Highlights of Australia – Outback & Beyond

Day 6, Alice Springs
Spend today exploring the town of Alice Springs. The Flying Doctor museum is excellent and the children will be fascinated to hear how this service came about, back in the 20s. The exhibits are very interactive and suitable for children of all ages.

There are also some beautiful botanical gardens which are well worth a visit before driving up Anzac Hill for sunset. This is a very poignant experience, with many signboards telling the stories of the armed conflicts that the Anzac troops have been involved over the last 120 years.

You may also like to consider an interactive tour at a kangaroo centre or hire bikes to explore further. Alternatively, take it easy this afternoon and relax by the pool.

Day 7, Alice Springs – Kings Canyon
You have a big adventure ahead of you today! Start early to follow a truly incredible route along the edge of the West MacDonnell Ranges and deep into the outback to reach Kings Canyon. The journey is extraordinarily beautiful and we will give you detailed route notes to make the most of it; in the first half of the day, you can stop at water holes for a swim, hike through deep chasms into the mountains and enjoy incredible views over the barren but bewitching landscape.

In the afternoon, you leave the tarmac behind and head onto a gravel road (we’ll help with the permit) to drive into the vast wilderness of Central Australia. Wild brumbies (horses), camels and the odd kangaroo will keep you company along the way and it’s incredible to experience the enormity of this part of the country. There is very little other traffic (it’s sparse enough that you really feel you are heading into the wild, but there are enough people passing through that you don’t need to worry if you break down!).

In the late afternoon, descend through the hills to Kings Canyon.

Day 8, Kings Canyon Hike
Rise early for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This hike is considered one of the best in Australia and provides breathtaking views of the canyon’s sheer cliffs and diverse landscape. The walk is about 6 kilometres long and can take 3-4 hours to complete. It’s advisable to start early to avoid the heat and to witness the morning light casting shadows over the canyon.

In the afternoon, relax at your lodge or take a short walk around the area to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of Kings Canyon.

Day 9, Kings Canyon to Uluru
After breakfast, rejoin the tarmac for a drive to Uluru. You can stop to break the journey at a traditional way-side inn where they serve up a mean toastie and you can enjoy great views towards nearby Mt Connor. As you get closer to Uluru, the rock will appear on the horizon, already immense in the distance and just getting larger and larger, the closer you get.

After checking in at your hotel, head to the Rock in the afternoon for your first glimpse up close. Nothing prepares you for the immensity of Uluru. This has been a spiritual place for Aboriginal people for thousands of years and you can sense this as soon as you approach. It’s a place that really resonates and it’s impossible to describe the size and majesty of the spectacle. If time permits, there is an excellent cultural centre here which tells some of the stories about Uluru that are found in Aboriginal lore.

Day 10, Uluru and Camel Ride
After a few days of travelling, you may want to enjoy a relaxing morning by the pool. The hotel complex in Uluru has many activities available, including art classes, didgeridoo lessons and a cinema. If you prefer, we can include a bike ride or segway tour around the base of the rock.

In the late afternoon, head out on a sunset camel ride. Australia has the world’s largest camel population (although they were only introduced in the 18oos), and you will climb on board your camel to enjoy incredible views of Uluru and the surrounding desert as the sun starts to set. It’s an incredibly beautiful scene as the rock’s colours transform when the sun dips below the horizon.

Day 11, Kata Tjuṯa – Valley of the Winds
This morning, venture to Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas. These impressive rock formations are located about 50 kilometres from Uluru and there is a wonderful hike (the Valley of the Winds) that takes you right into the heart of the rocky hills. Wending your way between the boulders, past small water holes, you get deeper and deeper into the valley. It’s easy to see why this is a place of such spiritual significance for the local Anangu people. The hike takes around four hours but take your time to savour the truly extraordinary views along the way.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon by the hotel.

Day 12, Uluru to Port Douglas (via Cairns)
This morning, drop your rental vehicle off at Uluru airport and catch a flight to Cairns, in the heart of tropical North Queensland. When you arrive, you will pick up a new vehicle and head north up the coast to Port Douglas. Stop along the way in Palm Cove where there’s an excellent fish and chip shop that we can recommend for lunch. This is a pretty town, with a lovely beach so take the opportunity to browse the shops and enjoy a swim before continuing to your hotel.

Port Douglas itself is known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches. This evening you can explore the town or take a stroll along the marina.

Day 13, Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
Spend the day exploring Daintree, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, and the incredible beaches of Cape Tribulation.

Start the morning at the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre, a wonderfully interactive open-air ‘museum’ where you can follow raised walkways through the rainforest and climb the canopy tower to spot birds and animals. From here, head north and stop for lunch at a local cafe which offers emu, crocodile and kangaroo burgers, together with the chance to take a dip in their swimming hole.

Later you will reach Cape Tribulation, for one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. You can’t swim here, but take a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoy the ocean views before heading back towards your hotel. Break up the journey with a final stop at an ice-cream factory where they sell the most delicious fresh ice-cream.

Day 14, Great Barrier Reef
Embark on a full-day adventure to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Board a luxury yacht and set sail for a day of snorkelling to explore the colourful coral reefs and abundant marine life. There are different areas of the reef that we will recommend depending on the age of your children, but all of them are incredible, with the chance to spot turtles and reef sharks as well as a myriad of brightly coloured fish.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and take in the breathtaking views of the clear blue waters and pristine white sands. This day is sure to be a highlight of your Australian holiday, offering unforgettable memories of the stunning reef and its inhabitants.

Day 15, Free Day in Port Douglas
Today is a free day to enjoy the charming town of Port Douglas at your own pace. Spend the day lounging on the pristine sands of Four Mile Beach and perhaps take a late afternoon wander in the marina, watching the boats come and go as the sun goes down.

Day 16, Mossman Gorge Aboriginal Tour
Start your day with a visit to Mossman Gorge, home to perhaps the most beautiful area of rainforest in Queensland. Rivers gush down between the hills, peppered with giant boulders that have been brought down from the mountains; the hills themselves are covered in huge trees, dripping with ferns and moss, and alive with the sound of hidden cicadas. The rainforest here is said to be 180 million years old and is the cradle of Australian evolution.

You will take a ‘Dreamtime walk’ through the forest, accompanied by the local Ngadiku people. This includes a traditional ‘smoking ceremony’ to ward off bad spirits, then takes you through the rainforest, passing traditional huts or humpies. You will learn about traditional bush food sources and plant use, as well as seeing in action how the aboriginal community make bush soaps and do ochre painting. You then take bush tea and damper.

Later you might like to continue to the Daintree River for a river cruise to further enjoy the rainforest’s rich biodiversity and enjoy the lush, green scenery. The cruise offers the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and exotic birds flitting through the trees.

Day 17, Port Douglas to Sydney
Drop your vehicle back at Cairns airport and fly south to Sydney for your final stop. Known for its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with its beautiful beaches, Sydney is the perfect end point for your family adventure. On arrival, transfer to your accommodation.

After settling into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely walk around the local area. Circular Quay and Darling Harbour are great places to start, offering a mix of dining, shopping, and stunning views.

Day 18, Sydney
Kick off your day with a climb up iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. The kids will love this as you get all suited up before climbing up to the very apex of the bridge. The panoramic views over the harbour and the opera house are stunning and you can really get a sense of the geography of the city. Once you descend, take a stroll through The Rocks district, a historic area known for its cobblestone streets, charming cafes and unique shops.

This afternoon you might like to visit the Opera House or take a walk through the expansive Royal Botanic Garden enjoying the fantastic views of the harbour. Alternatively head to Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most famous and lively beaches. Wander through the Bondi Markets, where you can browse unique arts and crafts stalls and pick up some souvenirs. It’s also worth a stop at Bondi Icebergs Pool, an iconic ocean pool with incredible views of the coastline.

This evening, perhaps catch a ferry back to Circular Quay and treat yourself to a sunset dinner cruise along Sydney Harbour, where you can soak in panoramic views of the city’s skyline illuminated against the evening sky.

Day 19, The Blue Mountains
Head out of the city for a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Blue Mountains with a private guide. We have given an example of a day in the Blue Mountains, but this can be tailored according to what appeals to you, and you can also discuss the plan with your guide on the spot.

Begin your day with a visit to Echo Point, where a short bushwalk leads you to the breathtaking view of the Three Sisters rock formation. More active families might like to take the slightly longer trail to Katoomba Falls, an impressive waterfall with great views over the Jamison Valley. From here head to the pretty town of Leura where you can stop in a cafe or buy a picnic and enjoy lunch al fresco at one of the many viewpoints. In the afternoon it’s worth visiting Govetts Leap and walking to Bridal Veil waterfall. Here the water gushes 180m over a sheer cliff and there are sweeping views across the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

Return to Sydney in the evening.

Day 20, Sydney
Lots of options today! Younger children might like to visit Taronga Zoo, one of the best in the world and a great place to see Australia’s indigenous wildlife. Older children might enjoy a visit to Cockatoo Island, where you can learn more about Australia’s convict history and enjoy a picnic on the island’s grassy shores. It may not be warm enough for all but the hardiest visitors to take a dip, but you can still enjoy Sydney’s beautiful coastline. Perhaps hop on a ferry and head to Manly Beach. This laid-back seaside suburb is ideal for a family afternoon. Relax on the sandy shores, take a dip in the ocean, or add a little family competition with some paddleboarding. You can also walk along the coastline to Shelly Beach where there is an excellent cafe for an ice-cream or early dinner.

Or for a little more exertion, head up to North Head for incredible views over Sydney Harbour or follow the picturesque Bondi to Coogee coastal trail, with gorgeous views and plenty of cafes and rest spots along the way. Another option is to take a whale watching trip or perhaps head up to the Blue Mountains for the day. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed family dinner at one of the restaurants in Darling Harbour. As darkness falls, watch the city’s iconic backdrop come alive with shimmering lights reflecting in the water. We can advise on what will best suit your family.

Day 21, Sydney Departure
Today you will make your way to the airport for your flight home.