Explore Australia: City, Reef, Rainforest & Outback - 15 Days

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 distinctive city sights, historic neighborhoods, world-class culinary and nightlife scenes, prime waterfront location, and an array of pristine beaches (well over 100). Upon arrival at the airport, you'll transfer to your hotel, where you can take some time to relax and unwind.

 

If you have the energy, head out and explore the city. Visit Sydney's beautiful harbor and enjoy a drink at a waterfront bar amid stunning city views. If you're feeling adventurous, take a surf lesson at the famous Bondi Beach or go swimming in the tranquil waters of Coogee. Travel to historic neighborhoods such as The Rocks or browse the markets, boutiques, cafés, and pubs of upscale Paddington, whose lovely terrace houses date to the Victorian era. Try one of Sydney's countless restaurants before taking on the city's legendary nightlife when the sun goes down.

Day 2: Morning City Tour of Sydney, Sydney Opera House Tour

Today starts with a four-hour walking tour highlighting Sydney's landmarks and lesser-known gems. Enjoy magnificent views of Harbour Bridge as you visit historic neighborhoods, including trendy Oxford Street. You'll arrive at the coast and take a superb cliff walk around the beachside suburbs of Tamarama and Bronte. Return to the city via scenic waterfront areas such as Double Bay and the sandstone rock outcroppings of Lady Macquarie's Chair, offering exceptional harbor views. The tour concludes at Darling Harbour.

In the afternoon, you'll see inside the world's most recognizable sails with a backstage tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House. Learn how this iconic architectural feat came into existence against impossible odds to become one of the world's most famous performing arts centers. Your guide will take you on an unforgettable journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns.

Day 3: Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

About a two-hour drive inland from Sydney are the dramatic Blue Mountains, a region known for rugged cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and cascading waterfalls. Lace up your hiking boots for a full-day excursion to see the best of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After transferring here, you'll visit a working farm and meet local wildlife like kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas. Then, hike across valleys and sandstone ridges to viewpoints of the towering Three Sisters rock formations.

As you reach Govett's Leap, one of the country's most famous lookouts, marvel at the sweeping vistas across Grose Valley, Australia's answer to the Grand Canyon. Your final stop is 3,280 feet (1,000 m) above sea level at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. Here, you'll see hundreds of international plant species and the exotic critters that call this sanctuary home, including various birds, reptiles, and insects. In the afternoon, you'll return to your hotel in Sydney.

Day 5: Fly to Port Douglas, Optional Activities

You'll fly to Cairns this morning before reaching Port Douglas in northeastern Queensland. Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free to explore. This resort town on the Coral Sea is the base for excursions to Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef. It's also a perfect destination for those who want a tropical escape.

You can spend the day browsing Port Douglas' charming boutiques, dining in its exquisite alfresco restaurants, and taking excursions to the postcard coral cays (islets) of the nearby Barrier Reef. Visit Four Mile Beach, where you can relax on the golden sands of this palm-fringed crescent beach without a care. Port Douglas is also a great starting point to explore the Wet Tropics National Park, Daintree Rainforest, and the scenic coastal headland Cape Tribulation.

Day 6: 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. Watch fish feeding in colorful coral gardens formed over thousands of years through large windows on all sides.

Day 7: Free Day in Port Douglas

Spend a relaxing day exploring all Port Douglas has to offer. Perhaps travel to nearby coastal villages and white sandy beaches like Trinity and Clifton. Or opt for a 4WD tour of Daintree and explore the oldest rainforest ecosystem on Earth. Continue to other natural wonders like the stunning Cape Tribulation coastal headland. To see aquatic animals, travel to the nearby city of Cairns and visit its aquarium, which is home to various species of sharks, rays, sea turtles, eels, and many others.

Day 8: Day Trip to Kuranda Village & Rainforest Tour

In the morning, you'll leave from Cairns for a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to the mountain village of Kuranda, located about 15 miles (25 km) inland. The train snakes along hillside tracks built by the early settlers and offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, the cane fields of Cairns, and the Barron Gorge as you rise from sea level to 1,072 feet (327 m).

Once you reach Kuranda, explore this rainforest village and its heritage markets, known for their colorful and unique arts and crafts. Head to Kuranda Koala Gardens and cuddle a koala, or visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, where you'll be surrounded by over 1,500 of these beautiful creatures as they flutter around you. Return to Cairns via a 90-minute trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Snap plenty of photos as you glide over the canopy of one of the world's oldest rainforest ecosystems. 

Day 9: Fly to Uluru, Sounds of Silence Dinner

Meet your driver at your hotel for private transport to the Cairns Airport, where you'll fly to Uluru. Upon arrival, a driver will take you to your resort. The spiritual heart of Australia's Red Centre desert plains, Uluru (Ayers Rock), is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory. This region is home to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, whose two major features are the Kata Tjuta and Uluru rock formations. Uluru is the country's most recognized natural wonder, home to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara tribes, the area's traditional landowners.

This evening, you'll experience dinner under the star-filled, outback sky on a remote dune, enjoying views of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the fabled Uluru monolith. As the sun fades behind the dunes, you will feast on gourmet "bush food" with native ingredients. After dinner, gather around the fire and gaze at the stars while a First Nations host discusses the significance of these constellations to First Nations people. When the evening winds down, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 10: Full-Day Cave Hill Tour

Today, 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's 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 11: Fly 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 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 rare and remarkable plants. 

Day 12: Tour of Melbourne's Laneways & Arcades, Discover Melbourne's Sports Scene

This morning begins with a small-group tour of Melbourne's historic laneways, back streets, and arcades. Visit quintessential shopping arcades and laneways like the Block Arcade, Centre Place, and AC/DC Lane, where the spirit of rock 'n' roll is alive and well. Discover the history of these locations while marveling at cutting-edge street art, browsing boutiques of local fashion designers, and stopping at some cafés to try Melbourne's famed coffee and artisanal chocolates at a local tasting.

This afternoon, if you're a sports lover, you'll find much to do in Melbourne, the sporting capital of Australia. From football and Formula 1 Grand Prix to tennis and cricket, the Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG) is home to it all. MCG is the biggest cricket stadium in the world, so check out an event there or even book a private tour of the venue. For those looking to explore more of Melbourne, the afternoon is yours to relax or wander through the city.

Day 14: Morning Yarra Valley Balloon Flight & Wine Tour

The day starts with a drive from Melbourne to Balgownie Estate, an award-winning winery with spectacular views. From here, take a hot-air balloon ride floating over the Yarra Valley wine region and gaze out over the picturesque vineyards and the majestic Yarra River. Once you've landed, enjoy a hearty champagne breakfast to toast the morning's adventure. Next, it's off to Yering Station Winery to enjoy a day of wine tasting at four distinct world-class wineries. Your tour finishes with a sumptuous vineyard lunch before returning to Melbourne.

Day 15: Depart Melbourne

It's time to say goodbye to Australia. Meet your driver at the hotel for a private transfer to the airport. Safe travels!

Are you looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other Australia itineraries, explore different ways to spend 15 days in Australia, or discover the best time to visit Australia.