Australia Highlights: Cities, Outback & Reef

This twenty four night trip is about seeing Australia properly. Start in Sydney with its harbour and beaches, head into the Red Centre for desert landscapes and Indigenous culture, then spend time in Melbourne before finishing in tropical north Queensland with rainforest and reef experiences. It’s a big journey that shows how different each part of Australia really is.

Australia Highlights: Cities, Outback & Reef

Sydney

Arrive into Sydney and spend your first night near Darling Harbour, well located for an easy introduction to the city. The following day begins with a guided walk around the harbour area, taking in Circular Quay and the waterfront, before crossing the harbour by ferry to Manly Beach. There is time to walk the coastal path to Shelly Beach, enjoy a swim or stop for lunch by the sea before returning to the city.

You also have a full day in Sydney to use the time in a way that suits you. Many choose to explore The Rocks and Circular Quay, spend time around the Opera House, take a harbour cruise, or opt for something more active such as the Harbour Bridge climb.

Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour
Darling Harbour - Sydney
Darling Harbour - Sydney
Manly Beach
Manly Beach
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach
Uluru, Petermann, Australia
Uluru, Petermann, Australia
Kata Tjuta
Kata Tjuta
 Garden of Eden at Kings Canyon
Garden of Eden at Kings Canyon
Alice Springs
Alice Springs

The Red Centre: Uluru, Kings Canyon & Alice Springs

-Fly from Sydney to Yulara and continue directly into the Red Centre. Guided walks at Uluru and Kata Tjuta provide context to the landscape and explain why these places remain central to Indigenous culture. Sunrise and sunset at Uluru are included, offering different perspectives on the colours and atmosphere of the area throughout the day.

-Travel onward to Kings Canyon, where you can choose between a longer rim walk or a shorter walk through the canyon floor, depending on preference. Both routes give a strong sense of the scale and geology of the region. Continue to Alice Springs for a guided visit introducing the town and its role in connecting Australia’s interior.

-Accommodation during this part of the journey is in permanent tented camps, offering a comfortable stay while remaining closely connected to the surrounding landscape.

Melbourne

Fly south to Melbourne and shift pace again. Time is spent exploring the city with a guided visit to Queen Victoria Market, followed by a walk through the laneways and time in the Royal Botanic Gardens. A free day allows you to shape your stay as you wish, whether that involves a day trip along the Great Ocean Road, visiting Phillip Island, or enjoying Melbourne’s neighbourhoods, cafés and galleries.

Melbourne
Melbourne
Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens
Philip Island
Philip Island
Cairns - Home of the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns - Home of the Great Barrier Reef
Skyrail to Kuranda
Skyrail to Kuranda
Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Tropical North Queensland: Cairns, Kuranda & Port Douglas

Arrive into Cairns and meet your guide before continuing into the rainforest. Travel by Skyrail above the canopy to the village of Kuranda, with time to explore the markets and surrounding area. From here, follow the coastline north towards Port Douglas, with scenic stops along the way. A short walk through town on arrival helps you get familiar with the area before settling in.

Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge & the Great Barrier Reef

Spend time exploring the Daintree Rainforest, beginning with a wildlife cruise along the Daintree River to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Guided walks through the rainforest explain the environment and its significance, followed by time at Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets the Coral Sea.

A guided walk at Mossman Gorge led by a local Aboriginal guide offers insight into traditional stories, land use and cultural connections in this part of Queensland. Another highlight is a full day on the Great Barrier Reef, travelling by boat to protected snorkelling sites. Time is spent in the water, with lunch on board and guides available throughout the day to enhance the experience.

Daintree Rainforest
Daintree Rainforest
Cape Tribulation at Sunset
Cape Tribulation at Sunset
Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge

Included in this Itinerary

Return flights from Dublin with Emirates via Dubai, all internal flights within Australia, accommodation throughout including hotels and permanent tented camps, transport for all included activities, guided touring with experienced local leaders, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners during the Red Centre tour, and 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners during the Cairns, Daintree and Reef tour. Included activities: Sydney harbour ferry to Manly, guided walks at Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon walk options, Alice Springs town visit, Melbourne market and laneways walk, Kuranda Skyrail, Daintree River wildlife cruise, Cape Tribulation walk, Mossman Gorge Ngadiku Dreamtime walk, and a full day Great Barrier Reef snorkelling trip. Based on 2 passengers sharing. Flights depart Dublin on 17 October 2026. Price is correct at the time of posting (08 January 2026). Offers are subject to change.

Price from €8,500 per person

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