Twelve Apostles

Classic Australia Tour: Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne

4.9/5 518 Latest reviews
Tour Code: ODY-AUS-2602
Destination: Australia
  • Duration 10 Days
  • Tour Type Join-in
  • Tour Style Classic

About This Trip

Explore Australia's best-known landscapes on this 10-day journey through Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne, moving from vibrant harbour city life to coral-rich waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road.

In Sydney, experience the harbour waterfront atmosphere, step inside the Sydney Opera House, and travel into the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains for its dramatic landscapes. Continue to Cairns, where you'll snorkel over coral gardens filled with tropical fish and sea turtles and discover one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Finish in Melbourne, driving along the Great Ocean Road past towering limestone cliffs above the Southern Ocean and watch hundreds of little penguins return from the sea at sunset.

Best Value: Price from USD 3,706 / person (based on two-share accommodation at selected 4-star hotels)

Itinerary Summary


DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3 Sydney Bondi Beach, Guided tour inside the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise, Sydney Zoo, Blue Mountains
4 - 6 Cairns Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda Rainforest Adventure
7 - 10 Melbourne Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, Phillip Island, Penguins Parade

Suggested Itinerary


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Your Australia journey begins in Sydney, a dazzling harbour city where iconic architecture meets relaxed coastal living. After arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Take time to relax or step out for a gentle walk along Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, where sailboats, waterfront cafés and golden sunset reflections offer your first glimpse of Australia's most iconic city.

  • Sydney

Enjoy a full-day exploration of Sydney's landmarks, neighbourhoods and vibrant local culture with your private driver-guide.

Travel through Watsons Bay and Bondi Beach to enjoy spectacular coastal views and experience Sydney's relaxed beach lifestyle. Continue with a 1-hour guided tour inside the Sydney Opera House (shared tour), where you will uncover the architectural vision and cultural stories behind this world-famous landmark.

Afterward, board a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise and take in panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the city's spectacular waterfront skyline from the water.

In the afternoon, join a 2–3-hour guided walking tour through Newtown, one of Sydney's most eclectic and creative neighbourhoods. Explore colourful murals, hidden laneways and local art spaces while learning about the area's diverse history and thriving cultural scene. Along the way, stop at a local bar to enjoy Newtown's vibrant atmosphere and visit a popular ice cream shop for a sweet treat.

  • B L
  • Sydney

Leave Sydney behind and journey into the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains, where deep eucalyptus forests, sandstone cliffs and vast valleys create one of Australia's most dramatic natural landscapes.

Your day begins at Sydney Zoo, where you can get up close to koalas and kangaroos and catch a glimpse of wombats and crocodiles. Enjoy a guided First Nations cultural talk, offering insight into the traditions and stories of Australia's Indigenous people.

Continue to Echo Point, the region's most famous lookout for the view of the Three Sisters, an iconic sandstone rock formation that has become the symbol of the Blue Mountains. Then visit Scenic World for a series of unforgettable experiences. Ride the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway, glide above ancient rainforest on the Scenic Skyway, and descend into the valley on the Scenic Cableway. Together, these attractions provide spectacular views of cliffs, waterfalls and eucalyptus-covered valleys from multiple perspectives.

The tour concludes at Sydney Olympic Park Wharf. If you wish, you can take a ferry back to Sydney Harbour (at your own expense), enjoying beautiful harbour views while avoiding peak-hour traffic.

  • B
  • Sydney

Bid farewell to Sydney and fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest.

After settling into your hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure. Take a walk along the Cairns Esplanade, browse local shops and cafés, or simply relax and prepare for tomorrow's reef adventure.

  • B
  • Cairns

Make your way to the Reef Fleet Terminal and board a 45-minute catamaran cruise to Green Island, a beautiful coral cay located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Spend approximately two hours exploring the island. Stroll through the tropical rainforest, relax on the white-sand beach, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters just offshore. Continue to the Outer Great Barrier Reef Platform, the perfect base for discovering this extraordinary marine environment. Spend the next three hours here, snorkelling directly above vibrant coral gardens, encountering tropical fish and sea turtles, or simply admiring diverse marine life at the Underwater Observatory.

Return to Cairns in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

  • B L
  • Cairns

This morning, collect your Kuranda Boarding Pass from your guide before transferring to Freshwater Station. Take a scenic rail journey through the cane fields of Cairns, the tropical rainforest, and cascading waterfalls.

Upon arrival in Kuranda, enjoy free time to explore this fascinating village at your own pace. Browse the Kuranda Markets for handmade arts and crafts, or visit attractions such as Birdworld Kuranda or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Continue by shuttle bus to Rainforestation, set within 40 hectares of tropical rainforest. Experience a guided Army Duck rainforest safari and visit the Koala & Wildlife Park to encounter native Australian animals up close.

Later, return to Kuranda and board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Glide above the World Heritage-listed rainforest on this 7.5km journey, with opportunities to stop at scenic lookouts and explore rainforest boardwalks and the Rainforest Interpretation Centre.

After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail terminal, travel back to Cairns by coach.

  • B
  • Cairns

Fly from Cairns to Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital known for its vibrant laneway cafés, art scene and lively market culture.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to explore the bustling Queen Victoria Market, or take a stroll around Federation Square to experience Melbourne's relaxed yet dynamic city atmosphere.

  • B
  • Melbourne

Drive along the Great Ocean Road, where dramatic cliffs and endless ocean views define one of the world's most scenic coastal drives.

Make a stop at Anglesea for a chance to see wild kangaroos in their natural habitat. Continue along the coastal route, passing Kennett River, where you may spot wild koalas resting in eucalyptus trees. Journey through the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park before arriving at Loch Ard Gorge, a striking coastal formation shaped by centuries of natural erosion. The final stop is the Twelve Apostles, where you can watch the cliffs transform into deep gold and orange tones as the sun sets over the Southern Ocean.

  • B
  • Melbourne

Travel approximately 2.5 hours to Phillip Island, one of Victoria's most popular wildlife destinations.

Begin your day at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, home to over 70 species of native Australian animals. Experience close-up wildlife encounters and, optionally, have your photo taken with a koala at your own expense.

Continue to the Nobbies, a spectacular coastal headland featuring rugged cliffs, boardwalks and panoramic views over the Southern Ocean. Take a walk along the coastal trails and enjoy the dramatic ocean scenery, with opportunities to spot seabirds and, in season, local marine life.

As night falls on Phillip Island, witness one of Australia's most unforgettable wildlife experiences - the Penguin Parade. At sunset, hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach to their burrows after a hunting day at sea.

Return to Melbourne in the late evening.

  • B
  • Melbourne

Your Australia vacation ends today. Enjoy free time until your driver escorts you to the airport for your home-bound flight.

  • B
  • Melbourne

What's Included in Your Private Tour


  • A dedicated travel expert will work with you to design and arrange your itinerary based on your interests, travel style, schedule, and budget. Your trip can be adjusted as your plans take shape.
  • Accommodation is selected based on location, quality, your preferences, and budget. Depending on the destination and itinerary, options may include international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and locally distinctive properties.
  • Local guides are arranged in each destination, with strong language skills and in-depth local knowledge. Your guide will help you make the most of each destination while sharing local history, culture, and everyday life.

    Guide arrangements may vary depending on your destination and itinerary. Please refer to your Tour Program for the specific guide arrangements for your trip.

    If you have any special requirements for your guide, such as in-depth historical and cultural interpretation or expertise in a particular industry or subject, please let us know in advance so we can take your preferences into consideration when arranging your trip.
    • Private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver, as specified in the itinerary
    • Domestic trains as specified in the itinerary
    • Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
    • International flights for selected multi-country tours, as specified in the itinerary.

    Transportation arrangements can be adjusted to suit your itinerary and travel needs.

    *As each trip is tailor-made, transportation arrangements may vary by itinerary and destination. The final arrangements will be detailed in your Tour Program.

    *International flights to and from your home country are normally not included in the initial Tour Program. If you would like, your travel expert can also help arrange these flights upon request.

    • Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as specified in the itinerary
    • Additional meals can be arranged upon request
    • Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request

Your Travel Partner Every Step of the Way


  • Before You Travel
    • Personalized itinerary planning
    • Professional advice from local experts
    • Smooth booking support from start to finish
    Every great journey starts with thoughtful planning. From the moment you contact us, we take the time to understand your travel style, interests, and expectations. Whether you’re looking for iconic highlights, local experiences, or a more relaxed pace, we help design a trip that truly fits you.
  • While You Travel
    • Expert local guides with deep knowledge
    • 24/7 support for any on-the-go needs
    • Flexible arrangements to suit your pace
    Once your trip begins, we're right there with you behind the scenes. Our local guides, trusted partners, and support team work together to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and worry-free. From airport pickups to flexible day-to-day arrangements, we help you travel with confidence and ease.
  • After You Return Home
    • We welcome and value your feedback
    • A travel team you can return to anytime
    • Special benefits for your next journey
    For us, the journey doesn’t simply end when the trip is over. We love staying connected with our travelers, hearing your feedback, and learning more about your experience. Your insights help us continue improving our services while also inspiring future travelers. Many of our guests travel with us again, or recommend us to family and friends, and that’s something we truly value.

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