Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 12 Day Journeys: Discover Australia. Experience the very best of the Land Down Under, journeying from quirky foodie-haven Melbourne to the heart of the Red Centre to tropical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Kick things off by eating your way through Melbourne’s best restaurants before heading to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to explore its sacred rock formations. Next up is Sydney for a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Opera House. Cruise the Great Barrier Reef aboard a catamaran, then continue your exploration of Queensland read more and meet members of the Kuku Yalanji: the world’s oldest living culture.
Our Price From
US$6,304 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $228 per person
Trip Length
12 Days
Trip Starts
Melbourne
Trip Ends
Cairns
Departures
Apr 2026 to Jan 2028
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
OAMNG
Itinerary
Make your way to the hotel to check in. There are no planned activities during the day, so enjoy some time to explore the city before joining our National Geographic Expedition Leader for a welcome briefing at 8pm. Stay: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a 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 experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stay: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (B/L)
Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. Wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals. Stay: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (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. Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel (B)
In the morning make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration as you walk along these ancient, red-hued landscapes. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before capping off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over this fabled monolith. Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel (B)
Observe the stunning display and watch the sun rise with views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the distance. Return to the hotel for breakfast and your final moments in the heart of the outback before it’s time to pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney. Check in to our Sydney hotel and opt to join our National Geographic Expedition Leader for a dinner out on the town in one of Sydney's famous neighbourhoods. Stay: Vibe Hotel Sydney (B)
Join your Expedition Leader on a walking orientation tour of some of the city’s well known landmarks like the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area’s Indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private boat for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background. Stay: Vibe Hotel Sydney (B/D)
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos. Stay: Vibe Hotel Sydney (B)
We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day. Stay: Mantra PortSea (B)
Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please. Stay: Mantra PortSea (B/L)
Enjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our Expedition Leader will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under. Stay: Mantra PortSea (B)
After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Experience the Red Centre and witness the majesty of Uluru at sunrise.
- Discover Melbourne's hidden laneways.
- Enjoy a private tour of the Sydney Opera House.
- Set out on an Indigenous walking experience in the Daintree Rainforest.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, Melbourne
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach, Port Douglas
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
- 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
- Full day excursion snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels – 11 nts
- This trip uses comfortable 3 star hotels, well located in cities and close to National Parks. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a very good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.
- National Geographic Expedition Leader
- 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 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
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Journeys
These small group tours combine meaningful cultural experiences with upgraded comfort and expert insight. Many itineraries include visits to community projects supported by G Adventures or National Geographic, offering a chance to connect with people and places in a more impactful way. With more inclusions than other travel styles, character-filled accommodations and exclusive pre-trip reading to set the scene, these adventures are ideal for travelers who want to explore thoughtfully and return inspired.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Thursday
19 Feb 2026
19 Feb 26
Melbourne
Monday
02 Mar 2026
02 Mar 26
Cairns
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,599
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Thursday
26 Feb 2026
26 Feb 26
Melbourne
Monday
09 Mar 2026
09 Mar 26
Cairns
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,599
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
Similar Tours
16 Days Sydney Cairns
Operated By: G Adventures
From
3,273
Save
476
15 Days Auckland Brisbane
Operated By: G Adventures
From
2,182
Save
336
