15-Nights Authentic Australia: Cities, Outback & Wonders from $5,018

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney & Sydney Opera House Tour and Dine

Transfer: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airportto Sydney - City Centre

Hotel: Paradox Sydney (5 Star Rating)

Set within a beautifully restored 169-year-old sandstone building in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Paradox Sydney blends timeless elegance with bold individuality. More than a luxury hotel, it’s a destination where heritage meets modern design, and every detail reflects the city’s vibrant spirit. Whether you're here for business or discovery, Paradox Sydney invites you to rest, connect, and return transformed.

Step inside the iconic Sydney Opera House and discover the extraordinary stories of one of the globe's most recognized landmarks. Throughout your experience, the passionate guide will take you inside theatres and foyers that are otherwise off-limits, while letting you in on some insider secrets pertaining to the history of the building and the people who were behind its creation. Following the tour, soak up the views while enjoying your choice of the main meal at the Opera Bar (an iconic Sydney venue focusing on Australian cuisines), House Canteen (a harbourside all-day hawker-style venue offering pan-Asian cuisine), or Midden by Mark Olive (Celebrates Ambassador Chef Mark Olive’s Indigenous Australian heritage with a menu focused on native Australian ingredients), accompanied by a refreshing beverage (either wine, beer, or soft drink).

No reservations are required to dine and your meal and beverage is available before or after your tour. At Opera Bar and House Canteen the meal and beverage is available from 11.30am to 6pm. On arrival please find a table before making your way to the bar and presenting your Tour & Dine ticket to bar staff. At Midden by Mark Olive the meal and beverage is available between 11.30am-2.30pm for lunch and 5pm-6pm for dinner. On arrival to Midden, please present your Tour & Dine ticket to wait staff before being seated.

Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. We continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 19th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. We will continue to Mrs Macquaries Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We then continue through Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the world’s most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay.Time permitting, you may have the option for a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.

Travel on to famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi. Re-board your bus and continue on to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Arrive at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Departing from the Eastern Pontoon @ 12 noon you will spend 2 relaxing hours discovering the secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you will get to learn something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck. Included is an expansive fresh buffet including seafood and beverages are also included

Your cruise concludes at 2.15pm at Circular quay and on arrival, make your way at leisure back to your hotel. Your cruise includes a full buffet lunch with a mix of hot and cold selections, and fresh seafood, as well as a beverage package.

Transfer: Sydney - City Centre to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

Transfer: Alice Springs Airportto Alice Springs - Outer Suburbs

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters (4 Star Rating)

Crowne Plaza brand to Alice Springs – the town in Australia’s “Red Centre”. Nestled under the MacDonnell Ranges and is just a few minutes from Alice Springs CBD and 10 minutes from the Alice Springs Airport. Adjacent to key Alice Springs visitor attractions such as Alice Springs Convention Centre and the casino, Crowne Plaza® Alice Springs Lasseters is one of the town’s largest hotel, offering guests quality, convenient accommodation.

Immerse yourself into the history of Mparn­twe (pro­nounced m’barn-twa), the Arrernte name of Alice Springs. Learn how it came to be the central hub of the Australian outback by visiting the historical sites that played a big part in the evolution of a town originally called Stuart and its progression to what Alice Springs is today. You will visit: School of the Air – Provides education to primary school children living on remote properties throughout the Northern Territory. The Telegraph Station – The first European settlement in Alice Springs(originally Stuart). Learn how it relayed messages between Darwin and Adelaide for 150 years. The Royal Flying Doctor Service – Delivers medical services and emergency evacuation flights to those who live and work in remote rural Australia and Anzac Hill – An amazing view of Alice Springs with the Spectacular backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges.

Departing Alice Springs, take in the rugged desert landscapes as you pass through the MacDonnell Ranges. Your Driver Guide will provide informative commentary about the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna. Call in at a roadhouse for a quick break and see Atila (Mt. Conner) before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort.

*At certain times of the year, some services may operate using smaller vehicles.

Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel (3 Star Rating)

Imagine waking up to a sunrise view of Uluru, blazing red under a sunny Outback sky. Desert Gardens Hotel boasts the only rooms with views of Uluru in Ayers Rock Resort. Perched within an oasis of native gardens, the hotel’s 218 elegant guestrooms provide a relaxing retreat from a day of adventure. Accommodation options are diverse, from deluxe rock view rooms to shady poolside rooms, each located under a canopy of towering gumtrees and garden beds dotted with native shrubs and flowers.

This exclusive dining experience combines the award-winning "Sounds of Silence" dinner under the outback sky with the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. With magnificent views of Uluru at sunset, a three-course bush tucker menu, a premium selection of Australian wines and beers, fascinating star talk and a self-guided walk through the Field of Light art installation, your "A Night at Field of Light" experience is complete.

The evening begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and a transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon to the music of a didgeridoo, enjoy gourmet canapes and chilled sparkling wine.

As darkness falls and the colored lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, join your table of fellow travelers for an exceptional three-course menu infused with bush tucker flavors. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen to our resident star talker decode the southern night sky.

The host will provide insights into the art installation that awaits you, before you are invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of colored light, beckoning you to explore. After dinner, guests are welcomed back at the dune viewing area to enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port whilst viewing the illuminated installation in the darkness.

As you travel towards Uluru its vast shape rises from the sand dunes as the early dawn light highlights it presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location with uninterrupted views to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. Enjoy a picnic breakfast before you experience the highlights of Uluru. Your guide will escort you on a short walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole at Uluru where you will learn the creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (Python). You will drive around the base of Uluru before returning to the resort.

Travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment. Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that makeup Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Your guide will return you to your hotel in time for those joining Sounds of Silence or Tali Wiru dinner or Field of Lights.

Your Wintjiri Wiru experience begins deep in the desert. After a short journey from Ayers Rock Resort, take a gentle evening stroll through the desert along an elevated walkway until you reach the open-air theatre, set upon a dune top. You'll be greeted with delicious cocktails, infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views and watch on in awe as the sun slowly sets over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Embark on a culinary adventure with a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern culinary techniques to create a masterpiece for the palette.

With the heart of Australia as the backdrop, a story passed on for thousands of generations, now passes to you. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told like never before with ground-breaking technology. Choreographed drones, lasers, and projections will take flight, lighting up the night sky in a modern, artistic expression of an ancient, Anangu story. Feel a powerful connection to country as you listen to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language and immerse yourself in a living story.

Travel from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, stopping along the way for a cooked breakfast at Kings Creek Station. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for breathtaking views of Watarrka National Park. Hike along the rim, stopping to look down into the canyon at key focal points. Along with your Guide you will descend into the lush green oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden' before climbing back up to continue along the rim. The hike takes over 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. Or, for something more relaxing, set off on a two-kilometre stroll along the creek bed that leads to impressive views of the canyon rim. After your hike you can take a break for lunch (own expense) at Kings Canyon Resort. Then board your coach to return along Lasseter Highway to Ayers Rock Resort. Keep an eye out for spectacular Mt. Conner along the way as you travel across Curtin Springs Station.

Transfer: Ayers Rock to Ayers Rock Airport

Transfer: Darwin Airportto Darwin - City Centre

Hotel: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront (4 Star Rating)

The Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront provides the perfect base for an unforgettable adventure. Positioned amongst waterside restaurants and the family-friendly wave pool with a lagoon on Darwin’s seafront promenade. It is only a stone’s throw away from the Darwin Convention Centre and within walking distance of Darwin’s CBD.

Embark on a captivating tour of Darwin, immersing yourself in the city's rich history. Your tour includes the Darwin Aviation Museum, where you'll delve into the fascinating world of aviation history. Admire the impressive collection of 19 aircraft on display, including the iconic B-52 Bomber on loan from the United States Air Force. Continue to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), a treasure trove of artistic and scientific excellence. Explore its internationally renowned collections and research programs, the highlight being the largest permanent display of Aboriginal Art in Australia. Stroll through the tranquil Darwin Botanic Gardens, one of the few in the world that has marine and estuarine plants naturally in its grounds.

Depart Darwin and travel along the Arnhem Highway, their major river systems and wetlands, into Kakadu National Park. Located 257 kilometers east of Darwin, this national park covers 20,000 square kilometers of landscape from rocky escarpment home to historic Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, to floodplains abundant with wildlife. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu. Join your local guide on a cruise of Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colorful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned. After lunch, stop at Nourlangie, where your Driver Guide will lead you on a walk to view the rock art galleries. There is the opportunity for an optional 50-minute scenic flight (own expense).

Hotel: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is an idyllic retreat located in Kakadu National Park. Situated in the township of Jabiru, this hotel is the perfect base to start exploring Kakadu's most significant natural attractions such as Ubirr, Jim JIm and Twin Falls, Gunlom Falls, Cahills Crossing & Mamukala Wetlands. Cool off in the large outdoor pool, the perfect oasis for relaxing in between discovery tours around Kakadu before feasting on Kakadu bush tucker & gourmet dining at the Escarpment restaurant and bar.

Meal(s): Lunch

This morning join your Driver Guide to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, where you'll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for a view over the surrounding wetlands. Join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river's abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills. With special permission of the local people, you can go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit the Marrawuddi Art Gallery before returning to Darwin, where your short break concludes.

Meal(s): Lunch

Transfer: Darwin - City Centre to Darwin Airport

Transfer: Cairns Airportto Cairns - City Centre

Hotel: Crystalbrook Bailey (5 Star Rating)

Modern, innovative and with an appreciation for the arts, Crystalbrook Bailey celebrates originality and individuality. Stay at Crystalbrook Bailey, a luxury hotel in Cairns, Queensland, and take time to get lost in the details. To question and explore. Art. Conversations. Places. Do things your way.

For an experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver's wave piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive (extra cost), snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (extra cost). Whichever way you choose; you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

This morning, your driver will greet you, collect your voucher, and issue your Kuranda Boarding Pass. We will then transfer you to Freshwater Station. There is no need to queue, as your pre-allocated preferential Train tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, with breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda.

Upon arrival in Kuranda, you have time to explore this fascinating village - approx. 1hr. The Kuranda Markets are full of colourful and interesting art or find the perfect souvenir at one of Kuranda's eclectic boutiques.

At 11.30 am, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway boarding line - there is no need to queue as your tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, be amazed as you journey over and through the World Heritage protected Rainforest. Your Boarding Pass is your ticket for this iconic rainforest experience that includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations where you can discover exceptional views from The Edge Lookout or visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Complimentary guided boardwalk tours are offered throughout the day at Red Peak Station. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, our coach is waiting to transfer you to Hartley's.

There is plenty of free time to explore the park, and your experience includes a 25 minute Wetlands boat cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. See the notorious head shake and death roll of a huge saltwater crocodile at the Crocodile Attack Show, and discover the world's most venomous snakes at the Snake Show!

Transfer: Cairns - City Centre to Cairns Airport

Transfer: Melbourne Airportto Melbourne - City Centre

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank (3 Star Rating)

The brand-new Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is situated in Melbourne's premier culture and entertainment destination. Positioned in the arts hub of Melbourne, Southbank is home to the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is within close proximity to many of the city’s renowned restaurants and bars, being within walking distance to the Crown Casino complex and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The hotel’s location also allows for easy access to Melbourne’s sporting and entertainment precinct which hosts the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Arena and AAMI Park.

Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told of, and ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. Join this indulgent afternoon walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover artisanal and specialty retailers, that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways. Soak in the city via all your senses, and engage with passionate creatives. There is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.

Your animal adventures will start with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park with fascinating Australian animals at every turn. You have up-close encounters with animals like kangaroos, wombats and echidnas. Next, we will head to the island (Phillip Island) where will head to Woolamai Surf Beach to catch a glimpse of the awesome waves and die-hard surfers (weather permitting). We then cross the island to reach the dramatic west coast and the Nobbies where you will be awe-struck by the crashing waves.

And finally, it's time for the main event, the Penguin Parade. There is a reason that this is one of Australia's top attractions and the little penguins will not disappoint! You will sit on the protective platform to see possibly hundreds of little penguins waddling onto the beach. This fabulous natural spectacular is run by a non-for-profit organization where all profits are directly reinvested in conservation efforts to protect the little penguins.

Transfer: Melbourne - City Centre to Melbourne Airport