The allure of Australia’s landscape spans millions of years, and the magnetism of the culture encompasses 40,000 millennia uncovered during your customizable family-friendly tour of Australia. From the Great Barrier Reef to the otherworldly rock formations of Flinders Chase, the white-sand beaches of Sydney to the wildlife living on the plains of Kangaroo Island, immerse your family in the marvels along the coastline and the captivating stories of Dreamtime. Stroll among rocks carved by wind,...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Sydney – Arrive in Marvelous Sydney with a Highlights Tour of the Harbor
The city of Sydney has become a beacon of Cosmopolitan culture fringed by the wilds of Australia’s land and sea. Skyscrapers soar above the rugged coastline where patches of bush continue to grow wild supporting flying foxes and fig trees. Ferries crisscross the cobalt waters between the suburbs and the Central Business District. The ambiance reflects the culture where Australians from around the country flock in search of fame, fortune, museums, cuisine, or a slice of the enchanting year-round beach culture for which the city is known.
Your flight arrives at Sydney International Airport where your private transfer greets you at customs. The family quickly settles into the comforts of your hotel overlooking the waters of Darling Harbour and the familiar undulating arches of the Sydney Opera House’s shell-like roof. Your guide greets the family in the hotel lobby for an introduction into the city’s fascinating blend of history and modernity. You can easily see the Tower Eye crowning the skyline. Palm groves soar above the lush grasslands of the more than 74 acres of Royal Botanic Gardens. You reach the Rocks, the oldest neighborhood in Sydney.
The kids listen to the mythology of the coastline from where the Aboriginal nation first spotted European explorers entering the harbor. A narrow cobblestone lane winds between sandstone warehouses leading to the oldest surviving house in the Sydney. Cadman’s Cottage was originally built in 1816 in the traditional Georgian style of the time. Your guide explains that during high tide the water would reach within 8 feet of the structure but has since moved over 300 feet away after the construction of Circular Quay. The breeze carries the aroma of the sea through the alleys before fading beneath the scent of macaroons and pastries emanating from the local bakery.
What's Included:
Day 2
Sydney – Delight in a Morning Surf Lesson and Afternoon Harbor Cruise
Day 3
Sydney – Travel to the Blue Mountains for a Full Day Wilderness Excursion
Day 4
Sydney – Visit Sydney Opera House and Access the Top of Harbour Bridge
Day 5
Adelaide – Transfer to Adelaide and Visit the Celebrated Adelaide Zoo
Day 6
Kangaroo Island – Enjoy a Scenic Flight to Kangaroo Island for a Safari Tour
Day 7
Adelaide – Traverse Flinders Chase National Park and Surf the Sand Dunes
Day 8
Port Douglas – Venture to Port Douglas with the Remaining Day at Leisure
Day 9
Port Douglas – Explore Fascinating Daintree Rainforest on a 4WD Excursion
Day 10
Port Douglas – Relish a Full Day Cruise around the Great Barrier Reef
Day 11
Port Douglas – Relax in Australia’s Northeast with a Day at Leisure
Day 12
Port Douglas – Travel to Cairns and Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Discover the abundant wildlife on Kangaroo Island during a guided safari searching for kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and more
- Enjoy a family surf lesson from the iconic shores of Bondi Beach for the best insight into how to catch a wave and ride it back to shore
- Explore the splendors of the Great Barrier Reef on a luxury cruise to the inner and outer reef for unforgettable views of the colorful marine life
- Relish time at the Adelaide Zoo with immersive exhibits into the habitats of international wildlife as well as home to the only two pandas in Australia
- Learn about the intriguing legends of Dreamtime and the traditions of the Kuku Yalanji nation on a tour of Daintree and the Daintree Discovery Centre
- Try your surfing skills on land at the Little Sahara on Kangaroo Island with a sand dune surfing excursion or ride the sandy slopes on a toboggan
- Experience the serenity of a panoramic view over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional hot air balloon ride from Port Douglas
- Delight in the beauty of waterfalls, sandstone bluffs, and a eucalyptus forest on a guided excursion into Blue Mountains National Park
- Venture to the top of Harbour Bridge for an unparalleled view of Sydney, the harbor, and the Opera House with a guided Bridge Walk
Detailed Description
The family comes closer together during your luxurious 12-day tour of Australia perfect for families with young children and teenagers. The blend of adventure, exciting excursions, and wildlife exploration offers everyone the chance to enjoy the marvels of the Land Down Under leading you from Sydney in New South Wales to Adelaide in South Australia and finally arriving in Port Douglas, Queensland. Your remarkable journey begins with your arrival in the famous city of Sydney, home to the Harbour Bridge and sensational Opera House. Four days in the bustling cityscape allows the entire family immersion into the cosmopolitan culture and fascinating features. Climb to the top of the bridge for a thrilling view of the city and explore the architectural splendor of the Opera House, cruise the waters of the harbor for exceptional views of the skyline and learn to surf at the break at Bondi Beach.
Wander into the eucalyptus forest at the Blue Mountains uncovering sandstone karsts and marvelous waterfalls before traveling to South Australia at Adelaide. The capital of the southern state has a rich colonial history separate from the infamous penal colony past. Enjoy two days experiencing the beauty of the gardens, museums, and the celebrated Adelaide Zoo, home to Australia’s only panda exhibit. Kangaroo Island is a quick, scenic flight from Adelaide. While on the island, the family will have the chance to enjoy a wildlife safari searching for kangaroos, echidnas, and sea lions populating the shores and plains. The kids will find the unique rock formations at Flinders Chase National Park breathtaking while learning how the wind, sea, and weather could shape the dramatic scenery.
Port Douglas is located on the northeastern seaboard of Queensland nestled between transparent turquoise water and emerald tropical rainforest. Four days in the comforts of your luxury accommodation provide incredible possibilities the entire family can experience from leaping into the waters of the Coral Sea viewing the Great Barrier Reef to traveling deep within the dense rainforest of Daintree National Park. Learn about the culture of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal nation and relax on the white sands of Four Mile Beach. Relish the chance to relax with time at leisure or travel into the skies with a hot air balloon ride over Atherton Tablelands for a marvelous view leading out to sea.
Interested in looking at some of our travelers’ Australia trip reviews? Click here for more.
Starting Price
$2,995 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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