Discover Australia Tour

A fantastic 13-day tour of Australia's most iconic and enduring features - Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Barossa Valley, The Ghan train, Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Port Douglas, Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef

Assuming you may travel to Australia just ONCE in your life, we have come up with the absolute 'dream' tour of Australia...all the unmissable experiences and gorgeous accommodation!

Renowned for its ancient and diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, stunning beaches and possibly the world’s friendliest people. We take you on an exciting and varied discovery of Australia…exuberant Sydney and its beautiful harbour; gum forests of the Blue Mountains; Australia’s premiere wine growing region, the Barossa Valley; the historic Ghan train journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs; majestic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Olga’s rock formations in the heart of the ‘outback’; tropical rainforests and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef.

Discover Australia Tour Highlights

• Dynamic Sydney: the historic Rocks area; Opera House; harbor and beaches
• Daytrip to the Blue Mountains National Park
• An afternoon to explore Adelaide
• Wine tasting and vineyards in the Barossa Valley
• The Ghan train journey between Adelaide and Alice Springs
• Spectacular Kings Canyon/Watarrka National Park and walk into the ‘Garden of Eden’
• Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Olgas/Kjta Tutja National Park in the heart of the ‘outback’
• Dinner beneath the southern stars at Uluru (Ayers Rock)
• Daytrip to Mossman Gorge and the Daintree World Heritage Area
• Daytrip to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (snorkeling/diving optional)
• Very personalized small group experience
• Fantastic tour leader/s supported by local guides

“We were first time travelers looking for an ‘off the beaten track’ type trip with a bit of adventure. We certainly had this. We enjoyed the company of a great group of fellow travelers. The attention to detail by Pacific Discovery and the tour leaders was exceptional.” Mary-Anne and Trevor Stretton

Discover Australia Tour Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 Arrive Sydney, welcome
Day 2 Sydney sightseeing
Day 3 Sydney, Blue Mountains daytrip
Day 4 Flight to Adelaide, drive to Barossa
Day 5 Explore Barossa Valley
Day 6 Drive to Adelaide, board Ghan nightrain
Day 7 Arrive Alice Springs, drive to Kings Canyon
Day 8 Drive to Uluru/Ayers Rock
Day 9 Explore Uluru area
Day 10 Flight to Cairns, transfer to Port Douglas
Day 11 Daytrip to Mossman Gorge and Daintree
Day 12 Daytrip to Great Barrier Reef
Day 13 Farewell Australia, depart Cairns

Discover Australia Tour Itinerary

A fantastic 13-day tour of Australia's most iconic and enduring features - Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Barossa Valley, The Ghan train, Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Port Douglas, Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef

BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

DAY 1-2. Sydney

Arrive in Sydney, arguably the world’s most vibrant city, and settle into our historic hotel in the central ‘Rocks’ district, sited on Sydney Cove where the first European settlement in Australia was established over 200 years ago. Explore Sydney harbor and beaches by ferry, take a relaxed walk through boutique shopping districts, visit the Opera House and dine on the waterfront. The adventurous may like to try the Sydney Harbor Bridge walk (optional).
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DAY 3. Blue Mountains

Experience the magic of the Blue Mountains National Park. We begin with an interpretive IMAX movie that highlights the unique qualities of this area, then experience its mystery first hand, walking around the iconic ‘Three Sisters’ formation and enjoying the expansive views while picnicking on the rim of a dizzying escarpment.
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DAY 4. Adelaide, Barossa Valley

A short flight to Adelaide before driving one hour to the scenic Barossa Valley, South Australia’s premiere wine growing area. We base ourselves amongst the vines at The Louise, a 5-star retreat resembling a traditional colonial homestead, with 360 degree views of the Barossa Valley.
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DAY 5. Barossa Valley Vineyards

You may like to greet the sun in style, with a dawn air-balloon flight above the valley (optional). The remainder of the day we visit several award winning wineries by bicycle, lunching and wine tasting enroute. There are around 20 wineries within a 2 mile radius, so the cycling is not too arduous, and our private vehicle is available if you prefer to put your feet up.
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DAY 6. Adelaide, The Ghan train

We return to Adelaide and have the afternoon to explore this historic and gracious city. Early evening we board the Ghan for the train journey of a lifetime into the heart of the outback, to Alice Springs.
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DAY 7. Alice Springs, Kings Canyon

We arrive in ‘The Alice’ in time for lunch, before driving into the outback to Kings Canyon/Watarrka National Park where we stay in the well appointed Kings Canyon Resort.
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DAY 8. Kings Canyon, Uluru

There are various choices for experiencing the spectacular Kings Canyon this morning. You may like to take a walk into the ‘Garden of Eden’ and to the spectacular canyon rim, or a shorter walk to look at cave paintings and learn about the traditions of the local Luritja aboriginal people. After lunch we drive to Uluru (Ayers Rock) arriving in time to watch this gigantic and awe-inspiring natural outcrop glowing through a spectrum of reds in the setting sun. Dinner tonight will be very special as we dine outdoors and under the stars, at the ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner.
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DAY 9. Uluru/Ayers Rock & The Olgas

Today you have the chance to get a real feel for the outback and the impressive formations of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Olgas, with the choice of various walks (from 1-5 hours). You may like to start with sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock), and finish with sunset at the Olgas.
BD

DAY 10. Cairns, Port Douglas

From the arid deserts of the Northern Territory to the lush North Queensland Coast, today will be a contrast in landscapes as we fly from Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Cairns, then continue north with a 1 1/2 hour scenic drive along the coast to charming Port Douglas and the beautiful beach-front Hibiscus Gardens Resort and Spa.
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DAY 11. Mossman Gorge, the Daintree

50 million years ago Australia was covered in tropical rainforest. Today only remnants remain, and are protected as the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. We will explore this wildlife-rich area, visiting the Daintree National Park and the Kuku Yalanji aboriginal people, the area’s original inhabitants.
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Day 12. Great Barrier Reef

Sail out to the Agincourt Reef, a ribbon reef forming part of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef. You will have the opportunity to snorkel, and to visit an underwater observatory to experience first-hand the incredible marine life. There is also scuba diving available for those who are certified (optional).
BLD

DAY 13. Cairns

We transfer from Port Douglas south to Cairns (1 hour), and farewell each other and Australia, as we depart for home. We are sure you will carry with you a new appreciation and awe for this great southern land.
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Discover Australia Tour Notes

A fantastic 13-day tour of Australia's most iconic and enduring features - Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Barossa Valley, The Ghan train, Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Port Douglas, Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef

Suitability

This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately active - we’ve had 10-80 year olds join us on our itineraries. This is a touring itinerary with no minimum fitness requirements. However, for the active there are options for half day walks in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Barossa Valley, Kings Canyon, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Daintree, cycling in the Barossa Valley, and snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

Accommodation

Our accommodation is diverse, very comfortable and carefully chosen to enhance our experience. On this itinerary we enjoy: 11 nights in boutique character hotels and lodges with private bathroom/ensuite and air conditioning; 1 night ‘Gold Service’ sleeper berth on The Ghan overnight train

Meals

Food is a highlight when traveling and the food on offer will amaze you - Australians are particularly proud of their culinary flare. Special dietary requirements are catered for. Over half the meals are included as indicated in the itinerary but we do have some independent meals enabling a choice of where, when and what you eat. At these times we usually encourage group members to dine together, but you are welcome to dine independently.

Transport

The itinerary has been designed to maximise comfort and safety whilst also giving you the opportunity to experience local transport and take part in daily life. We utilise private vehicles, The Ghan train, Great Barrier Reef boat, taxis and take two flights within the region (to be arranged with your international flights).

Tour Cost

Tour cost is $4,750 USD (change currency).

Tour inclusions

› All tour related travel and transfers from tour start to finish (excluding flights)
› All accommodation*
› Over half the meals as indicated in the itinerary
› All excursions, activities and entry fees as described in the itinerary (unless noted as optional)
› Escorted by a Pacific Discovery tour leader and the services of English-speaking local guides
› Online image library for your tour
›› Refer information booklet for international and domestic flight options and exclusions
*Twin or double share basis. Single supplement available for additional $1,545 USD (change currency)