Aussie City Lights and Starry Nights

Beginning in beautiful Port Douglas, with a stay at the Thala Beach Nature Reserve, find yourself surrounded by 145 acres of gorgeous wilderness with the Great Barrier Reef a mere stone's throw away. Marvel at the magnificent Uluru, a sight sure to overwhelm all of your senses as you begin to understand why it's so treasured by the local cultures. Then head down to Adelaide, where it’s time for adventure on a full day tour of Kangaroo Island. Enjoy the iconic animal of Australia, and explore the Fleurieau Peninsula with wine sampling as you absorb the culture of southern Australia. Your trip concludes in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, with a guided walk through the city's electrifying lanes and arcades and an evening at Phillip Island with a Ranger-led experience to view the little penguins.

Trip Type: Adventure, Wildlife

Day By Day

Day 1 – Welcome to Port Douglas

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival into Cairns you will be transferred by private vehicle to Thala Beach Nature Reserve.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve
On a private peninsula surrounded by stretches of white beaches and dense rainforest teeming with life is Thala Beach Nature Reserve, which is located between Cairns and Port Douglas. The eco-friendly resort is spread out across 145 acres of protected natural area, ensuring that guests experience the unique and untouched ecosystem while conserving its fragile inhabitants. Beaches are quiet and clean, lined by ancient rainforests and mangroves while dolphins leap from the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. High grounds are home to tropical birds and butterflies, and at night, the Milky Way is visible from the resorts observatory. Suites and bungalows are scattered across the grounds and hidden away in manicured gardens, offering privacy, comfort and luxury. Sleep near the beach with calming ocean views or nestled in the jungle surrounded by the sounds of the forest. The main lodge, set among the eucalyptus, is home to the modern Australian restaurant, a free-form pool with hidden grottos and waterfalls and a relaxing massage studio.

Starting Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Day 2 – Great Barrier Reef Experience

The adventure starts with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina. Sit back and relax on the beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkeling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish. Exploring the white sands of the coral cays will relax the mind. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquility and swim in turquoise clear waters. Small numbers of guests ensure personal interactive communication with experience guides.

Starting Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 – Daintree Rainforest Experience

Enjoy a tour over the top of the Daintree Rainforest to the very edge of the 'Outback' to observe the native wildlife. The ecosystems experienced are from the Lowland Wet Tropics of the coastal strip through the upper forests and out to the very edge of the wonderful Eucalypt Savannah Outback. Odyssey Bound is able to take you into the wilderness of Cape York with a unique look at local culture and history. It offers an insight into the many creatures generally unseen. Early departures allow many encounters with creatures that would otherwise be missed. Traveling off the beaten track in areas not visited by the mainstream, this safari is ideal for people that simply seek to explore a little more than the normal day tours. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes as you may be walking on uneven terrain at times, and bring that camera.

Starting Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Cairns Aquarium Night Experience

Today you will be transferred from Thala Beach Nature Reserve to your accommodation in Cairns by private vehicle. 

Night at the Aquarium
As the sun goes down on the Great Barrier Reef, a whole new world awakens. Corals glow, colorful reef fish seek shelter and predators begin their night hunt. At the same time, coastal forests stir with life, as reptiles, amphibians and insects emerge from their burrows to seek out food in the safety of the shadows. The ‘Night at the Aquarium’ guided tour gives you a glimpse into the unique world of the region’s nocturnal creatures and their behaviors as they move about it in the darkness. Your evening experience includes excusive after-hours entry to Cairns Aquarium, and a 90 minute guided twilight tour through 10 tropical ecosystems. Complete the evening at Dundee’s restaurant with a perfectly matched 2 course dinner while you enjoy a stunning sea life backdrop. Your evening experience includes excusive after-hours entry to Cairns Aquarium, a 90 minute guided twilight tour through 10 tropical ecosystems and a 2-course dinner at Dundee's Restaurant.

Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Travel to Uluru

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Cairns Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Uluru you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Uluru and Sunset Tour
Departing your accommodation at Yulara resort, today's excursion will travel through the landscape to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. From this point, it is only a matter of minutes before the spectre of Uluru rises from the sand dunes to demonstrate its enormity and presence - the first stop allows you a photographic opportunity of this amazing icon. With Uluru looming in front, walk with your guide to a place of tranquility at the base. The closer you wander, the more you surrender to the realization of the sheer size of this monolith. Driving around the base, immerse yourself in the area. Stops are made for a short walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole. There, you will visit rock-art sites and the local waterhole with your guide to learn of Uluru's significance to the Anangu (local Aboriginal people). As you continue the drive around the rest of the base, experience the Mala walk before adjourning to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area where you will observe a sunset from a different perspective over Uluru with Kata Tjuta in the distance. Enjoy sparkling wine and light refreshments. You will return to your accommodations at Yulara Resort.

Sails in the Desert Hotel
In the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience. Soaring white sails crown the Sails in the Desert hotel, shading 228 luxury five-star rooms and suites. In a destination where one of the world's oldest cultures still thrives, the mystery, color and wisdom of the local Anangu people is interwoven into every facet of Sails in the Desert's modern design. More than luxury accommodation, Sails in the Desert hotel is a destination of exploration and indulgence.

Starting Accommodation: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 – Kata Tijuta Sunrise Tour and A Night at Field of Light

Kata Tijuta Sunrise Tour
Revel in the early morning serenity of a truly spiritual place as the sunrise colors change on Kata Tjuta. Enjoy an outback picnic breakfast. Learn about this diverse environment while walking between the mighty conglomerate rock walls and into Walpa Gorge. Hear how the many domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here. 

A Night at Field of Light
A night at Field of Light combines the award-winning 'Sounds of Silence' buffet BBQ dinner under the outback sky with the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. With magnificent views of Uluru at sunset, a special three-course bush tucker menu, premium selection of Australian wines & beers, fascinating star talk and a self-guided walk through the Field of Light art installation, your 'A Night at Field of Light' experience is complete.

Starting Accommodation: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Travel to Adelaide

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Uluru Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Adelaide you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle. 

Mayfair Hotel
The Mayfair Hotel is located right in the heart of the city at the corner of King William and Hindley Streets in the heritage-listed, beautifully renovated Colonial Mutual Life building. Complemented by a stunning "jewel box" addition that beautifully complements the "Romanesque-style" building, the Mayfair Hotel is the gateway that links the recently refurbished Rundle Mall and Adelaide's exciting new Riverbank Entertainment Precinct. Offering luxurious accommodations, contemporary dining and premium hotel facilities, the Mayfair Hotel also showcases the very best of South Australia, including innovative food and wine and high-quality, locally made products and furnishings. The hotel is just a short walk from the Art Gallery of South Australia and a drive of just a few minutes from Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Oval and Parliament House, and Adelaide Airport is 4 miles away. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a restaurant, cafe and lounge bar, and all rooms offer stylish decor and a 55-inch flat-screen TVs. Guests may also enjoy an on-site fitness center.

Starting Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Kangaroo Island Adventure

This full-day tour starts with a flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island. Meet the guide on arrival who will be on-hand through the day to introduce you to the lifestyle, culture and wildlife of this large and diverse Island. Today you will get an introduction to Island life - where things take time. Where drivers wave as they go by - or even stop you for a chat. Have a 'cuppa' with home-made refreshments and perhaps walk down a country track through tall Eucalyptus trees where koalas snooze overhead.

Starting Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 – Fleurieu Food, Wine, and Wildlife

The Fleurieu has the land, the produce, the wildlife and its people living in harmony - the aboriginal Kauna people enjoyed the unspoiled habitat in ancient times. The rolling vine-covered hills in the McLaren Vale region feed over 60 small, very individual wineries. The vineyards snake down to the tumbling surf on the coast, where sea creatures such as whales and penguins thrive. The area enjoys a Mediterranean type climate influenced by the St. Vincent's Gulf only 4 miles away.

Starting Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Travel to Melbourne

Ahead of your flight to Melbourne you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation via private vehicle. 

Park Hyatt Melbourne
The regal Park Hyatt Melbourne sits at the top of Collins Street, which is a stylish boulevard full of ornate Victorian architecture, high end shops and art galleries. Just across the street from the grand St. Patrick's Cathedral and the manicured Fitzroy Gardens, the hotel is an awe-inspiring combination of old-world and modern design. Winding staircases, Italian marble and towering pillars inspire opulence from the moment you step into the Park Hyatt's lobby. Each guest room is impeccably decorated with Madrona paneled walls, plush furniture and deep marble baths. The sophisticated art deco touches continue throughout the rest of the property. The edgeless lap pool glimmers in a room encased in golden light and stone pillars, and the day spa offers decadent treatments for ultimate relaxation. Park Hyatt perfectly captures the atmosphere of Melbourne and provides a great starting point to explore the rest of the city.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 – Phillip Island Ranger Adventure

This is the ultimate way to experience the beauty and nature of Phillip Island. The tour is uniquely tailored to the passions and interests of the guests offering an insight into island life away from the crowds of the major attractions. During your adventure, come face-to-face with Australia’s most iconic of marsupials at the Koala Conservation Centre. Explore tree-top boardwalks to see koalas up close in their natural habitat. Wander extensive trails through Australian bushland, home to many animals including wallabies, echidnas and bats. Look out to Seal Rocks – the ocean home of Australia’s largest fur seal colony and feel the power of the treacherous Bass Strait waters with views of the rocky coastline.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 – Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour

Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told of, then ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. Join this indulgent morning walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and become orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover local designers and specialty retailers that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways, there is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 – Depart Melbourne

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Melbourne airport by private vehicle. We hope you enjoyed your visit to Australia!

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Deluxe
Please note all prices listed are approximations and subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Each itinerary can be fully customized to your interests and needs.
Twin Share
4/1/2025 - 4/30/2025	$16,015
5/1/2025 - 5/31/2025	$16,165
6/1/2025 - 8/31/2025	$16,275
9/1/2025 - 9/30/2025	$16,040
10/1/2025 - 10/31/2025	$16,365
11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025	$16,255
3/1/2026 - 3/31/2026	$15,815
Single Traveler
4/1/2025 - 4/30/2025	$29,035
5/1/2025 - 5/31/2025	$29,440
6/1/2025 - 8/31/2025	$29,515
9/1/2025 - 9/30/2025	$29,490
10/1/2025 - 10/31/2025	$29,940
11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025	$29,715
3/1/2026 - 3/31/2026	$28,900

Terms and Conditions

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions: www.swaindestinations.com/terms