Australia is over 7 million sq km (4.35 sq mi) of sand, reef, rock, wildlife, wine, sailing, ocean, city, culture, Dreamtime, and so much more than we could possibly list here. It would take several lifetimes to explore it all. This sprawling 23-day adventure comes pretty close, though. Kick things off in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia discovering the city’s famed churches and gardens. Then head to the Grampians National Park in Halls Gap to explore this ancient landscape. Travel along the Great Ocean Road on the way to the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne. Next, meet the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation, cruise the glorious Whitsundays, learn to surf, and explore Sydney. Exhausted yet? Just wait ’till you’re actually here!
Day 1: AdelaideArrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting.
Day 2: Adelaide/Halls GapTravel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range.
Day 3: Halls GapTrek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Visit the culturally significant MacKenzie Falls for a short hike. Walk to the stunning Balconies, then spend the afternoon relaxing with the locals - our resident wild kangaroos and emus.
Day 4: Halls Gap/Port CampbellTravel south to the ancient volcanic crater of Tower Hill, with the opportunity to spot some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road as far as the township of Port Campbell.
Day 5: Port CampbellSpend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surrounding natural attractions. Opt for a walk along any number of short paths available to immerse yourself in nature. If the luck of weather is on your side, round out the day by watching the light become golden over the Twelve Apostles on the drive to Port Campbell.
Day 6: Port Campbell/Mornington PeninsulaSpend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park. Travel by ferry across Port Phillip to the Mornington Peninsula.
Day 7: Mornington PeninsulaSpend the morning exploring the Mornington Peninsula, including a visit to Cape Schanck. In the afternoon, opt to visit a winery or relax and enjoy yourself at one of the many incredible beaches in the area.
Day 8: Mornington Peninsula/MelbourneContinue on to Melbourne but first make a few stops along the way. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.
Day 9: MelbourneTour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration.
Day 10: Melbourne/CairnsFly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 11: Cairns/Cape TribulationHead north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 12: Cape TribulationWith a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Day 13: Cape Tribulation/CairnsReturn to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.
Day 14: Cairns/Airlie BeachDepart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Day 15: Airlie BeachSpend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
Day 16: Airlie Beach/Byron BayFly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Day 17: Byron BaySpend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Day 18: Byron Bay/Port MacquarieSpend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Day 19: Port Macquarie/Blue MountainsTravel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.
Day 20: Blue MountainsTravel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Day 21: Blue Mountains/SydneyThis morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Day 22: SydneyGet a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Day 23: SydneyDepart at any time.
