Australia & New Zealand Cultural Journey - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney (Australia), Explore

Welcome to Australia! Touch down in Sydney, a city famed for its prime waterfront location, harbor, and Opera House. The city also has a world-class culinary and nightlife scene and is surrounded by dozens of pristine beaches, including the famous Bondi Beach. Check into your hotel and then head out to explore Sydney independently.

Enjoy a drink at a waterfront bar in Sydney Harbour to soak up skyline views, or wander cobblestone laneways in the historic neighborhood of The Rocks. You can also browse the markets, boutiques, and pubs of upscale Paddington, whose unique terrace houses date to the Victorian era. And when the sun goes down, book a table at one of Sydney's delectable five-star restaurants before taking on the city's buzzing nightlife.

Day 2: Panoramic Sydney Walking Tour

Further explore Sydney on a guided tour this morning, starting with a stop in The Rocks to learn about Australia's convict history. Continue to showstopping viewpoints of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then head to the city's shopping mecca: the Queen Victoria Building and trendy Oxford Street. Next, you'll travel through Paddington to the Pacific Ocean.

Take a clifftop coastal walk around Tamarama and Bronte for ocean views later today. Your next stop is Bondi Beach, where you can stroll along the beachfront promenade, stop for a coffee, then relax on the soft sands to watch surfers ride the waves. Visit one of Sydney's best views at Dover Heights before returning to the city via Double Bay, Kings Cross, and Mrs Macquaries Point, which offers harbor views. The tour ends at either Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, then the rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. Do some shopping, enjoy a leisurely meal, or head back to your hotel.

Day 3: Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge & Lunch Cruise

Today starts with an adrenaline-pumping adventure: scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge. BridgeClimb Sydney has been running its skywalk since 1998; the trip begins with a briefing and safety demonstration, then you'll strap on your safety gear and harness. Led by a guide, you'll embark upon a journey that'll take you 439 feet (134 m) above sea level to the top of this engineering marvel. You'll be treated to 360-degree city views, looking east to the Sydney Opera House and west to the Blue Mountains. Afterward, head down to the marina to experience the majesty of Sydney Harbour from the water on a four-hour lunch cruise.

Sail around the world-famous harbor, passing key landmarks such as the Opera House, with plenty of stellar photo opportunities. You'll enjoy a multicourse Australian barbecue lunch with beer and wine as you sail. Your host will provide insightful commentary about the history of the harbor, and there's a chance to try optional activities, including fishing, kayaking, and swimming off the boat's deck.

Day 4: Fly to Uluru, Field of Light Dinner Experience

Say goodbye to Sydney today and fly west to Uluru, deep into the heart of Australia's Red Centre desert plains in Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Uluru is the country's most recognized natural wonder, home to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara tribes, the area's traditional landowners. This World Heritage Site features natural springs, waterholes, rock caves, and ancient paintings.

Upon landing, you'll board a shuttle bus to your hotel and settle in. Then head out for an exclusive dining experience this evening that combines the award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner under the outback sky with the Field of Light art installation. The trip takes place in a remote desert location with beautiful views of Uluru, where you'll listen to the sounds of a lone didgeridoo as the sun sets and snack on canapés and chilled sparkling wine.

As darkness falls, enjoy a menu that features bush tucker flavors with a view of the 50,000 colored glass spheres come to life. Listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky, then introduce the Field of Light art installation from the dune top viewing area before returning to your hotel.

Day 5: Mount Conner Outback 4WD Adventure

Embark upon a 4WD adventure in the outback today. Head to Mount Conner, 60 miles (100 km) east of Uluru, to Curtin Springs Station, a vast privately-owned cattle station. While the dams on the property were constructed for watering cattle, they also attract red kangaroos and an array of birds and reptiles.

Drive across the expansive landscape, discovering an inland salt lake and learning the European history of the region along the way. Before returning to Curtin Springs for an outback dinner, you'll stop to savor a glass of sparkling white wine while watching the golden sunset over Mount Conner. Transfer back to your Uluru hotel at the end of the evening.

Day 6: Fly to Perth, Explore

Day 7: Rottnest Island Tour 

Spend today touring Rottnest Island, known by its Aboriginal name, "Wadjemup." This paradisiacal island is a protected nature reserve loved for its distinct flora, superb reefs, white-sand coves, and its population of Australia's cutest creature, the smiling quokka. These furry marsupials have no natural predators on the island, so they're easy to get close to—many tourists come to Rottnest to nab a coveted quokka selfie.

The trip starts with a ferry ride across the Indian Ocean to Rottnest, which lies just 12 miles (19 km) off the coast of Fremantle. You'll take a coach tour around the island, learning about its wildlife, flora, and history along the way, including its torrid past as an Indigenous prison. Stop at some of the most spectacular locations on the island, including the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End, where you can stroll along the boardwalk to a lookout point. Return to Perth on the ferry in the late afternoon.

Day 8: Pinnacles Sunset Dinner & Stargazing Tour

Enjoy a free morning in Perth before heading up the coast for a stargazing tour in the Pinnacles Desert, which is beloved for its ancient landscapes and clear night skies. You'll get a chance to stop at Lancelin for some sandboarding on giant dunes, as well as Nilgen Nature Reserve and Hangover Bay, where you'll take a guided bush tucker and bush medicine walk.

Settle down for a barbecue dinner in the desert while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean, and then wait for the stars to appear. Your guide will use state-of-the-art astronomy equipment to point out constellations, the Milky Way, planets, and Saturn's rings. Before returning to Perth, you'll also learn about Aboriginal astronomy and listen to Dreamtime stories about the night sky.

Day 9: Fly to Darwin

Fly north to Australia's wild Northern Territory today. Touch down in Darwin, a multicultural hub home to over 100 nationalities, reflected in the city's diverse food scene, markets, and museums. The state capital is a former frontier outpost and the jumping-off point for adventures in the untamed Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. Soak up the tropical vibes—Darwin lies on the Timor Sea—have drinks on the waterfront or stroll along one of the nearby beaches.

Day 10: Nature & Wildlife Wetland Experience

Take you'll join a full-day wetland tour, starting with a 45-minute drive to the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. The protected area was a rice plantation in the 1950s but is now a haven for various species of birds who live in the lush floodplains that dominate the landscape. Spot all kinds of egrets, black-necked storks, and magpie geese.

After a break for morning tea, you'll continue to Corroboree Billabong, where you'll board a boat to cruise the wetlands. As you navigate this watery wonderland, your guide will help you spot birds, crocodiles, water pythons, and freshwater turtles. Enjoy lunch among the wetlands while you admire the bird-spotted plains. At the end of the cruise, you'll transfer back to Darwin.

Day 11: Litchfield National Park Indigenous Tour

Discover one of the Northern Territory's natural gems today: Litchfield National Park. You'll tour the 580-square-mile (1,500 sq km) rock-strewn wilderness with an Indigenous guide, who'll teach you about the Aboriginal history of the region and demonstrate bush survival techniques used for generations by the local people. Wander along scenic trails and follow exciting 4WD paths through the park.

You'll stop at Litchfield's crashing waterfalls along the way to cool off. The park is home to many forested falls; the most impressive include the twin chutes of Florence Falls and the series of falls and waterholes at Buley. You'll also witness the park's magnetic termite mounds, reaching over 6 feet (2 m) in height. Return to Darwin afterward for a restful evening.

Day 12: Fly to Cairns, Pick Up Rental Car, Visit Cairns Aquarium

Fly east today to Cairns in the far north of Queensland, where you'll pick up a rental car. This exotic paradise lies on the shores of Trinity Bay and is the gateway to some of Australia's most remarkable natural attractions. The most famous is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most popular diving sites. To the north lies another UNESCO treasure, the rainforests of Daintree National Park.

The Cairns Aquarium is an excellent place to get acquainted with the region's diverse marine life. This is the only aquarium in the world dedicated exclusively to the marine animals of Australia's Tropical North Queensland region, which include species from the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics rainforests, the Gulf Savannah, and Cape York Peninsula regions. Glimpse everything from sharks to turtles, rays, and eels as you tour the aquarium, stopping to watch live diver feeds and examine reef exhibits.

Day 13: Meet Koalas & Go River Drift Snorkeling

Meet some of Australia's koalas at the Cairns Wildlife Dome this morning. You'll get to enter the enclosure with a keeper to learn about these captivating marsupials and the efforts to protect them, then have your photo taken with one of the cuddly creatures.

Afterward, enjoy a river drift snorkeling tour in the rainforest. The trip begins with a scenic drive north through the sugar-cane country to the Mossman River in Daintree Rainforest. Here, you'll don a wetsuit, boots, and snorkel to explore the crystal-clear waters. Watch for turtles and the elusive platypus; the river banks are also home to lizards, butterflies, and rainforest birds.

Day 14: Kuranda Scenic Railway, Rainforest Tour & Skyrail Experience

Enjoy more rainforest adventures today, starting with a 90-minute ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Hop on a gondola to soar over the jungle canopy of UNESCO-listed Barron Gorge to historic Kuranda Village. Stops include rainforest boardwalks and the CSIRO Rainforest Interpretive Centre, which showcases Australian science history.

Step off at Kuranda, where you'll have free time to explore this fascinating village known for its thriving Indigenous art scene. The Heritage Market operates seven days a week and is full of handmade arts and crafts. Optional activities in Kuranda include visits to Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and Kuranda Koala Gardens.

End the trip with a journey to Port Douglas on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Your Gold Class ticket and preferential seating mean you can skip the long lines and ride in style while enjoying complimentary refreshments. As you descend the mountains, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the rainforest and across the cane fields of Cairns. Upon arrival at Freshwater Station, you'll take a transfer back to your hotel.

Day 15: Marine World Pontoon Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour

Take to the water today to explore the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, which covers a staggering 133,000 square miles (344,000 sq km) and is visible from space. The UNESCO site is home to over 2,900 individual reefs and an array of marine life, including 130 varieties of sharks and rays and over 1,500 fish species.

You'll board a boat at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns for the tour, which includes a visit to the Marine World platform, a two-story pontoon with spacious decks and lounges, an underwater observatory, and easy access to the water for snorkeling. Traverse the sheltered coral lagoon independently, or join the marine biologist on a guided snorkel safari to spot colorful reefs teeming with marine life.

Day 16: Fly to Auckland (New Zealand), Explore

Today you'll fly to New Zealand! Meet your driver will at Auckland Airport and transfer to your hotel. Take some time to relax before heading out to explore New Zealand's largest city, which sits on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. With two bustling harbors, it's not hard to see why Auckland is nicknamed the "City of Sails."

For supreme views of Auckland, scale the 1,075-foot-tall (328 m) Sky Tower with its dizzying observation deck, or make your way to the top of Mount Eden, one of the city's 48 volcanic cones. Stroll around the flower-filled Wintergardens and learn about the city's Polynesian and European roots at the Auckland Museum. For dinner, delve into Auckland's world-class dining scene.

Day 17: Auckland Bush & Beach Tour

Today you'll experience Auckland's urban and natural wonders. Start with a city tour that'll take you through Queen Street and the central business district, passing parks and Auckland University. Explore the hip suburb of Ponsonby before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland's North Shore, where you'll walk along a white-sand beach, pausing for coffee. Finally, take in panoramic views of Auckland and Devonport from the summit of Mount Victoria.

After lunch, make the 18-mile (30 km) journey to Auckland's largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges. On the way, stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre, perched high on the Waitakere Ranges, for views over the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Admire Māori carvings and continue to the rainforest, where you'll trek among giant tree ferns and New Zealand's famous kauri trees. The tour ends on the wild west coast, where you'll walk on volcanic, black-sand beaches.

Day 18: Transfer to Rotorua, Zorbing & Mitai Cultural Experience with Hāngī

Today, travel south from Auckland to Rotorua. This geothermal area is famed for its otherworldly green and orange sulfur pools, bubbling mud baths, and spurting geysers. Check into your hotel and then enjoy a heart-pounding Zorb adventure. This high-octane sport, invented by Kiwis, involves entering a giant inflatable ball partially filled with water to bounce and roll down hilly tracks. Choose to ride any two of the site's four: the Straight, Sidewinder, Mega, and Big Air. You can ride wet or dry, and some tracks allow multiple riders in one ball. The park also has hot tubs for relaxing after your adventure.

This evening you'll enjoy an authentic cultural experience at the Mitai Māori Village. Through a dance display, you'll learn how Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa people migrated to the area. Watch warriors in traditional dress paddle a waka (canoe) down the Wai-o-Whiro Stream and visit the Fairy Spring, where you might spot glowworms. The tour includes a Polynesian hāngī, meat and taro slow-cooked in an earth oven set in the ground on hot stones.

Day 19: Visit the Hobbiton Set

This morning, head south to the Hobbiton movie set. "The Lord of the Rings" fans will love touring the set, which lies on the 12-acre (5 ha) Alexander family sheep farm in the hilly Waikato region. Start with a short bus ride from The Shire's Rest to the filming location, followed by a walking tour. Your guide will show you all the intricate sets and tell stories about filming the movies.

Soak up the atmosphere of Middle-earth on this two-hour tour, visiting the Shire's Hobbit holes and the Mill, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. You'll stop at the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary Southfarthing ale, cider, or ginger beer before taking the bus back to The Shire's Rest, where the tour ends. Head back to Rotorua for a restful evening.

Day 20: Waimangu Valley Nature Walk & Lake Cruise

Experience the unique landscape and history of Mount Tarawera today. Famous for its eruption on June 10, 1886, Mount Tarawera created the world's youngest geothermal valley, Waimangu, while destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. Learn about the landscape and history of the area on a guided nature walk which showcases a range of geothermal wonders and native flora. Follow the Waimangu Crater walkways and take in the views.

After your hike, you'll transfer by shuttle bus to the dock at Lake Rotomahana. Here, you'll hop on a boat and take a scenic 45-minute cruise that passes geothermal landmarks, like steaming lakeshore cliffs. The lake is also a wildlife refuge and home to a healthy population of black swans. After the tour, you'll leave the dock and head back to the Waimangu Valley entrance by shuttle bus, then return to Rotorua.

Day 21: Depart Rotorua

Today your adventure in Australia and New Zealand comes to an end. You'll be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight—safe travels!