Highlights
- Cuddle up to the koalas at Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Snorkel around the Great Barrier Reef with a marine biologist
- Join a traditional Aboriginal ceremony in the ancient Daintree Rainforest
- Pedal around Sydney's landmarks at a family-friendly pace
- Spot local wildlife on a day trip into the Blue Mountains
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Brisbane, Queensland's Capital | Brisbane |
| Day 2 | Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane River Kayaking Tour | Brisbane |
| Day 3 | Explore Brisbane: Beaches, Mountains & Gardens | Brisbane |
| Day 4 | Springbrook Rainforest & Waterfall Day Trip | Brisbane |
| Day 5 | Fly to Cairns, Transfer to Port Douglas, Wildlife Habitat Tour | Port Douglas |
| Day 6 | Full-Day Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour | Port Douglas |
| Day 7 | Full-Day Mossman Gorge Adventure with River Drift Snorkeling | Port Douglas |
| Day 8 | Beach Day in Port Douglas | Port Douglas |
| Day 9 | Fly to Sydney, Australia's "Harbour City" | Sydney |
| Day 10 | Explore Sydney by Bike, Behind-the-Scenes Opera House Tour | Sydney |
| Day 11 | Blue Mountains Day Trip | Sydney |
| Day 12 | Sydney Harbour Cruise, Taronga Zoo Experience | Sydney |
| Day 13 | Depart Sydney |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane, Queensland's Capital
Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Brisbane. Located 48 miles (77 km) north of the Gold Coast in the northeastern state of Queensland, Brisbane receives around 300 days of sunshine per year and is known for its friendly, laidback atmosphere.
After settling in, head to the South Bank and discover the rainforest walk, enormous playgrounds, and pristine beaches that make this area so family-friendly. Don't forget to take a ride on the 196-foot (60 m) Wheel of Brisbane before heading back to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow.
Day 2: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Visit, Brisbane River Kayaking Tour
It's time to get up close and personal with one of Australia's most famous marsupials, the koala! After breakfast, round up the kids for a visit to Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. With over 44 acres (18 ha) to explore, this world-class facility has a large "Koala Forest" where over 130 of these animals roam freely. Take plenty of photos with the adorable marsupials before heading to the 5-acre (2 ha) Kangaroo Reserve, where you'll be able to feed and pet Australia's most iconic animal. Before you leave, don't forget to visit the wombats, Tasmanian devils, echidnas (spiny anteaters), and emus.
In the afternoon, it's time to make your way to the Brisbane River for your next adventure. Kayaking is the perfect way to see some of the city's famous attractions, and once on the water, you and your family will learn all the tips and tricks to get you kayaking like pros. The kids will love spotting sights such as Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the Story Bridge, and the Wheel of Brisbane as you spend time together soaking up the sunshine.
Day 3: Explore Brisbane: Beaches, Mountains & Gardens
Today is yours to explore Brisbane's many attractions at a relaxed, family-friendly pace. After a leisurely breakfast, head together to Streets Beach. This South Bank icon is an oasis in the middle of a bustling city; a human-made sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by white sandy beaches and subtropical plants. Kids will love Aquativity, an interactive water play park located right next door.
After an al fresco lunch at the nearby Picnic Island Green, head to the lookout at Mount Coot-tha, the highest point in the city, for panoramic views of Brisbane and the surrounding region of Moreton Bay. After your trip to the summit, visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, where kids of all ages can have fun exploring the nature trails, winding paths, secret spots, and stepping stones in the 138-acre (56 ha) subtropical haven. Catch a bite to eat and take in the view before making your way back to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 4: Springbrook Rainforest & Waterfall Day Trip
Wake up early this morning to catch your transfer out of the city to the heart of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests in Australia's "Green Cauldron." Set on a high plateau atop the remains of an ancient volcano, Springbrook National Park lies 62 miles (100 km) south of Brisbane and covers 16,617 acres (6,725 ha). In this area of ecological significance and outstanding natural beauty, you'll discover lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, panoramic views, and a wide range of rare and beautiful wildlife.
Kids will love listening out for the sounds of the different creatures that call the park home and walking behind the "curtains" of the enchanting waterfalls. After lunch, drive through the Numinbah Valley to the famous Natural Bridge—an amazing rock formation where water tumbles through the open roof of a basalt cave formed over millions of years. Children will enjoy hearing about the glow worms and colonies of tiny bent-wing bats that come out to play at night. Be sure to take plenty of photos before traveling back to your Brisbane hotel.
Day 5: Fly to Cairns, Transfer to Port Douglas, Wildlife Habitat Tour
Today you'll head to the airport and fly 2.5 hours northwest to Cairns, where a driver will be waiting to take you another hour up the coast to your Port Douglas hotel. A small resort town on the Coral Sea, Port Douglas is known for its sandy beaches and relaxed vibe. After an energetic few days, enjoy some family downtime as you explore the golden sands of the palm-fringed Four Mile Beach and take a dip in the clear ocean waters.
In the afternoon, you'll head to the award-winning Wildlife Habitat Center in Port Douglas, where you and your family will enjoy a two-hour private tour with a wildlife keeper. There'll be plenty of opportunities to engage with the animals, including some one-on-one time in the koala enclosure. Take a break to experience "Lunch with the Lorikeets" and dine on a delicious buffet surrounded by a rainbow of tropical birds. Afterward, make your way to the Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Center to meet and learn about the rescued, injured, and orphaned wildlife that the center looks after.
Day 6: Full-Day Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour
It's time to explore one of Australia's most remarkable natural gifts—the Great Barrier Reef. This morning, you and your family will head down the harbor in Port Douglas to board your catamaran and set sail for the pristine white sands of Mackay Coral Cay and the epic snorkeling spots at Undine Reef. Enjoy views of the pristine coastline and soaring peaks of the Daintree Mountains before dropping anchor at the coral reefs for a guided snorkel led by a qualified marine biologist.
After a tropical buffet lunch, adults and kids alike will love the coral-viewing tour on a glass-bottom boat. Marvel together at the colorful reef sites that showcase the abundant marine life living among the corals, and see who will be first to spot the various tropical fish and turtles that call the reef home. After enjoying afternoon tea on the yacht, you'll be transported back to your Port Douglas accommodation to spend the evening as you wish.Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Full-Day Mossman Gorge Adventure with River Drift Snorkeling
More adventures await today as you grab your hiking boots and sunscreen for a day trip inland to Mossman Gorge, the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Daintree National Park. With origins dating back more than 135 million years, this ancient rainforest is one of the planet's most diverse and ecologically significant ecosystems. Upon arrival, you'll have traditional rainforest body paint applied and join a traditional Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony designed to cleanse you of bad spirits and provide protection during your visit.
Next, set off on an easy 90-minute hike across boardwalks, tracks, and bridges that offer spectacular views of mountains and waterfalls. You'll continue to the Mossman River in the afternoon for a unique snorkeling experience, drifting gently downstream while looking at freshwater fish, turtles, butterflies, birds, and the elusive platypus. Once your adventure draws to a close, you'll head back to Port Douglas for the evening.
Day 8: Beach Day in Port Douglas
Day 9: Fly to Sydney, Australia's "Harbour City"
Today your driver will pick you up from your Port Douglas accommodation and drive you back to Cairns for the next leg of your family adventure. You'll be flying 1,219 miles (1,961 km) south to New South Wales' capital, Sydney, a destination made for families with its dizzying array of beaches, famous harbor, zoo, watersports, and numerous activities for all ages. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll transfer to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your flight.
After a recharge at your hotel, head out for a bite to eat, where you'll be spoiled for choice with the wide variety of multicultural cuisine. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you choose. Ride the ferry across the harbor to Manly and wave at the Sydney Opera House, take a picnic to the Royal Botanic Gardens, or go swimming in the tranquil waters of Coogee. You could also discover the thrill of the fair at Luna Park—Sydney's heritage-listed funfair, located under the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the northern shore.
Day 10: Explore Sydney by Bike, Behind-the-Scenes Opera House Tour
After a good night's sleep, it's time to explore Sydney's classic landmarks on two wheels, pedaling past the Royal Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, the Opera House, and plenty more famous and off-the-beaten-path attractions. This morning's cycling tour is led by a fun, entertaining, and knowledgeable local guide, who'll provide engaging commentary on the areas you visit. Perfect for older children, the tour showcases nearly all of the city in just a few hours and maintains a leisurely pace.
In the afternoon, head to Sydney's iconic UNESCO-listed Opera House to see its inner workings. Ideal for junior adventurers, kids will love the interactive activities and games throughout the tour, and together you'll uncover the mysterious secrets and fascinating facts that bring the 14-year construction of this expressionist marvel to life. Adults will savor the experience and opportunity to go behind the scenes as you learn about the rich history of this masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 11: Blue Mountains Day Trip
Just west of Sydney lie the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains, renowned for their staggering cliffs, secluded lookouts, cascading waterfalls, and "blue" eucalypt forests. Grab your hiking boots and sun hats, and join your guide on a day trip into this rugged landscape, starting with a pickup from your hotel and a two-hour drive west. Your first stop is at a working farm, where the kids can feed the kangaroos and get acquainted with the emus and wombats. From here, you'll set off on a hike across valleys and sandstone ridges to reach a viewpoint overlooking the towering Three Sisters rock formations.
After a well-deserved lunch, it's time to head to Govetts Leap, one of the country's most famous lookouts, with dramatic views across the Grose Valley. Your final stop is 3,280 feet (1,000 m) above sea level at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. Here, you'll also find hundreds of international plant species and the lizards and possums that call the park home. As the day draws to a close, travel back to Sydney and try out one of the many excellent restaurants along the harbor.
Day 12: Sydney Harbour Cruise, Taronga Zoo Experience
It's your final full day in Sydney, so after a leisurely breakfast, spend the morning cruising around the harbor with a special Explorer Day Pass. Depending on energy levels, you could opt for a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise around Sydney's iconic harbor, or you can use it as an opportunity to hop off and visit some of the city's top attractions, including Shark Island, Watsons Bay, and the sandy beach at Manly.
Afterward, it's time to head to the famous Taronga Zoo. A quick ferry ride from the harbor, the zoo cares for over 5,000 animals from more than 350 species. During your guided tour, encounter some of the country's most recognizable marsupials alongside African lion cubs, Sumatran tigers, giraffes, gorillas, and Asian elephants. Curious minds will enjoy learning about these fascinating creatures and how the zoo is working to protect them. End with a ride above the animals on the Sky Safari—soaking up the views while the kids try to spot the squirrel monkeys in the treetops.
Day 13: Depart Sydney
Your epic family trip to Australia draws to a close today, as you transfer to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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