wish, take a walk in the lively Rocks District, the site of Australia’s first European settlement, now full of art galleries, historic buildings, and cafes. (B)

Board a catamaran with a small group this morning for a cruise of Sydney Harbour. Hear about the city’s history and enjoy a buffet lunch as you sail past the Rocks, bustling Darling Harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the magnificent Sydney Opera House. The rest of the day is at leisure. We recommend climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge—a fun way to appreciate its ingenious engineering and take in sweeping views of the city and its bay. If you would like to see a performance at the Opera House tonight, we can make the arrangements for you. (B,L)

Enjoy a full day to explore Sydney and its environs as you wish. Take a stroll along the waterfront, tour one of the city’s museums, or visit the Botanic Garden. Or travel farther afield with an excursion to the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage-listed wilderness of canyons, waterfalls, and eucalyptus forests about an hour and a half from the city. Go bushwalking on the lookout for kangaroos and other marsupials, and admire the trio of sandstone pinnacles known as Three Sisters. (B)

Fly to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia’s Red Centre, and meet a private driver for the transfer to your hotel. The park is home to the sacred monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the cluster of domed boulders known as Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas. During a free afternoon, consider visiting the park’s excellent Cultural Centre, which offers a glimpse into the culture of the local Anangu people, from their creation stories of Uluru to their artistic traditions. This evening, enjoy an outback dining experience under the stars featuring champagne and canapés, Australian bush tucker, and stargazing with a local astronomer. (B, D)

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the Kata Tjuta—a magical sight you'll experience from a viewing platform on a small group tour. After time at leisure back at your hotel, join a small group for a guided visit to Uluru, learning the history and Aboriginal significance of this iconic site as you walk among the folds of the rock.  Watch the colors of Uluru transform with the changing light, and cap off the day witnessing the sunset on this mystical place. (B)

Enjoy a free morning to further explore the desert or relax at your hotel. Then fly to Cairns, on the coast of tropical North Queensland, where you’ll be picked up for the drive to your hotel in Port Douglas. This is your beachfront base for the next four nights as you explore two World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. (B)

Board a reef cruiser and set out on a full-day snorkel or dive trip on the Great Barrier Reef. Explore some of its 2,900 reefs, encountering silvery schools and vividly colored marine species. With luck, you might spot a giant clam or a reef shark, or swim with a manta ray. Gain insights into this natural wonder from a marine biologist and enjoy lunch with fellow passengers on board. (B)

Venture into the Daintree Rainforest on a full-day small-group tour. Learn about the ecology of this ancient rainforest, and hear about the unique, symbiotic relationship between the Daintree and the local indigenous people that goes back tens of thousands of years. End the tour at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure in this tropical paradise. Spend it with your feet in the sand at one of the area’s beaches, explore galleries and boutiques in the village, or go for a walk in the surrounding parks. (B)

Today, you’ll be escorted back to Cairns Airport for your flight to Melbourne, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your centrally located hotel. You'll have the afternoon free to explore as you wish. You might start with a leisurely stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, a tranquil oasis of lush landscapes and exotic plant species; or visit the National Gallery of Victoria, home to a stunning collection of Australian and international art. As the sun heads for the horizon, visit the Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic views of the city's skyline and beyond. (B)

Today’s walking tour of central Melbourne will take you through eclectic boutiques and historic laneways, past the vibrant street art that adorns unexpected corners. Alongside a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll discover the stories behind Melbourne's unique urban tapestry, indulge in gourmet treats at quaint cafés, and uncover the city's thriving culture of creativity and design. (B)

Embark on a full-day tour of Melbourne’s southeastern coastline, including the Mornington Peninsula, French Island and Phillip Island. Journey by 4x4 across the Mornington Peninsula to Western Port Bay, and take a ferry to French Island, known for its stunning scenery and high koala population. Next, you’ll visit Phillip Island, famous for its pretty beaches and resident penguins. Take a walk along Nobbies Boardwalk before concluding with a VIP guided ranger experience at the Penguin Parade, complete with binoculars and exclusive seating to watch the penguins. (B)

Return to the airport in Melbourne to catch your flight home.