Australia Grand Tour: Sydney to Tasmania - 21 Days

Highlights

• Explore the exciting cities of Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne
• Snorkel among stunning marine life along the Great Barrier Reef
• Learn about First Nations culture at Cooya Beach, Uluru, and Cave Hill
• Discover the extraordinary beauty of rainforests and the outback
• Visit Kangaroo Island and mingle with koalas and kangaroos

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney

Welcome to Sydney! Often mistaken as Australia's capital (that would be Canberra), this city feels like the country's central metropolis. This is due to its iconic sights, historic neighborhoods, world-class culinary and nightlife scenes, prime waterfront location, and an array of pristine beaches. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel, where you can take some time to relax and unwind.

If you have the energy, head out and explore. Soak up the lively atmosphere of Darling Harbour, or walk across Harbour Bridge for great views of the Sydney Opera House. Nearby are the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks, Sydney's oldest neighborhood. You can also head to the famous Bondi Beach and take a surf lesson or enjoy the calmer waters at Coogee. Afterward, dine on fresh seafood or eclectic international fare before taking on Sydney's legendary nightlife.

Day 2: Morning City Tour, Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise

This morning's four-hour guided walking tour delivers the highlights of Australia's largest city and takes you to some lesser-known gems. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you visit historic neighborhoods, including strolling through trendy Oxford Street. Arrive at the coast to enjoy a superb cliff walk around the beachside suburbs of Tamarama and Bronte, then return to the city via scenic waterfront areas such as Double Bay and the sandstone rock outcroppings of Lady Macquarie's Chair.

In the afternoon, take in the sights from the water with a three-hour afternoon cruise. You'll visit Shark Island National Park, where you can swim in its calm waters at your leisure. Don't miss the island's foreshore, where you'll find mysterious grottoes dating back to the early 1900s. Enjoy its many secluded beaches and spectacular sandstone cliffs. Learn about the history of Sydney Harbour and the marine life that inhabits its sandy beaches, grassy seabeds, and rocky shores.

Day 3: Sydney Opera House Tour, Free Afternoon in Sydney

Day 4: Sydney to Port Douglas

Day 5: Full-Day Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour

Your Great Barrier Reef adventure starts with an early departure from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas. Kick back and relax on deck as you sail along a stunning coastline to reach the outer reef, Mackay Coral Cay, with its pristine white sand and epic snorkeling spots at Undine Reef. You'll enjoy views of the Daintree Mountains' soaring peaks on the way.

Once at the protected site, take a guided snorkeling tour led by a marine biologist and discover an underwater world brimming with exotic life. Swim next to sea turtles as they glide gracefully through the water and marvel at the 1,500 fish species that inhabit this marine park. These include everything from sergeant majors and parrotfish to moray eels and reef sharks. You can also enjoy a coral-viewing tour on a glass-bottom boat as you sit in the cabin below deck, 3 feet (1 m) underwater. Watch fish feeding in colorful coral gardens through large windows on all sides.

Day 6: First Nations Fishing & Daintree Rainforest Tour

After breakfast, head north of Port Douglas to Cooya Beach (Kuyu Kuyu), a traditional fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji people. Here, you'll join one of the Kubirri Warra brothers on their beach for a walk among the mudflats and mangroves. Following this is an introduction to the traditional fishing techniques of the local First Nations Australians, after which you'll join them to try and catch your own "tucker" (food).

Next, travel inland to nearby Mossman Gorge, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park. Here, you'll be welcomed with a traditional First Nations "smoking" ceremony to protect you while visiting Kuku Yalanji country. Then, you'll enter the rainforests of Daintree, the oldest in the world. Enjoy a leisurely hike across boardwalks, tracks, and bridges that offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. As you go, your guide will point out the various flora and fauna throughout the hike.

Day 7: Port Douglas to Byron Bay

Today you'll fly to Australia's Gold Coast, where your driver will be waiting to take you to Byron Bay. This famous coastal town is located in the neighboring state of New South Wales and will serve as your base for the next three nights. With its stunning natural attractions and welcoming community, you'll be captivated by its gorgeous beaches, hinterland rainforests, spectacular coastal trails, premier scuba sites, and buzzing food scene.

Day 8: Full-Day Byron & Beyond Tour

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Day 9: Optional Activities in Byron Bay

Day 10: Byron Bay to Uluru, Afternoon Kata Tjuta Tour & Evening Field of Light

Meet your driver at your hotel for private transport to Gold Coast Airport, where you'll fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock). The spiritual heart of Australia's Red Centre, Uluru, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory. The country's most recognized natural wonder, this special place is home to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara tribes, the traditional landowners of the area. 

In the afternoon, visit Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park to see Kata Tjuta. Also known as the Olgas, you'll marvel at this collection of 36 sandstone rock domes, a sacred site to the First Nations people. Driving through the scenic desert landscapes, you'll reach Walpa Gorge, a refuge for desert plants and animals. As you stroll along a natural creek and through deep gullies between the tallest domes, your guide will explain how the area's geology has evolved over millions of years. 

Day 11: Full-Day Cave Hill Tour

You'll take a 4WD into the desert of the Pitjantjatjara lands of Central Australia to visit Cave Hill. An Anangu host, representing the traditional owners of Cave Hill, will be waiting to greet you. View magnificent ancient cave paintings depicting the songline of the Seven Sisters Tjukurpa. A songline is a storyline that puts all geographical and sacred sites into place in First Nations culture. You'll discuss Tjukurpa and other songlines and learn their relevance to Anangu life in the desert.

Next, climb to the top of Cave Hill to admire a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, including Uluru, Mount Conner, and the imposing Musgrave Ranges. You'll also learn the ways of traditional food gathering and the preparation of desert "bush tucker" delights.

Day 12: Uluru to Adelaide

Your driver will take you to the airport in the morning, where you'll fly west to Adelaide. Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your hotel. Then, you'll have the day free to discover South Australia's capital at your own pace. This former British colonial hub is laid out in a grid pattern on the lovely River Torrens and surrounded by green parklands. It's a progressive city famous for its many festivals, fine food, and wine. Start by stopping by some of the city's historic buildings. Architectural landmarks include the Adelaide Arcade, Town Hall, and the French Gothic St Peter's Cathedral.

Adelaide is probably the most famous for its gastronomy. This is a city that loves to eat and drink. It's located at the doorstep of the region's wine country and overflows with multi-cultural restaurants and cool bars. So head out to the vineyards and take a wine tour, or book a table at the hottest new fusion eatery before enjoying a handcrafted cocktail to finish the night.

Day 13: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, Ultimate Kangaroo Island Tour (Day 1)

This morning is day one of your two-day wildlife and nature tour to Kangaroo Island. A driver will pick you up early from your hotel and transfer you to the airport to catch a quick 40-minute flight to Kangaroo Island. Check in to your hotel, then board a bus and travel through South Australia's beautiful landscapes. A third of the island's total area comprises protected wildlife reserves, so you'll see some incredible sights as you visit Seal Bay Conservation Park and enjoy a guided beach walk at a breeding colony of wild sea lions.  

Following a two-course Aussie pub lunch, the tour continues to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where you'll feed kangaroos and get up close with some of the island's koala population. Spend the remainder of the afternoon in the Flinders Chase National Park on the island's rugged west coast. Take a stroll along majestic sea cliffs and marvel at distinctive rock formations like Admirals Arch and the otherworldly granite boulders of Remarkable Rocks. After the tour, you'll transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 14: Kangaroo Island to Adelaide, Ultimate Kangaroo Island Tour (Day 2)

Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel. Your first stop is the fascinating Raptor Domain, a conservation and rehabilitation center for birds of prey. Here, you'll participate in an informative and interactive experience with friendly barn owls, plus see presentations featuring wedge-tailed eagles and cockatoos. Next, travel to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, which manufactures a wide array of all-natural eucalyptus oil items, from soap to sweets to skin cream. After a delicious two-course lunch in their café, take a tour to see how they manufacture the products.

The next stop is Clifford's Honey Farm, home of the island's famous artisanal honey ice cream. Here you can see a working beehive and taste varieties of pure Ligurian honey. Later, visit Kangaroo Island Spirits, a local company specializing in handcrafted, premium liquors. Your last stop is at False Cape Wines vineyards. Here you'll enjoy a wine tasting amid gorgeous views of the surrounding grapevines and gum trees. The day ends at the Penneshaw Hotel, where there will be time for dinner before transferring to the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal and returning to Adelaide.

Day 15: Adelaide to Melbourne, Melbourne Self-Guided Cultural Tour

Fly to Melbourne today, and a private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. After you've checked in, spend the day exploring this eclectic metropolis at your own pace. Melbourne is Victoria's largest city and capital, and it's declared the cultural capital of Australia. This city of over five million people is a melting pot of diversity and a paradise for lovers of fine food and wine. It's a gateway to unspoiled national parks and home to stunning coastlines and beaches.

The most efficient way to explore Melbourne's many cultural offerings is to hop on the City Circle, a free tram running throughout the central districts and the waterfront. On these routes, you can visit highlight attractions like the neo-Gothic St Paul's Cathedral, the neoclassical Parliament House, and the 19th-century Royal Exhibition Building. For great city views, head to the Shrine of Remembrance, a stately war memorial adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. This 89-acre (36 ha) botanical garden contains more than 8,500 plants worldwide. 

Day 16: Tour of Melbourne's Laneways & Arcades

Day 17: Full Day Yarra Valley Food, Wine & Wildlife Tour

This morning you'll spend the day in Yarra Valley, covering the bustling regional centers of Yarra Glen, Healesville, and Warburton. With vines first planted here in 1838, the beautiful Yarra Valley is recognized internationally as a premium, cool-climate region known for elegant and restrained wines, especially chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling varieties. Its lush, rolling hills paint a stunning picture, particularly with the orange-filtered light of the early morning and late afternoon.  

For animal lovers, the collection of more than 200 species of native animals at the Healesville Sanctuary set amid beautiful bush is a terrific way to start the day. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your Melbourne accommodation.

Day 18: Melbourne to Hobart, Tasmania

A driver will transfer you to Melbourne Airport today, where you will take a quick flight to Hobart in Tasmania. Once an island of First Nations peoples, later a penal colony for the British Empire, and finally an Australian state, Tasmania is a place steeped in history.

After settling into your hotel, step out in Hobart, the island's harbor capital and Australia's second-oldest capital city. Experience the city's colonial architecture or enjoy the relaxed island lifestyle at a restaurant along the water. Explore the surrounding wild and stunning landscapes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, which offers exceptional sunset views.

Day 19: Optional Activities, Afternoon Grand Hobart Walk

Spend this morning exploring Hobart on your own and see more of this fascinating city. Consider checking out MONA (The Museum of Old and New Art), which houses art from the David Walsh collection. Try to spot Tasmanian devils at Bonorong Park, wander the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, or stroll along Hobart's picturesque harbor.

In the afternoon, this three-hour walking tour allows you to discover Hobart, Salamanca, and Battery Point on foot and hear the fascinating stories of how Tasmania's capital was established and how it became the vibrant waterfront city it is now. Your local guide will identify the heritage-listed buildings and tell the stories of the early characters and issues that were significant influences in the early days of Hobart. After the tour, make your way to your Hobart accommodation.

Day 20: Full-Day Bruny Island Tour

Day 21: Hobart to Melbourne, Depart Melbourne

Enjoy your last morning in Hobart before a driver picks you up to transfer you to the airport. Fly back to the mainland and continue to your next destination. Safe travels!

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