14-Day Australia Explorer Tour from Sydney: Cairns, Darwin and Melbourne | Blue Mountains | Great Barrier Reef | Great Ocean Road | Flexible Independent Travel

What you'll experience

Highlights

14 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Sydney

   【Sydney】
   Sydney is Australia's most famous city and with almost 20% of the country's population, is also Australia's largest city. Situated on the east coast of Australia it has beautiful white sand beaches, including the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach as well as the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and of course, the Sydney Opera House. Rich in history, art, and food Sydney has something for everyone.
   【Private Transfer from the Sydney Airport to your Sydney Accommodation】
   You will be met at the Sydney Airport by the driver and transferred to your accommodation.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Darling Harbour
2. 2

   Day 2 — Blue Mountains

   【Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Small Group Day Tour】
   Spend the day exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains, Scenic World, and surrounding areas. The tour offers breathtaking views taking in a selection of unique lookout points surrounding Jamison Valley. Away from the crowds, marvel at the vast, jaw-dropping valley views while breathing in fresh, eucalyptus-infused air. Join in on guided walks to see cascades and spectacular lookouts away from the large tour groups. Marvel at the beauty of the Three Sisters and listen to informative commentary from local Blue Mountain guides.

   

   Blue Mountains

   

   Three Sisters

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Darling Harbour
3. 3

   Day 3 — Sydney Harbour Cruise

   【Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise】
   Board a luxurious 78ft cruiser for a Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise, offering expansive views from the main, upper, and sun decks. Enjoy a leisurely a la carte lunch featuring locally sourced delicacies, paired with a selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, tea, or coffee. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate a curated collection from top New South Wales wine regions, all while sailing past the harbour's iconic landmarks.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Darling Harbour
4. 4

   Day 4 — Sydney - Cairns (Domestic Flight from Sydney to Cairns is EXCLUDED)

   【Transfer from your Sydney Accommodation to the Sydney Airport】
   You will be met at your accommodation by the driver and transferred to the Sydney Airport.
   【Own Arrangements Domestic Flight - Sydney to Cairns】
   The cost for this flight is additional to your tour and will need to be booked directly with the Airline.
   【Private Transfer from the Cairns Airport to your Cairns Accommodation】
   A private transfer will meet you on arrival at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.
   【Arrive into Cairns】
   Cairns has been home to Indigenous Australians for more than 40,000 years and was settled by Europeans in 1876 who arrived in search of gold. These days, Cairns is seen as the city "where the rainforest meets the reef" as it is the gateway to the 100-million-year-old Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The main tourist centre in town is along the Esplanade, which has a swimming lagoon, bustling weekend markets, and plenty of great food options.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Hotel Cairns
5. 5

   Day 5 — Great Barrier Reef

   【Outer Barrier Reef Cruise and 35-Minute Guided Snorkel - Lunch Included】
   The Outer Barrier Reef Cruise offers a unique blend of Indigenous culture and Australia's stunning marine life. Begin your morning with an Indigenous welcome upon boarding the catamaran, followed by interactive commentary, storytelling, and games, along with morning tea and a buffet lunch. Learn about the reef's ecosystem and cultural significance through demonstrations by Traditional Owners. Once at the reef, enjoy a guided snorkel experience, exploring the vibrant marine life. As you depart, relax with afternoon tea and shareyour reef experience with the Indigenous Sea Rangers onboard.

   

   Great Barrier Reef

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Hotel Cairns
6. 6

   Day 6 — Cairns

   【Rainforest, Waterfalls & Paronella Park Tour】
   Discover the natural beauty and history of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour, covering over 300km packed with pristine rainforest waterfalls, ancient tropical rainforests, and the intriguing history of heritage-listed Paronella Park. Amongst a small group, the expert guides reveal the secrets of the rolling landscapes and charming townships of the Tablelands, taking time to pause for unforgettable scenic views, rainforest encounters, and of course, a dip in the cool rainforest waters of Milla Milla Falls and Babinda Boulders.

   

   Atherton Tablelands

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Hotel Cairns
7. 7

   Day 7 — River Tubing and Giant Swing

   【River Tubing】
   Come play in nature's theme park with this Half Day River Tubing adventure on the Mulgrave River. This fun and exciting tour is a safe water activity, which includes calm water drifting, small rapids and some beautiful scenery.
   【Giant Swing】
   Soar above the average and reach speeds of up to 120km per hour in just 3.5 seconds with the Giant Swing. Australia's only multi-person swing stretches the limit of gravity and was created to allow 1, 2 or 3 people the chance to experience extreme speed and acceleration together. The Giant Swing takes you up to the rainforest canopy, closely hugs the hillside and weaves its way through the trees combining spectacular views and a rush like no other!

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Hotel Cairns
8. 8

   Day 8 — Cairns - Darwin (Domestic Flight from Cairns to Darwin is EXCLUDED)

   【Private Transfer from your Cairns Accommodation to the Cairns Airport】
   A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport in time for your departing flight.
   【Own Arrangements Domestic Flight - Cairns to Darwin】
   The cost for this flight is additional to your tour and will need to be booked directly with the airline.
   【Darwin】
   Darwin is a tropical city on the edge of Darwin Harbour, surrounded by national parks and reserves, offering a rich blend of culture, nature, and history. It serves as the gateway to UNESCO-listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, and the remote Tiwi Islands. With indigenous culture dating back tens of thousands of years, the city also holds a significant wartime heritage, marked by the 1942 bombing during World War II. Explore this history on a guided wartime tour, visit WWII sites in off-road vehicles, or immerse yourself in Indigenous Dreamtime stories and traditions through cultural experiences.
   【Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise】(Operates daily from April to November only)
   With beautiful views of the Top End city, there is no better way to experience Darwin's renowned sunsets than on board the Charles Darwin. Enjoy a Territory-style dinner with fresh seafood and local produce. This two-hour cruise is the perfect way to experience Darwin's world-famous sunsets.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
9. 9

   Day 9 — Litchfield Day Tour

   【Litchfield Day Tour】(Operates on Monday/Wednesday/Friday from February to October only)
   Explore the ancient stone country and savannah woodlands seeking pristine creeks, water holes and cascading waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Get to know the colourful regional history and learn some unique bush survival skills. During this tour, you will see many stunning natural aspects which makes the Top End unique as well as taking in the history, culture and deeds of those that live and have lived in this far country.

   

   Litchfield National Park

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
10. 10

    Day 10 — Jumping Crocs

    【Jumping Crocs & Nature Adventure Half-Day Tour】(Operates daily from May to September and on Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Sunday from October to April only)
    Take a journey down the Stuart Highway to the Adelaide River where you will experience the infamous Spectacular Crocodile Cruises. Home to over 1600 crocodiles, the Adelaide River provides the perfect setting to view these prehistoric creatures up close and learn about their biology, territorial habitats and value to the ecosystem. Watch the crocodiles leap out of the water, in an epic display of their hunting techniques, as your wildlife guide offers the taste of buffalo meat. Following the cruise, your driver guide will take you to Fogg Dam, a great location to explore a wetland ecosystem and spot birds and other wildlife.

    

    Adelaide River

    

    Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
11. 11

    Day 11 — Darwin - Melbourne (Domestic Flight from Darwin to Melbourne is EXCLUDED)

    【Private Transfer from your Darwin Accommodation to the Darwin Airport】
    You will be met at your accommodation by the driver and transferred to the Darwin Airport.
    【Own Arrangements Domestic Flight - Darwin to Melbourne】
    The cost for this flight is additional to your tour and will need to be booked directly with the airline.
    【Private Transfer from the Melbourne Airport to your Melbourne Accommodation】
    You will be met at the Melbourne Airport by the driver and transferred to your accommodation.
    【Arrive into Melbourne】
    Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with shopping, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and Indigenous art. As the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a hidden gem around every corner - Rich history, bustling laneways, rooftop bars, and world-class restaurants are just the beginning.

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
12. 12

    Day 12 — Melbourne

    【Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour】
    This full-day adventure whisks you away from Melbourne's heart, starting with a scenic drive to the Dandenong Ranges. Climb aboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train for a nostalgic journey through lush forests, offering a glimpse into Victoria's rich history. After soaking in the beauty of Emerald Lake (lunch stop!), continue your adventure along the coast. At The Nobbies lookout, witness the dramatic rock formations, Seal Rock, and the powerful Blowhole. Here, the information centre will unveil the secrets of this fascinating area. Take a stroll along the scenic boardwalk, enjoying the ocean breeze and breathtaking views. As twilight falls, prepare to be captivated by the world-famous Penguin Parade. Watch in awe as these adorable creatures waddle ashore after a day at sea, a truly unforgettable experience.

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
13. 13

    Day 13 — Great Ocean Road

    【Great Ocean Road Tour Day Tour】
    Start your day early at 6:15am, departing Melbourne for an unforgettable journey along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Travel through scenic dairy farms with a quick stop at Colac, then arrive at your first major destination, the majestic London Bridge. Your adventure continues with visits to the world-famous 12 Apostles, the Arch, Port Campbell, and the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge, where cliffs and shipwreck history come alive. Afterwards, enjoy a lunch break at Lavers Hill and take a peaceful rainforest walk at Maits Rest in the Otway Forest. Watch for wildlife as you pass through Kennett River, known for koalas and wild parrots. The journey continues with scenic coastal views, a stroll along Lorne Beach, and visits to local shops and the Memorial Arch before arrivingat the golden sands of Fairhaven Beach. End the day with a stop at Bells Beach, where you might spot kangaroos. Return to Melbourne around 6:00pm, with unforgettable memories of Australia’s rugged coast.

    

    Great Ocean Road

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
14. 14

    Day 14 — Melbourne

    【Private Transfer from your Melbourne Accommodation to the Melbourne Airport】
    You will be met at your accommodation by the driver and transferred to the Melbourne Airport

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator