Great Australian Adventure

Once you have arrived at Melbourne Airport, a private transfer takes you to your accommodation in the city centre, with the journey taking around 45 minutes.

The rest of the day is yours to settle in. St Kilda's beaches and buzzing bar scene are close by, or you could take a stroll along the Yarra River as you get your first taste of the city.

This morning, join a guided discovery tour of Melbourne, travelling by air-conditioned vehicle through the city's most celebrated sights.

See Parliament Hill and the grand buildings of the "Paris End" of Collins Street, laid out during the gold rush boom of the 1850s, before browsing the stalls of Queen Victoria Market, Australia's largest open-air market. The tour continues to Lygon Street, home of Melbourne's coffee culture, and the UNESCO-listed Royal Exhibition Building.

You'll also visit the city's sporting precinct, St Patrick's Cathedral with its Gothic-revival architecture, Fitzroy Gardens and Cook's Cottage, and Federation Square, before a stop at the Shrine of Remembrance for sweeping views over Melbourne from Victoria's national war memorial.

The tour concludes at the Arts Precinct, home to the National Gallery of Victoria and Hamer Hall.

Please note: This tour departs from the corner of Flinders and Market Street (next to the Immigration Museum) rather than with hotel pickup; you will need to make your own way to the meeting point.

Today is free for you to continue exploring Melbourne. You might visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, or head just out of the city to see the dramatic rock formations of the Twelve Apostles along the coast.

Today you transfer from Melbourne to Ayers Rock.

On arrival, check in to your accommodation in Yulara, ready to explore this remarkable red-centre landscape.

This morning, rise early for the Uluru Sunrise experience, departing around ninety minutes before dawn to reach Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the dedicated sunrise viewing area. Watch the colours change across Uluru as the sun comes up, warming yourself with tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

From here, travel 45 kilometres to Kata Tjuta, learning about the National Park's history along the way, before walking through Walpa Gorge between its towering rock walls, home to rare desert plants. The tour finishes with views over Kata Tjuta from a dune viewing platform, returning to your accommodation by late morning.

Please note: An Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Pass is required for each guest and is not included in this tour. This tour is rated a balanced fitness level.

Today you transfer from Ayers Rock to Sydney.

On arrival, check in to your accommodation, ideally located to explore this iconic harbour city over the days ahead.

This morning, a hotel pickup takes you on a panoramic half-day tour of Sydney's best-known sights. Head through the historic Rocks district, hearing about the city's early convict history, before continuing through the Central Business District and Macquarie Street, passing 18th-century sandstone buildings including NSW Parliament House and St Mary's Cathedral.

Stop at Mrs Macquarie's Point for views over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then continue through the Eastern Suburbs, passing Kings Cross, Double Bay and Watsons Bay, where you can take a short coastal walk overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The tour continues to Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop on the promenade, before passing Tamarama and Bronte beaches and returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington. The tour ends at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. You may join an optional lunch cruise if you wish.

Please note: Drop-off is at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. Optional lunch cruise pick-up and drop-off will also be at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.

Today is free for you to continue exploring Sydney. You might climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views, or wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens along the harbour foreshore.

Today you transfer from Sydney to the Gold Coast.

On arrival, check in to your accommodation in Surfers Paradise, home to more than 30 beaches stretching along this part of the Queensland coast.

Around midday, board the Spirit of Elston at Appel Park for a sightseeing cruise along the Gold Coast waterways. From the upper deck, take in views over the Gold Coast Broadwater, Sea World Marine Park, HOTA Home of the Arts and the mega-yachts moored at Marina Mirage.

Below deck, you enjoy a buffet lunch of ocean king prawns, roast chicken and ham off the bone, alongside a selection of salads, as the crew shares commentary on the passing sights.

Please note: Seating (inside or outside) should be selected at time of booking; outside seating is weather dependent.

Today is free for you to continue exploring the Gold Coast. You could relax on the beach at Surfers Paradise, or head inland to the Gold Coast Hinterland to explore Tamborine Mountain's rainforest and waterfalls.

Today you transfer from the Gold Coast to Cairns.

On arrival, check in to your accommodation in this tropical city, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland.

This morning, a coach collects you from your accommodation for the scenic drive over the Kuranda Range to Rainforestation Nature Park.

Once there, travel through the rainforest by land and water aboard an authentic World War II Army Duck, learning about the surrounding flora and fauna, before joining a Pamagirri Aboriginal cultural experience, including a traditional dance performance, boomerang throwing and didgeridoo playing.

Wander the elevated boardwalks of the Koala and Wildlife Park for close-up views of koalas, crocodiles, wombats, snakes, dingoes and kangaroos, and enjoy an Aussie BBQ lunch at the Treehouse Cafe.

In the afternoon, transfer to Kuranda Village to browse its shops and markets, with time to visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, before returning to your accommodation by early evening.

Please note: The order of activities at Rainforestation Nature Park may vary. A photo with a koala or reptile is available at an additional cost. Transfers are not available from private residences, including Airbnb properties.

Today is free for you to continue exploring Cairns. You could stroll the boardwalks of Centenary Lakes, or head to the northern beaches such as Palm Cove or Trinity Beach for a relaxed day by the water.

On your final day, transfer to Cairns Airport for your onward flight, bringing your 15-day Australian adventure to a close.