Journeys: Discover Australia - 12 Days

Arrive at any time. 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.

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.

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.

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. Then take a guided walk along both the northwest and southern sides of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations. 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.

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.

Awaken at dawn to witness the famous Field of Light installation, the artist Bruce Munro created an art installation that becomes illuminated in the changing light. Enjoy 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. 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.

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.

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.

Fly to Cairns today 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 three nights. We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day.

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.

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.

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.