Ultimate Family Tour in Australia: Cities, Reefs & Rocks - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne, Optional Walking Tour

Welcome to Australia! Upon touching down in Melbourne, your personal driver will be waiting to take you and your family to your hotel. Watch the street action as you make your way to the city, as Melbourne is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks, and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Parents with little ones will find plenty to keep them interested and entertained in Australia's second-largest city.

Depending on the time of arrival and how you and your kids are feeling after the flight, you might want to take an optional one-hour walking tour in the afternoon. This easy stroll meanders through Federation Square and down to the art installations at Birrarung Wilam (Common Ground), where your guide will teach you about the First Nations history and the significance of the Birrarung Wilam to the local people.

Day 2: Morning City Tour, Afternoon Lanes & Arcades Tour

After a good night's rest and a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you and your family will hit the ground running with a half-day tour. Start at the city's famous sporting arenas, like Albert Park, home of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix, as well as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Melbourne Park, where the Australian Tennis Open takes place. You'll then stroll around St Patrick's Cathedral and its gardens and finish the tour at the Eureka Tower skyscraper, where you can take the super-speedy elevator to Eureka Skydeck 88 with great views of the city.

If you and the kids have energy left for more exploration this afternoon, embark on a walking tour of its charming lanes and arcades. Melbourne is famous for its colorful back streets and laneways, which harbor some of the quirkiest cafés, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales in the city. There will be something for everyone, from designer boutiques to ice cream stalls and chocolate shops. 

Day 3: Full-Day Great Ocean Road Trip

Wake the kids early and embark on an epic road trip along one of the most scenic coastal routes in Australia: the Great Ocean Road. This stretch of highway runs 150 miles (240 km) down the state of Victoria's southwest coast, passing national parks, limestone rock formations, seaside bluffs, coastal mountain ranges, and incredible beaches. Keep an eye out for wildlife throughout the drive, as you're likely to spot whales and dolphins on the coast as well as koala bears hanging in the gum trees.

Stop for lunch at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town set amid the rolling coastal hills, and then burn off kids' energy on a forest hike through the mountains of the Otway Ranges. From here, you'll visit the romantic cove at Loch Ard Gorge before capping the adventure off at the most incredible natural landmark on the route: the Twelve Apostles, a group of ancient limestone rock formations rising up out of the sea. They're eroding all the time, and these days there are only seven apostles!

Day 4: Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Penguin Parade

Everyone in the family will love seeing cute penguins and other Australian wildlife today as you travel to Phillip Island, an island southeast of Melbourne that's connected by a bridge. Before you reach the island, though, stop at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, where you'll meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, plus an array of colorful birds and reptiles.

Continue to Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the famous penguins, which you'll see later in the day. First, visit Woolamai Beach to see advanced surfers riding the waves. From here, travel to the western corner of the island to enjoy magnificent views of the Bass Strait and the Nobbies, home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. Tell your kids not to get too close!

The tour culminates with the incredible natural phenomena of the Penguin Parade on floodlit Summerland Beach. Meander along the boardwalk to the Penguin Plus viewing platform, where you'll see the penguins coming ashore, decked out in their feathered tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows. This ends their daily ritual after a day of feeding and foraging out at sea.

Day 5: Fly to Hobart, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Night Tour

Say goodbye to Melbourne and the mainland today as you fly to Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, Australia's southern island state. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car at the airport for a self-guided tour. There's plenty to explore as Tasmania is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes, friendly people, a temperate climate, and a relaxed island lifestyle.

After you check into your hotel, take some time to rest before starting a 2.5-hour evening tour of the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, 30 minutes north of Hobart. You and your kids will learn more about native Tasmanian animals as you hand-feed weird and wonderful creatures like eastern quolls, tawny frogmouths, and sugar gliders. Play "tug of war" with the Tasmanian devils and meet a mob of friendly Forester kangaroos on this memorable excursion.

Day 6: Hobart Walking Tour, Explore Port Arthur

Get to know Hobart this morning on a fun walking tour that will keep your kids entertained with fascinating stories from Hobart's storied past. First, visit the Salamanca and Battery Point neighborhoods on foot as you listen to stories of how Tasmania's capital was established and how it became a vibrant waterfront city. Your local guide will also point out the attractive heritage-listed buildings, such as the Theatre Royal and Ingle Hall.

In the afternoon, travel to Port Arthur, a UNESCO-listed site located 1.5 hours from Hobart on the scenic Tasman Peninsula. Port Arthur provides a compelling and dramatic reminder of Tasmania's convict past with more than 30 buildings, ruins, and restored period homes set within 98 acres (40 ha) of landscaped grounds. It's worth taking your time here but you'll have the freedom to improvise depending on your kids' wants and needs.

Day 7: Fly to Adelaide, Central Market Lunch Tour

Return to the Australian mainland today as you fly to Adelaide, the cosmopolitan capital of the state of South Australia. This former British colonial hub was named after 19th-century Queen Adelaide and is renowned for its compact size and geometrically efficient grid pattern, which is ideal for families with little ones. It's also surrounded by green parkland and offers access to the River Torrens, which spills into the sea, with plenty of outdoor activities.

After you've had time to settle into your hotel, you'll be picked up for a 1.5-hour tour of one of central Adelaide's must-see attractions, the covered Central Market. A wide variety of fresh and gourmet produce is sold here, and you and your kids will get the opportunity to sample delicious foods that represent South Australia. Tours are designed by a notable local food expert, so you're in good hands.

Day 8: Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour

Get active today on Adelaide's beautiful coast as you and your kids paddle through a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest in a kayak, keeping an eye out for the hundreds of migrating and native dolphin species that pass through here. Listen to local First Nations stories as you look out for other wildlife and even some shipwrecks beneath the water's surface. The mangrove forest and surrounding creeks, tidal flats, and salt marshes are ideal places to see dolphins as it's their feeding ground due to the abundance of seagrass here. 

Day 9: Fly to Uluru, Evening Field of Light Event

Head inland today to the heart of the Northern Territory outback as you fly to the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock). Visiting Uluru will certainly make an impression on your kids and can be life-changing for adults, too. It's the spiritual heart of the Red Centre's desert plains. The large sandstone rock formation sits within the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. The traditional landowners of this area are the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara tribes, and you'll get the chance to learn more about these people during your stay.

 

After a relaxed afternoon at Ayers Rock Resort, enjoy an evening out under the stars during an exclusive dining experience. As the sun sets in Uluru, listen to the sound of a lone didgeridoo while enjoying gourmet canapés and chilled sparkling wine (with tasty options and non-alcoholic drinks for the kids, too). As darkness falls and the colored lights of 50,000 glass spheres come to life, dine on a three-course meal infused with local bush tucker flavors and inspiration. The resident star talker will decode the southern night sky for you as the stars come into view.

Day 10: Mount Conner Outback Adventure

There's much more to the Northern Territory than Uluru, as your family will discover today. On this full-day 4WD tour, head to Mount Connor, 60 miles (100 km) east, to get to a vast cattle station called Curtin Springs Station. The dams on the property were constructed for watering cattle but also provide the perfect natural habitat for red kangaroos and a vast array of birds and reptiles, which your kids especially will love seeing. You'll also visit an ancient inland salt lake and learn about the First Nations and European history of the region.

As the day comes to a close, parents can sip a glass of sparkling wine (and kids might enjoy grape juice) while watching the spectacular changing colors of the sunset over Mount Conner. Enjoy an intimate outback dinner with your family, prepared by the chef at Curtin Springs Station. 

Day 11: Sunrise Camel Ride at Uluru, Transfer to Port Douglas

Get the day off to a great start with an early morning transfer from your hotel to a camel farm, from where you'll enjoy a peaceful one-hour camel ride through stunning sand dune country with the awe-inspiring backdrop of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Take in the cool morning air and watch as the rising sun lights up the famous rock and surrounding plains. Your guides, who are skilled cameleers, will teach you and the kids about flora and fauna along the trail. Back at the farm after the ride, refresh and warm up with billy tea, coffee, and freshly baked beer bread.

If your kids are small and you'd prefer not to ride a camel, you could opt instead to take an early morning sunrise tour of Uluru instead. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sunrise while enjoying a picnic breakfast outdoors. Then visit Mutitjulu Waterhole and drive around the base of Uluru.

 

Later, fly back to coastal Australia, this time heading to Cairns in tropical Northern Queensland. Upon arrival in Cairns, a driver will be waiting to drive you to Port Douglas (approximately 40 minutes away), a resort town on the Coral Sea, and a base for excursions to Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef. It's also a great destination in its own right and perfect for some relaxed, quality family time.

 

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at Four Mile Beach, a glorious stretch of white sand fringed with tropical plants where kids can play in the sand. If you'd like to get more active, you could hire some bikes and explore Port Douglas on two wheels.

Day 12: Full-Day Outer Barrier Reef Cruise

No trip to tropical Australia would be complete without a day at the Great Barrier Reef, a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that will impress kids and adults. Start the day at Port Douglas Marina, where you'll board your vessel for a full-day tour on the water.

 

Your first visit is to Agincourt Reef, located at the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognized as the most pristine ecosystems in the reef's environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth, and supports spectacular marine life.

 

Adults and older teens can take part in an introductory scuba dive lesson, if they wish, to get a close-up look at the reef and the fish it supports. Younger kids (as well as adults) can snorkel, which still gives an amazing perspective of the reef. If you're traveling with very small children and would rather not get in the water, there are still lovely sights to enjoy from the boat. 

Day 13: Kuranda Scenic Railway & Rainforest Tour

This part of northern Queensland is known as the place where the rainforest meets the reef. Since you've already explored the reef, today is dedicated to the rainforest, which you'll see from Kuranda Scenic Railway. This train route winds through tunnels and over bridges into the rainforest-covered hills, passing the impressive Stoney Creek Falls and Barron Falls. Kids will enjoy the charming experience while parents can relax and take in the views.

From Kuranda Village, transfer to the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can visit a tropical fruit orchard, learn about First Nations culture at the Pamagirri Experience, and see koalas, crocodiles, wombats, snakes, dingoes, cassowaries, kangaroos, and wallabies at the wildlife park. Next, transfer to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you will glide over the canopy of the pristine World Heritage Rainforest, stopping at Barron Falls and Red Peak Station for more spectacular views of the hills and forest.

Day 14: Fly to Sydney, Afternoon Tour, Sunset Dinner Cruise

Say goodbye to the warm tropical north and fly south to Sydney today, Australia's largest city. Often mistaken for the country's capital (that would be Canberra), Sydney nevertheless feels like a central metropolis thanks to its iconic sights, historic neighborhoods, world-class culinary and nightlife scenes, prime waterfront location, and gorgeous pristine beaches (well over 100 of them). 

In the afternoon, hit the ground running with a Sydney highlights tour that's suitable for the whole family. Start by visiting the historic Rocks area and learn about early convict history. Then see the shopping heart of the city. If you have time and energy, you can take the superb coastal cliff walk around Tamarama and Bronte. Continue on to the famous Bondi Beach, where you can visit the beachfront promenade and enjoy a drink or ice cream. Return to the city via Double Bay, Kings Cross, and Mrs. Macquarie's Point for a final magical viewpoint over the harbor. 

 

If your kids have the energy this evening, take a two-hour sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour. Sit back and enjoy spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge while you dine on a tasty three-course meal (including kid-friendly options). You're guaranteed a window seat so you can all capture all the views.

Day 15: Full-Day Tour of the Blue Mountains

Just a couple of hours west of Sydney are the gorgeous Blue Mountains, so named because of the blue haze in the air from the eucalyptus trees. Your first stop on this full-day tour is Calmsley Hill, a working farm that's home to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas. Next, visit a range of stunning viewpoints, including Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote place away from the crowds, for views of the famous Three Sisters rock formations with ever-changing colors. Then stop at Blackheath and refuel with a two-course lunch.

In the afternoon, you'll visit a variety of other viewpoints, including Govetts Leap and the magnificent waterfall. Before heading back to the city, stop for a glass of sparkling wine and orange juice at the delightful Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, with sweeping views across to Sydney. 

Day 16: Sydney Opera House Tour, Depart

The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia's most famous buildings, and while many travelers only see it from the outside, your family will get the chance to tour the interior during a one-hour tour. Visit all the main public spaces and learn more about the building's history and design through an audio-visual display.

With this, your grand tour of Australia comes to an end. When it's time to depart, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your family trip to Australia? Check out these other Australia itineraries, explore other ways to spend 16 days in Australia, or discover the best time to visit Australia.