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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 and meet members of the Kuku Yalanji: the world’s oldest living culture.

12 DaysMelbourne to Cairns
Valid on May 5 2026Trip Code: OAMNG
From $6499 USDIncluding taxes and fees

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.

Age requirements: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Journeys: Discover Australia - Itinerary

Trip Start: MelbourneTrip End: Cairns

DAY 1

Melbourne

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.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne:
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Journeys: Discover Australia - Itinerary

Trip Start: MelbourneTrip End: Cairns
DAY 1
Melbourne

DAY 1

Melbourne

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.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne:
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

DAY 2
Melbourne
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DAY 3
Melbourne
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DAY 4
Melbourne/Uluru
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DAY 5
Uluru
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DAY 6
Uluru/Sydney
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DAY 7
Sydney
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DAY 8
Sydney
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DAY 9
Sydney/Port Douglas
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DAY 10
Port Douglas
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DAY 11
Port Douglas
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DAY 12
Port Douglas/Cairns
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What’s Included

  • 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: 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
Accommodations
  • Hotels – 11 nts.
Meals
  • 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Transportation
  • Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking.
Staff & experts
  • National Geographic Expedition Leader

Journeys: Discover Australia Departure Dates

All Years

StartEndingAvailabilityPrices from
Thu, Feb 19 2026Mon, Mar 02 2026Sold Out $7,599 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Feb 26 2026Mon, Mar 09 2026Request (9)$7,599 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Mar 05 2026Mon, Mar 16 2026Request (10)$7,599 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Mar 12 2026Mon, Mar 23 2026Request (8)$7,599 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Mar 19 2026Mon, Mar 30 2026Request (5)$7,599 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Mar 26 2026Mon, Apr 06 2026Open (10)$7,599 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Apr 02 2026Mon, Apr 13 2026Open (1)$7,269 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Apr 16 2026Mon, Apr 27 2026Sold Out $7,269 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Apr 30 2026Mon, May 11 2026Open (8)$7,269 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)

USEFUL INFO

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: 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

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.

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

1) WIFI/Internet Access

Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in Australia as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.

2) Baggage Allowance

The internal flights on this tour have strict baggage limits of 1 item/20kg for checked baggage, and 7kg for carry-on - this may be lower than your international flight baggage limits. Additional checked baggage cannot be purchased ahead of time. However, you may be able to purchase this in person upon check-in at the airport, subject to availability and at your own expense.

3) Public Holidays

Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions.

4) Combo Trip

Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

5) Great Ocean Road Optional Activity

Due to exceptional demand, if you are interested in participating in the 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road optional activity, it must be pre-booked in order to secure a spot during your tour.

6) ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

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