G Adventures - Best of Down Under: Australia & New Zealand Itinerary

Arrive at any time today. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting. This is your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. Opt to join the group for a local meal after your welcome meeting.

Accommodation: Adelaide - 1 Night (or similar)

Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range and native flora and fauna. Over 400 million years ago in western Victoria, the earth rose up to form a vast island of mountains which the local Aborigines (Koories) called Gariwerd. Over the years, wind, rain and water have carved fantastic shapes into Gariwerd’s ancient stone, creating steep craggy slopes.

The Grampians National Park is home to the largest concentration of Aboriginal rock art in south-eastern Australia. You’ll find more than 100 records of ceremonies painted in red and white on the walls of many rock shelters and caves.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Halls Gap - 2 Nights (or similar)

Trek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Visit the culturally significant MacKenzie Falls for a short hike. Walk to the stunning Balconies, then spend the afternoon relaxing with the locals - our resident wild kangaroos and emus.

MacKenzie Falls Visit

MacKenzie Falls is the only waterway in the region that flows year-round and it is also the most visited waterfall in the Grampians; take a short walk and check out the falls out from a viewing platform.

Meals: Breakfast 

Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater of Tower Hill, with the opportunity to spot some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road as far as the township of Port Campbell.

Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve Visit
Visit Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve west of Warrnambool for a chance to see animals endemic to Australia such as koalas, emus and kangaroos. Learn more about this large volcanic crater and wetland and the role it plays in Indigenous history.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Port Campbell - 2 Nights (or similar)

Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surrounding natural attractions. Opt for a walk along any number of short paths available to immerse yourself in nature.

Loch Ard Gorge Visit
Located along the Great Ocean Road, beautiful Loch Ard Gorge shows the process of erosion in action. See offshore stacks and blowholes, and watch short tailed shearwaters soar over the nearby island. This location is a perfect backdrop for a group photo. Get snapping!

Twelve Apostles Visit
Stop at a scenic lookout point along the Great Ocean Road and capture the beautiful views over the ocean and the 12 Apostles. Now with only seven formations still standing, these iconic attractions were once limestone caves which eroded to become arches and eventually stacks up to 45m (147 ft) in height.

Spend the the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, enjoy views from Loch Ard Gorge and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park.

Rainforest Walk Great Otway National Park
Take in the beautiful greenery of the Great Otway National Park on a leisurely walk with your CEO.

Accommodation: Mornington Peninsula - 2 Nights (or similar)

Spend the morning exploring the Mornington Peninsula, including a visit to Cape Schanck. The Mornington Peninsula is famed for its Pinot Noir, but the 50 plus wineries in the region produce over 200 different wines! In the afternoon, opt to visit a winery or relax and enjoy yourself at one of the many incredible beaches in the area.

Although fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.

Cape Schanck Visit
Cape Schanck is located at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. Visit the rugged coastline with its cliff faces and rocky outcrops. This area provides visitors with an insight into the area's maritime history and plenty of scenic walks featuring ocean views. The lighthouse was built in 1859 and stands as the second coastal lighthouse in the Australian state of Victoria.

Continue on to Melbourne but first make a few stops along the way. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.

Brighton's Bathing Boxes
En route to the Mornington Peninsula we will stop to check out the famous bathing boxes that Port Phillip Bay is known for. These brightly-coloured one-room "mini-cabins" are owned by families to store belongings on their favourite beach.

Accommodation: Melbourne - 2 Nights (or similar)

Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture and get some great ideas about how you might want to spend your free afternoon.

Melbourne Laneways Walk
Discover the small laneways packed with shops, cafés and restaurants that make Melbourne so unique. Grab a delicious barista coffee to-go (which no trip to Melbourne would be complete without!), and set out to experience Melbourne's laneways with an expert local host. Journey through this 'secret city,' seeing local hotspots and incredible street art while learning about the city's history.

Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, all types of fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

Accommodation: Cairns - 1 Night (or similar)

Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.

Included Activity: Aboriginal Interpretive Walk at Mossman Gorge
Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Cape Tribulation - 2 Nights (or similar)

A free day in beautiful Cape Tribulation. Why not opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park?

Optional Activity: Great Barrier Reef VisitHop on a boat and head out to sea to reach the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Don a mask and opt to snorkel the largest coral reef in the world. Say g'day to Nemo, the clown fish, and some of the 1,500 other species of tropical fish that thrive in the warm waters off Australia's east coast.

Optional Activity: Daintree National Park visit - Free
Step back in time in this lush tropical rainforest, reported to be more than 110 million years old! Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 430 species of birds, including the buff-breasted paradise kingfisher and flightless cassowary. On the ground, look for possums, bandicoots, echidna and musky rat kangaroo. Discover why the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people consider this a spiritual and cultural significant place.

Optional Activity: Daintree Rainforest Night Walk
Once the sun goes down, grab a torch and head out into the jungle for a guided night walk. With your guide you'll spot various critters who call this region home. Keep your eyes peeled for sleeping bats, birds, lizards and spiders as you listen to the sounds of the rainforest at night.

Meals: Breakfast 

Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.

Sun-seekers and locals alike flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore. There are picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after today's journey.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Cairns - 1 Night (or similar)

Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach in plenty of time to explore. 

Airlie Beach

Palm-fringed beaches and waterfront parks are a staple of this seriously laid-back holiday destination. After your journey, why not cool off at Airlie Beach Lagoon? Here you can swim all year round and there are even lifeguards on duty in the daylight hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Airlie Beach - 2 Nights (or similar)

Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.

Included Activity: Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion
Enjoy a day out on the water amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef Visit
The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day out on a boat cruising through the waters around the islands. Then, when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters. Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef. (Note that fins are not provided in order to adhere with local coral conservation efforts.)

Meals: Lunch

Today we fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in Australia's famous "hippie" paradise.

Byron is one of Australia's most creative locations, with a huge population of musicians, writers and designers living here and enjoying the relaxed beach lifestyle. Think chic boutiques, luxury wellness retreats, organic cafes and yoga on the sands.

Accommodation: Byron Bay - 2 Nights (or similar)

Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.

Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour

Optional Activity: Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking
Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.

Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.

Accommodation: Port Macquarie - 1 Night (or similar)

Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.

Accommodation: The Blue Mountains  - 2 Nights (or similar)

Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.

Included Activity: Blue Mountains Scenic Railway
This stunning scenic railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. At the end, opt to take a This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor's centre.

Included Activity: Jamison Valley Walk
Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world — The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you're keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.

This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation: Sydney - 2 Nights (or similar)

Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group. Discover the city at your leisure, or you can opt to pre-book some amazing Sydney activities:

Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk
Go for a walk along one of the most iconic trails in Australia. Pass by secluded beaches, massive cliffs, and more breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean than imaginable – all before arriving at the world-famous Bondi Beach. From May to December, keep a keen eye on the ocean to try and spot migrating humpback whales.

Sydney HarbourJet Boat Ride
Want an adrenaline rush? A jet boat is the way to go. Hold on and get ready for a white-water thrill while gorgeous scenery whizzes past. Explore Sydney Harbour, jetting by the Opera House, Harbour Islands and more!

Optional Activity: Sydney Opera House Visit
Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

Fly to Auckland, New Zealand and enjoy free time in the city this afternoon. As well as volcanoes, Auckland is famous for its waterfront - there's lots to see at the harbour edge. Grab dinner at one of the fantastic eateries at the nearby Viaduct, where you can see giant super-yachts come and go.

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 Nights (or similar)

**Please note that your flight from Australia to New Zealand and first night in Auckland will be unescorted.

Today you are free to enjoy Auckland any way you wish: we have a whole range of optional activity suggestions for you.
There may be some new travellers joining your tour this evening, and you can opt to attend their welcome meeting and get to know them over dinner later.

Optional Activity: America's Cup Sailing Experience
As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.

Included Activity: Waitomo Cave Excursion
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights (or similar)

Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.

Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.

Included Activity: Mitai Experience
Visit the Mitai Maori Village and learn the migration story of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Maori Pacifica connection told in dance form. Enjoy a delicious Hangi meal, similar to a Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potato (kumara) and lamb steamed over heated rocks.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington. A magnificent landscape of steep-sided hills sits beside a beautiful harbour, and the city itself bustles with a vibrant creative culture. Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights (or similar)

Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery. The Kaikoura peninsula enjoys a mild microclimate and is overlooked by majestic snowcapped mountains. This unique proximity of ocean and mountain range offers a host of eco-tourism oriented activities, including whale watching, dolphin and seal swimming, kayaking, fishing and hiking.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night (or similar)

Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.

Accommodation: Hanmer Springs - 1 Night (or similar)

Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier. Franz Josef village is small (only 500 locals) and is located only ten minutes from the Glacier.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights (or similar)

Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.

There are dozens of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, quad biking, skydiving, glacier valley walk, lake kayaking or a hot pools visit.

There's plenty to see and do in Franz Josef, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a glacial hike, quad biking, and a helicopter hike. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

Meals: Breakfast

Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Nestled on the shores of glistening Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by towering peaks, Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate holiday destination. This compact, scenic town is easy to explore on foot. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life and an evening in Queenstown at your leisure.

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights (or similar)

With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.

Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Optional Activities: Bungy Jumping, Skyline Gondola, TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise, Jet Boating, Skydiving, Vineyard Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night

Included Activity: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.

Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Tekapo - 1 Night (or similar)

Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.

Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch the South Island's largest city. The city is a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake and blessed with beautiful parks and gardens right in the heart of town.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night (or similar)

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. Say your goodbyes, fit in any last-minute sightseeing and make your way to the airport for your onward flight.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

Flights to depart any time from Christchurch Airport

Luggage
The max luggage allowance on domestic flights is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person.

Solo Travellers
No extra fee for Solo Travelers—same gender roommate will be provided or pay extra for your own room.

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.