14 Days Highlights of Australian Wildlife and Icons

Welcome to Sydney! Your Australian adventure begins in this iconic harbour city, known for its sunlit coastline, cosmopolitan charm, and world-famous landmarks. After touching down at Sydney Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your central hotel—settle in, refresh, and soak up the excitement of being in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. If time allows, stretch your legs with a stroll around Circular Quay or the historic Rocks precinct, both perfect introductions to Sydney’s blend of history and harbour views.

This evening, kick things off in style with dinner at SkyFeast, located 82 floors above the city at Sydney Tower. Enjoy more than 30 global dishes, from fresh Australian seafood to decadent desserts, while the restaurant slowly rotates to reveal sweeping 360-degree views of the sparkling skyline, the Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s the ideal way to take it all in—your first evening here feels a little magical.

Return to your hotel for a good night’s sleep as tomorrow brings even more of Sydney’s coastal charm, hidden corners, and iconic sights.

Accommodation: A central Sydney hotel, such as the Grace Hotel or similar

Start your day with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House, where an expert guide shares the stories and secrets of this architectural masterpiece. It’s a great way to appreciate the artistry behind the sails before heading off to explore more of this vibrant city. With your all-day Explore Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off ticket, jump aboard and design your own adventure at your own pace—this flexible pass lets you visit top sights without the hassle of navigating public transport.

Take in sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, stop off at Darling Harbour or the Royal Botanic Garden, and make your way to world-famous Bondi Beach. Soak up the coastal vibes, wander past local boutiques and beachfront cafés, and even take a dip if the weather’s right. The route also winds through the elegant eastern suburbs of Rose Bay and Double Bay—ideal for spotting luxurious homes and hidden coves.

Tonight, step aboard a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise. Watch the city light up from the water while enjoying a relaxed evening with great food and unforgettable views. It’s a beautiful way to end your first full day in Australia.

Accommodation: A central Sydney hotel, such as the Grace Hotel or similar

Escape the city and head into the wild beauty of the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region famous for its dramatic scenery. Your early morning departure sets the tone for a full day of nature and fresh mountain air. First stop is Echo Point for views of the legendary Three Sisters rock formation, followed by a visit to Scenic World—ride the Scenic Railway into the valley, glide above the forest canopy, or stroll the boardwalk through lush rainforest.

Continue through charming mountain villages and eucalyptus forests before arriving at Featherdale Wildlife Park or Sydney Zoo, where you’ll meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats and more. It’s a brilliant chance to see native animals up close, perfect for photos and unforgettable memories.

Finish your day with a relaxing river cruise down the Parramatta River, gliding past leafy suburbs and under the Harbour Bridge before arriving back in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

Accommodation: A central Sydney hotel, such as the Grace Hotel or similar

This morning, you’ll transfer to Sydney Airport for a flight north to tropical Cairns—Australia’s launching point to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. After arriving, settle into your resort-style accommodation and soak up the warm, relaxed atmosphere. The tropical vibe here is instantly different from the city pace—think palm trees, open-air cafés, and a laid-back coastal energy.

In the late afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Cairns Esplanade, where locals gather for sunset and kids splash in the waterfront lagoon. Browse the colourful night markets or try a local seafood dinner at one of the open-air restaurants.

For a special welcome to the north, opt for a sunset dinner cruise around Trinity Inlet, with the Coral Sea and rainforest peaks as your backdrop. It’s a gentle introduction to the Far North and sets the stage for some incredible adventures ahead.

Accommodation: A Cairns hotel or resort, such as the Pullman Cairns International or similar

Today is all about the Great Barrier Reef—one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. You’ll spend the day on the water with a guided reef cruise, departing from Cairns Marina and venturing out to the outer reef. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeller or an experienced diver, this is a day to remember.

Expect vibrant coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, giant clams, and maybe even a turtle or two. Choose to snorkel directly off the boat, try scuba diving (no experience required), or stay dry and enjoy the reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible vessel. A buffet-style tropical lunch is served onboard, keeping energy high between water adventures.

Upgrade options include scenic helicopter flights for a bird’s-eye view of the reef—an extraordinary way to appreciate its sheer size and beauty. After a full day on the ocean, return to Cairns in the late afternoon sun, relaxed and inspired.

Accommodation: A Cairns hotel or resort, such as the Pullman Cairns International or similar

Today, explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest and pristine Cape Tribulation coast. Travel north along the stunning Captain Cook Highway, hugging cliffs and beaches, until you reach Mossman Gorge. Here, learn about local Indigenous culture and take a guided walk through the cool rainforest streams and granite boulders.

Continue deeper into the Daintree on the cable ferry, crossing the river into a world older than the Amazon. Spot cassowaries in the wild, stroll along rainforest trails, and listen to the symphony of tropical birds above. At Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets reef, you’ll walk along palm-fringed beaches and admire the view where two World Heritage sites collide.

Enjoy a locally sourced lunch in the forest and a Daintree River wildlife cruise before returning to Cairns in the late afternoon. Keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks—your guide will be watching!

Accommodation: A Cairns hotel or resort, such as the Pullman Cairns International or similar

Today offers two distinct ways to meet Australia’s unique wildlife—choose morning or afternoon, or do both if you’re up for it!

In the morning, head to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, just north of Cairns. Set within 10 hectares of tropical wetlands, this eco-certified park is home to crocodiles, wallabies, cassowaries, and reptiles. Watch a croc feeding show, meet a koala, and learn about conservation efforts from passionate keepers.

Alternatively, opt for the evening wildlife spotlighting tour to the Atherton Tablelands. After an early dinner, travel with a naturalist guide into the cool highland rainforest, searching for tree kangaroos, gliders, possums, and even the elusive platypus. The thrill of seeing these creatures in their natural habitat after dark is something truly special.

Both options offer something different—daytime interaction and shows, or a more immersive wild encounter under the stars.

Accommodation: A Cairns hotel or resort, such as the Pullman Cairns International or similar

This morning, catch an early flight to the spiritual heart of Australia: the Red Centre. Upon arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, transfer to your accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort. The ochre tones of the desert and the outline of Uluru on the horizon mark your welcome to this sacred landscape.

In the afternoon, join a guided tour to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit the base of Uluru, exploring Mutitjulu Waterhole where ancient rock art tells stories of the Anangu people. Your guide will explain the significance of Uluru in Aboriginal culture, its deep spiritual connection to country, and how it remains a living classroom for passing down traditional knowledge.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ under the desert sky, with Uluru as your backdrop. The peacefulness, the open sky, and the red earth combine for a truly unforgettable evening.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert or similar, Ayers Rock Resort

Rise early for a sunrise journey to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a group of massive rock domes rising from the desert. As the morning light creeps across the land, you’ll witness the colours of the Outback shift from purple to brilliant orange. It’s one of those moments where time slows down.

Explore Walpa Gorge on foot with your guide, learning about the geology and the native flora adapted to these harsh desert conditions. Enjoy a simple Outback-style picnic breakfast before returning to the resort for some rest and relaxation.

The afternoon is free for optional activities—perhaps a scenic helicopter flight, camel ride through the dunes, or simply a swim and spa treatment back at the resort.

This evening, be dazzled by the Field of Light, a solar-powered art installation by Bruce Munro. Dine beneath the stars as 50,000 glass spheres light up the desert around you—gentle, colourful, and unlike anything else on earth.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert or similar, Ayers Rock Resort

You may wish to rise before dawn to catch one final Uluru sunrise—it’s a peaceful way to say goodbye to the Red Centre. Later, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne, one of Australia’s most culturally rich cities.

Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Depending on your arrival time, spend the afternoon exploring Melbourne’s famed laneways, coffee culture, or riverside walks. This is a city that blends elegance with energy—expect to find quirky galleries next to high-end boutiques and atmospheric bars tucked behind graffiti-covered walls.

Tonight, relax at your hotel or venture out for a taste of Melbourne’s world-class dining scene. There’s no better place to finish the day than in one of the hidden wine bars or buzzing restaurants locals love.

Accommodation: A Melbourne hotel, such as The Langham, Grand Hyatt or similar

Set off on one of Australia’s most famous coastal drives—the Great Ocean Road. Today is a feast for the senses, filled with windswept beaches, ancient rainforests, seaside towns, and unforgettable views. Stop along the way for morning tea, wildlife spotting, and scenic photo opportunities.

Travel through Anglesea, Lorne, and Apollo Bay, winding your way to the dramatic Shipwreck Coast. Here you’ll explore the towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the rugged beauty of Port Campbell National Park. Your guide will share stories of explorers, shipwrecks, and the geology that carved this landscape into what it is today.

Enjoy a delicious lunch in a coastal town and perhaps take a beach walk or forest stroll before heading back toward Melbourne in the golden light of afternoon. It’s a big day, but one of the most scenic and memorable.

Accommodation: A Melbourne hotel, such as The Langham, Grand Hyatt or similar

Depart mid-morning for a coastal adventure to Phillip Island, a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. En route, stop at a local wildlife park where you might see kangaroos, wombats, and koalas in a more natural environment.

Continue to the rugged coastline of the Nobbies, home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. Stroll the boardwalks, take in the sea spray, and learn about the island’s unique marine life. Then, as twilight falls, make your way to the Penguin Parade—one of the most endearing sights in Australia.

Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle from the ocean back to their burrows under the cover of dusk. It’s a quiet, magical moment that stays with you long after. After the parade, return to Melbourne for a well-earned rest.

Accommodation: A Melbourne hotel, such as The Langham, Grand Hyatt or similar

Your final full day is yours to explore Melbourne in your own style. Join a local walking guide for a laneways and arcades tour to uncover the city’s quirky art and café culture, or choose a chocolate and dessert-themed walk to sample the city’s sweetest highlights.

There’s also time to do some last-minute shopping or relax along the Yarra River. If you’re up for something extra, ask about day trips to the Yarra Valley wine region or the Mornington Peninsula for a spa and gourmet escape.

Tonight is yours to enjoy Melbourne one last time—whether it’s a rooftop cocktail, fine dining experience, or a show at the Arts Centre, the city always delivers.

Accommodation: A Melbourne hotel, such as The Langham, Grand Hyatt or similar

Enjoy a relaxed morning before your airport transfer. Depending on your flight time, there might be time for one last stroll, coffee, or souvenir shopping.

If your journey ends here, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of wildlife encounters, sacred landscapes, tropical reefs, and buzzing cities. But if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye, consider extending your journey—South Australia, Western Australia, or even New Zealand are all just a flight away.

Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back soon.