Small Group Tours & Private Adventures by Now Journey
1 (888) 412-4322 Reservations Reviews

16 Guest Small Group & Private Adventures

Menu
12 Days: The Perfectly Paced First-Time Tour to Australia

The Australia Adventure

12 Days Air travel time: 11 Days, 10 Nights Land Journey Begin in Sydney, Uluru/Ayer's Rock in the Outback, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda Rainforest,

Best First Time Journey Down Under

Featuring Shangri-La® & Aussie Brands


See Full ItinerarySEE ITINERARY | DATES & PRICES | FAQs | MAKE A RESERVATION

Meet Journey's Australia Adventure with an immersion in Sydney's Treasures, experience the Red Center with Ayer's Rock and the Outback, then Brisbane and her Secrets along with our amazing Bush Country Experience, and finally to the Great Barrier Reef for an amazing Finalé!

EXPLORE THE LAND DOWN UNDER & HER DREAMTIME TREASURES — 
Sydney delights with both history, culture and cuisine as we begin our adventure through Australia. Enjoy our Journey Exclusive on the harbour, and delight at the sails of the Opera House. We're off to the red center and Ayer's Rock - known as Uluru - for a vivid presentation of color (and cuisine under the Southern Hemisphere). The Great Barrier Reef and amazing Rainforest of northern Queensland delight.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS JOURNEY:

  • TOUR COMMENCES: SYDNEY, 3 Days, 3 Nights
    Sydney in all her glory with the spectacular Harbour, bridge and the Opera House. Welcome to Australia.
  • AYER'S ROCK/ULURU, 2 Days, 2 Nights
    The Australian continent's Red Center comes to technicolor life as we enjoy the heart of the Outback.
  • BRISBANE/SUNSHINE COAST/BUSH, 2 Days, 2 Nights
    Experience what few travelers get to with our amazing southern Queensland adventure in Brisbane and the Aussie Bush.
  • TOUR FINALE: QUEENSLAND/CAIRNS, 3 Days, 3 Nights
    Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda Rainforest

THIS IS WHY WE SUGGEST JOURNEY FOR YOUR VACATION DOWN UNDER:

  • Sunset at Ayer's Rock with Field of Lights Experience, Brisbane and Bush Experience, Great Barrier Reef Private Catamarran Adventure
  • Koala, Kangaroo, Crocodiles and Natural Wonders
  • Hand-Picked Select Deluxe and Classic Accommodations
  • DINING: Our amazing included Dinners in Deluxe feature Unlimited Premium Beverages; 14 Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 5 Journey Style Dinners, 2 Receptions
  • SPECIAL ACCESS: Skip-the-Long-Line Admissions, Special Access.
  • SMALL GROUP BENEFITS: Unique to Journey: No Up-Selling on tour (compare with mainstream tour operators), No Big Buses, No Big Groups
  • Journey Tour Captains relate to you, Friendly Expert Guides delight you!
  • On Tour Transportation with Included Portage: Mercedes-Type Van or Micro-coach, Jet Travel (quoted separately)
  • Fees, taxes and gratuities excluding the Tour Captain

The Authentic Land Down Under: Australia

ENJOY OUR UNIQUE APPROACH TO TRAVELING
We don't do buses. We don't do large groups.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DELUXE AND CLASSIC?
Journey's selection of Deluxe and Classic hotels are not just centrally located, but in the Historical Centers and sections of towns you want to be in. The Deluxe package includes a full, hot daily breakfast (table service or buffet), a selction of included dinners and 4+ to 5 Star hotel properties featuring large, air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Journey's Classic package includes a daily continental breakfast, First City Welcome Dinner (guests may upgrade to the total dinners included for a supplement), and 3 to 4 Star hotel properties featuring air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms.



 

Itinerary at a Glance

DAYS 1-3: SYDNEY| DAYS 4-5: AYER'S ROCK/OUTBACK | DAYS 6-7: BRISBANE | DAYS 8-10: TROPICAL FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND, GREAT BARRIER REEF | DAY 11: DEPARTURE

 

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Chapter 1: Sydney

DAY 1: WELCOME TO SYDNEY
Sydney Harbor and Opera House

This is the Tour Commencement Day: You will depart from North America two days earlier. Example: May 1: Depart USA and arrive Sydney on May 3rd —  two days later. This is because you "lose a day" crossing the International Dateline.

Australian Travel Visa: Your Responsibility
When traveling to Australia from the USA or Canada, you will need a valid passport and a visa to enter. Most U.S. & Canada passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The ETA is an electronic label-free visa and can be obtained at the ETA website for a small service fee. Inquire with your Journey Sales Associate with any questions regarding this visa. Visit Travel.State.Gov for more details.

Tour Commences Today — 
The Journey begins in Sydney. We can't wait to welcome you to begin your Journey. Whether you arrived early to recover from your Transpacific flight or if you've simply arrived today, the Australia and New Zealand Journey will absolutely delight you.

Orientation Walk IconThe Journey Discovery Walk

This afternoon you will meet your fellow travelers and your Journey Tour Captain for the included Discovery Walk through areas around our hotel in Sydney. Then enjoy some time at leisure before meeting tonight for a wonderful dining experience.

Journey Dinners IconWelcome to Sydney Dinner

Journey dinners are hosted by your Journey Tour Captain and feature all inclusive premium beverages and ordering from the menu.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Sydney, 3 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: Shangri-La Sydney or Similar
Classic: Classic Hotel

DAY 2: SYDNEY SIGHTS

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Tour of Sydney's Historic Rocks District

  1. It's a great day to explore Sydney as we learn of her history with the historic Rocks District and the amazing Harbour with all of its attractions. Journey's local Expert Guide is the cream of the crop and dazzles us on today's adventure.

We return to the hotel late afternoon for the balance of the day at leisure.

Tonight, join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore at your leisure.

BACK TO TOP


DAY 3: DAY AT LEISURE IN SYDNEY

Enjoy a full free day at your leisure.

Many options today from sailing, to climbing the bridge to enjoying an opera at the Opera House. Inquire for details.


Chapter 2: The Outback's Red Center

DAY 4: WELCOME TO AYERS ROCK!
Uluru - Ayer's Rock

This morning we make our way to Ayer's Rock by Jet. Upon arrival, we begin our exploration of the red center with an up close experience with the amazing Monoliths. A full afternoon experience with a finale with the perfect sunset.  

Prosecco IconProper Greeting to Uluru

Enjoy the Tour Captain as they toast your arrival to the Australian Outback.

Journey Dinners IconWelcome to the Outback Dinner

We have a special experience for tonight's dinner under the Southern Hemisphere with the award winning Field of dinner experience.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Ayer's Rock, 2 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: Sails in the Desert or Similar
Classic: Emu Walk Apartments, The Lost Camel, Outback Hotel or Similar

BACK TO TOP

 

DAY 5: ENJOYING THE RED CENTER
Uluru - Ayer's Rock

Enjoy a day at leisure with the amenities of the Ayer's Rock Resort —  truly amazing 5 Star enjoyment —  or you can also opt for an optional hike or experience in the area. So many options available! Tonight, we enjoy a pre-sunset apericena Aussie Style.

Prosecco IconPre-Sunset Apericena in the Outback

Enjoy a special time tonight with your Now Journey Tour Captain.

 


Chapter 3: Brisbane

DAY 6: A NOW JOURNEY EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE IN BRISBANE
Great Barrier Reef

We make our way to the airport for our flight to Brisbane. Upon arrival, we will make our way to our hotel, check in, freshen up and enjoy meeting some of our local friends for a fantastic welcome dinner.

Prosecco IconWelcome to Brisbane

Enjoy the Tour Captain as they toast your arrival to this beautiful city and region.

Journey Dinners IconWelcome Dinner

Join the Tour Captain tonight for a delightful welcome dinner.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Brisbane, 2 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: Emporium Hotel, Calile Hotel, W Hotel or Similar
Classic: Inquire.


DAY 6: A DAY IN BRISBANE

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Glasshouse Mountains, Coastal Explorer

Today you have an included option to the amazing Glasshouse Mountains. Featuring panoramic views over the mountains, Caloundra, Moreton Island and more, we take in the amazing scenery of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Journey Dinners IconNow Journey Exclusive Experience

Join the Tour Captain tonight for dining in the Australian Bush —  a gourmet experience in Quee


 

Chapter 2: Queensland

DAY 7: WELCOME TO CAIRNS

Today we make our way to the airport for our Jet to Cairns. Upon arrival we transfer to Cairns, Queensland, our home for the next 3 days and nights.

Upon arrival, check-in and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at your leisure until our dinner tonight.

Journey Dinners IconWelcome to the Sunshine State Dinner

Enjoy an included dinner hosted by your Journey Tour Captain.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Queensland, 3 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: Shangri-La The Marina or Similar
Classic: Classic Hotel

BACK TO TOP


The Great Barrier Reef

DAY 8: CRUISE THE TECHNICOLOR REEF
Great Barrier Reef

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Great Barrier Reef

Today you have an included option to experience a cruise on a catamaran to one of the outer reefs where you can take part in swimming, snorkeling or just enjoying the watercraft. It's a full day adventure and includes lunch.

The ocean is beautiful but not your thing today? Then consider an optional experience such as a helicopter ride along the coast and over the reef? Or how about a spa treatment at the resort? You cannot do all of these but you can do one of these today as we've included these options for you. So choose from the Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Helicopter Adventure, or Spa Treatment. There are other things to do in Queensland as well - just inquire.

Are you a SCUBA certified diver? We have optional upgrades for SCUBA dives offered from Port Douglas.


DAY 9: AUSTRALIA'S CROCODILES, KOALA AND KANGAROO

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Kangaroo BeachToday you have an included option to visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures: See an array of native and exotic wildlife, enjoy entertaining and educational wildlife presentations and take a boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon. We also enjoy seeing Australia's own Koala and Kangaroo.

The crocodiles are amazing but not your thing today? Then enjoy time in the town of Cairns or opt for another experience. Inquire with us!

Then we return to the hotel for the balance of the day at leisure.



DAY 10: DEPARTURE DAY

Breakfast is included this morning should you have time before your departure.

BACK TO TOP


O1: OPTIONAL PRE- OR POST-TOUR ADVENTURE TO MELBOURNE AND/OR NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE

Expand your Experience with Melbourne

MELBOURNE, THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD & THE YARRA VALLEY

 

Welcome to Melbourne. Upon arrival you will meet our driver for included transfer to the heart of Melboune, our home for the next 3 days and 3 nights.

Upon arrival, check-in and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at your leisure until our dinner tonight.

Journey Dinners IconWelcome to Melbourne Dinner

Enjoy an included dinner hosted by your Journey Tour Captain.

Journey Hotels IconAccommodation in Melbourne, 3 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe: The Langham, Park Hyatt Melbourne, QT Melbourne, or Similar
Classic: Inquire.

BACK TO TOP


O2: EXPLORING MELBOURNE & YARRA VALLEY

Journey Dinners IconBreakfast included daily

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Melbourne & Yarra Adventure

Today, we will enjoy our Local Guide on our tour of Melbourne and then make our way into the Yarra Valley for a special taste of the delicious wines from this beautiful country.

We return to Melbourne late afternoon for a free evening. Your Journey Tour Captain invites you to an optional dinner or you may explore at your leisure.

Breakfast is included this morning should you have time before your departure.

BACK TO TOP

 

 

 

O3: EXPLORING THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Great Ocean Road

Today, enjoy a flightseeing adventure along the Great Ocean Road.

We return to Melbourne late afternoon for a free evening. Your Journey Tour Captain invites you to an optional dinner or you may explore at your leisure.

BACK TO TOP


O4-O5: EXPLORING THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD + PENGUINS

Sightseeing IconToday's Adventure: Great Ocean Road + Penguines

We might recommend experiencing the Penguin Parade and Phillip Island —  to do it right, you'd need an additional two days and nights in the region. Ask us for details.

BACK TO TOP