Enjoy the “Land Down Under” with a lunchtime cruise through Sydney Harbor, where you’ll see the world-famous Opera House and other harborside highlights. Then fly to Ayers Rock, sacred site of Aboriginals – the first Australians – followed by a camelback trek of Uluru with breathtaking views of flora and fauna. You’ll also see Daintree National Forest, the oldest living rainforest on earth, and the Great Barrier Reef, where you can go SCUBA diving or observe from a glass-bottom boat the Reef’s complex ecosystem.
Language
Australian English
Time Zone
Western Australia: GMT +8
South Australia: GMT +10:30
Eastern Australia: GMT +11
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Average Temp
63° F
Australia Expedition
Ballooning & Bandicoots
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Arrive in Sydney
Private transfer to hotel
Half-day tour:
- Sydney Harbor lunch cruise
- Private “Rocks” walking tour
Accommodations: Park Royal Darling Harbour
Meals: Lunch
Day 2 – SYDNEY – BLUE MOUNTAINS
Choice of full day private excursion:
- Hunter Valley Wine tour OR
- Blue Mountains National Park tour
Accommodations: Park Royal Darling Harbour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – SYDNEY / AYERS ROCK – KATA TJUTA
Private transfer to airport for flight to Ayers Rock
Kata Tjuta Domes tour:
- Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
- Walpa Gorge
- “Sounds of Silence” Dinner
Accommodations: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – AYERS ROCK – ULURU
- Sunrise Trek around the base of Uluru
- Dot painting workshop (optional)
- Sunset Camel trek
Accommodations: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – AYERS ROCK / ALICE SPRINGS
Private transfer to airport for flight to Alice Springs
Private half-day tour:
- Royal Flying Doctor base
- School of Air
- Telegraph Station
Accommodations: Double Tree by Hilton Alice Springs
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – ALICE SPRINGS / CAIRNS / PORT DOUGLAS
- Early morning hot air ballooning
- Explore Desert Park
Fly to Cairns
Private transfer to Port Douglas
Accommodations: Pullman Sea Temple Port Douglas
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – PORT DOUGLAS
Choice of full day private excursion:
- Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation & Mossman Gorge
- Whitewater rafting on Barron River
Accommodations: Pullman Sea Temple Port Douglas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – PORT DOUGLAS – KURANDA
Full day Kuranda shared excursion:
- Scenic railway to Kuranda Mountain village
- Skyrail gondola
Accommodations: Pullman Sea Temple Port Douglas
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – PORT DOUGLAS / GLADSTONE
Private transfer to airport for flight to Gladstone
Courtesy shuttle to hotel
Accommodations: Mercure Gladstone
Meals: Breakfast
Days 10-12 – GLADSTONE / HERON ISLAND – GREAT BARRIER REEF
Courtesy shuttle to Gladstone Marina for catamaran to Heron Island
Included activities:
- Island & Reef Discovery walks
- Turtle & Bird walks
Optional activities (supplement applies):
- Scuba diving & Snorkeling boat tours
- Kayaking & Paddle boarding
- Research Station & Semi-submersible tours
- Fishing & Sunset cruises
Accommodations: Heron Island Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – HERON ISLAND / GLADSTONE / SYDNEY / HOMEWARD BOUND
Transfer by catamaran to Gladstone Marina
Shared shuttle to airport for flight to Sydney to connect with flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $7,500 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
I’m so thoroughly ensconced on Cloud 9 that I can hardly function. I just look at photos and smile. And smile. The trip was absolutely superb, amazing, awesome, everything I hoped. I loved it all! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I am so grateful to you! I know there were a million details and they all worked out just right. Where shall I go next? Actually, I want to do this all over again.
Susan B.
Charlottesville, VA
When to go:
Best times are from September to November & March to May
What to eat:
Barramundi (river fish), Kangaroo Meat, Lamington (sponge cake with chocolate & coconut)
What to pack:
Long & short-sleeved shirts & t-shirts; trousers, jeans, shorts, skirts; jacket, sweater & rain jacket; layering & waterproof clothing; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking & hiking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter
