Welcome to Sydney, Australia – or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Sydney is located. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at your hotel at 6 pm. After, join your local leader and fellow travellers for an included welcome dinner along Darling Harbour. Maybe take a post-dinner stroll to take in the views of the waterfront, then head back to your hotel to settle in for the night. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, join your leader for an orientation walk of The Rocks and Circular Quay. Walk through Hickson’s Reserve, Campbells Cove and Cumberland Walk, and see Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Botanical Gardens. Then, it’s time to board the Mari Nawi, meaning ‘big canoe’, for the Tribal Warrior Cruise. You’ll develop a richer appreciation of the area and the deep and continuing connection the Traditional Custodians have to the land and waters surrounding Sydney. Listen to stories and learn about ancient First Nations wisdom – including fishing and foraging techniques that have supported First Nations peoples for tens of thousands of years. End the cruise with a traditional dance and music performance. In the afternoon, drive to Katoomba in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains – a land of rugged peaks, dense forests and waterfalls – where you’ll stay for the next two nights. Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Start your day with a walk to Wentworth Falls and Fletchers Lookout for dramatic views over the valley. You then have the option to visit Scenic World – a family-owned attraction backdropped by the mountains. Here, you could board the world’s steepest railway and ride into Jamison Valley, look out for lyrebirds as you explore rainforest boardwalks, ride the cableway past sandstone escarpments and Orphan Rock, or see Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters on the Scenic Skyway. Alternatively, tackle the Prince Henry Cliff Walk – a 7 km hike that takes you past hanging swamps and waterfalls. Then, head to Echo Point Lookout – the main viewpoint for the legendary Three Sisters rock formations – and do the Three Sisters Walk for more views of the national park below. You might like to stop at Lookout Restaurant for lunch overlooking Echo Point before returning to Katoomba to relax. Your leader will choose the most appropriate walks for your group and the weather today, which might include the Three Sisters Walk (Grade1, about 25 to 45 minutes) and Wentworth Falls track (Grade 3, about 45 minutes to 1 hour).

This morning you'll visit Jenolan Caves. Estimated to be over 340 million years old, many scientists consider this the oldest open cave system in the world. It's an incredible sight, with huge stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the ceiling and large crystal speleothems decorating the chambers. Jenolan Caves – or Binoomeal, meaning ‘Dark places’ in the Gundungurra language – is also a sacred place for the Traditional Owners. While you’re here, learn about the Gundungurra people’s history, culture and continuing connection to the caves and their ecosystems. After, visit a truffle farm in Oberon for an immersive tasting experience with expert truffle growers, then drive back to Sydney. Some travellers in your group may be leaving tonight, so perhaps head out to dinner together and celebrate. As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

Your included airport transfer will take you from the hotel to Sydney Airport this morning. Fly to Alice Springs (flight not included) or Mparntwe, in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located. This is the classic laidback Aussie town and your launching pad to reach some of the top spots over the next few days. The next part of your adventure officially kicks off with another welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your new group leader and new travel companions. After a quick intro, drive to Earth Sanctuary where you’ll get to know each other over a delicious Outback barbeque while the sun sets over the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Then, watch the Southern Sky come alive with constellations and stories on a guided star gazing experience with an astronomer. You’ll also get the chance to look through Earth Sanctuary’s Deep Sky Telescopes to spot a range of celestial objects. The flight from Sydney (airport code SYD) to Alice Springs (airport code ASP) today is not included. Please book these directly through the airline or through your agent. We recommend booking Qantas flight QF790 departing Sydney at 9.15 am. Please note that flight schedules change frequently. The airport transfers from the hotel to Sydney airport and from Alice Springs airport to your hotel are included. Please provide your flight details to your booking consultant.

Hit the road to Simpsons Gap in West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies on a guided walk through this spiritual site with a First Nations guide. They’ll share insights on the local flora and fauna and the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge. The walk will also take you along the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter Highway and through the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between huge cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before an optional visit to the Light Towers – an immersive visual and aural display. Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Please note that First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments.

Spend the morning exploring the rugged Kings Canyon and do the famous rim walk up and across the Kings Canyon plateau. From the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden', you’ll walk across red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the sprawling landscape to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a collection of 36 towering rock domes – and walk to a popular lookout to admire the formations. After, head to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. Enjoy the view from a prime location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget! Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km. The King Canyon rim walk is a Grade 4 walk, which requires a good level of fitness and mobility. Your leader can suggest shorter options for those seeking an easier walk. Sturdy enclosed shoes are required for all walks within the national park. If the temperature is over 36 degrees, the Kings Canyon rim walk will be closed and an alternative activity will be provided. To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, alcohol is not served at the sunset experience.

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable: watching sunrise over Uluru. Then, walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole where you'll see some traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. Head back to Yulara to your hotel and say goodbye to your leader and any group members who may be finishing their travels today. You’ll be unaccompanied until the next meeting in Cairns tomorrow. Your leader-led Kuniya walk at the base of Uluru runs from the Kuniya carpark to Mutitjulu Waterhole and is a 1km Grade 2 (easy) walk. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and some of your group part ways at this location. You'll be unaccompanied tonight and during tomorrow's flight until the next group meeting in Cairns. You're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

The free airport shuttle will take you from the hotel to Yulara Airport today, then you’ll fly to Cairns (flight not included). Cairns is also known as Gimuy, in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns is now located. This is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest. The next part of your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your new trip leader and the new travellers joining you. Until then, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or wander the waterfront promenade, popping into a local bar. Later, head out with your group for an included dinner.  Today, the flight from Yulara (airport code AYQ) to Cairns (airport code CNS) is not included. Please book this directly with the airline or through your agent. We recommend booking flight QF1932 departing Yulara at 10.15 am. Please note that flight schedules change frequently. Please use the free resort shuttle bus from your hotel in Yulara to the airport. Please speak to reception for the best shuttle time in relation to your flight. In Cairns, there’s an included transfer to take you to your hotel. Please provide your flight details to your booking consultant.

This morning, glide over the world’s oldest tropical rainforest on the Skyrail cable car that connects Cairns to the mountain village of Kuranda. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore this rainforest town and its surroundings – Kuranda is a delightful mix of colourful characters and natural beauty, perched at the top of a rainforest-clad mountain. Maybe wander through the Kuranda Markets and village shopping or simply kick back and relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. Later, take in scenic views of the ocean and cliffs covered in native flora as you drive along the coast to Port Douglas. Tonight, head out on an orientation walk around town, stopping at Trinity Bay Lookout Point to see the distinctive crescent of sand and surf. Later, head to a local restaurant for drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers.  Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Please note that in 2026 the Skyrail cable car is undergoing maintenance and upgrade works which means that it may not or only partially operate on certain dates. Should the Skyrail be partially closed on your departure date you will be doing the ride on the Skyrail from Kuranda to Barron Falls instead. In case of full closure days you will travel from Cairns to Kuranda on the Scenic Railway (the historic railway line).

Today, you’ll visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a 1-hour crocodile and wildlife spotting boat tour along the Daintree River (Julaymba). On the electric Solar Whisper, you’ll hear the sounds of nature as you look out for crocs, birdlife, snakes, frogs, crabs and fish. Your experienced tour guide will be accustomed to the nuances of the river, the rainforest and the mangroves, meaning you’ll be able to find wildlife you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. After you find some feathered friends and long-toothed foes, head north to Cape Tribulation, stopping at Jindalba Boardwalk and a local ice cream factory on the way. Later, head back to your accommodation and maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning, head out on a daytrip boat tour from Port Douglas to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Explore the stunning Coral Cays on the reef on a sailing boat guided by marine biologists, who will share their passion and knowledge of the reef as you float along the expansive blue waters. Learn about the fragile environment and head to an exclusive site for a spot of wildlife-focused snorkelling. There are vast coral gardens to explore – as a protected and shallow area, you’ll see corals, giant clams, turtles and fish in their natural habitat. Enjoy a buffet lunch and afternoon tea on board, while you continue to spot wildlife from the glass-bottomed boat. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner and toast to the final night of your trip. To participate in the snorkelling activity, you must be a confident swimmer in open water and have the capacity to swim unassisted. All passengers intending to snorkel will be asked to complete a medical declaration. The experienced crew will discuss any issues relating to medical conditions and swimming ability. The supplier reserves the right to decline any passenger from snorkelling if they are concerned about your health condition and/or swimming ability.

After breakfast, travel to Mossman Gorge. When you arrive, set out on a Ngadiku Dreaming walking tour led by a local Aboriginal guide. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from a long time ago in the local Kuku Yalanji language. As you walk, listen to these stories, visit culturally significant sites, traditional bark shelters and rainforest streams and learn about traditional plant use, bush food sources and the connection to this tropical environment. Watch a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits, then sit down to a bush tea and damper (a loaf or cake of flour and water that’s baked in wood ashes). After, drive south to Palm Cove to explore the scenic beachside town and maybe grab some lunch. You can end your trip here or carry onto Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 4 pm. Your leader will choose the most appropriate walk in Mossman Gorge for your group today. They vary from easy to moderate in difficulty and may include boardwalks, small lookouts, suspension bridges, slippery steps and may be up to 45 mins in length.