14-day Australia family holiday itinerary

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Sydney

   When you arrive in Sydney, a personal driver will be waiting to escort you to your hotel. Be prepared for a sparkling diversity of scenery. Sydney offers a picture-perfect album of golden beaches, bush trails and a stunning harbour. Don't forget to bring your appetite for great food - the dining in Sydney is world-class. Enjoy the sophisticated nightlife - Sydney always puts on a great show!

   Stay: Fraser Suites Sydney (opens in a new tab)

   • Optional extraSydney Opera House (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraThe Rocks (opens in a new tab)
2. Day 2

   Ultimate Sydney City Tour & Bondi Beach

   This morning, a local guide will collect you for the Ultimate Sydney City tour. Get on-board a sailboat for a closer view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Refresh your spirit at the Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the sight of some of the most beautiful historic buildings in the world. A leisurely stroll along the harbour will quickly reveal the architectural beauty of the Sydney Opera House. It's time for lunch at Australia's premier yacht club. This afternoon, traverse the beautiful coastline to reach surfing heaven - Bondi Beach!

   Stay: Fraser Suites Sydney (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightThe Ultimate Sydney Tour (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraBridgeClimb Sydney (opens in a new tab)
3. Day 3

   Fly to Tropical Port Douglas

   A driver will drop you off at Sydney Airport for a direct domestic flight to Cairns. The flight should take about 3 hours and 15 mins. From Cairns, you'll be transferred to Port Douglas. Get ready for a beautiful tropical stay in one of the most visited places in Australia.

   Stay: Mandalay Apartments (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightHartley's Crocodile Adventures (opens in a new tab)
   • HighlightWildlife Habitat (opens in a new tab)
4. Day 4

   Great Barrier Reef Sailing & Snorkelling

   There's no better place to see marine life than The Great Barrier Reef. It's time to sail off in the luxurious Aquarius Catamaran - a unique snorkelling vessel. Swim and snorkel in the playground of beautiful marine life. Enjoy a ride over gentle waters to the Low Isles lagoon. Take a break and enjoy a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood and juicy tropical fruit. Join an informal guiding walk to learn about the Low Isles. There'll be time for more snorkelling, before you take a leisurely cruise back to Port Douglas.

   Stay: Mandalay Apartments (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightAquarius Sail & Snorkel Low Isles (opens in a new tab)
5. Day 5

   Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

   Today, a private guide will show you the World Heritage region of the Daintree National Park. The tour will begin with a cruise on the calm waters of the Daintree River. Glide along the riverbanks, under the canopy of the rainforest. Seek out the vivid Ulysses Butterfly. There are so many unique creatures to discover. Your biggest highlight may be getting the perfect photograph of those magnificent crocodiles!

   Stay: Mandalay Apartments (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightDaintree Wanderer Tour (opens in a new tab)
6. Day 6

   Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

   A transfer has been arranged for your return to Cairns airport. Today, you'll take a domestic flight to Ayers Rock - either direct or via Alice Springs. This is a special place to absorb the true essence of the great Australian Outback. The night sky here is spectacular - especially if you dine under a diamond-studded sky. The Outback is also home to a large population of unique animals, birds and reptiles.

7. Day 7

   Uluru Guided Tour & Sunset

   Today will begin with a guided tour of Australia's famous Ayers Rock. Find out why this gigantic rock is so important to the Aboriginal people. Kick back and enjoy a glorious sunset - watch as the day transforms into a star-studded Uluru sky. It will take your breath away!

   Stay: Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (opens in a new tab)
   • HighlightUluru Sunset Viewing Area (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraAyers Rock Helicopters
8. Day 8

   Fly to Perth

   Fly to Perth where you'll be met at the arrival gate by your private driver. After being transferred to your hotel, go exploring this diverse capital of Western Australia. Take a boat trip down the Swan River to the southwest coast. No trip to Perth is complete without a visit to the port city of Fremantle. Combine exercise with nature and walk Kings Park and the Botanic Garden - you'll get sweeping views of the city. Visit the Perth Cultural Centre, home of the State Ballet and Opera companies, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

   Stay: Fraser Suites Perth (opens in a new tab)

9. Day 9

   Perth Beaches & Fremantle

   Explore Perth's stunning beaches and walking trails. You'll see evidence of Perth's amazing history everywhere - the historical buildings here are grand in every sense. If you haven't already visited Fremantle, now's your time to do it. Fremantle has an amazing cafe culture and stunning scenery. It's a pretty artsy sort of place with quirky shops and colonial style buildings. It will definitely charm you!

   Stay: Fraser Suites Perth (opens in a new tab)

10. Day 10

    Drive to Margaret River Region

    It's going to be an action-packed day! Collect your rental car and drive towards the beautiful Margaret River region. Wander the foreshore of Mandjar Bay at Mandurah - it has an incredibly scenic view with a raw beauty. Drive to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse and take a walk up to this iconic structure. If you're travelling between June and September you'll definitely see a few migrating southern right whales.

    Stay: Redgate Beach Escape

11. Day 11

    Margaret River Wine & Food

    Margaret River is a famous wine area. The wineries are located quite close to one another - some within a 5-minute drive. But this region offers so much more than premium wine. The Margaret River area is a great food producer specialising in artisan goods. There is also a thriving art community here and the most gorgeous little galleries. There is also much to see in the way of spectacular beaches and the Karri forest of the heartland.

    Stay: Redgate Beach Escape

12. Day 12

    Fly to Melbourne

    It's time to return to Perth for your afternoon flight to Melbourne. You'll love Melbourne with its famous 19th century buildings and tree-lined boulevards. At the centre of Melbourne, take a walk around Federation Square. Enjoy the plazas, bars, restaurants and cultural events along the Yarra River. In Southbank, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne, a performing arts complex and the National Gallery of Victoria.

13. Day 13

    Melbourne Foodie Tour & Penguin Parade

    Melbourne is known for its laid-back sophistication and contemporary style. And it is an absolute foodie destination. Indulge your appetite for beautiful handmade gelato, coffee and cake of every description - local food is celebrated here! In the afternoon/evening meet your private guide for an Australian wildlife tour. See the Penguin Parade. Join a Wild Ocean Eco-Boat Tour, visit the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

    Stay: Adelphi Hotel (opens in a new tab)

    • HighlightPhillip Island Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife Eco Tour (opens in a new tab)
    • Optional extraMelbourne Aquarium
    • Optional extraMelbourne Zoo
    • Optional extraQueen Victoria Market
14. Day 14

    Departure Day

    The time has come to leave Melbourne - are you heading home? Or perhaps you wish to extend your itinerary and travel on to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. It's so easy for us to combine other Pacific travel to complement your Australia trip.

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