Eastern Australia: From Sydney to Cairns

Wake up in Sydney. Enjoy the day at your leisure, taking full advantage of your last 24 hours in the city. Sample Sydney’s famed coffeeshops, stroll along the beach, or visit museums, it’s up to you! If you aren’t sure what to do, we suggest an optional Panoramic city sights excursion* to get a full picture of what Sydney has to offer. If Australia’s nature piques your interest, you could also choose the optional excursion to the Blue Mountains National Park** outside the city. After your afternoon, head back to the hotel. Overnight in Sydney.

*Optional Panoramic city sights excursion: See the essentials of Greater Sydney in this bus tour. Start in the CBD, then marvel at 18th-century sandstone architecture such as the Parliament House. Head to Mrs. Macquaries Point to enjoy magnificent views and continue through Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Pass through areas such as Kings Cross before arriving at Watsons Bay. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach and see Aussie surfers riding the waves. Continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Paddington, a trendy district with elegant shops. End in Darling Harbour. 

**Optional Blue Mountains excursion: The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts stunning scenery. Go off the beaten track with an expert guide to visit remote viewpoints and discuss the history, flora, and fauna of this magnificent region.

Important note: These optional activities take place simultaneously and cannot be combined.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for an internal flight to Brisbane. The third-largest city in Oceania and the capital of Queensland, Brisbane is well-known for its diversity, parks, and botanical gardens.

Upon arrival, head straight for the hotel to check-in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Rest after the flight or head out on foot to begin exploring the city! Overnight stay in Brisbane.

Breakfast at the hotel. Head out for a full day of activities in Brisbane, beginning with a self-transfer to the prearranged meeting point. You’ll begin with a tranquil cruise along the Brisbane River. Enjoy informative commentary from your captain as you glide along Brisbane’s waterfront, passing from the bustle of the city’s skyscrapers to leafy suburbs with waterside mansions.

The cruise will drop you off at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a Brisbane must-see for over 70 years. This is both the biggest and the oldest koala sanctuary in the world! You’ll have three hours to explore the expansive terrain, get up close and feed the animals—it's a special opportunity to observe kangaroos, wallabies, and even the shy platypus, all of which are native to Australia. Enjoy an included picnic lunch at the sanctuary before self-transferring back to central Brisbane. Overnight stay in Brisbane.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a free day to explore Brisbane as you see fit. The possibilities are endless–check out the city’s Chinatown, head to the Queensland Museum, or visit the Kangaroo Point Cliffs just across the river from the CBD! One way to get out of the city for the day is our optional excursion to Moreton Island.* No matter what you choose, make sure you get some rest and prepare to travel tomorrow! Overnight stay in Brisbane.

*Optional excursion to Moreton Island: Located just off the mainland in the Moreton Bay, this island is mostly occupied by a National Park and offers numerous outdoor activities to enjoy! Convene at the prearranged meeting point and head straight for the island in the morning. Enjoy sand-tobogganing, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and more along with a picnic lunch.

Wake up in Brisbane, prepared for an internal flight to Cairns. Located in the far north of Queensland, Cairns is a tropical city and a center for tourism in the region’s spectacular nature. The city offers easy access to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

After landing, self-transfer to the hotel and take the rest of the day to discover this exciting city independently. Swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at a farmer's market, shop for a summer wardrobe, or cruise around the marina. It’s up to you! Overnight in Cairns.

Wake up in Cairns. Today is your free day to explore–time to experience all the wonderful nature that the region offers. If you’re hoping to see one of Cairns’ most iconic sights, now is your chance–join our optional full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef!*

Head back to the hotel and rest up before an included dinner at Ochre, a local restaurant offering Australian specialties on the boardwalk with beautiful views of the harbor. Please keep in mind that you will have to self-transfer to the restaurant and back to the hotel. Overnight in Cairns.

Important note: The restaurant specializes in grilled Australian meats, which will be the centerpiece of your dinner, served with bread and rice, followed by a refreshing dessert. Vegetarian guests are advised to let their guide know in advance so that sufficient options are made available.

*Optional Great Barrier Reef excursion: Experience one of Australia’s most significant natural landmarks, visible from space and the single largest living structure of organisms on Earth. See this Wonder of the World in a fun activity for all ages, whether you swim or not! Spend the day out along the reef on an elevated platform that offers unparalleled views. Snorkel, dive, visit the underwater observatory, cruise in a semi-sub, or just relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch.

Wake up in Cairns. Enjoy another day at your leisure to cross more fun activities off your list. If you’re most excited about seeing the Daintree Rainforest, you could sign up for an optional excursion led by an experienced guide* and see far more than a typical tourist. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and pack for tomorrow’s flight to Melbourne. Overnight in Cairns.

*Optional Daintree Rainforest excursion: Take the scenic route to Cape Tribulation within the Daintree National Park. Ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of rainforest merging with the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest up-close on the elevated National Park Boardwalk. Go beyond Cape Tribulation to pristine Emmagen Creek, with time for a refreshing rainforest swim. Look for exotic birds in the trees and indulge in the tropical fruit of these tranquil surroundings. After a short afternoon refreshment stop, cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and return to the hotel.

Wake up in Cairns and self-transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne! Lauded for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, Australia's best shopping, a lively passion for fine dining, and a flourishing interest in the arts. Restored and preserved nineteenth-century architecture, built following the discovery of gold, provides a heady reminder of a prosperous age, while beautifully tended parks and gardens present a therapeutic respite from the pace of city life.

Take the rest of the day at your leisure to rest or explore. Overnight in Melbourne

Wake up in Melbourne. Today, experience a guided tour of the city. Melbourne is a city of contrasts, world-famous sporting arenas, and historic gardens. Be dazzled by the wondrous sights of Australia’s most vibrant city and learn about Melbourne’s fascinating history, explore its bustling art and cafe scene, as well as plenty of other cultural highlights with your expert guide.

You are once again free in the afternoon to explore Melbourne as you see fit. Overnight in Melbourne.

Wake up in Melbourne. Today is your final full day here, so be sure to take advantage! This is your last chance to go on an excursion in Australia. Today there are two options on offer, both of which cater to those seeking one last look at the stunning Australian natural scenery. For those who want stunning views and a stop at a rock formation known as the “12 Apostles,” why not go on a coastal drive with the optional Ocean Road experience?* If you want to get to know the local wildlife, and see it up close, head to Phillip Island** and see a koala reserve and “penguin parade” before heading back to the mainland. Overnight in Melbourne.

*Optional Ocean Road Experience: The Great Ocean Road tour is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives! Leaving Melbourne, pass Anglesea before enjoying morning tea on the beautiful beach. See the abundance of Australian wildlife, including cuddly koalas, and check out the magnificent surf spots. Walk in the ancient rainforest before arriving in the afternoon to see the gigantic limestone stacks known as the “12 Apostles” in Port Campbell National Park.

**Optional Phillip Island Experience: Stop at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve and make some new friends as you stroll on boardwalk trails. Experience views of an Australian fur seal colony and spot wild wallabies and native birds on a back-road journey to the main event. The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at Summerland Beach is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating ecotourism attractions in the world, offering the opportunity to learn about the conservation of wildlife. At sunset, witness some of the world's tiniest penguins coming ashore as they emerge from the sea. It's truly unforgettable!

Important note: these optional activities take place simultaneously and cannot be combined.

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bid farewell to Australia after an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the US. Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.*

*Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in UK/Ireland the following day.