Dates: March 1 – March 12, 2027
*The program aligns with the dates of the New Zealand expedition, March 12 –
24, 2027Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Number of participants: 8 – 10 participants
Price per person:- 6950 USD subject to 10 participants
- 7450 USD subject to 9 participants
- 7590 USD subject to 8 participants
Early booking discount: 10% (for bookings made before September 1, 2026)All-inclusive, except:- International flights to Sydney and return from Cairns
- Domestic flights within the itinerary
- International medical insurance
- Meals not specified in the program (all breakfasts included, some lunches and dinners included)
- Australian visa (obtained online, AUD 200; conditions may change)
Estimated cost of domestic flights: Sydney – Hobart: USD 120; Launceston – Melbourne: USD 120; Melbourne – Cairns: USD 150 (usually booked independently; we provide guidance).Single room supplement: USD 1,900 (available throughout the itinerary).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to australiaDay 1. March 1, 2027. ARRIVAL IN SYDNEYWe arrive in Sydney — Australia’s largest and oldest city, located on the east coast, home to nearly 5 million people. The city was founded in 1788, when Captain Arthur Phillip brought the first convicts here. Sydney Harbour was named after the English statesman Horatio Sydney, while the local Aboriginal people call it
Warrane.
Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel (after 3:00 PM) and take some time to rest after the flight.
In the evening, we take a ferry to Manly Beach. Along the way, enjoy views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay. At Manly, we swim in the open ocean — the water is cool, waves are gentle, and there’s a chance to watch surfers and local fishermen.
Dinner will be served at a beachfront restaurant featuring fresh seafood and local cuisine. The ferry ride back to the city offers magical reflections of city lights on the water — your first glimpse of Sydney’s architecture and port.
Recommended flights to Sydney:— China Eastern Airlines, departure from Shanghai (PVG) at 00:15 on 1 March 2027, arrival in Sydney (SYD) at 13:35 on 1 March 2027, or— Turkish Airlines, departure from Istanbul (IST) at 15:30 on 27 February 2027, technical stop in Kuala Lumpur (KUL), arrival in Sydney (SYD) at 19:50 on 28 February 2027 (an additional overnight stay will be required), or— Any other flight arriving in Sydney no later than 14:00 on 1 March 2027.Meals included: -Accommodation included: Four Points by Sheraton Sydney 4* or similarDay 2. March 2, 2027. BLUE MOUNTAINSIn the morning, we depart from Sydney to the Blue Mountains National Park — the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. This region is renowned for its dramatic canyons, dense eucalyptus forests, and scenic lookouts offering sweeping views over vast valleys and sheer cliffs.
Upon arrival, we begin a hiking route along the Grand Canyon Track — a several-kilometer trail winding through forested areas and creek-lined valleys. During the walk, there is a high chance of spotting echidnas and colorful native birds, while small freshwater crabs can often be seen in the streams.
After the hike, we head to the famous Three Sisters lookout — an iconic landmark of the Blue Mountains. These striking rock formations are deeply connected to Aboriginal legends and offer spectacular panoramic views. We will enjoy an outdoor lunch here, surrounded by expansive forest landscapes and dramatic escarpments.
In the afternoon, we return to Sydney.
Meals included: breakfastAccommodation: Four Points by Sheraton or similarDay 3. March 3, 2027. SYDNEY — HOBARTAfter breakfast, we take a city tour of Sydney, passing through historic districts, the central business area, and the harbourfront. We’ll see colonial buildings, modern office complexes, and bustling city streets, gaining insight into the urban infrastructure and the unique features of Sydney’s port.
Lunch will be at the new fish market, showcasing the region’s fresh seafood: prawns, crabs, oysters, and a variety of local fish. Here, you can watch local fishermen at work and learn how the seafood supply and market system operates.
After lunch, we fly to Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. Upon arrival, we take a stroll through the city center, exploring historic buildings, the waterfront, and local markets and cafes.
Recommended flight from Sydney to Hobart: – Qantas, departure from Sydney on 3 March 2027 at 14:00, arrival in Hobart on 3 March 2027 at 15:45Meals included: breakfastAccommodation included: Four Points by Sheraton or similarDay 4. March 4, 2027. TASMAN NATIONAL PARK — FREYCINETIn the morning, there is an optional scenic flight over Tasman National Park, offering a breathtaking view of rugged coastlines, bays, and coastal forests from above.
Next, we travel to Freycinet National Park — approximately 3 hours along the scenic roads of Tasmania’s east coast. En route, we stop at a winery for lunch and a tasting of local wines.
Accommodation is at Freycinet Lodge, an eco-friendly retreat.
After check-in, we hike a loop trail in the national park, including the Wineglass Bay lookout — one of Australia’s most iconic and picturesque beaches. Along the way, you can take a swim in the pristine waters on white sandy beaches. The park is home to wallabies, diverse birdlife, and other local fauna.
Meals included: breakfastAccommodation included: Freycinet Lodge or similarDay 5. March 5, 2027. CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARKIn the morning, we drive to Cradle Mountain National Park — about 3 hours. The park is renowned for Tasmania’s unique flora and fauna, as well as its scenic lakes and mountain ranges.
Upon arrival, we hike a medium-length trail around Dove Lake, winding through forests, wetlands, and lakeside paths. Along the trail, we are almost guaranteed to see wombats grazing. Kangaroos and echidnas are also frequently spotted.
Small lakes in the park are home to platypuses, which can often be observed in their natural habitat, especially during morning or evening hours. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Meals included: breakfastAccommodation included: Cradle Mountain Hotel or similarDay 6. March 6, 2027. CRADLE MOUNTAIN TO LAUNCESTON — MELBOURNEIn the morning, we visit the Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary. These carnivorous marsupials are the largest of their kind in the world and are found only in Tasmania. Devils are nocturnal and can produce loud, guttural screams that carry for hundreds of meters. At the sanctuary, we observe their behaviour and learn about conservation efforts.
Next, we explore glowworm caves, where the ceilings are lit by thousands of glowworms, creating an effect reminiscent of a starry night sky.
Afterward, we transfer to Launceston Airport for our flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and rest after the flight. Evening at leisure.
Recommended flight from Launceston to Melbourne: – Jetstar, departure from Launceston on 6 March 2027 at 16:30, arrival in Melbourne on 6 March 2027 at 17:45Meals included: breakfastAccommodation included: Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne, 4* or similarDay 7. March 7, 2027. GREAT OCEAN ROADFull-day tour along the Great Ocean Road — one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives, winding past cliffs, beaches, and Victoria’s coastal forests. The route leads to the Twelve Apostles, iconic limestone rock formations rising from the ocean.
Along the way, we make stops for short hikes, photography, and wildlife observation. In the dense eucalyptus forests, there is a high chance of spotting koalas and other local animals.
At the Twelve Apostles, there is an optional helicopter tour, offering a bird’s-eye view of the cliffs and stunning panoramic photo opportunities. In the evening, we return to Melbourne.
Meals included: breakfastAccommodation included: Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, 4* or similarDay 8. March 8, 2027. MELBOURNE & PHILLIP ISLANDAfter breakfast, we take a city tour of Melbourne, exploring the historic center, central business district, and the Yarra River waterfront. We’ll see 19th-century colonial buildings, modern architectural ensembles, and bustling city streets, while learning about the city’s infrastructure, cultural life, and history.
In the afternoon, we head to Phillip Island, famous for its little penguin population. In the evening, we watch the penguin parade, when the birds return from their day at sea to their coastal burrows. This daily ritual is one of the island’s most charming features. After the parade, we return to Melbourne.
Meals included: breakfastAccommodation included: Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, 4* or similarDay 9. March 9, 2027. MELBOURNE — CAIRNSIn the morning, we fly from Melbourne to Cairns, the main city of tropical North Queensland and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is known as an eco-tourism hub and the starting point for exploring rainforests and coral atolls.
Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel and rest after the flight. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Recommended flight from Melbourne to Cairns: – Qantas, departure from Melbourne on 9 March 2027 at 09:00, arrival in Cairns on 9 March 2027 at 12:00Meals included: breakfastAccommodation included: Mantra Esplanade, 4* or similarDay 10. March 10, 2027. GREAT BARRIER REEF CRUISEToday we embark on a cruise along the Great Barrier Reef — the world’s largest coral system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers along Queensland’s coast.
The program includes snorkeling and diving, allowing us to explore coral gardens and the reef’s incredible flora and fauna: colorful corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, and, with some luck, reef sharks. We’ll observe the natural processes of the reef ecosystem and experience the sheer scale of this unique underwater world.
Return to Cairns after the day cruise. Evening at leisure.
Meals included: breakfastAccommodation included: Mantra Esplanade or similarDay 11. March 11, 2027. KURANDA NATIONAL PARK — ATHERTON TABLELANDSA full day in Kuranda National Park and the Atherton Tablelands, regions of tropical rainforest with unique flora and fauna.
We begin at a cultural centre of the local Aboriginal community, where we learn about traditional customs, crafts, and contemporary efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
Next, we visit a koala sanctuary, with opportunities to photograph these iconic marsupials and learn about their biology and conservation.
Then we head to a wallaby gorge, home to special species of small kangaroos adapted to life on cliffs and slopes.
The day concludes with a farewell dinner, summarizing our journey and sharing memories of the adventure.
Meals included: BreakfastAccommodation included: Mantra Esplanade, 4* or similarDay 12. March 12, 2027. DEPARTURE FROM AUSTRALIAIn the morning, transfer to the airport. Departure from Cairns, marking the end of our Australian journey.
The program concludes, leaving memories of vibrant cities, national parks, coral reefs, and encounters with the continent’s unique flora and fauna.
Meals included: breakfastAccommodation included: no*For those continuing to New Zealand, recommended flights from Cairns to Auckland:— Jetstar (operated by Qantas), departure from Cairns (CNS) at 07:15 on 12 March 2027, arrival in Christchurch (CHC) at 15:10 on 12 March 2027; layover of 2 h 20 m. Departure from Christchurch (CHC) at 17:30 on 12 March 2027, arrival in Auckland (AKL) at 18:50 on 12 March 2027Recommended flights from Cairns:— Singapore Airlines + Emirates, departure from Cairns (CNS) at 18:20 on 12 March 2027, arrival in Singapore (SIN) at 23:05 on 12 March 2027, or— Qatar Airways (operated by Virgin Australia), departure from Cairns (CNS) at 17:20 on 12 March 2027, arrival in Brisbane (BNE) at 19:40 on 12 March 2027; layover of 2 h 15 m. Departure from Brisbane (BNE) at 21:55 on 12 March 2027, arrival in Doha (DOH) at 05:30 on 13 March 2027, or— Qantas + Etihad Airways, departure from Cairns (CNS) at 11:35 on 12 March 2027, arrival in Melbourne (MEL) at 16:00 on 12 March 2027; layover of 2 h 20 m. Departure from Melbourne (MEL) at 18:20 on 12 March 2027, arrival in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 01:10 on 13 March 2027, or— Or any other convenient flight no earlier than 19:00.The tour operator does not assume responsibility for any changes in local airline schedules that may occur after booking. The operator will make every effort to minimize potential deviations from the pre-approved itinerary. Changes to the itinerary may occur due to force majeure circumstances, the current flight schedule, or the availability of domestic flights. It is strongly recommended to obtain travel insurance to fully cover any potential risks or inconveniences during the trip.