Tour Explore Australia National Geographic Journeys

Accommodation

Hotels (11 nts).

Others

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.

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours. The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour. Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date.

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking.

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Others

Great Barrier Reef - Great Barrier Reef Diving from Port Douglas (301.50-450.00AUD per person) - Great Barrier Reef Diving from Cairns (245-289AUD per person) - Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling from Cairns Cairns - Skydiving (310-400AUD per person) - Bungee Jumping (179AUD per person) - Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway (116-171AUD per person) Uluru - Uluru Helicopter Flight (180-360AUD per person) - Outback Astronomy Tour (60-70AUD per person) Great Ocean Road - Great Ocean Road Day excursion (144-195AUD per person) Melbourne - Myki Explorer Public Transportation Pass (15AUD per person) - Yarra Valley Wine Tour (175-200AUD per person)

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Sydney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Sydney

Arrive at any time.
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.

Accommodation:
- Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar).

Included Activities:
- Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Additional Notes: Please try to arrive before 6:00pm for an important group welcome meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.

This is a busy trip with a lot of early mornings to catch connecting flights, enabling you to see as much of Down Under as possible.
Day 2 Day 2: Sydney (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Sydney (1B, 1D)

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.

Accommodation:
- Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Metro: Sydney

Included Activities:
- The Rocks Indigenous Dreaming and Welcome Tour
- Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Day 3 Day 3: Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)

Fly to Cairns and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next two nights.
We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day.

Accommodation:
- Mantra PortSea (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Taxicab: Sydney 00:30 - 01:00 Hr(s)
- Plane 03:00 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk

Additional Notes: Please note that the max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person. Any additional luggage is subject to airline fees and is not included.
Day 4 Day 4: Port Douglas (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Port Douglas (1B)

Enjoy a day of leisure in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches.

Accommodation:
- Mantra PortSea (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Additional Notes: Please be aware that if you decide to book the optional scuba diving activity in the Great Barrier Reef and are taking any prescription medications, you will need a doctor’s release giving you permission to dive.
Day 5 Day 5: Port Douglas/Cairns (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Port Douglas/Cairns (1B)

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.

Accommodation:
- Pacific Hotel Cairns (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- James Cook University Research Aquarium
Day 6 Day 6: Cairns (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cairns (1B)

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.

Accommodation:
- Pacific Hotel Cairns (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Additional Notes: Please be aware that if you decide to book the optional scuba diving activity in the Great Barrier Reef and are taking any prescription medications, you will need a doctor’s release giving you permission to dive.
Day 7 Day 7: Cairns/Uluru (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cairns/Uluru (1B)

Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional indigenous owners. Cap off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over the fabled Uluru monolith.
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.

Accommodation:
- Desert Gardens Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane
- Private Vehicle 00:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Sunset at Uluru
- Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit

Additional Notes: Airline schedules and flight availability are outside of our control and are always subject to change without notice. While we do our best to book direct flights, on occasion we may have to connect though another city.
Day 8 Day 8: Uluru (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Uluru (1B)

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.

Accommodation:
- Desert Gardens Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Uluru Mala Walk & Sunset charter
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Additional Notes: Between November and March, there is extreme heat with temperatures averaging between 43-46°C (109-115°F) in the middle of Australia, especially around Uluru. This can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially become very dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, coconut water or water mixed with electrolyte powder packets.

The Mala Walk at Uluru is not permitted if temperatures exceed 36°C (98°F). During these hot months, we try to offer all walks early in the day to avoid the midday sun. Our CEOs will monitor the weather conditions to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off a given day’s walk due to extreme heat.
Day 9 Day 9: Uluru/Melbourne (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Uluru/Melbourne (1B)

Enjoy one last sunrise over spectacular Uluru before catching a flight to Melbourne, known as the cultural capital of Australia.

Accommodation:
- Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane
- Taxicab: Melbourne 00:30 - 01:00 Hr(s)

Additional Notes: Flight times today can very depending on airline schedules.
Day 10 Day 10: Melbourne (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Melbourne (1B)

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.

Accommodation:
- Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day 11 Day 11: Melbourne (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Melbourne (1B, 1L)

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.

Accommodation:
- Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Included Activities:
- Melbourne Foodie Walk

Additional Notes: Occasionally Monique Bayer may not be available for the Melbourne Foodie Walk. In the event this happens, an equally qualified guide will lead the walk.
Day 12 Day 12: Melbourne (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Melbourne (1B)

Depart at any time.
If you want more time to explore Melbourne, we recommend booking post nights with your agent

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Departure Day (Activities)

12 days tour

Explore Australia National Geographic Journeys

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Explore Australia National Geographic Journeys

Day 1: Sydney

Day 2: Sydney (1B, 1D)

Day 3: Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)

Day 4: Port Douglas (1B)

Day 5: Port Douglas/Cairns (1B)

Day 6: Cairns (1B)

Day 7: Cairns/Uluru (1B)

Day 8: Uluru (1B)

Day 9: Uluru/Melbourne (1B)

Day 10: Melbourne (1B)

Day 11: Melbourne (1B, 1L)

Day 12: Melbourne (1B)

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