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Highlights of Australia
 

Highlights of Australia: The Great Barrier Reef to Sydney

12 days |  16 days with Adelaide & Kangaroo Island extension
12 days |  16 days with Adelaide & Kangaroo Island extension
Group size1535 travelers
Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

102
Physical activity
red gravel road near alice springs in red centre of australia
mossman gorge at Daintree National Park in australia
yellow animal crossing road sign
tree in field on sunny day with mountain range in background
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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An island, a country, and a continent all in one.

Experience the allure of the Land Down Under when you explore the Sydney Opera House, set out into Mossman Gorge, and snorkel above the Great Barrier Reef. But these iconic adventures are only the beginning. From cosmopolitan Sydney to multicultural Melbourne, Australia is full of surprises for you to discover.

Your tour package includes

  • 9 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 4 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

  • Bondi Beach
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Mossman Gorge
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Carlton Gardens
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Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight2 nights
Day 1: Travel day

Cross the International Date Line in flight and “lose” a day.

Day 2: Travel day

Your flight continues to Australia.

Sydney3 nights
Day 3: Arrival in Sydney
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Sydney! Transfer to your hotel and then gather with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Sydney
Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director for a guided tour of one of the world’s most pleasant cities.

  • Pass Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens
  • See the Rocks neighborhood and stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair to take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Soak in views of Bondi Beach and the Gap in Watsons Bay
  • Step inside the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House with a local guide
Day 5: Free day in Sydney
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Sydney or add excursions.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Walk & Lunch

From $165 per person

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

From $149 per person

Great Barrier Reef Region3 nights
Day 6: Transfer to the Great Barrier Reef Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Cairns, a coastal city in the state of Queensland. Then, make your way to the Great Barrier Reef region stopping at Mossman Gorge en route.

  • Enter the Mossman Gorge Centre and meet a local indigenous guide who will give you insight into local life
  • Start with a traditional smoking ceremony to ward off any bad spirits before entering the traditional lands of the gorge
  • Set off on a self-guided walk through the gorge over elevated boardwalks as you stroll through the surrounding rainforest
  • Keep an eye out for the impressive wildlife like wallabies, echidnas, platypus, poannas, and over 430 species of birds

Later, sit down to an included dinner.

Day 7: The Great Barrier Reef
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a full day at the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system.

  • Take a boat from Port Douglas and head out into the Coral Sea
  • Enjoy both morning and afternoon tea on the water
  • Learn about the reef and its inhabitants during a presentation by a marine biologist
  • Choose to view the coral's colors from above, on a glass-bottom boat ride, or hop in the sea with a snorkel to see them up close
  • Sit down to an included buffet lunch onboard the boat, then watch as members of the crew feed the fish that call the reef home
Day 8: Free day in the Great Barrier Reef Region
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in the Great Barrier Reef region or add an excursion.

Cape Tribulation Daintree National Park & Crocodile River Cruise

From $169 per person

Melbourne3 nights
Day 9: Flight to Melbourne
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Melbourne this morning. Then, enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Melbourne
Included meal: Breakfast

Set off with your Tour Director to admire the city's beautiful 19th-century architecture, historic landmarks, and sprawling parks.

  • Explore Carlton Gardens, home of the Royal Exhibition Building, and the Melbourne Museum
  • Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Shrine of Remembrance
  • Pass the Yarra River and the Sports and Arts Precinct, site of the Australian Open, and enter the National Opal Collection

Enjoy a free afternoon in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

From $159 per person

Day 11: Free day Melbourne
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Melbourne or add an excursion.

This evening, join your group at a farewell dinner.

Yarra Valley Winery & Steamtrain

From $189 per person

Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Extension to Adelaide & Kangaroo Island
Fly to Adelaide and continue your adventure. You’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour, then set sail for Kangaroo Island, a haven for Australian wildlife, including—yep, you guessed it—kangaroos.
Adelaide1 night
Day 12: Adelaide
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Adelaide, then set out on a sightseeing tour of South Australia’s capital city with your Tour Director leading the way.

  • Drive past the Colonial-era buildings along the North Terrace boulevard
  • Pass by the River Torrens, Adelaide Zoo, South Australian Museum, and Adelaide Botanic Garden
  • End your tour in Victoria Square, then enjoy time to peruse the famed produce stalls of the Adelaide Central Market, one of Australia’s largest
Kangaroo Island1 night
Day 13: Kangaroo Island and Flinders Chase National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Adelaide this morning and drive through the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis. Here, you’ll board a ferry to Kangaroo Island, a haven for Australia’s diverse animal species and one of the country’s top spots for wildlife sightings.

Upon arrival, head out on a guided sightseeing tour where you’ll want to keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas, tammar wallabies, and little penguins as you drive through Flinders Chase National Park.

  • Try to spot New Zealand fur seals at Admiral’s Arch and view Remarkable Rocks, naturally occurring rock formations along the coast
  • Take in views of the ocean from Cape du Couedic, the most south westerly point on Kangaroo Island

Please note: Due to the nature of ferry schedules, the visit to Kangaroo Island may take place on either day 13 or 14.

Adelaide2 nights
Day 14: Seal Bay Conservation Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Begin your day by visiting Seal Bay Conservation Park to view endangered Australian Sea Lions and seals who have called the park their home for thousands of years.

Before boarding a ferry back to Adelaide, visit the American River Wharf, Pennington Bay and Frenchman Rock.

Please note: Due to the nature of ferry schedules, the visit to Kangaroo Island may take place on either day 13 or 14.

Day 15: Free day in Adelaide
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Adelaide or add an excursion. Then, join your fellow group members and raise a toast to your trip with a farewell drink.

McLaren Vale Wine Tasting & Lunch

From $145 per person

Flight Home
Day 16: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 102 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    5 out of 5 stars

    THE BEST EVER!
    2/3/24 by 1st-time traveler Gracie

    I cannot explain how much I loved this experience! It was so much fun and Sally is the best tour director

    5 out of 5 stars

    My favorite tour ever!
    2/3/24 by 2nd-time traveler Shauna

    This is my fifth group tour in 3 years and my second with Go Ahead tours. I met some amazing friends, had the best guides, and checked a bucket list trip off my list. It was everything I could have hoped for and more!

    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 2/23/24

    HI Shauna, Thank you for sharing about your exper...

    Read more +

    5 out of 5 stars

    Australia
    2/3/24 by 1st-time traveler Timothy

    Sally and Clint went above and beyond to show the group Australia. I felt that they had our best interest at heart from the moment I landed in Sydney until the time I took off for the states. I think that these two should be given a raise! They are seriously the best. Every city was special in it...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Novotel Sydney Darling Square
    Novotel Sydney Darling Square

    This newly remodeled hotel is located in Sydney, Australia’s Darling Square. Guests enjoy the on-site restaurant, pool, and on-site coffee shop. Nearb...

    Read more +
    Oaks Resort Port Douglas
    Oaks Resort Port Douglas

    This relaxing hotel is located in Port Douglas. Guests enjoy the tropical surroundings, lagoon-style pool, and spa center. Nearby you’ll find the Rain...

    Read more +
    The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
    The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

    This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Melbourne. Guests enjoy the fitness center, the Curve Restaurant, and spa. Nearby you'll find the Immigr...

    Read more +
    Aurora Ozone Hotel
    Aurora Ozone Hotel

    This waterfront hotel is located in the town of Kingscote on Kangaroo Island. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, beautiful ocean views, and beach access. ...

    Read more +
    Vibe Hotel Adelaide
    Vibe Hotel Adelaide

    This modern hotel is located in the vibrant East End of Adelaide. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. Nearby you'll...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ

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