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Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
OAXNG
Overview
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 12 Day Explore Australia. Experience the wonders of the land down under, journeying from sunny Sydney to the edge of the Great Barrier Reef and into the heart of the mystical Red Centre. Meet members of Australia’s indigenous community—the world’s oldest living culture—in Daintree Rainforest and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park; get up close to fascinating marine creatures at a research aquarium founded by a National Geographic grantee; and cap off your adventure in quirky, colourful Melbourne....read more
Itinerary
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and enjoy exploring the city before joining the welcome meeting at 6pm. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit The Rocks neighbourhood, the Australian Museum, Bondi Beach, or Darling Harbour.
Enjoy a traditional welcome ceremony this morning, followed by a guided tour of the historic Rocks district. This waterfront neighbourhood marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia, and holds a spiritual significance for the area’s indigenous people. In the afternoon, board a private yacht for a sunset cruise and barbecue dinner on the Sydney Harbour, taking in views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. (B/D)
We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day. (B)
Enjoy a day of leisure in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches. (B)
Return to the tropical city of Cairns and visit James Cook University for a behind-the-scenes tour of its research aquarium, founded by marine biologist and National Geographic Grantee Dr Jamie Seymour. Get an up-close view of some of the aquarium’s fascinating creatures, from sea snakes to box jellyfish, and hear about the latest aquatic research from Jamie or one of his colleagues. (B)
Spend the day on your own in beautiful Cairns, relaxing at the beach or setting out on an optional excursion. Choose to go scuba diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, which teems with thousands of marine species, or enjoy spectacular views along the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway. (B)
Accommodations in Uluru are limited and of varying amenities. We do our best to secure a mid-range hotel, but on occasion a more simple accommodation with fewer amenities may be used. (B)
Awake at dawn to take in an unforgettable sunrise over Uluru, then delve into a full-day exploration of the ancient, red-hued landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Set out on a guided walk around the base of the monolith, gaining insight into its sacred significance to the Anangu. Later, make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighbouring natural wonder. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. (B)
Enjoy one last sunrise over spectacular Uluru before catching a flight to Melbourne, known as the cultural capital of Australia. (B)
Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, one of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world; visit some of the region’s top wineries; or wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colourful murals. (B)
Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a local author and culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll enjoy lunch at three popular venues and experience a range of flavours and cuisines. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. (B/L)
If you want more time to explore Melbourne, we recommend booking post nights with your agent (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Experience the Red Centre and witness the majesty of Uluru at sunrise.
- Discover Melbourne's hidden laneways.
- Tour the James Cook University Aquarium.
- Enjoy an Indigenous experience in the heart of Sydney's waterfront.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: The Rocks Indigenous Dreaming and Welcome Tour, Sydney
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: James Cook University Research Aquarium, Cairns
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, Melbourne
- Your Discover Moment: Cairns
- Sydney Harbour cruise
- Indigenous dreamtime walk through the Daintree Rainforest at Mossman Gorge
- Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru
- Walk through Walpa Gorge in Kata Tjuta
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (11 Nights)
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Explore Australia' Reviews
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The best of the best 0 Hannah, United States, Jan 2019
My trip to Australia was just as amazing as my last one. Once again Juliet was a great help and she truly set me up with one of the best tours there was on offer. The National Geographic tour was one of the highest rated tours and it truly showed! I got the best of the best on this trip. I loved traveling to the desert and seeing Uluru and also getting ...read more to see some koalas on the Great Ocean Road. Unforgettable for sure.
The only thing I was somewhat nervous about was when I first showed up for the welcome meeting the age demographic was a lot older than me and I'm not sure if I was warned about this before I booked the tour. Definitely not Juliet's fault, since I had already had a different travel agent who left on maternity leave before I was put in touch with Juliet. I stayed positive though and still found a way to make friends even though they were 50 years older than I am. My tour guide was young, along with a couple of other people in the group so I stuck with them and really made some friends that I will never forget there as well.
Australia was absolutely beautiful and there were so many opportunities to explore each city and do optional activities. I think for this trip, my G Adventures tour guide made it amazing.
The only thing I was somewhat nervous about was when I first showed up for the welcome meeting the age demographic was a lot older than me and I'm not sure if I was warned about this before I booked the tour. Definitely not Juliet's fault, since I had already had a different travel agent who left on maternity leave before I was put in touch with Juliet. I stayed positive though and still found a way to make friends even though they were 50 years older than I am. My tour guide was young, along with a couple of other people in the group so I stuck with them and really made some friends that I will never forget there as well.
Australia was absolutely beautiful and there were so many opportunities to explore each city and do optional activities. I think for this trip, my G Adventures tour guide made it amazing.
Brochure
G Adventures National Geographic (2023-24)
Combining National Geographic’s more than 130 years of global exploration, science, and storytelling, with the fun, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences for which G Adventures is a global leader. Support global initiatives, community projects, and enjoy access to exclusive ventures. Dive into a blend of comfort and discovery, just...more as the renowned National Geographic explorers did.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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