Colors of Australie
Sydney, Uluru, Darwin and Cairns: authentic Australia between turquoise ocean and ancestral red earth.
Duration
18 days
From
€2,240/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
A well-paced itinerary covering the island-continent's classic destinations. A mosaic of colors and numerous opportunities to encounter Australian wildlife make this program an excellent trip for a first discovery of Australia. The journey offers flexibility for customized activities and experiences while including Australia's must-see regions and national parks.
From Sydney to Cairns, discover the exceptional diversity of Australia between iconic cities, wild landscapes of the Red Centre, ancestral lands of the Northern Territory and the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. An immersive journey combining nature, adventure and authentic encounters, with varied accommodations close to the territories traveled through.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
In the heart of nature with Australian animals
Enjoy a free morning to rest after your trip and have a coffee with a view of Sydney Harbour.
You then set off with a naturalist guide to explore the bush spaces and forests of the Southern Highlands. This included excursion invites you to search for Australian animals in their natural habitat: kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, platypuses, birds and koalas.
Part of the outing takes place at dusk, when animals are more active. Observations vary depending on the seasons. Your guide also helps you better understand the region's ecology and environmental restoration efforts.
Sydney on your own
Discover Sydney at your own pace, on foot or by ferry. From Darling Harbour, you can reach Barangaroo Reserve, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Kirribilli to see Circular Quay from another angle, or head to Manly and its surf beach.
End the day, if you wish, with a refreshing drink in a neighborhood pub.
Sydney and its surroundings at your own pace
Compose your day as you wish: go for a walk in the Blue Mountains, have lunch at Palm Beach on the northern beaches of Sydney, explore a national park with an expert guide or relax by the water at Bondi Beach.
If you wish, you can also fly over Sydney Harbour in a seaplane.
From Sydney to Uluru, in the Heart of Australie
You freely join the Sydney airport to take your flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival, you pick up your 4x4 vehicle and take to the road to discover Uluru, whose silhouette is outlined on the horizon.
Red Center road trip
Ayers Rock (Uluru) → Kings Canyon
Take time to admire the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta before continuing your road trip in the Red Centre.
You then head towards the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and Kings Canyon.
Walk at Kings Canyon and drive to Alice Springs
Set off early on one of the trails at Kings Canyon to discover its 300-metre cliffs. Depending on the season, this early morning departure allows you to avoid the intense heat and see the first rays of sunlight illuminate the orange-red sandstone walls.
In the early afternoon, you head towards Alice Springs, an oasis town surrounded by the vastness of the outback.
Towards the national parks of the Top-End
You join the Alice Springs airport to return your rental vehicle, then take a domestic flight to Darwin.
Darwin → Parc National de Litchfield
Upon arrival, you collect a new vehicle and take the road towards the Litchfield National Park.
The park features accessible waterfalls, hiking trails and imposing termite mounds that you can discover at your own pace.
Nitmiluk National Park gorges
You continue your journey along the Stuart Highway towards Katherine and the Nitmiluk National Park. Once there, take the trails that run along the Katherine Gorges and their sandy banks, at the foot of the cliffs.
If you wish, you can end the day with a sunset dinner cruise.
Billabong and wildlife
You head to Cooinda, in the Kakadu National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This territory is marked by Aboriginal stories and is home to diverse wildlife and flora.
Your visit includes a cruise on the Yellow Water billabong aboard a flat-bottomed boat. Accompanied by expert guides, you observe birds and approach crocodiles in their natural habitat, in complete safety.
Rock Art Paintings
Parc National de Kakadu → Darwin
Complete your discovery of Kakadu National Park by visiting Nourlangie and Ubirr Rocks, where rock paintings are preserved on the rocky walls.
You then continue towards Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. You will be able to discover its galleries and markets, including the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.
If you wish, a cultural experience with an Aboriginal family can complete this day.
Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
You reach Darwin airport to return your rental vehicle, then take a domestic flight to Cairns, in Queensland.
Upon arrival, you make your way freely to your hotel, located on the esplanade close to the marina.
Sweetness of living
Enjoy this day in Cairns at your own pace. You can rest, explore the coral islands, fly over the Great Barrier Reef, go rafting or go fishing.
Coral Beaches and Tropical Forest
This morning, you take the boat from Cairns to reach Fitzroy Island. On this island with coral beaches, the calm waters of the Great Barrier Reef marine park are perfect for snorkeling.
You can also explore the rainforest trails, reach the viewpoints over the Coral Sea or access the small beaches on foot or by kayak. A day at your own pace to enjoy the island and the sea.
Two free days on Fitzroy Island
Enjoy two days at your own pace on Fitzroy Island. If you wish, you can visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre or rent a stand-up paddle or sea kayak.
Have a great trip!
You take the boat from Fitzroy Island back to Cairns marina. You then make your own way to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights, domestic flights, air taxes
- Meals (except breakfasts, dinners and lunch as indicated)
- The cancellation fees for one-way car rental trips
- Entry fees to national parks
- Change in GST rate or new tax
- Supplements for public holidays and special events
- Petrol, tolls and parking fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Supplementary insurance for this trip
Included
- 16 nights on site in Australie with suitable accommodation
- Australian wildlife excursion with local naturalist guide
- The meals indicated
- 4x4 car rental from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock
- 4x4 car rental in Darwin
- Yellow Water billabong discovery cruise
- Round-trip boat transfers to Fitzroy Island
- The GST (local tax)
- Personalized Itinerary in Digital Format
- Detailed travel documents in English
- English-speaking assistance during your stay
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Australia for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Australia, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. It is, however, strongly recommended that it remain valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Electronic Visa (eVisitor or ETA)
Australia does not grant visa exemptions in the traditional sense. Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland are eligible for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), while Canadian nationals must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601). Both of these electronic authorizations are free or low-cost, electronically linked to the passport, and do not result in any stamp or visa label.
These authorizations permit tourist stays of up to 3 months per visit, with overall validity of 12 months from the date of issue. They may allow multiple entries during this period.
The application must be completed online before departure, via the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or the Australian ETA application. Authorization is generally issued quickly, sometimes within minutes.
Authorities may request:
proof of an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Declaration on Arrival
Before or upon arrival in Australia, travelers must complete an Incoming Passenger Card. This form provides customs and biosecurity services with:
personal and passport information,
flight and travel details,
customs declarations (food, plants, animals, medications, currency, etc.).
Australia enforces strict biosecurity rules: certain food items, plants, animal products, and wooden articles may be prohibited or subject to inspection. It is essential to declare any item that may be affected, as failure to do so can result in substantial fines.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport as well as their own electronic authorization (eVisitor or ETA).
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Health
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Australia for travelers from Europe or Canada. However, it is recommended that you ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly advised, as healthcare in Australia can be costly for non-residents.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire with the Australian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An electronic travel authorization (ETA or eVisitor) is mandatory and must be requested online before departure (approximately 20 AUD). The authorization is valid for 12 months and allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 3 months per visit. Your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay. Before booking your trip, check with the embassy or consulate of your country for the specific conditions applicable to your nationality, as travel authorization requirements may vary depending on your country of origin.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €270 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€1,300-2,000 return) are additional. Distances require domestic flights and car rentals.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor every itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — New South Wales
Architect of Australia's Great Journeys, based in Dunedin, New Zealand
Australia is lived through distances, light and contrasts. My role is to help travellers transform this vastness into a smooth, coherent and truly personal itinerary.
— Yann
