Best of Australia Explorer

Experience all that Australia has to offer, on a 18 day custom adventure of a lifetime! For the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty from every perspective, exploer Melbourne and Sydney, visit the magnificent Ayers Rock, discover a majestic underwater world, drifting through the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Your journey will guide you on an unforgettable tour of the barren desert landscapes, lush tropical forests and pristine beaches. Encounter the wildlife, embark on unique excursions and learn about the rich history and local culture along the way. So, pack your bags and have your camera ready to capture the memories...Australia awaits!

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne Arrival

Melbourne Arrival
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Accommodation: Ovolo Laneways Melbourne

Welcome to Australia! Upon landing at the International Airport in Melbourne, you will be greeted in the arrivals area by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Check into your room, get settled and enjoy your first evening here as you wish. There is plenty to do and see in the area, so venture out to grab a bite to eat and admire the sights! (This service is on a private basis.)

Melbourne

Melbourne is perhaps best characterized as Sydney's young, artsy, hip sister. Intricate, multicultural, intense art covers many walls in this colorful city, and locals are fiercely proud of their home's artistic streak. Like all the coolest cities, Melbourne's urban center is divided into small neighborhoods, and wandering three blocks brings one new vibe after another. There's always a street festival to wander through, an art exhibit to appreciate, or a coffee tasting to sit in on. The university and the city's sports teams are ingrained into the culture as well, so expect a young, enthusiastic local crowd cheering at a football or cricket match.

Day 2: Melbourne

Melbourne
Daily Summary
  • Accommodation: Ovolo Laneways Melbourne
  • Meals: B
Enjoy this free time at your leisure.

Day 3: Melbourne

Melbourne
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Yarra Valley Winery Tour
  • Accommodation: Ovolo Laneways Melbourne
  • Meals: B, L

Yarra Valley Winery Tour

Enjoy the convenience of a designated driver, as you are whisked off to the Yarra Valley today! Come thirsty, as your tour affords you the opportunity to visit four exceptional wineries, each with a unique story and exquisite wines. Your day will kick off with a private, behind the scenes barrel tasting at the boutique winery, Dominique Portet. At Oakridge Wines, you will enjoy a mouthwatering two-course lunch, overlooking the soft green rolling hills from their open terrace. At Coldstream Hills, founded by famous wine critic James Halliday, you will taste their impressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. And finally, onto Yering Station, with its gleaming, light-filled cellar door, to taste award-winning wines and satisfy all of your senses. At it's old farmhouse-style produce store, you can purchase some tasty accompaniments as well. At the end of a delicious day, you will be taken back to your hotel.
(This service is on a group basis.)

Day 4: Melbourne

Melbourne
Daily Summary
  • Accommodation: Ovolo Laneways Melbourne
  • Meals: B
Enjoy this free time at your leisure.

Day 5: Melbourne

Melbourne
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Great Ocean Road Tour
  • Accommodation: Ovolo Laneways Melbourne
  • Meals: B

Great Ocean Road Tour

You will be picked up at your hotel today, to embark on a tour of the Great Ocean Road. Experience this majestic coastal drive in style, with time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world famous route. Stay on the lookout for some fascinating wildlife sightings, that include whales, dolphins, echidnas and bandicoots. Your camera won't experience a single dull moment along this exciting itinerary, that offers endless photo opportunities.

During your exploration, you can take a stroll along the wild beaches or stop for a coffee at the striking Split Point Lighthouse to admire the breathtaking scenery. You will stop at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town set among the soft rolling hills, that offers a great selection of cafes and restaurants. This would be the perfect place to purchase lunch, if you are hungry. From there, the adventure continues with exclusive access to an ancient Eucalyptus Forest walk, located at the iconic Great Ocean Road EcoLodge, where you can expect close encounters with koalas, kangaroos and native birds. This truly unique tour experience will be capped off by a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 6: Melbourne - Sydney

Melbourne - Sydney
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Accommodation: Sydney Harbour Marriott
  • Meals: B

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to 4:00PM. Upon arrival in 4:00PM, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Sydney

Hugging one of the world's most famous harbours, and defined by its two iconic structures, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia's capital is instantly recognizable. But for a city that is so defined by a building though, its people sure do love spending time outdoors. From surfing, to hiking and just hanging in a park, it's the city's active population that gives it real life. There are always new restaurants to try, a different hiking trail to hit, and a sea of excitable locals down for a pint. Sydney is a true modern metropolis, and happy people form all over the world seem to funnel here, and the result is one of our favorite cities in the world.

Day 7: Sydney

Sydney
Daily Summary
  • Accommodation: Sydney Harbour Marriott
  • Meals: B
Enjoy this free time at your leisure.

Day 8: Sydney

Sydney
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Full Day Blue Mountains & Wildlife Discovery
  • Accommodation: Sydney Harbour Marriott
  • Meals: B, L

Full Day Blue Mountains & Wildlife Discovery

Today's nature exploration and wildlife discovery tour takes place in the heart of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Region. From lush temperate rainforests, to towering sandstone escarpments, you will have the chance to see it all. Alongside a knowledgeable guide and small group of other travelers, you will venture outside the city center, and escape to a wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalyptus forests. Following in the footsteps of your guide, you will be led off the beaten track to remote lookout locations, as you discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region.

The first stop of the day will be Euroka Clearing, located deep in the National Park. Admire the abundant bird life of this area that is also home to wild kangaroos. Enjoy a break for morning tea, coffee and local treats, before ascending the Blue Mountains towards the majestic viewpoints of the Jamison Valley. Your guide will make sure to take you to the least crowded areas, so that you can make the most of this experience. One of these hidden secrets, the Eaglehawk Lookout, features beautiful views of the famous Three Sisters. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons, as the sunlight showcases a magnificent variety of colors. As you take photos, your guide will discuss the legends behind this attraction.

This afternoon, you will be driven to the village of Blackheath, where a lovely 2 course lunch will be served at Hydro Majestic, beside by stunning views. Beverages are not included, and can be purchased at your own expense from the bar. After lunch, you will continue to one of Australia's most famous lookouts, Govetts Leap. A magnificent waterfall here drops a whopping 180 m to the base of the cliff. After admiring in awe, you will head over to the western boundary of the park and descend into Hartley Vale. Packed with history, make sure to also keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus and more bird life in the farmland valley. Your last stop of the tour will be the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, before you are taken back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 9: Sydney

Sydney
Daily Summary
  • Tour: City Cycle Tour
  • Accommodation: Sydney Harbour Marriott
  • Meals: B, L

City Cycle Tour

There is no other Sydney experience that shows off the city in a way that a bike tour does. On this classic discovery, you will by taken on a journey through the quintessential highlights and best kept secrets. Your local guide can offer the exclusive insight, that guarantees you will make the most of your trip. This leisurely bike ride includes visits to the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, Anzac War Memorial, Chinatown, Sydney Tower, Parliament House and the Queen Victoria Building, among many other popular attractions! (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 10: Sydney - Ayers Rock

Sydney - Ayers Rock
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Tour: Sounds of Silence Dinner
  • Accommodation: Sails In The Desert Hotel
  • Meals: B, D

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to 4:00PM. Upon arrival in 4:00PM, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Sounds of Silence Dinner

This evening, at the Sounds of Silence experience you can dine under the canopy of the desert night, while your very own storyteller shares tales as told in the stars. Entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence
offers the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours. An evening of dining under the sparkling outback sky.

Your Sounds of Silence experience begins with canapés and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of a didgeridoo and join your table for an unforgettable dining experience and an introduction to Aboriginal culture with a traditional dance performance under the outback sky. The attentive staff will keep your glass full with a quality selection of Australian wine and beer while first course is served. As the night sky twinkles to life, help yourself to a bush tucker inspired buffet that incorporates native bush ingredients such as crocodile, kangaroo, barramundi and quandong. Settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. Locate the Southern Cross, the signs of the zodiac, the Milky Way, as well as planets and galaxies that are visible due to the exceptional clarity of the atmosphere. After dinner, enjoy dessert with a glass of port, tea or coffee as you gaze into the starlit sky. (This service is on a group basis.)

Uluru

Known colloquially as Ayers Rock, Uluru has kept travelers enticed for years, coming from all over the world to admire its impressive size and history. It is a spiritually significant attraction to the local Anangu people, which you will quickly understand for yourself. From the enchanting pink hues at sunrise, to the creeping shadows of the afternoon and the majestic shades of orange at sunset, this rock feels very much like a living thing. In order to accommodate visitors, a variety of resorts have sprouted around Uluru, ranging from quick stop motels, to five star luxury spas.

Day 11: Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Uluru Highlights at Sunrise
  • Tour: Kata Tjuta Domes Discovery
  • Accommodation: Sails In The Desert Hotel
  • Meals: B

Uluru Highlights at Sunrise

Today you will travel towards Uluru and enjoy as its vast shape rises from the sand dunes in the early dawn light highlighting its presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. You will learn the creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and hear about the Mala people. After breakfast you will visit Mutitjulu Waterhole and then drive around the base of the Uluru before returning to the resort.

Please Note: National Park Fees are additional. Aboriginal hosts are traditional people with strong cultural obligations. On days when cultural events occur an Aboriginal host may not be available. Please be advised - ALL PASSENGERS to avoid heat stress and dehydration, will be required to bring with them 1L bottled water for their tour. (This service is on a group basis.)

Kata Tjuta Domes Discovery

This afternoon, you will embark on a guided tour into the wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a destination where unique flora and fauna thrive. This exploration offers exclusive insight to the many characteristics of this diverse environment and Kata Tjuta's cultural significance, as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site. Upon arrival at Walpa Gorge, you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes in awe. Your guide will teach you about how the 36 domes, that make up Kata Tjuta, have evolved over millions of years. Let your senses take over, as you listen to the symphony of the wind and appreciate the extraordinary scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this breathtaking location, embraces everyone who ventures here. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 12: Ayers - Cairns - Port Douglas

Ayers - Cairns - Port Douglas
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Accommodation: The Peninsula Boutique Hotel
  • Meals: B

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel in Ayers Rock and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Cairns. Upon arrival in Cairns, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Port Douglas. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 13: Port Douglas

Port Douglas
Daily Summary
  • Accommodation: The Peninsula Boutique Hotel
  • Meals: B
Enjoy this free time at your leisure.

Day 14: Port Douglas

Port Douglas
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise
  • Accommodation: The Peninsula Boutique Hotel
  • Meals: B, L

Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise

Today you will enjoy a catamaran cruise to Low Isles.

Low Isles is an idyllic, unspoiled coral cay island in the Great Barrier Reef, just one hour’s sailing from Port Douglas. Combined with the romance of sailing aboard Quicksilver’s luxury sailing catamaran, Wavedancer, this is the perfect day for families and couples seeking island relaxation. Snorkel, enjoy a glass bottom boat tour, take a guided beach walk and snorkel tour with a marine biologist or just relax on the beach under a thatched umbrella. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 15: Port Douglas

Port Douglas
Daily Summary
  • Accommodation: The Peninsula Boutique Hotel
  • Meals: B, L
Enjoy this free time at your leisure.

Day 16: Port Douglas - Daintree Rainforest

Port Douglas - Daintree Rainforest
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Internal Transfer
  • Accommodation: Silky Oaks Lodge
  • Meals: B, D

Today you will be picked up at your accommodations in Port Douglas and transfer to the Silky Oaks Lodge. Nestled on the edge of the Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge is the Daintree's ultimate resort where this rare wilderness can be enjoyed in elegance and ease. The Lodge itself overlooks the Mossman River and is a perfect base to explore the Tropical North Queensland region.

Day 17: Daintree Rainforest

Daintree Rainforest
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Silky Oaks Lodge Activities
  • Accommodation: Silky Oaks Lodge
  • Meals: B, D

Silky Oaks Lodge Activities

Your stay at Silky Oak includes 2 nights accommodation in a Garden Treehouse, full gourmet breakfast daily, two course dinner for both evenings in the Treehouse Restaurant, afternoon tea for two in the Jungle Perch, and Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime guided walk through Mossman Gorge including transfers.

Day 18: Daintree Rainforest - Cairns Departure

Daintree Rainforest -  Cairns Departure
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Meals: B

Today you will be met by your private driver and transferred to the airport for your departing flight. We hope you enjoyed your experience and we wish you a pleasant flight home.

Accommodation

Ovolo Laneways Melbourne

Ovolo Laneways Melbourne

Easy living is the mantra at Ovolo Laneways, a super-central modern design den with all the extras you'll need thrown in – from free WiFi to minibar treats and Apple TV. Spacious rooms and bespoke street art give the interiors attitude; outdoors, the city's laneway secrets beckon, with stylish wining and dining just a stroll away. Located within the heart of the Central Business District, steps away from Parliament house and the Treasury Gardens , Ovolo Hotel Melbourne offers its guests effortless living without being away from the action that our amazing city has to offer.

Sydney Harbour Marriott

Sydney Harbour Marriott

Location, location, location: The Sydney Harbor Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay boasts the best there is. Perfectly situated overlooking the gorgeous Sydney Harbor and national landmark, the Sydney Opera House, our Circular Quay hotel is mere steps from the historic Rocks District and world-class shopping. Spend your day sightseeing, then return to our five-star Marriott Sydney hotel for much-deserved pampering in our spa. Satisfy your inner foodie at our beloved onsite restaurant, Icons Brasserie, sip on a carefully crafted cocktail or well-poured pint at Customs House Bar, or indulge in a coffee at Macquarie Lounge. Find a restorative respite in our Circular Quay hotel's immaculately appointed rooms, offering luxe amenities and awe-inspiring harbor views. Reserve your stay at one of travelers' favorite Sydney Harbor hotels online easily, and start daydreaming about your harbor view hotel stay today.

Sails In The Desert Hotel

Sails In The Desert Hotel

Enjoy true 5-star comfort and service at the heart of Australia's red center by staying at Sails in the Desert. Located close to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the resort takes its name from the white sails on its roof and is part of the Ayers Rock Resort complex. Featuring luxurious rooms and suites, stylishly decorated with Aboriginal art, a gallery in the lobby, and significant artworks featured throughout the public areas and in the private rooms, the property is complimented by essential modern conveniences. Guests can relax with a drink under the sails, dine at one of the three restaurants, and also have access to the complex's bars. Sails in the Desert eagerly awaits your visit.

The Peninsula Boutique Hotel

The Peninsula Boutique Hotel

The Peninsula Boutique Hotel offers apartment style accommodation. Located beachside and offering the perfect Port Douglas stay in a quiet, peaceful oasis; A retreat for the discerning holiday maker looking for comfort and luxury combined with the friendliness and personal service only a small hotel can provide... with no traffic noise it is just perfect for couples and singles looking for an adult haven. This unique style of accommodation in Port Douglas is most sought after and combines both hotel services with the benefits of self catering apartments.

Silky Oaks Lodge

Silky Oaks Lodge

Nestled on the edge of the Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge is the Daintree's ultimate resort where this rare wilderness can be enjoyed in elegance and ease. The Lodge itself overlooks the Mossman River and is a perfect base to explore the Tropical North Queensland region. With Port Douglas only 20 minutes away, the morning drop off and afternoon pick ups provide opportunities to explore the many boutiques, restaurants and shops of this coastal town. You can cruise along the Daintree River and visit the Great Barrier Reef or Cape Tribulation - all within easy reach of Silky Oaks Lodge.

Pricing and Details

Starting from $ 5,728 per person

*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.

Price Includes

  • Full support before, during & after your trip
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • Tours/activities as mentioned
  • Transport as mentioned

Price Excludes

  • International & domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Entrance visas when applicable
  • Other services not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers
  • Taxes and fees

Why Global Basecamps

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As dedicated travel specialists, we are here to help you plan the perfect trip. Were with you from the beginning, during the crucial planning stages, throughout your trip in case anything comes up, and afterwards to make sure everything went perfectly. If anything were to go wrong during your trip (missed/delayed flights, etc.), we and our local in‐country partners are here for you.
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While we have sample itineraries to help you create the perfect trip, we encourage you to travel at your own pace with a custom itinerary ‐ or simply book accommodation and excursions to travel with full flexibility. We also give you access to an amazing product line that would be very difficult to find otherwise.
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Our trips directly benefit local communities through a variety of educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives. Additionally, all of our partners have been qualified as upholding a level of service that we truly stand behind. We strive to work exclusively with like‐minded partners who are committed to making sure tourism does not have a negative impact on destinations.

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