AustraliaJourneys: Discover Australia
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.
Your Welcome Moment: 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.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
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.
Free Time
Free time to explore the city or take an excursion.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk
Melbourne has long been considered a major centre for foodie culture in Australia. As home to many immigrant communities, the gastronomic expertise on offer here is both diverse and exciting. Explore this incredible city on a National Geographic Journeys-exclusive guided walk. Enjoy lunch at three popular venues that showcase why contemporary dining in Melbourne is such a special experience. Through European flavours as well as those from across Asia, you’ll gain a greater understanding of the city’s history, its people, and its celebrated (and gorgeous) laneways.
Accommodation
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
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.
Free Time
Melbourne is full of things to do – take advantage of this free day and get out to explore! Opt to book an excursion along the Great Ocean Road.
Free Time
Melbourne is full of things to do – take advantage of this free day and get out to explore! Opt to book an excursion along the Great Ocean Road.
Optional Activities - Day 3Show
Accommodation
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
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.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit
Learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional Indigenous owners.
Uluru Mala Walk
Gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Desert Gardens Hotel
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.
Kata Tjuta Guided Walk
While Uluru is the most famous landmark in the park, we explore a bit further afield at Kata Tjuta walking through these red domed rocks that comprise this stunning landscape.
Free Time
Enjoy some time at leisure.
Sunset at Uluru
Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while watching the sunset over Uluru. Marvel at the changing colours over the desert and keep reminding yourself that yes, you really are there.
Accommodation
Desert Gardens Hotel
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.
Sunrise at Field of Light
Head to the Field of Light for a sunrise experience you won't soon forget. The artist Bruce Munro created an art installation that becomes illuminated in the changing light. Observe the stunning display and watch the sun rise with views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the distance.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Vibe Hotel Sydney
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.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House
During today’s private tour of the Sydney Opera House the group will learn about the history of the opera house and how the architecture functions within the theatres to produce sound. You’ll learn how during the mid-1950’s a man from Denmark named Jørn Utzon created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that dramatically shifted twentieth-century architecture. Hear stories of the how the architects, engineers, and artists built this engineering masterpiece together and spend time in the theatres themselves witnessing how the architecture of each space contributes to sound, as well as the ways that this space manipulates it.
Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Board a private yacht and enjoy a four-hour cruise navigating the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour. Relax and enjoy the iconic scenery as our crew share stories of Sydney and its famed harbour. Enjoy a casual Aussie BBQ as the sun sets over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and watch the city lights come alive across the water.
Accommodation
Vibe Hotel Sydney
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.
Free Time
Today is a free day and we recommend visiting the Australian Museum, Bondi Beach, or Darling Harbour.
Accommodation
Vibe Hotel Sydney
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.
Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk
Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Mantra PortSea
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.
Great Barrier Reef Excursion With Sailaway
You haven't truly visited Australia until you've experienced the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard the Sailaway VII, a 25m (82ft) sailing vessel and take the journey to the Outer Barrier Reef. Spend time in the largest coral reef system in the world, snorkel amongst colourful fish and keep an eye out for nemo (of course). You’ll sail along the coastline with spectacular views of the Daintree Rainforest and pass Snapper Island on the way out to the reef. You’ll enjoy a guided snorkel tour, and a glass bottom boat which offers extra viewing opportunities for those not looking to get in the water. Afternoon tea, coffee, cakes, fruit, and a buffet lunch are included and all necessary snorkelling gear and equipment.
Accommodation
Mantra PortSea
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.
Free Time
In the morning explore charming Port Douglas. Head to the Sunday markets to see what souvenirs you can take home.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach
Enjoy an exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach featuring a welcome ceremony and a smoking ceremony, during which travellers will learn the purpose and meaning of these rituals and their significance to the Kuku Yalanji people.
Accommodation
Mantra PortSea
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
