Australian Nature & Wildlife Safari

Welcome to Australia! After clearing customs and immigration, meet your local Australian Geographic Travel guide in the arrival’s hall and transfer to your hotel by private car. 6PM Enjoy dinner at MeGal. Accommodation: Wildlife Retreat Taronga, Sydney Meals: Dinner

Breakfast at your hotel. This morning join a guided walk through the central wildlife habitat to meet the local residents including koalas, echidnas, pademelons, wallabies and bettongs. You will also have free time to explore other exhibits at the zoo and learn more about the ongoing conservation projects the zoo are involved with. After lunch, travel by public ferry to Circular Quay where you will join an Aboriginal Cultural Tour. This leisurely walkabout around The Rocks uncovers the authentic history of the Aboriginal people’s saltwater heritage within Sydney Harbour, their land and water use and their spiritual connection to the adjoining waterways and foreshores. Aboriginal guides will demonstrate how this place we now know as Sydney continues to weave the Dreamtime Southern X text into it’s modern, built up environment. Discover how to experience contemporary Aboriginal society right in the heart of cosmopolitan Sydney today. Drawing upon knowledge populated from the oldest ecologists, conservationists, wildlife carers, botanists, astronomers, climatologists and marine biologists on the Earth today, the guides will explain how this ancient wisdom continues to reveal itself within the English settlement of The Rocks. Spend the remainder of your afternoon exploring the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden enjoying its tranquil beauty. We recommend having dinner in the city before returning to your accommodation Accommodation: Wildlife Retreat Taronga, Sydney Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. 9AM This morning explore the natural beauty of the Sydney Harbour National Park and learn more about the local flora and fauna on our Bradleys Head Walk. Whilst on a tour of Bradleys Head with us you may have a chance encounter with local wildlife such as lizards, possums, birds of prey, parrots as well as frogs. During your Bradleys Head Walk you’ll visit the marine life of Sydney Harbour by meandering along the shoreline. Come and be amazed about the secret lives of limpets, oysters, anemones as well as snails hidden among the rocks and kelp. Also, wander underneath the thick canopies of the Sydney red gum trees and enjoy the scenic views along the water’s edge. Additionally, on our Bradleys Head Walk you’ll learn about the Japanese raid on Sydney during WWII as well as past military fortifications of Bradleys Head. Return to your hotel at 11.30am and transfer by private vehicle to Sydney airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival in Cairns you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Located on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a deluxe eco accommodation and sensitively positioned amongst the resort’s 145 acre property. Thala is built atop a private peninsular jutting into the Coral Sea, surrounded by miles of World Heritage coastline and The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on the seaward side. The private beachfront has been left as nature intended it to be. Thala’s magnificent peninsular has six different habitats concentrated into this small area. Complimentary experiences are provided for guests including nature/wildlife walks, star gazing nights, Coconut Odyssey tour and specialist talks from local experts Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel A free day today to join in one of the many nature-based activities at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, or catch the shuttle bus departing Thala’s reception to Port Douglas (10 minutes away) for a small fee. Taxis are also available. Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A free day today to join in one of the many nature based activities at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, or catch the shuttle bus departing Thala’s reception to Port Douglas (10 minutes away) for a small fee. Taxi’s are also available. Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel After breakfast you will be met by our local expert nature guide for a 3 day, 2 night adventure into the rainforest and hinterland of Far North Queensland. Discover the diverse habitats leading to the Daintree Tropical Rainforest. Cruise silently on a solar electric boat along the Daintree River, spotting crocodiles, birds, and more. Enjoy lunch at the Daintree Tea House with its exotic-themed dining and fruit tasting. Walk the serene tracks of Jindalba for wildlife encounters and scenic views. Stay at the eco-friendly Heritage Lodge, nestled in lush rainforest, for a tranquil evening surrounded by nature. Accommodation: Heritage Lodge, Daintree Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at your hotel After an early breakfast, we will depart for another adventurous day. We arrive at Cape Tribulation - where the rainforest meets the reef. This famous valley resembles a giant amphitheatre with a semicircle of hills dominated by Mt Sorrow and Mt Hemmant. The south-eastern rainfall trapped by this valley results in a lush tropical climate with high temperatures, humidity and rainfall. After lunch we stop, the almighty Curtain Fig Tree. One of the most incredible trees you will see in your life. This ancient fig tree is an epic rainforest survivor with a very complex ecosystem surrounding its lifecycle. The birdlife that can be heard in the surrounding forest is quite amazing here. After dinner, we go Night spotting. A large portion of the local wildlife has adopted a nocturnal lifestyle to avoid the heat of the day in the tropical climate. Accommodation: Chambers Wildlife Lodge or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at your hotel This morning, we will visit the Malanda Conservation Park. This conservation park is invaluable to the elusive Mapee (Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo). They are seen on a regular basis in this small patch of protected forest. Malanda falls is a beautiful photo opportunity on the walk and several other wildlife opportunities are available here, such as the Freshwater Snapping Turtle and the Grey-headed Robin. We continue our journey to Lake Barrine. The famous volcanic crater lake is an outstanding location for nature activities. The lake is a big highlight to spot reptiles such as water dragons, birds, eels, fish, and other Wet Tropics endemic species. When available, our group may also be offered a cruise around the lake, an activity operated by the owners of the Lake Barrine Tea House. After lunch we visit The Tolga Bat Hospital; one of Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism experiences. A visit to this site to observe this community group that works for the conservation of bats and their habitat through rescue and land care work, advocacy, education, and research. Our tour will return to Cairns at about 5.30pm. Accommodation: Cairns Hilton Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at your hotel Your driver will be meet in the hotel lobby and transfer by private vehicle to Cairns airport for your flight to Adelaide. On arrival you will transfer directly to Cape Jervis where you will join the ferry to Kangaroo Island. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Located just off the coast of South Australia, this is one of the best places in Australia to see wild animals like koalas, kangaroos, sea lions and seals. Accommodation: KI Lodge, Kangaroo Island Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel Our accredited naturalist local guide will collect you from your accommodation before heading to the South Western end of the Island where you will explore Flinders Chase National Park and a number of iconic Kangaroo Island attractions. Take in the Remarkable Rocks, magnificent granite boulders aged over 500 million years by wind, rain and surf, as well as the stunning Admirals Arch, home to a colony of Pointy Nosed Fur Seals. Enjoy watching the Seals catch the waves along this dramatic coastline and discover the history of the early Settlers on the Island, at historic Weirs Cove. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with fresh, seasonal, local produce, accompanied by South Australian wine, served by your guide in a bush picnic location. After lunch, we complete the day with an exploration of the south western coastline, at Hanson Bay, before returning to your accommodation. Accommodation: KI Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at your hotel Today you will begin by heading to the South Coast of the Island, for a private guided beach tour of Seal Bay, to see the endangered Australian Sea Lion in their “bedroom”. Considered one of the best immersive nature experiences, enjoy the opportunity to see these playful animals in their breeding colony. Observe the adorable pups, watchful mothers, breeding bulls, and adolescent males trying to impress, as they surf the waves, or shelter in the dunes, depending on the weather and time of year. Hear first-hand about the research that is being undertaken, and efforts to learn more about this endangered species. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in the historic Eleanor Downs Shearing Shed, served by your guide and accompanied by South Australian wine. Eleanor Downs is our private lunch site, and a working farm still in the original Soldier Settler family. After lunch, your journey continues through Parndana, the central township of the Island, towards the magnificent northern coast of the Island, keeping an eye out for native wildlife along the way. Explore stunning Stokes Bay, before returning to Penneshaw for your return back to Adelaide, late in the day Accommodation: KI Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at your hotel Transfer back to Penneshaw where you will meet the ferry back to the mainland. On arrival your driver will meet you and transfer you directly to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. You will be met on arrival by your driver transferred to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Accommodation: Clarion Suites Melbourne Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel This morning your local guide will meet you and take you on a walking tour of Melbourne. Embark on a captivating walking tour of Melbourne, starting with a visit to the bustling Federation Square, a cultural hub filled with galleries, museums, and cafes. Stroll through the iconic Flinders Street Station before exploring the hidden gems of the city's laneways, adorned with vibrant street art and cozy coffee shops. Wander through the historic Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, showcasing stunning architecture and boutique stores. Enjoy a peaceful respite at the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, then conclude your tour at the vibrant Queen Victoria Market, where you can sample local produce and artisanal goods. In the afternoon, you will travel to Moonlit Wildlife and Conservation Sanctuary where you will witness first-hand, conservation in action. The keeper will provide lots of insightful details about the different species in the sanctuary and their conservation status. Later, travel to Phillip Island where your Phillip Island Day tour is not complete without its black-tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. You will firstly head to the Visitor Centre with time for dinner. Then last but certainly not least, you will meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform. It’s time to relax and let the show begin. The little penguins will waddle ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows. Accommodation: Clarion Suites, Melbourne Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel Today is at leisure until your driver will meet you and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.