Australia Family Adventure

12 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Group Tour
Introduce your family to the breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and unique culture of Australia. Explore the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Area and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Plant a native tree in the Skyrail’s “rain forest regeneration corridor,” and learn about the preservation of Australia’s tropic...
From$7,990
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Snorkel and dive in a magical world of rainbow-colored fish, turtles, starfish, and sponges at the Great Barrier Reef.
    • Go spearfishing with members of the Kuku Yalanji people, and learn about their ancient heritage while cooking up the day’s catch.
    • Get up close to kangaroos, emus, and wallabies at a wildlife park, and even have a chance to feed them.
    • In the heart of the outback, venture into sandstone canyons beneath towering red rocks, and enjoy dinner under the desert stars with an astronomer.

What's this trip about?

    Introduce your family to the breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and unique culture of Australia. Explore the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Area and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Plant a native tree in the Skyrail’s “rain forest regeneration corridor,” and learn about the preservation of Australia’s tropical forests. Encounter the giant red domes of Kata Tjuta (formerly called the Olgas) during a fun hike, and dine in the bush with an astronomer, who will help you spot the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Spend time with the Kuku Yalanji people, following in the footsteps of their ancestors, and take part in a spiritual cleansing ceremony.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCairns
End CitySydney

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Australia

Attractions

  • Blue Mountains
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Sydney
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock)
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Hiking
  • Nature
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Accommodations
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
    • Educational materials
    • Pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
    • Ground transportation during the expedition
    • Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders
    • Other staff
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
    • Internal airfare is included on some international expeditions as indicated in the itinerary.

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Itinerary

Days 1, 2, & 3: U.S./Cairns, Australia

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Mercure Cairns Harbourside

Depart the U.S. and cross the international date line, arriving in Cairns on Day 3 in time for a welcome dinner.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The next day, your family adventure kicks off with a private cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Experience this extraordinary marine ecosystem from our base at Green Island. Spot parrotfish, starfish, and turtles while snorkeling and diving, and explore the island along rain forest boardwalks.

Day 5: Kuranda

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Soar above Queensland’s tropical tree canopy on the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, with stops to explore the rain forest at ground level. Plant a native tree in the Skyrail’s “rain forest regeneration corridor,” and learn ab...

Day 6: Port Douglas/Cooya Beach

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

North of Port Douglas, Cooya Beach is an ancestral fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji people. Here, young explorers will meet their pen pals and other members of the Kuku Yalanji. Set off across mud flats and around mangroves to ...

Days 7 & 8: Uluru and the Outback

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Desert Gardens Hotel

Fly to the heart of the Australian outback, and settle into our hotel in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to colossal sandstone formations dating back millions of years. Encounter the giant red dom...

Days 9 & 10: Sydney

Meals: Breakfast (Day 9&10)

Accommodation: Parkroyal Darling Harbour

Fly to Sydney and tour the city, including the historic Rocks district, Bondi Beach, and the Sydney Opera House. Get up close to kangaroos, emus, and koalas at a wildlife park.

Days 11 & 12: Sydney/Blue Mountains/U.S.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ( Day 11), Breakfast (Day 12)

Venture into the Blue Mountains to discover geologic wonders such as the iconic Three Sisters. Our adventure concludes with a farewell dinner cruise in beautiful Sydney Harbour. After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the Sydney Airport for your flight to the USA, crossing the International Date Line and arriving home the same day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,990
Price per day$666
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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National Geographic Expeditions

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National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

National Geographic Adventures

National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.

National Geographic Student Expeditions

National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.

National Geographic Difference

Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.

Explore the world in comfort and style: Whether you're relaxing in the arcaded courtyard of a 15th-century monastery in Peru or speeding through Siberia on a private luxury train, our accommodations are carefully selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.

We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.

Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare transportation and related fees
    • Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
    • Gratuities for train or ship’s crew,
    • Passport, visa, and permit expenses
    • Medical expenses and immunizations
    • Baggage/accident/cancellation insurance
    • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 4 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
  • New Zealand - Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days
  • Kangaroo Island - Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days
Trip ID
nation-ausfamnat

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