Highlights
- Take a ferry ride across the Sydney Harbour to meet the giraffes of Taronga Zoo
- Discover ancient Aboriginal art on a hike through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Set off on a family camel riding adventure to watch the sunrise over Uluru
- Snorkel among the Great Barrier Reef with the help of a marine biologist guide
- Soar over the lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics by cable car
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Sydney, Australia's "Harbour City" | Sydney |
| Day 2 | Visit Taronga Zoo, Sun & Surfing at Bondi Beach | Sydney |
| Day 3 | Explore Sydney's Northern Beaches & Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park | Sydney |
| Day 4 | Fly to Uluru, Kata Tjuta Tour, Sunset Over Uluru | Uluru |
| Day 5 | Sunrise Camel Ride, Uluru Sacred Sites Tour | Uluru |
| Day 6 | Field of Light Uluru Sunrise, Fly to Cairns | Cairns |
| Day 7 | Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour | Cairns |
| Day 8 | Kuranda Scenic Railway, Cable Car Over the Rainforest | Cairns |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Cairns: Lagoons, Parks & Aquariums | Cairns |
| Day 10 | Depart Cairns |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney, Australia's "Harbour City"
Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival in Sydney, your driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodations in the city. The capital of New South Wales, this former penal colony for British convicts is now a glittering metropolis and a perfect destination for families. With its dizzying array of beaches, famous harbor, zoo, and watersports, there are numerous fun-filled activities for all ages—adults included.
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 Harbour Bridge on the northern shore.
Day 2: Visit Taronga Zoo, Sun & Surfing at Bondi Beach
After a leisurely start to the day, it's time to head to the city's 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. Young animal lovers will enjoy learning about these fascinating creatures and how the zoo is working to protect them.
Kids of all ages will be delighted by the African Savannah experience. With only a water boundary between you and some of Africa's most awe-inspiring animals, meet the zoo's resident giraffes, Jimiyu and Zarafa, then wave at the zebras before heading off to meet Lwazi and Ato, two male lions who have called Taronga home since 2015. Your visit concludes with a ride on the zoo's Sky Safari—Sydney's only cable car. Soak up the views while the kids try to spot the squirrel monkeys in the treetops.
No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the famous Bondi Beach. Here, golden sands and crystal waters continue to capture hearts, big and little. If energy levels are high, create memories with a family surf lesson. Learn the basics from warm-up to paddling, catching waves, and standing—you'll be safely up onto your first wave before you've had time to worry about falling off! If spectating is more your thing, browse the boutique shops along Gould Street, grab a coffee, and indulge in some people-watching.
Day 3: Explore Sydney's Northern Beaches & Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Start your day with a scenic 30-minute transfer to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where you'll go on a bush walk to view ancient cave art and learn about the sacred engraved rocks left by Indigenous people. Your next stop will be Palm Beach, where Australia's popular TV show Home and Away is filmed, to see filming locations and the area's famous mansions.
Your journey continues with stops at several famous beaches, where you can watch surfers, look for whales, and take photographs to your heart's content. Take a coastal stroll on the Curl Curl Boardwalk and view the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the Olympic swimming champion who brought surfing to Australia. End your journey at North Head National Park, where you'll take a bush walk to a viewpoint with a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour and then hop on the Manly Ferry for a scenic boat ride back to Sydney.
Day 4: Fly to Uluru, Kata Tjuta Tour, Sunset Over Uluru
Today, your driver will transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch a three-hour flight north to Uluru. This sacred part of Australia's Red Centre desert plains is famous for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people—the area's traditional landowners. Upon arrival, you'll be transported to your hotel. Take some time to relax before this afternoon's excursion.
After getting settled, your guide will drive you to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta, which lie 21 miles (35 km) west of Uluru. Enjoy the scenic views of these rock formations as you learn about the park's history. While Indigenous people have lived in this area for at least 30,000 years, it was only in 1872 that the first non-Aboriginal person, the explorer Ernest Giles, first spotted Kata Tjuta. Relive his feeling of wonder as you follow the one-hour family-friendly hiking trail through Walpa Gorge, a desert refuge for plants and animals.
As dusk descends, travel with your family to the viewing area. Raise a toast to your adventures, and watch Uluru turn from red and gold to shades of pink and purple as the sun sets over the horizon.
Day 5: Sunrise Camel Ride, Uluru Sacred Sites Tour
It's a predawn start today to see the sunrise over Uluru and make some family memories. Supported by a guide, ride your camels over the dunes in the peaceful first light, and marvel at the sight of the morning sun as it ignites Uluru into a bright fiery red. Stop at a remote lookout en route to capture the views or just appreciate the stillness. After your ride, enjoy a light breakfast of freshly baked dampner (beer bread) with quandong jam and a warming cup of tea or coffee. Spend a well-deserved rest back at your hotel before this afternoon's adventure.
After a leisurely lunch (and maybe some shut-eye), it's time to venture deep into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with a local guide. Learn about Anangu culture and the area's flora, fauna, and geology. Visit nearby caves where the children will be fascinated by the Aboriginal rock art. Continue to the sacred Mutitjulu Waterhole—a freshwater spring and the site of one of Uluru's most dramatic creation stories. Absorb the serenity of this sacred spot while eagle-eyed kids try to spot the wallabies who hop among the tall grasses and river-red gum trees.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Field of Light Uluru Sunrise, Fly to Cairns
Waking up before sunrise will be amply repaid during your visit to Field of Light Uluru, an art installation featuring 50,000 illuminated frosted glass spheres that shimmer in various colors. The stars overhead and the silhouettes of nearby trees invite contemplation as you wait for sunrise. At the sunrise observation area, you'll watch the sun come up as you enjoy a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
In the afternoon, it's time to swap the outback for the tropics, as your driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Known as the city "where the rainforest meets the reef," Cairns is the gateway to the 100-million-year-old Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Settle into your head, then take a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, a popular waterfront promenade with playgrounds, a saltwater swimming lagoon, and art installations, or hop on the Reef Eye Ferris wheel for a bird's-eye view over the city, beaches, and rainforest.
Day 7: Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour
Get ready for a day exploring the Outer Barrier Reef! This morning, you and your family will be whisked to Port Douglas to board your catamaran. Enjoy breakfast on the deck as you sail to the Agincourt ribbon reefs situated at the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Widely regarded as some of the highest quality dive sites, this small chain of ribbon reefs runs parallel to the Continental Shelf. Here, the clear outer reef water provides the best possible visibility as you enjoy 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. Relax on the spacious sundeck as you sail back to Port Douglas Marina, where you'll be transferred to your Cairns accommodation. The evening is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 8: Kuranda Scenic Railway, Cable Car Over the Rainforest
This morning, you'll make your way to Cairns Railway Station, situated right in the heart of the city. Board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and travel 15 miles (25 km) inland to the picturesque mountain village of Kuranda. As the train snakes along hillside tracks built by the early settlers, you'll be met with 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 unusual 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: Free Day in Cairns: Lagoons, Parks & Aquariums
It's your last full day in Australia, and the morning is yours to explore Cairns' many attractions with your family. After a leisurely breakfast, head together to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, located in the Central Business District. Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the kids splash in the shallows and take a dip to cool off before deciding how to spend the rest of your day. Make your way to the City Botanic Gardens for a stroll or meander along the Rainforest Boardwalk through the Centenary Lakes Nature Play Space.
In the afternoon, head to the Cairns Aquarium, the only place in the world dedicated exclusively to the marine animals of the tropical Queensland region. Curious minds will love the fascinating reef exhibits, animal presentations, live diver feeds, and touch-tank shows. Discover some of the underwater world's most fascinating, elusive, and deadly creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, rays, and eels, among the aquarium's 16,000 aquatic species. Afterward, dine at one of the numerous international cafés and restaurants and take one last walk along the esplanade as the sun dips.
Day 10: Depart Cairns
It's time to say goodbye to Australia. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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