Experience Overview
Australia is over 7 million sq km (4.35 sq mi) of sand, reef, rock, wildlife, wine, sailing, ocean, city, culture, Dreamtime, and so much more than we could possibly list here. It would take several lifetimes to explore it all. This sprawling 23-day adventure comes pretty close, though. Kick things off in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia discovering the city’s famed churches and gardens. Then head to the Grampians National Park in Halls Gap to explore this ancient landscape. Travel along the Great Ocean Road on the way to the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne. Next, meet the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation, cruise the glorious Whitsundays, learn to surf, and explore Sydney. Exhausted yet? Just wait ’till you’re actually here!
Highlights
- Discover the hidden laneways of Melbourne
- Marvel at the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road
- Trek through Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest
- Enjoy a boating excursion through the gorgeous Whitsundays
- Surf Lesson in Byron Bay
- Explore the Blue Mountains by foot
Trip Details
Product Code: 2628
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private vehicle, ferry, boat, plane, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Budget
Supplier Code: OAAS
Starts: Adelaide, Australia
Finishes: Sydney, Australia
Duration: 23 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Melbourne laneways walk
- Brighton bathing boxes visit
- Rainforest walk in Great Otway NP
- 12 Apostles visit
- Loch Ard Gorge Visit
- Hike at Grampians NP
- Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve Visit
- Explore Cape Schanck lighthouse
- Guided Daintree Rainforest walk
- Whitsunday Islands boating excursion
- Blue Mountains stay with hikes
- Scenic Railway
- Orientation walk in Sydney
- Free time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels/motels (20 nts), rainforest cabin (2 nts).
- 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport
- Private vehicle, ferry, boat, plane, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 8499 (CAD 370 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Adelaide
Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
Day 2: Adelaide/Halls Gap
Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range.
Day 3: Halls Gap
Trek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Visit the culturally significant MacKenzie Falls for a short hike. Walk to the stunning Balconies, then spend the afternoon relaxing with the locals - our resident wild kangaroos and emus.
Day 4: Halls Gap/Port Campbell
Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater of Tower Hill, with the opportunity to spot some of Australia's most iconic wildlife. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road as far as the township of Port Campbell.
Day 5: Port Campbell
Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surrounding natural attractions. Opt for a walk along any number of short paths available to immerse yourself in nature. If the luck of weather is on your side, round out the day by watching the light become golden over the Twelve Apostles on the drive to Port Campbell.
Day 6: Port Campbell/Mornington Peninsula
Spend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park. Travel by ferry across Port Phillip to the Mornington Peninsula.
Day 7: Mornington Peninsula
Spend the morning exploring the Mornington Peninsula, including a visit to Cape Schanck. In the afternoon, opt to visit a winery or relax and enjoy yourself at one of the many incredible beaches in the area.
Although fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.
Day 8: Mornington Peninsula/Melbourne
Continue on to Melbourne but first make a few stops along the way. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.
Day 9: Melbourne
Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration.
Day 10: Melbourne/Cairns
Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 11: Cairns/Cape Tribulation
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 12: Cape Tribulation
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Day 13: Cape Tribulation/Cairns
Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.
Day 14: Cairns/Airlie Beach
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Day 15: Airlie Beach
Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
Day 16: Airlie Beach/Byron Bay
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Day 17: Byron Bay
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
Day 18: Byron Bay/Port Macquarie
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Day 19: Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains
Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn't matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you'll still spot beauty around every turn.
Day 20: Blue Mountains
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Day 21: Blue Mountains/Sydney
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Day 22: Sydney
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Day 23: Sydney
Depart at any time.
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Danielle Y. - Traveled, November 2023
I enjoyed the tour and itinerary. I think having 2 nights in the hotels is good. I don't like switching hotels every night. Sometimes there's long days in the bus but I was glad we had some flights to skip some of the driving.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Christopher M. - Traveled, October 2023
The trip was extremely well organised with attention to detail being a primary objective.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023
Heike F. - Traveled, October 2023
I experienced problems with a roommate and the problem wasn't properly resolved by the CEO of my tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023
Winnie T. - Traveled, September 2023
The first part of the tour in South Australia I cannot fault it. However the second part of the tour I felt that the tour guide did not know enough about the destinations. Also when we drove into Sydney the guide did not provide a commentary. One of the downsides on the East coast leg was the time it took to get into Sydney. As we were 2 hours away from Sydney I do not think it is justifiable to extend the drive by 2 hours. I and other members of the group would much rather get into Sydney early so that we could explore more of the vast city. I also felt that the the second tour guide was not committed to this type of tour. There was also an incident whereby the time change in Queensland was communicated to the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Susan D. - Traveled, June 2024
There are many tour operators available and G is one of several to investigate.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Barbara V. - Traveled, September 2023
I would always recommend it to a single traveller or people that are interested in a group experience. There might be cases, where I wouldn't recommend it due to travel style and expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Jennifer L. - Traveled, July 2023
G Adventures arranged the transport and lodgings for you, have someone local to brief you and yet give you enough time to explore. You can also add on activities through the local CEO.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2023
John R. - Traveled, May 2023
I saw a lot of Australia, but it was a lot of time traveling in a bus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2023
Brenda G. - Traveled, February 2024
Some of the activities required a higher level of fitness than suggested. Counting the meeting & leaving day shortens the actual tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Peggy L. - Traveled, November 2023
Pretty smooth tour ..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Linda A. - Traveled, October 2023
I like G Adventures, but sometimes I wish we could have time for a slow day somewhere beautiful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
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