This tour can be taken on its own or combined with our New Zealand in 14 Days tour.
This tour includes a small group (average 24 tour members), a top-rated professional tour guide, centrally located hotels, all sightseeing mentioned on the itinerary, all breakfasts, 9 other meals (including a special last night dinner), all tips for drivers, local guides and wait staff at group meals, and countless unforgettable experiences.
Experience Highlights
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome!
Overnight: Sydney
Welcome to Australia
Beginning our adventure in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, today we’ll meet around 4pm (time to be confirmed) at our Sydney Hotel for our first meeting and welcome drink. Afterwards, a short orientation walking tour takes us through the historic streets of The Rocks, exploring the very first streets which were developed as part of Sydney’s original urban plan. This evening we’ll begin to get to know each other a little better over a casual dinner (included) at a local eatery.
Day 2 - Sydney Opera House and Museum
Overnight: Sydney
Exploring Sydney
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart on foot. Our first stop, just 10 minutes walk around Circular Quay, is Sydney Opera House, where we’ll enjoy a private guided tour of this iconic architectural marvel and symbol of the nation. We’ll take a tea break after the Opera House and then reconvene at the Australian Museum, which houses artefacts tracing the natural and anthropological history of this land. We'll finish structured touring by around 2pm, and the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to soak up more of the Harbour City.
Day 3 - Sydney Beaches and Bays
Overnight: Sydney
Sydney – Bondi Beach and more local sights
Today we’ll explore more of Sydney, using the city's public transport. Enjoy Fish and Chips at Watson's Bay, visit Bondi Beach and stroll along to Bronte before ferrying back to the city. Free for dinner.
Day 4 - Alice Springs
Overnight: Alice Springs
Welcome to Alice Springs!
Today we fly from Sydney to Alice Springs in Australia’s Red Centre. The flights takes around 3 hours. provisionally arriving in Alice by around 11am (TBC). Check in to the hotel, short orientation tour of the neighbourhood. Afternoon and evening free.
Day 5 - Alice Springs
Overnight: Alice Springs
Sights and Sounds of the Red Centre
This morning we'll travel out to visit ANZAC Hill Lookout, the historic telegraph station birthplace of 'The Alice', walk through Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge. The return to Alice Springs. Dinner together this evening.
Day 6 - Kings Canyon
Overnight: Kings Canyon
The Outback - Watarrka National Park
Today we drive through the outback and the colorful semi-desert to the Watarrka National Park. Embark on a 2-3 hour hike up and over the Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the Lost City to the oasis of the Garden of Eden. Sleep under royal blue skies, framed by the lush-meets-rugged terrain of Kings Canyon.
Day 7 - Uluru
Overnight: Sails in the Desert, Uluru
The Heart of the Outback
Travel over red sand dunes and past salt lakes to Uluru National Park. Check into our hotel. Time for lunch. This afternoon we explore the boulder formations and unique flora and fauna of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Our local guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and its cultural significance as a sacred Aboriginal ceremonial site. At Walpa Gorge walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and learn how they have evolved over millions of years. This evening is free for you to relax at our 5 star accommodation Sails in the Desert, enjoy the swimming pool and other facilities, and perhaps dine at one of the resort’s restaurants (dinner at own cost).
Day 8 - Uluru
Overnight: Uluru
The Heart of the Outback
It’s worth the early start today (around 5am) to witness the vast shape of Uluru rising from the sand dunes in the dawn light. Our guide will take us to a special location to watch the sunrise over this amazing monolith. We will hear the Creation stories of the Mala people – about Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python). After a “bush breakfast” in the desert we visit Mutijulu Waterhole, hear it’s story and see the rock art nearby, then drive around the base of Uluru before returning to Sails on the Desert. The afternoon is free to relax and shade from the heat or enjoy the facilities. This evening we visit The Field of Light art installation. More than 50,000 stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres bloom as darkness falls. Uluru is thrown into silhouette, as the field of light illuminates. Enjoy a three-course dinner (included), followed by an explanation of the southern night sky from the resident star talker.
Day 9 - Cairns
Overnight: Cairns
Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef!
Today we fly from Ayers Rock to Cairns. As we descend over the Great Barrier Reef, look out for a glimpse of the surrounding mountains covered with dense tropical rainforest. Cairns is the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, renowned for its relaxed and laid-back ambience. Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 10 - Cairns
Overnight: Cairns
Tropical Queensland, Great Barrier Reef
After breakfast at the hotel today we visit Cairns Aquarium. Follow the journey of a drop of rain as it descends from the mountain ranges down into rivers and streams, through the rainforest, across the mangroves, into the shallows of the reef and finally into the depths of the Coral Sea. Travel through ten amazing North Queensland ecosystems with over 70 different habitats showcasing the stunning diversity of the species from two world heritage listed areas – the wet tropics rainforest and the great barrier reef.
Day 11 – Daintree
Overnight: Daintree
Daintree National Park
Travel north from Cairns today experiencing stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, the region’s most scenic coastal highway. Observe the changes in habitat diversity as we venture into the Daintree Tropical Rainforest. Cruise the Daintree River looking out for wildlife on a quiet, clean, solar-electric boat with zero environmental impact. Arrive at Cape Tribulation, a World Heritage area with pristine beaches, rainforest, cool streams, towering mountains and freshwater valleys. Dinner included, in the Rainforest, with a delicious range of cuisine on offer at Whet Restaurant. A wildlife tour in Far North Queensland is not complete without a night walk. Much of the local wildlife has adopted a nocturnal lifestyle to avoid the heat of the day in the tropical climate. Sleep in or near Daintree National Park.
Day 12 - Daintree
Overnight: Daintree
Daintree excursion
Head out for a day of exploring the local history of this tropical corner of Australia. Learn about European explorers and the local Guugu Yimithiir. Lunch at a favourite local hang out. Return to Daintree in the late afternoon.
Day 13 - Return to Cairns
Overnight: Cairns
Great Barrier Reef Drive
Return overland from Daintree to Cairns with stops along the way, taking in more of the stunnig Great Barrier Reef Drive. Check into the hotel and have a relaxing or active afternoon at your leisure. Free for dinner.
Day 14 – Great Barrier Reef
Overnight: Cairns
Frankland Islands, Great Barrier Reef
On our last full day together we are whisked away to spend the day in and around the Frankland Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Options for all levels of appetite-for-adventure; stay on dry land, snorkel, or scuba. A soul-cleansing natural day out. The spectacular coral formations and underwater gardens of the world-famous reef are awash with vibrantly colored marine creatures. Locations may vary with the day’s conditions however each site is chosen for visual impact, ecological diversity and the challenge of discovery. Enjoy a special last night meal together and toast new friends!
Day 15 - Tour Over
No overnight accommodation
Tour over after breakfast
Breakfast is provided today but there are no group activities. From Cairns you may take your international flight to your onwards destination (New Zealand perhaps?) or back home. Ask us about onward travel advice if you wish to extend your time in Australia. Our Australian partners can assist with booking further accommodation, flights or extended itinerary planning.
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
All details bound by Mondumo Terms and Conditions.
If you have any questions about this tour please email colin@mondumo.com
More Details
Route
Tour starts in Sydney, and ends in Cairns.
Tour Dates
Australia in 15 Days - October 10-24, 2024 - REGISTER NOW! (Tour Guide: David Gillett, assisted by Colin Mairs)
Meet our guides here
Accommodation
14 nights accommodation in: Sydney (3 nights), Alice Springs (2 nights), Kings Canyon (1 night), Uluru/Ayers Rock (2 nights), Cairns (2 nights), Daintree (2 nights), Cairns (2 nights).
Activity Level
This tour is fairly active. To get the most out of the experience, you should be in reasonably good shape. The most active days average 5-6 miles of walking (often over uneven surfaces and including climbing hills or steps). You will have to carry your own bag up to your hotel room, so we also advise packing light!
Tour Price
- Tour price per person in a single room: USD $8,495
- Tour price per person in a twin share / double room: USD $7,500
Tour price covers: accommodation every night of the tour; all breakfasts; 5 other meals; transportation throughout the tour; 2 internal flights as mentioned on the itinerary (Sydney to Alice Springs, and Ayers Rock to Cairns); services of professional tour guides; admissions for all group activities mentioned on the itinerary; all tips/gratuities for drivers, local guides and waiting staff at group meals.
Solo Travellers
There are a limited number of single occupancy rooms available on each tour. Solo travelers who are open to the idea of a roommate may be able to arrange a same gender non-smoking twin room share. Email colin@mondumo.com to discuss.
Note
You are responsible for the cost of your own drinks at meals and costs of free-time sightseeing. International flights (including flights between Australia and New Zealand) and airport transfers are not included in the tour cost and should be arranged by yourself or with the help of a travel agent. Our partners at Legacy Travel may be able to assist with helping you book your flights - contact them directly at Legacy Travel (ltravel.com.au). We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of tour and flight booking. See Terms and Conditions for important details regarding all of the above.
