Best of Australia

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney, Free Afternoon

Welcome to Sydney! You are welcomed by your guide and transferred from Sydney International Airport to your hotel right in ‘The Rocks’.  

The Rocks is the historic district where Sydney began, and the location of the famous weekend market. Warmth of character and old world hospitality characterizes this delightful historic bed and breakfast boutique hotel. The hotel features a rooftop garden for viewing the Sydney skyline, a lovely sitting room and library, and a stylish wine bar downstairs.  Two freshly made up rooms ensures those who are tired can take a nap while the others explore the area.  Shops, fun eateries, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the bustling Circular Quay are just steps from your hotel.

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel

Day 2: Opera House, Harbour Cruise

In the afternoon you will board a cruise that takes you all around the harbour and shows you all of the highlights of Sydney: The Rocks, Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House to name a few.  An informative and educational commentary of Sydney Harbour’s historical and cultural city sites is provided on board, and you will greet Australia in style.

Later you will get up close and personal with one of the world’s most recognizable buildings, and an icon of Australia – The Sydney Opera House. The Opera House has about 1000 rooms, including five theatres, five rehearsal studios, and two main halls. In the care of a French-speaking guide, you will explore this amazing structure - a work of art that came into existence against impossible odds, and stands as a miracle of architecture and engineering.

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel
Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Sydney Aquarium & Optional Surf Lesson
at Manly Beach

A visit to the highly-regarded Sydney Aquarium is next, where you will be taken on a tour of the seas and oceans surrounding Australia's vast coastline and the rivers, waterways, estuaries and swamps of this  large and diverse yet dry land mass.
At an ideal location at Darling Harbour, the aquarium houses over 11,000 animals from over 630 species of Australian fish, reptiles and mammals that are closely connected with water.

Joined by near to 60 metres of underwater tunnels, the Sydney Aquarium presents the animals according to the regions in which they can be found in the waters around and within Australia: Southern Rivers; Northern Rivers; Southern Ocean; Northern Ocean.

Six million litres of water house this varied and colourful exhibit. See these animals up close, as they swim about in their "near to natural" environments and observe them as they look back at you and as you wonder about them, they're probably doing the same of you.  You will find out what makes this one of the best aquariums in the world.

OPTIONAL: Manly Beach is an Australian icon, world-renowned as one of the most popular beaches in Australia. Nothing soaks in the true spirit of Australia like surfing, and today you can get your feet wet learning how to catch some waves at the incomparable Manly.  Travel by scenic ferry to the hamlet of Manly, one of Sydney’s outer suburbs. In a small group of no more than 6 beginners, you’ll start your lesson with ocean hydraulics, tides, rips and surf-related safety skills.  Then you’ll learn about proper standing and paddling techniques, surfing etiquette and how even first-time surfers can catch a wave.  By the end of the lesson with a little practice, you should be standing and shredding! Perhaps it is the perfect memento of an Australian coastal holiday – return home knowing how to surf! (surfing is extra cost)

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel
Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Wildlife, Aboriginal Culture & The Blue Mountains

This morning your guide will meet you at your Sydney hotel and you commence your tour into the heart of the unique Blue Mountains UNESCO-World Heritage region. 

In the foothills of the Blue Mountains lies a an aboriginal culture centre where you experience different aspects of aboriginal culture--from learning to throw boomerangs to understanding bush foods and medicines, art interpretation, tools and weapons. As the world's oldest surviving culture, the Australian aboriginal people offer a rich and diverse background of beliefs, customs, language, art and food. This is a positive, approachable environment in which to interact one-on-one with indigenous Australians, and learn more about this fascinating culture.

Then you ascend the mountains for a series of short walks, your guide teaching you about the significance of this UNESCO World-Heritage area.  More than 400 different kinds of animals live within the rugged gorges and tablelands of the Greater Blue Mountains. These include threatened or rare species of conservation significance, such as the spotted-tailed quoll, the koala, the yellow-bellied glider, the long-nosed potoroo, the green and golden bell frog and the Blue Mountains water skink.  A highlight is seeing the Three Sisters – a trio of giant sandstone pillars carved from nature and time that stand like sentinels above the Jamison valley.

Later you stop at Euroka Clearing – an ancient volcano now a playground for a host of wild Aussie animals.  The kangaroos and wallabies are relaxed and plentiful here, enjoying the fertile grazing lands, while other marsupials, birds, and reptiles all abound.  Your day ends back in Sydney.

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley*

Australia's Hunter Valley enjoys the distinction of having been one of the earliest planted vine areas in the country, and is now celebrated for its Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Semillion. With your guide today you take the back roads to this bountiful region, regarded as the Napa Valley of Australia. You learn about Australian history, wildlife & aboriginal culture along with the wine tastings in a full day of complimenting experiences.

Travel through beautiful national parks and colonial townships, meet some of the winemakers themselves at small boutique wineries and then visit a larger winery known for its wide varieties. There are over 80 cellar doors in the lower Hunter Valley, and the winery visits are tailored to the desires of the group. Your day includes a cafe lunch and there are options for cheese and chocolate tastings. Sample up to 30 premium Hunter wines, some which are not available anywhere else in the world. You return to Sydney this evening.

* For families with young kids, we can substitute the wine tasting day trip to a kid-friendly activity more appealing for your children. Just specify this request to us in your enquiry.

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Transfer, Flight and Arrival Alice Springs

You are transferred to the Sydney airport this morning and you fly to Alice Springs in the heart of Australia's outback. After your transfer from the airport, you will settle in a charming B&B in Alice Springs--a homey and spacious retreat in a quiet residential area.  Here you’ll be met by your hosts and you have access to a comfortable lounge with entertainment systems, books & magazines.  A swimming pool, gym equipment and laundry are also available.

You have the rest of the afternoon to relax by the pool, walk to the nearby School of the Air or visit the towns highly regarded art galleries & stores. Alfresco dining is very much a part of the Red Centre’s way of life, and several restaurants in town are a great place to try Aussie “bush foods”.

Accommodation: A Good Rest B&B
Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Camel Farm, Mt. Connor and Uluru (Ayers Rock)

This morning it’s an early rise to start your exploration of the Red Centre.  After meeting your guide and the other travellers in your small group, you head south towards The Rock.  According to the local aboriginal people, the Anangu, the Central Australian landscape was created at the beginning of time.  Along your journey today, you will learn more about this rugged outback country, and you view the monstrous flat top mesa known as Mt. Connor, referred to by the traditional people as “atila” – the ice man.  You keep a look out for wild camels, learn how they came to be in Australia, and even take a short ride on the “tame” ones during a stop if you wish (extra cost). 

After lunch, you head to the iconic Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park for your first glimpse of The Rock.   Uluru is one of the largest monoliths in the world and it is here that you experience its power first hand. You do a full base walk to explore the Rock’s multitude of cracks and crevices, and visit the Rock’s Mutijulu Waterhole. At this point you can also join the Kuniya Walk with an indigenous guide who will speak in his own language (Pitanjatjara) accompanied by a translator, about his culture and tribe and explore stories of creation (extra cost).  Afterwards you visit the cultural centre to understand local aboriginal law and religion and understand the special connection the aboriginal people have to this sacred site. 

No Uluru adventure would be complete without experiencing the famous changing colours of Uluru at sunset. With refreshing drinks and snacks at a special lookout point, you watch The Rock go ablaze with brilliant scarlets, coppers and crimsons.

Accommodation: Outback Camping
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Sunrise at Uluru & the Olgas "Valley of the Winds"

This morning you will roll up the swags and head off to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) for an 8 kilometre (2.5-3.5hrs) walk through the “Valley of the Winds”.  This is also a sacred site to the Anangu aboriginal people, and a superb gathering of red rock monoliths known as “many heads”.  Mysterious canyons collect here, red rock towers overhead, and a feeling of calm pervades.  Your guide teaches you about the geological and cultural significance of this place as you traverse this spectacular valley.(Easier walk option available)

After a stop at Kings Creek for fuel and refreshments, you travel to Kings Creek Cattle Station and your camp. The camp has stunning views out over the George Gill Ranges and gives you the true essence of the outback.  You enjoy dinner around the campfire with another night out under the stars.

Accommodation: Outback Camping
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Watarrka (Kings Canyon), The Lost City
& Garden of Eden

In the care of your guide today you will visit Watarrka (Kings Canyon) for a dazzling 7km (3-4hrs) walk through the towering walls, crevices and plateaus. This scenic landscape of rugged ranges, rock holes and gorges acts as a refuge for many plants and animals, making the park an important conservation area and major attraction of central Australia. You can visit the Amphitheatre and the beehive formations at the Lost City plus a swim in the tranquil "Garden of Eden" if you wish. (Easier walk option available)

After Watarrka you’re off to 4-wheel drive across the Ernest Giles Road, where you’ll be shaken but not stirred! You now cross the famous Hugh River Stock Route and arrive at Oak Valley Aboriginal Community.  Here you can relax and enjoy the evening joined by an aboriginal host who will share stories about his culture over the campfire.

Accommodation: Outback Camping
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Aboriginal Culture, Rock Paintings of Oak Valley & Ormiston Gorge Walk

Morning is at its best just as the sun starts to rise followed with a hearty breakfast and a fresh pot of coffee.  You spend the morning checking out the sights of Oak Valley including rock paintings and carvings with your aboriginal host. Departing the area, you head back along the Hugh River Stock Route taking a short cut across Owen Springs Reserve cutting into the West MacDonnell Ranges. Stopping at Ormiston Gorge you hike the "Ghost Gum Walk" (named for the eerie eucalyptus trees), keeping an eye out for honeyeaters and goannas, and swimming in the surrounding rock pools. After a visit to Glen Helen later in the day you then stop at your next bush camp for another night under magnificent southern stars

Accommodation: Ouback Camping
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Gosse Bluff & Palm Valley Walk

After breaking camp you will head off around Namatjira Drive stopping at Tyler's Pass to view Gosse Bluff (comet crater) along the way.  From this point it's on towards Hermannsburg, a historic Lutheran Mission established in 1877.  On arrival at Hermannsburg you visit the heritage precinct where you can explore the historic buildings and grounds.

Next you lock in the hubs and 4-wheel drive into Finke Gorge National Park, site of Palm Valley. Palm Valley is the only place in central Australia where the Red Cabbage Palms survive. After lunch you hike through this picturesque valley, discovering some of its hidden treasures.  After your hike its home to Alice Springs where you can have a drinks and a farewell to new-found friends, you will return to the charming B&B you stayed on Day 6.

Accommodation: A Good Rest B&B
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Flight and Arrival in Cairns, Free Afternoon

This mornign you are transferred to the Alice Springs airport for your flight to tropical Cairns. In Cairns and are warmly greeted by one of our staff members at the airport. You are then transferred to your accommodation.

Your hotel won Trip Advisor's Traveller's Choice Award for 2012, and continues to rank as one of Cairns best rated hotels. You will enjoy the complimentary WiFi in your room, while all rooms have ensuites and air-conditioning, flat screen TVs with Austar and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel also has guest laundry, a tropical pool and spa. It is also easy walking distance to shops and restaurants, and two blocks from the Esplanade and waterfront.

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Private Guide: Parks, Wildlife & Waterfalls

Today you are treated to your own Small World Journeys private naturalist guide who will tailor the day to your particular interests. 

Interested in spotting wildlife?  Your guide will know just where to take you for the best chances of spotting the elusive duck-billed platypus, the endemic Lumholtz tree-kangaroos or the highly-sought double-eyed fig parrot. 

Dreaming of tropical waterfalls hidden in the rainforest? Your guide will take you to one of the most diverse places in the UNESCO Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and host to some of the oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world.  On a gentle loop hike you learn more about the rainforest’s flora and fauna, and arrive at an enchanting set of falls, hidden in the jungle. In another corner of the park, you can plunge down a natural water slide formed by a smooth sloping rock face or glimpse another set of falls from behind its watery veil.

Just want to see the highlights of the Cairns Highlands? Your guide will treat you to ancient volcanic craters, giant fig trees that eerily “strangle” their hosts, a labyrinthine park of giant boulders where wild rock wallabies come out to play, and numerous opportunities to glimpse some of the area’s endemic species.  Your guide returns you to Cairns this evening. 

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included:  Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14: Aboriginal Art & Culture, Traditional Fishing & Tracking, Aboriginal-Guided Daintree Rainforest Walk

Today’s guided tour takes you on three different adventures in the care of a knowledgeable guide. Perhaps the best way to learn about aboriginal culture, first you walk with two aboriginal brothers of the Kuku Yalanji tribe along the coast they’ve called home for thousands of years. Their specialty is helping you find mud crabs, mussels, and other “bush tucker” among the mangroves. In a small group, learn how to throw spears and try your hand at catching food the traditional way.

Later you’ll learn about local customs, hear tales of the indigenous “Dreamtime” and eat your day’s catch. Then you will continue north to the township of Mossman, where you’ll meet aboriginal artist Binna and share in an authentic art experience with him.  You’ll take home a memento of your experience and learn more about aboriginal culture as well. 

Finally you travel to Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest.  Beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony, you wander rainforest paths, discovering with your guide how these aboriginal people found their way through dense rainforest, made shelter and learned what native plants were tasty to eat.  Through your guide sharing his stories, you learn how the seasons dictated life, what falls under men’s and women’s “business”, how to make fire in the rainforest and how to make fish very easy to catch.   You can go for a swim in the sparkling clear water among the boulders, and sample billy tea and wattle seed damper (bread) made on the fire topped with jam from rainforest berries. Then you hear a demonstration of the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo--an integral part of ceremonial and spiritual life, and perhaps one of the most meaningful symbols of aboriginal Australia. You return to Cairns this evening.

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Snorkelling and/or Diving at The Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef—the second UNESCO World Heritage Site on our journey and easily one of the world’s top natural wonders. Today you will sail to the Reef aboard an eco-friendly catamaran, recipient of the Advanced Ecotourism Climate Action Innovator Award.

First stop is Michaelmas Cay at The Great Barrier Reef - an important seabird island refuge and marine park. At its height (during the summer breeding season), as many as 20,000 birds nest on the island.  Snorkelling can be done right of the sand cay, and for those who prefer not to snorkel, an optional glass bottom boat will still give you a glimpse of this underwater universe.

Second stop is the gorgeous Paradise Reef, that truly lives up to its name. For snorkelers, giant clams, angel, butterfly and parrot fish, turtles, sea stars and corals of a thousand hues are all within reach.  Among the 1,800 species of fish and 450 species of coral, you can expect to see Wally the giant wrasse, fan corals, sea cucumbers  and just about the entire cast of “Finding Nemo”.  First-time snorkelers are well-looked after, with instruction on how to get the most out of your reef experience.

Certified SCUBA divers can log 2 dives today, and those with no experience can try an Intro dive with an instructor (diving is extra cost).  You return to Cairns in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16: Wildlife Sanctuary, Crocodile-Spotting Cruise, Daintree Rainforest

Considered one of the most scenic drives in Australia, the Captain Cook Highway winds north from Cairns and treats you to views of golden beaches and the translucent sea. Travel today in the company of a guide and small group to the famed Cape Tribulation, the site at which explorer Captain Cook ran aground.  It is here where two World Heritage areas also lie side by side. Along the way, visit a refuge for Australian animals such as crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas, and countless exotic birds.  A guide educates you about these different species, and you’ll have an opportunity to interact with the animals up close, whether it’s holding a python, feeding a lorikeet or meeting a mother kangaroo and her joey.

Next you’ll take a croc-spotting river cruise on the Daintree River where you can look for these magnificent reptiles in the wild.  Then enter the Daintree, home of the magical ancient rainforest. At one hundred and thirty-five million years old, the Daintree is some of the oldest rainforest in the world.  Approximately 430 species of birds live here, including 13 species that are found nowhere else on earth.  You will take a walk through lowland rainforest with your guide to learn more about the flora and fauna of this region.

OPTIONAL: A special treat tonight is a night hike with a professional naturalist on a private swath of old-growth rainforest to spot some of the nocturnal animals of the Daintree and learn more about this significant place. While wildlife behaviour and fauna sightings are unpredictable, you will enjoy a genuine wilderness experience.  You will return to your lodge by 10:30 pm (extra cost)

Accommodation: Ferntree Lodge
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 17: Cape Tribulation, Optional Jungle Zip Line or Horse Ride

In the early morning the animals stir, the rainforest sings with birdcalls, and today you can explore the world of wildlife that comes to life when the sun rises.  This morning check out Cape Tribulation beach and see why this area, also part of the Kuku Yalanji tribal area, has great spiritual and cultural significance. Explore the Kulki boardwalk that runs through rare tropical lowland forest. If you’re lucky you’ll spot the Peppermint Stick insect on the pandanus palms, or the Daintree’s endangered and giant flightless bird, the cassowary. For a challenge, hike the lush green slopes of Mt. Sorrow for spectacular views out across the Coral Sea.

OPTIONS (extra cost): you can also choose one of three adventures: horse riding, sea kayaking or riding a jungle zip line. A morning of horse riding is perfect for absolute beginner riders through to the more experienced rider. Trails meander through scenic bushland and rainforest, crossing streams and out onto the spectacular Cape Tribulation Beach. You can canter down the beach--the wind in your hair--to complete your tropical paradise dreams.

Alternatively, you can take to the water with a sea kayaking guide and follow him to his secret places while looking for sea eagles, stingrays, dolphins, dugongs and the occasional migrating whale.

Or you can experience the art of "jungle surfing": an exhilarating zip line ride among the tree tops. By clipping into a series of steel cables arranged in the trees, you can fly across the rainforest canopy and get a bird's eye view of the world. At the highest point you fly over 22 metres above the valley.

You return to Cairns this evening in a small group.

Accommodation: Heritage Cairns Hotel
Included: Breakfast

Day 18: Flight to Sydney, Optional Ghost Tour, Sydney Observatory or Oper house Performance

Today you will fly back to Sydney to relax between your two flights. The day is free. You can choose to spend the afternoon on one of the Sydney beaches or visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Sydney: Wrapped around Farm Cove at the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens occupy one of Sydney’s most spectacular positions and are considered to be one of the great botanic gardens of the world.

OPTIONAL (extra cost): Tonight with your ghoulishly-dressed escort and a flickering lantern, you discover how a hunted past has created the spirits of today on a fascinating “ghost tour”.  Your groups creeps through the narrow alleyways and courtyards of The Rocks historic district to hear the spooky tales of intrigue and treachery, true stories told by local people who once led ordinary lives.  Your spine will tingle and goose bumps will rise as you learn about this birthplace of the nation with a dark history of disease, disaster, violence and horrific murders – where spirits still linger.  This is a great way to learn about Sydney’s colonial and convict history in a fun and unique way

OPTIONAL(extra cost): This evening you join in an astronomy lesson and star gazing at the Sydney Observatory.  During this truly celestial experience, you get an introduction to the myriad southern constellations—including the Southern Cross. You’ll also learn more about the universe experience the 3-D space theatre and view the historic astronomical and meteorological objects on display. With the massive telescopes, you are also able to look closely at the twinkles of star clusters, red giants, nebulae where stars are being born, globular clusters, and distant galaxies.  If viewing through the telescopes is not possible due to sky conditions, a fun beanbag planetarium session is provided instead.

OPTIONAL (extra cost): As a special treat tonight, you can opt to see a live performance in the Opera House - from opera to circus, rock and cabaret – in one of the busiest performing arts venues in the world. 

Accommodation: The Russell Hotel
Included: Breakfast

Day 19: Departure

Eventually all good things must come to an end. After breakfast today you are transferred back to the Sydney Airport for your flight back home.

Included: Breakfast