Ultimate East Coast Australia & Uluru - 18 Days

Highlights

• Visit Sydney's iconic sights, like the Opera House and Harbor Bridge
• Witness the beauty of Uluru at sunrise and sunset 
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest
• Enjoy the relaxed vibe of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay
• Drive the east coast of Australia, from Brisbane to Sydney

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney

Welcome to Australia! Your first stop is sunny Sydney, where your driver will meet you at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel. Frequently mistaken as Australia's capital (that would be Canberra), this metropolis feels like the heart of Australia thanks to its iconic sights, historic neighborhoods, world-class culinary scene, prime waterfront location, and pristine beaches.

Start with a visit to Sydney's gorgeous harbor and take in views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge over a drink at a waterfront bar, like the Opera Bar. Stretch your legs and get your bearings with a walk along the harborfront, then head back to your hotel and some rest in preparation for tomorrow's adventure.

Day 2: Fly to Uluru, A Night at Field of Light

Uluru (Ayers Rock) is an unmissable experience and the spiritual heart of Australia's Outback and desert plains. Today you'll catch a flight to Ayers Rock Airport, dropping you close to the country's most recognized natural wonder and into the home of the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara tribes, the traditional landowners of the area. At this spectacular World Heritage Site, there are many natural springs, waterholes, rock caves, and ancient paintings to discover. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

This evening, experience the spellbinding Sounds of Silence dinner and the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. Sitting on a remote dune beneath the star-studded outback sky with breathtaking views of Uluru monolith, watch the sun fade behind the dunes while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine and canapés. Then savor mouthwatering "bush food" made with native ingredients while enjoying the quiet of the desert. Take a self-guided visit through the special installation, which features 50,000 sparkling globes by artist Bruce Monroe. End the evening with a drink and stargazing.

Day 3: Desert Awakenings Tour, Uluru Sacred Sights & Sunset

Rise early and experience the tranquillity of predawn in the outback under a canopy of stars. Watch as the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view as you enjoy a hearty Aussie breakfast of egg and bacon rolls, tea, coffee, and homemade damper (soda bread) with golden syrup. Then spend some time exploring with your local guide as they explain the natural history of the region and show you animal tracks in the sand.

Day 4: Fly to Cairns, Dinner Cruise

Wake up early again to witness the sunrise at Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas). This incredible formation of rock domes extends 3.7 miles (6 km) into the ground and is the remains of erosion that began more than 500 million years ago. Enjoy a light breakfast while hearing fascinating stories of the geology, history, and culture of Kata Tjuta. Your guide will then lead a two to three-hour walk to the Valley of the Winds lookout, taking time to marvel at the unique flora and views. Afterward, pack your bags and take a transfer to the airport.

This afternoon you'll board a flight for Cairns, a tropical paradise and the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the 135-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest. Check into your hotel and refresh ahead of a special dinner cruise aboard a catamaran. Enjoy an evening on the water as you cruise through Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city as day turns to night. Enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand, then sit down to a delicious three-course set menu dinner featuring some of the region's best produce.

Day 5: Full-Day Kuranda Tour

This morning you'll take a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway up to the mountain village of Kuranda, located about 15 miles (25 km) inland. The train snakes along hillside tracks and offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, cane fields, and the Barron Gorge as you rise from sea level to 1,072 feet (327 m). Explore the rainforest village and its colorful Heritage Markets, which offer an array of locally-made clothing and jewelry, wood carvings, ceramics, gemstones, and Aboriginal art.

 After sampling some of the freshest local produce, including fruits, macadamias, and coffee, head to the Kuranda Koala Gardens to cuddle a koala, then spend time at Birdworld or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, where over 1,500 of these beautiful tropical creatures flutter freely. Return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide over the canopy of one of the world's oldest rainforest ecosystems and see the only place on earth where two World Heritage Sites meet. 

Day 6: Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise

Today you'll dive into one of the world's great natural wonders with a full-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The world's largest coral reef system is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 30 species of whales and dolphins, and six species of sea turtles. Made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, the protected area spans over 1,430 miles (2,300 km). Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen this morning and board a catamaran destined for a platform at the outer edge of Australia's continental shelf. 

Dive off the platform and snorkel or dive among colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and even sharks. Join a semi-submersible reef viewer or glass bottom boat tour. Or stay dry and simply view the reef from the platform's underwater observatory. The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and is an essential ecosystem for the world's oceans, providing vital habitat and protection for marine life.

Day 7: Daintree, Cape Tribulation & Bloomfield Day Tour

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The Daintree Rainforest is home to an incredible array of plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. Suspected to be more than 135 million years old, the UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a habitat for 430 species of birds, 13 species of bats, and 12,000 species of insects. On today's full-day tour, you'll venture past crystal-clear streams, cascading waterfalls, and dense tropical foliage in the back of a custom 4WD vehicle. Listen to entertaining commentary as you explore the Bloomfield Track and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.

Day 8: Free Day in Cairns

Today is yours to explore tropical Cairns as you wish. Spend a quiet day exploring tranquil seaside villages and palm-fringed beaches like Trinity, Clifton, and Palm Cove, head to the downtown Rusty's Market to taste exotic tropical fruits, or visit the Cairns Aquarium, home to various species of sharks, rays, sea turtles, eels, and many others. Alternatively, return to the rainforest or the reef with another full-day tour. You could take a helicopter ride to see the Great Barrier Reef from a whole new perspective or venture inland to see the jade rivers at Mossman Gorge and the scenic Atherton Tablelands.

Day 9: Fly to Brisbane, Spirits of the Red Sand Aboriginal Dinner 

Fly two hours south today to the capital of the "Sunshine State," Brisbane. Whether you enjoy art and culture, history or nature, Australia's third-largest city has it all. Take a transfer to your hotel, drop your bags, and make your way to South Bank, across the river from the CBD (Central Business District). Here the Cultural Center offers world-class galleries, entertainment, and a sprawling riverfront parkland with a unique man-made beach. Within an hour of the city, you can access stunning natural surroundings, including the lush Scenic Rim and the world's third-largest sand island, Moreton Island.

Before Europeans arrived, the Brisbane River was the traditional home to the Jagera and Turrbal Aboriginal clans. This evening experience the Spirits of the Red Sand, an interactive live theater show that celebrates the country's Indigenous history and culture. Go back to 19th-century Australia and witness two cultures clash for the first time. This riveting docudrama tells the captivating story of 60,000 years of history through Indigenous song and dance. During the performance, you'll enjoy a three-course traditional Australian meal that includes kangaroo and emu dishes. 

Day 10: Day Cruise to Moreton Island

Moreton Island boasts crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and pristine natural habitats. Take a day cruise to the world's third-largest sand island and spend your day lazing on the beach, join a guided walk across the island, or snorkel at the Tangalooma Wrecks to see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and friendly dolphins. Choose to pack your day with activities—such as sandboarding down giant dunes or quad biking across the desert—or relax by the beach and let a gentle and relaxing day pass by.

Day 11: Free Day in Brisbane

Use your free day in Brisbane to shop Queen Street Mall, board a CityCat ferry and cruise the bends of the winding Brisbane River, or meet Australia's cute and cuddly wildlife. Lone Pine Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, home to more than 130 koalas. Take the opportunity to hold and cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and view other native wildlife, including wombats, echidnas, dingoes, and a wide range of bird species. Look at the schedule to join keeper talks and wildlife shows.

For dinner, venture to Howard Smith Wharves, James Street, or Fish Lane to find dozens of top restaurants and chic bars. Here you can see Australia's multicultural heart, with everything from contemporary Chinese to classic Italian to modern Middle Eastern cuisine on show.

Day 12: Drive to the Gold Coast, Visit Surfers Paradise

The road trip portion of your adventure kicks off today as you pick up a rental car and drive to the Gold Coast, just over an hour south. Head into the heart of Surfers Paradise, one of Australia's most iconic family holiday destinations. This surfside suburb is renowned for its glittering strip of skyscrapers, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife juxtaposed with the surrounding pristine coastline and reliable swell.

Sink your toes into the sand or climb the Q1 building. At around 1,110 feet (333 m) tall, it's one of the tallest buildings around the globe. Visit the SkyPoint Observation deck to take in a 360-degree view of the stunning coastal city and lush green hinterland. Surfers Paradise is a fun place to be, no matter your age, so use your afternoon and evening to join a surf lesson, play mini golf, enjoy the sunset from a rooftop bar, go bowling, play hundreds of arcade games, sit in a 7D cinema, chase down live music, or explore some of the many nightclubs.

Day 13: Free Day on the Gold Coast

Today is your free Gold Coast day to explore sunshine, sand, and surf. Drive south along the coast to Burleigh Heads, where trendy cafés and cool boutiques line James Street, and pop around the corner to Tallebudgera Creek Beach for calm salty swims in the shadow of Burleigh Headland National Park. Or keep going south to Currumbin, where Currumbin Alley offers prime conditions for beginner surfers.

Alternatively, swap the gold for the green and venture into the vibrant hills of Tamborine Mountain, where cute shops, cellar doors, and adventure awaits. Tamborine National Park encompasses an area of 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) and is home to lush rainforest, waterfalls, and of course, beautiful walks. The Cedar Creek Falls Lookout Track is a super easy one that leads to a cascading waterfall, or the Curtis Falls route takes around an hour-long passing wet eucalypt forest and lush rainforest with ferns. Reward your efforts with a cheese and wine tasting at the Witches Falls cellar door.

Day 14: Drive to Byron Bay, Broken Head Aboriginal Tour

Hit the road again today and take the scenic route to Byron Bay via the Tweed Valley Way, passing sugar cane fields and verdant green hills. Make a detour to Cabarita Beach, voted Australia's best in 2020. With large areas of protected wetlands and limited development, this quiet coastal village has a relaxed vibe. Stop at Brunswick Heads for lunch at the famous Brunswick Hotel before continuing to Byron. If you have time, make a pitstop at the local brewery, Stone & Wood, for a tasting paddle on the way into town. It takes around one hour to drive from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, not including stops.

Byron Bay is renowned as one of the world's most famous coastal towns, boasting a captivating blend of breathtaking natural attractions and a vibrant, eclectic community. Expect gorgeous beaches, lush hinterland, spectacular coastal trails, and a buzzing food scene. A great way to get your bearings is with a two-hour Aboriginal walking tour of Cape Byron, hearing about significant places, local history, and traditional stories. Learn some Bundjalung language and about bush food, natural medicine, tools, weapons, and artifacts. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as dolphins and wallabies, as you explore.

Day 15: Free Day in Byron Bay

Day 16: Drive to Coffs Harbor

Wave goodbye to laid-back Byron Bay and continue the journey south. It's a 2.5-hour drive to Coffs Harbor, so get on the road early to give yourself time to explore. Start by snapping a holiday photo with the Big Banana—the kitsch yellow beacon signals that you've arrived! Be sure to keep an eye out for other giant things on your road trip along the east coast—there are plenty.

Coffs Harbor is a relaxed coastal town with plenty to do. Grab lunch at the Coffs Harbor Fishermen's Co-op. Open since the 1950s, it still serves the best seafood in town. Then use the afternoon to explore the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park. Here you can swim with dolphins, making memories for a lifetime. Or venture to Woolgoolga Lake and go canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and bird-watching. Have an early night as a big day on the road awaits tomorrow.

Day 17: Drive to Newcastle via Port Macquarie

It's a four-hour drive from Coffs Harbor to Newcastle, so break up the journey with a stop. Port Macquarie sits halfway between the two, making it the perfect pause. This coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, and historic sites, including the Tacking Point Lighthouse and the Port Macquarie Museum.

Day 18: Drive to Sydney, Depart

It's your final morning on the road. The final stretch is a two-hour drive along the coastal road to Sydney. Drop off your car keys at the rental company and make your way to the airport in time for your departing flight home. Safe travels!

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