
© Tourcan Vacations
- Duration
- 19 days · 18 nights
- Trip type
- Rail Journey | Nature | Cultural Discovery
- Group size
- Private and small-group touring
Overview
Australia unfolds in extraordinary contrasts, from cosmopolitan cities and dramatic coastlines to tropical wetlands, ancient desert landscapes and the world's largest coral reef. This comprehensive journey connects the country's most celebrated natural and cultural icons through a seamless combination of private transfers, small-group touring, rail travel and carefully selected accommodations. Begin in Melbourne with Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road before continuing to Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills and wildlife-rich Kangaroo Island. Board The Ghan for a legendary rail journey through the Red Centre, with experiences in Alice Springs and Katherine before reaching tropical Darwin and World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Continue to Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda rainforest before travelling to Uluru and Kata Tjuta for Indigenous cultural discovery, desert sunsets and the Field of Light. The journey concludes in Sydney with the Opera House, harbour, Bondi Beach and the magnificent Blue Mountains.
The route
Day by day, at a glance
Day 1 · Melbourne
Arrive in Melbourne
Day 2 · Melbourne
Melbourne City Sights and Phillip Island
Day 3 · Melbourne
Great Ocean Road
Day 4 · Adelaide
Melbourne to Adelaide
Day 5 · Adelaide
Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf
Day 6 · Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island
Day 7 · Adelaide
Board The Ghan
Day 8 · Alice Springs
The Ghan and Alice Springs
Day 9 · Darwin
The Ghan to Darwin via Katherine
Day 10 · Darwin
Kakadu National Park
Day 11 · Cairns
Darwin to Cairns
Day 12 · Cairns
Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Day 13 · Cairns
Kuranda Rainforest Experience
Day 14 · Uluru
Cairns to Uluru and Field of Light
Day 15 · Uluru
Kata Tjuta and Uluru
Day 16 · Sydney
Uluru to Sydney
Day 17 · Sydney
Sydney City, Opera House and Harbour Cruise
Day 18 · Sydney
Blue Mountains
Day 19 · Sydney
Depart Sydney
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1 · Melbourne
Arrive in Melbourne
Welcome to Australia. Upon arrival in Melbourne, meet your local representative and transfer by private vehicle to your accommodation.
Melbourne is one of Australia's leading cultural, culinary, sporting and shopping capitals. Its historic architecture, contemporary design, celebrated laneways, cafe culture and iconic tram network create a city with energy, character and remarkable variety.
After check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Where you'll stay
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins - Savoy Guest Room
Day 2 · Melbourne
Melbourne City Sights and Phillip Island
Begin with a small-group introduction to Melbourne, visiting highlights such as Federation Square, the city's sporting precinct, St Patrick's Cathedral, Albert Park and St Kilda. Conclude with admission to Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic views across the city, Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding ranges.
During the afternoon, travel to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park to encounter native Australian wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, birds and reptiles.
Continue to Phillip Island, where coastal scenery, Woolamai Beach and the Nobbies reveal the island's dramatic natural character. The day concludes at the Penguin Parade, where you will watch little penguins return from the sea from the special Penguins Plus viewing area
Where you'll stay
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins - Savoy Guest Room
Breakfast, DinnerDay 3 · Melbourne
Great Ocean Road
Depart Melbourne for a full-day journey along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives.
Travel through Geelong and along the Surf Coast, stopping for coastal views and photography opportunities. Walk through a eucalyptus forest to observe native birds, koalas and kangaroos in their natural environment.
Continue through Apollo Bay before visiting the celebrated Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, where dramatic limestone formations rise above the Southern Ocean. Return to Melbourne during the evening.
Where you'll stay
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins - Savoy Guest Room
Breakfast, LunchDay 4 · Adelaide
Melbourne to Adelaide
After breakfast, transfer by private vehicle to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Adelaide. Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue by private transfer to the hotel.
Set beside the River Torrens and framed by the Adelaide Hills, Adelaide is known for its relaxed atmosphere, gardens, markets, excellent restaurants, celebrated wines and colourful cultural festivals.
After check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Where you'll stay
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel - Classic Room
BreakfastDay 5 · Adelaide
Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf
Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing for an afternoon exploration of the Adelaide Hills.
Travel through the Mt Lofty Ranges and stop at Mt Lofty Lookout for sweeping views across Adelaide. Continue through historic countryside and past the Bridgewater Mill before arriving in Hahndorf, Australia's oldest surviving German settlement.
Enjoy free time to explore European-style cafes, local arts and crafts, boutique shops and the town's distinctive German heritage before returning to Adelaide.
Where you'll stay
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel - Classic Room
BreakfastDay 6 · Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island
Depart early for a scenic coach journey through the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis, followed by a ferry crossing to Kangaroo Island.
At Seal Bay, join a National Parks guide for a memorable beach walk near a breeding colony of Australian sea lions. After lunch, continue to Flinders Chase National Park, an important sanctuary for kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas and other native wildlife.
Explore the rugged southern coastline and visit Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch, where dramatic geological formations and a colony of fur seals create some of the island's most memorable scenery. Return by ferry and coach to Adelaide.
Where you'll stay
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel - Classic Room
Breakfast, LunchDay 7 · Adelaide
Board The Ghan
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board The Ghan for one of Australia's most celebrated rail journeys.
Settle into your private Gold Service cabin as the train travels north from Adelaide through the pastoral landscapes of South Australia and toward the ancient Flinders Ranges.
During the evening, enjoy regionally inspired cuisine, Australian wines and beverages while the changing Outback landscape unfolds beyond the train.
Where you'll stay
The Ghan - Gold Service Twin Cabin
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 8 · Alice Springs
The Ghan and Alice Springs
Begin the day in the remote South Australian Outback and watch the desert come alive at sunrise.
Continue through the MacDonnell Ranges toward Alice Springs, the celebrated capital of Australia's Red Centre. On arrival, choose from included off-train experiences designed to introduce the region's history, landscapes and distinctive Outback character.
Return to the train in the evening and enjoy modern Australian cuisine, regional wines and time with fellow travellers before retiring to your private cabin.
The Ghan - Gold Service Twin CabinBreakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 9 · Darwin
The Ghan to Darwin via Katherine
Wake in Australia's tropical north and arrive in the wilderness region of Katherine.
Choose from included off-train experiences such as a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge, an exploration of Indigenous rock art and Jawoyn culture, or an introduction to life on an Outback cattle station.
Return to The Ghan for lunch as the train travels through tropical landscapes toward Darwin. Upon arrival, transfer to your waterfront accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Where you'll stay
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront - Premier View Studio
Breakfast, LunchDay 10 · Darwin
Kakadu National Park
Depart Darwin for a full-day exploration of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's most culturally and environmentally significant landscapes.
Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn about the traditions of Kakadu's Aboriginal communities. Cruise Yellow Water Billabong in search of saltwater crocodiles and the region's abundant birdlife.
After lunch, continue to Burrungkuy, also known as Nourlangie, where your guide will lead a walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Return to Darwin during the evening.
Where you'll stay
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront - Premier View Studio
Breakfast, LunchDay 11 · Cairns
Darwin to Cairns
After breakfast, transfer by private vehicle to Darwin Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, continue by private transfer to your accommodation.
Cairns is the gateway to tropical North Queensland, with the Great Barrier Reef to the east and the rainforests, mountains and tablelands of the Wet Tropics to the west.
After check-in, enjoy the marina, waterfront promenade and the remainder of the day at leisure.
Where you'll stay
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns - Deluxe Sea View Room
BreakfastDay 12 · Cairns
Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal and board your cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Travel to Marine World, a purpose-built reef platform offering easy access to one of the world's most remarkable marine environments. Enjoy unlimited snorkelling with equipment and instruction provided, coral-viewing experiences, an underwater observatory and time to relax on the sundeck.
A tropical buffet lunch is included. Return to Cairns during the late afternoon.
Where you'll stay
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns - Deluxe Sea View Room
Breakfast, LunchDay 13 · Cairns
Kuranda Rainforest Experience
Travel above the rainforest canopy aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stopping at Red Peak and Barron Falls for short walks and spectacular views.
Continue to Kuranda Village before visiting Rainforestation Nature Park. Explore the rainforest aboard an amphibious Army Duck, learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions during the Dreamtime Walk and watch the Pamagirri Dancers perform.
After a barbecue lunch, visit the wildlife park before returning aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class. Travel past waterfalls, rainforest and steep ravines before transferring back to the hotel.
Where you'll stay
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns - Deluxe Sea View Room
Breakfast, LunchDay 14 · Uluru
Cairns to Uluru and Field of Light
After breakfast, transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to Uluru. Upon arrival, take the resort shuttle to your accommodation.
During the evening, experience A Night at Field of Light. Begin with views of Uluru at sunset, gourmet canapes, sparkling wine and a traditional cultural performance.
Enjoy a three-course dinner featuring Australian bush flavours, accompanied by selected wines and beverages. After a guided introduction to the southern night sky, walk through the Field of Light installation, where thousands of illuminated spheres transform the desert landscape.
Where you'll stay
Desert Gardens Hotel - Garden Room
Breakfast, DinnerDay 15 · Uluru
Kata Tjuta and Uluru
Depart before sunrise for Kata Tjuta and watch the changing morning colours illuminate its ancient domes.
Walk into Walpa Gorge between towering rock walls while learning about the geology, ecology and cultural importance of this remarkable landscape. A picnic breakfast is included.
During the afternoon, explore Uluru with your guide. Walk to waterholes and Aboriginal art sites while learning about its cultural significance to the Anangu people. Conclude with sunset views of Uluru accompanied by light refreshments and drinks.
Where you'll stay
Desert Gardens Hotel - Garden Room
Desert Gardens Hotel - Desert Deluxe Room
BreakfastDay 16 · Sydney
Uluru to Sydney
After breakfast, take the resort shuttle to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel.
Sydney combines an extraordinary harbour setting with celebrated beaches, historic neighbourhoods, parklands, shopping, dining and architectural landmarks.
After check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Where you'll stay
The Grace Hotel Sydney - Signature Superior Room
BreakfastDay 17 · Sydney
Sydney City, Opera House and Harbour Cruise
Begin with a panoramic tour of Sydney, including the historic Rocks district, views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Oxford Street, Paddington and the eastern coastline.
Continue to Bondi Beach before returning through Double Bay, Kings Cross and Mrs Macquarie's Point for memorable harbour views.
Later, join a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House and discover its history, architecture, theatres and daily operations. Conclude with a sightseeing cruise through Sydney Harbour, passing famous waterfront neighbourhoods and landmarks.
Where you'll stay
The Grace Hotel Sydney - Signature Superior Room
BreakfastDay 18 · Sydney
Blue Mountains
Depart Sydney for a full-day journey into the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.
Begin at Calmsley Hill City Farm, where native animals may include kangaroos, emus, wombats and koalas. Continue through mountain villages, forests and waterfalls, with short walks to scenic lookout points.
Enjoy lunch at the Hydro Majestic before visiting additional viewpoints, including Govett's Leap and its dramatic waterfall. Conclude at Mt Tomah Botanic Garden before returning to Sydney.
Where you'll stay
The Grace Hotel Sydney - Signature Superior Room
Breakfast, LunchDay 19 · Sydney
Depart Sydney
After breakfast, check out and transfer by private vehicle to Sydney Airport for your departure flight.
Leave Australia with lasting memories of cosmopolitan cities, extraordinary coastlines, native wildlife, ancient Indigenous culture, tropical reefs, the Red Centre and one of the world's great rail journeys.
Breakfast
Where you'll stay
Accommodations
- Days 1–3 · MelbourneThe Savoy Hotel on Little Collins - Savoy Guest Room
- Days 4–6 · AdelaideMajestic Roof Garden Hotel - Classic Room
- Day 7 · AdelaideThe Ghan - Gold Service Twin Cabin
Day 8 · Alice Springs
The Ghan - Gold Service Twin Cabin
- Days 9–10 · DarwinAdina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront - Premier View Studio
- Days 11–13 · CairnsShangri-La The Marina, Cairns - Deluxe Sea View Room
- Days 14–15 · UluruDesert Gardens Hotel - Garden Room
- Days 16–18 · SydneyThe Grace Hotel Sydney - Signature Superior Room
How it works
Made to order
- Every Tourcan trip is built by a specialist, not a template — the route, hotels, and pace are tuned to how you want to travel.
- Dates are flexible. There are no fixed departures; we plan around your calendar.
- Quotes and bookings happen by phone and email with your specialist — no automated checkout, just a real conversation.
What's included
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
- • 18 nights' accommodation in carefully selected four-star hotels and rail accommodations
- • Daily breakfast and additional meals as specified in the itinerary
- • Private airport and hotel transfers as outlined in the itinerary
- • Transportation by scheduled coach, ferry, rail and resort shuttle as specified
- • Gold Service Twin Cabin aboard The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin
- • All-inclusive dining and selected beverages aboard The Ghan
- • Included off-train experiences during The Ghan journey
- • Professional local guides and driver-guides for scheduled touring
- • Guided sightseeing and cultural experiences as described in the itinerary
- • Small-group touring on selected excursions
- • Admission fees and national park passes for included sightseeing
- • Great Barrier Reef cruise with snorkelling equipment and lunch
- • Kuranda Skyrail and Gold Class Scenic Railway journey
- • A Night at Field of Light dining experience
- • Sydney Opera House guided tour and Sydney Harbour cruise
- • Applicable Australian Goods and Services Tax on included services
Not included
- • International and domestic airfare
- • Travel insurance, strongly recommended
- • Visa, passport and entry-related expenses
- • Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- • Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel personnel
- • Hotel and airport porterage
- • Personal expenses, telephone, laundry and minibar charges
- • Optional activities and excursions
- • Early check-in and late check-out unless specifically arranged
- • Excess baggage charges
- • Medical and hospital expenses
- • Expenses resulting from flight delays, schedule changes or missed connections
- • Anything not specifically mentioned as included
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the price of any Tourcan itinerary. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, and baggage.
