Inspiring Journeys - Australia and New Zealand Expedition Itinerary

A warm welcome to the gateway city of Tropical North Queensland – the launch pad for your epic adventure from north to south, through the untamed wilderness of the outback. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax before meeting your Journey Director this afternoon for a Welcome Reception with drinks and canapés and later dine overlooking the gleaming waters of the Coral Sea.

Meal: Dinner With Wine

Accommodation: Cairns - 3 Nights

Explore the symbiotic relationship between the local Kuku Yalanji people and ancient landscapes of the Daintree as you join your Indigenous guide on an exclusive journey into the rainforest. Spend the morning learning about their fascinating traditions, bush diet and traditional medicines shared amidst the soundtrack of the untamed forest. Learn how to hunt for elusive mud crabs before enjoying lunch under the leafy canopies of mahogany and oak.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Go beyond the ‘great’ and into an underwater wonderland – your cruise to discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef will venture to Agincourt Reef on the Quicksilver wave-piercing catamaran, where you have a unique opportunity to soak up the pristine natural setting before you. Snorkel past iridescent coral formations and colourful marine-life – an undersea treasure-trove as far as the eye can see. Relax up on deck surrounded by the vivid blue of the Coral Sea, bask in the golden Australian sunshine and enjoy a tropical lunch on board before returning to Palm Cove.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Depart Cairns, flying to Alice Springs where you’ll gain unique insights into what life is like in an isolated Australian town. Spending some time at the School of the Air and Royal Flying Doctor Service, learn how these services provide a much-needed medical lifeline to remote Australian communities. Join your Alice Springs family hosts this evening for a Local Dining Experience barbecue dinner around a campfire, as the Milky Way lights up the sky.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 1 Night

This morning’s journey takes you through the West MacDonnell Ranges and along the 4WD Mereenie Loop Road, past Tylers Lookout and Gosses Bluff. Take a walk through Angkerle (Standley Chasm), created over millions of years, and continue to your destination, Kings Canyon, where you can stroll along the shady creek bed at the foot of the towering sandstone cliffs of the canyon.

Meals: Breakfast & Local Dinning Experience

Accommodation: Kings Canyon - 1 Night

Rise with the birds and embark on the exhilarating 6km Rim Walk at Kings Canyon past the domes of the Lost City, to where you’ll peer over the towering sandstone cliffs into the gorge below. Next stop is Curtin Springs Station. Learn about the legacy of the Severin family and their wrangling heritage and then kick back in true Aussie style at a delicious barbecue lunch. This afternoon, venture to the spiritual midst of Uluru in time to enjoy sparkling wine at a spectacular sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner With Wine

Accommodation: Ayers Rock - 2 Nights

Venture to the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where you’ll learn about the strong connection shared over millennia between the Anangu people and this ancient land. The mystical domes of Kata Tjuta are your next stop. Join your Journey Director for a guided walk deep through the whistling Walpa Gorge, tracing the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta's ancient rocky domes. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the base of Uluru's red slopes, embracing the timeless stories of the Anangu whose rock art you’ll have an opportunity to see before visiting the Mutitjulu Waterhole, home to the Anangu's wanampi, an ancestral water snake. Afterwards, meet the magical stars of the Southern Hemisphere this evening at the sensational Sounds of Silence Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast & Local Dinning Experience 

Witness a mesmerising sunrise over Uluru – perfectly viewed from the dune viewing area. Afterwards, kick back and enjoy laidback Aussie vibes before your flight to Sydney. Consider an optional experience scenic helicopter flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, learn the art of Aboriginal dot painting or simply relax with a good book. This afternoon, soulful Uluru gives way to cosmopolitan Sydney.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sydney - 1 Night

The shimmering hue of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park beckons from afar as you embark on a day of discovery to explore its extraordinary beauty. Soak up eucalyptus scents and discover such icons as the Three Sisters at Echo Point and spectacular Bridal Veil Falls. Go off the beaten path in the company of your Journey Director to secluded lookouts and peaceful short bushwalks.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner With Wine

Accommodation: Blue Mountains - 1 Night

Explore Australia’s original wine country. A day of guilt-free indulgence awaits as you sample the delectable flavours and award-winning vintages of the Hunter Valley. Enjoy private wine tastings at boutique vineyards and a sumptuous lunch in exquisite surrounds before arriving at your hotel and spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner with wine

Accommodation: Hunter Valley - 1 Night

The wind in your sails, it’s time to kick-start your afternoon on famous Sydney Harbour. Prime your sea legs and join your sailing crew on board a luxury yacht. Take the helm, work the grinders or simply kick back as you sail past the billowing sails of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and small secluded coves surrounded by multi-million dollar waterfront homes. An evening at leisure follows your exhilarating day on the water.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sydney - 2 Nights

The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney welcome you this morning as you stroll along the coastal walk. No trip to Sydney would be complete without a visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House for a VIP guided tour to learn about this architectural marvel. Afterwards, toast your Inspiring Journey at a Celebration Dinner at chef Peter Gilmore’s iconic Bennelong Restaurant under the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Meals: Breakfast & Celebration Dinner

Bid farewell to the Harbour City as your epic discovery of Australia’s natural splendour and spiritual soul comes to an end and welcome to New Zealand, when you fly to Auckland, your gateway to the North Island. Spend time at leisure before meeting your New Zealand Journey Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner With Wine

Accomodation: Auckland - 2 Nights

Soak up Auckland’s intoxicating charm this morning as you embark on a city sightseeing tour. Then travel by ferry to Waiheke Island for a culinary extravaganza of bold reds. Continue your love affair with Waiheke at Casita Miro, savouring delicious Mediterranean flavours. Today’s final stop is at Mudbrick Vineyard where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Your leisurely discovery of New Zealand’s North Island continues as you follow the Waikato River to the home of Lance and Bridgette O’Sullivan, for a traditional country-style lunch. Visit the Tamaki Māori Village for insights into the local rituals and traditions and then indulge in the mouthwatering flavours of a Hangi Local Dining Experience.

Meal: Breakfast, Local Dining Experience 

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Embark on one of the Journey Select sightseeing experiences today to explore the sacred lands and Māori traditions of Rotorua. Indulge in the Polynesian Spa’s healing waters, tread in the footsteps of Bilbo Baggins in the fantasy-land of Hobbiton or take the native forest zipline adventure tour with Canopy Tours.

Meal: Breakfast & Dinner With Wine

Come face-to-face with New Zealand’s indigenous creatures within the lush surrounds of Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Encounter the local Māori community at Whakawerawera Living Village and see New Zealand’s largest geyser before you board your flight to Wellington.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

A foodie extravaganza awaits this morning as you join a local guide to sample the delicious gourmet delights shared over fascinating stories of Wellington. Embrace your inner hipster, as you discover the charming Victorian architecture and savour the city’s coffee culture. Explore New Zealand’s fascinating culture, nature, heritage and art at Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, joining a guide who will reveal the stories behind the exhibitions.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner With Wine

Discover the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia, admiring the extraordinary efforts of conservationists. Then it’s time to fly to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adrenalin capital. On arrival, journey to the gold-rush village of Arrowtown. Enjoy an orientation tour of Queenstown.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Journey deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park. From the silence of the ‘Sounds’ to the ancient rainforests, the beauty and vastness will leave you speechless. Your day begins in Manapouri, where you’ll embark on a cruise across Lake Manapouri. In Doubtful Sound, take to the waters of this glistening fiord.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner with Wine

Today indulge your adventurous side on one of the Journey Select sightseeing experiences. Enjoy a guided walk through a native beech forest or embark on a minibus tour through the scenic gorge of Skippers Canyon. For a more sedate encounter with the adrenalin capital, visit one of the nearby wineries to sample award- winning vintages. As your final day ends, spend the evening enjoying a Celebration Dinner with wine with your Journey Director and new found friends.

Meals: Breakfast & Celebration Dinner

For now, all that’s left to say is a fond farewell as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end after breakfast. Enoho rā New Zealand – we hope for a speedy return.

Meal: Breakfast

Included Highlights

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Discover

• The World Heritage listed Blue Mountains
• Iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
• Stunning Doubtful Sound in the heart of Fiordland National Park

Explore

• The 36 mystical domes of Kata Tjuta
• Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park
• Queenstown Freedom of Choice experiences

Immerse

• Enjoy an Indigenous experience in the Daintree Rainforest
• Sail a yacht on Sydney Harbour
• Experience Maori culture at the Tamaki Maori Village

Relax

• Taste your way through the Hunter Valley
• In cosmopolitan Auckland & Wellington

Inclusions

• Hand-picked accommodation, selected to immerse you in your destination
• Most meals, including Local Dining Experiences. See Dining tab below.
• Complimentary refreshments throughout the journey
• Travel by bespoke vehicle with reclining seats, WiFi and air-conditioning
• A maximum of 20 guests to share your journey
• Expert Journey Director and Driver Guide escorts
• All entrance and National Park fees
• Sustainable Travel Kit, including refillable water bottle and backpack
• Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities
• Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish
• Airport transfers (see Flight Information below)

Dining

•  21 Full buffet breakfasts
•  7 Lunches
•  2 Local Dining Experiences
•  8 Dinners with wine
•  2 Highlight Dinners
•  2 Celebration Dinners

** Required Internal Flights: are to be purchased in order to fulfill the itinerary and are NOT included in the land content price - please check with us on the flights required - we're very happy to book these for you

•  Day 4 – Cairns to Alice Springs
•  Day 8 – Ayers Rock to Sydney
•  Day 13 – Sydney to Auckland: flights to arrive prior to 1pm into Auckland Airport (required internal flight)
•  Day 17 – Rotorua to Wellington
•  Day 19 – Wellington to Queenstown