---
title: "Discover Australia | 12-day Small Group Adventure Tour | Soca Islands"
canonical_url: "https://socaislands.com/trips/discover-australia"
last_updated: "2026-09-20T08:14:16.493Z"
locale: en
meta:
description: "From Melbourne’s laneways and Sydney Harbour to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, our 12-day Australia adventure also includes the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest."
"og:description": "From Melbourne’s laneways and Sydney Harbour to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, our 12-day Australia adventure also includes the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest."
"og:title": "Discover Australia | 12-day Small Group Adventure Tour"
"twitter:description": "From Melbourne’s laneways and Sydney Harbour to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, our 12-day Australia adventure also includes the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest."
"twitter:title": "Discover Australia | 12-day Small Group Adventure Tour"
---
**
From **$7,269**
# Discover Australia
12 days, 11 nights Australia
Dates and prices
- Tour code ## AUSADV01
- Start ## Melbourne
- End ## Cairns
- Min. age ## 16 years old
- Group size ## Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style ## Comfort
- Trip pace ## Easy
- Language ## English
Discover Australia’s most iconic regions on a journey that spans vibrant cities, sacred desert landscapes, and world-famous coastal wonders. From Melbourne to the Red Centre and the Great Barrier Reef, this adventure showcases the country’s diversity in one unforgettable experience.
## What you will see and do
Discover Australia’s iconic highlights, from Melbourne’s vibrant laneways to Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef.
Experience the magic of the Red Centre with guided walks around Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and stunning desert sunsets.
Explore breathtaking natural wonders including the Daintree Rainforest, Indigenous cultural sites, and vibrant coral reefs.
## What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
Accommodations in double rooms
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
One farewell group lunch or dinner
Max 16 travellers per group
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Group transportation
Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
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## Group itinerary
##
Arrive in Melbourne at any time and settle into your accommodation. Take the rest of the day to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.
##
Set out on a guided culinary walk through Melbourne, led by a local food expert. Known for its diverse food scene shaped by vibrant immigrant communities, the city offers an incredible mix of global flavours.
Wander through Melbourne’s iconic laneways while enjoying a progressive dining experience across three popular venues. Begin with an Asian-inspired starter paired with wine, continue to an Italian restaurant for a main course with another wine pairing, and finish with a sweet gelato dessert to complete the experience.
After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore more of the city or unwind.
##
Spend the day discovering the energy of Melbourne at your own pace.
You may choose to take an optional excursion along the iconic Great Ocean Road, known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and sweeping ocean views. Alternatively, wander through the city’s charming laneways, where hidden cafés, street art, and local culture bring Melbourne to life.
##
Fly to Uluru, located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre.
Visit the Cultural Centre within Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to gain insight into the traditions and beliefs of the Anangu people, the region’s traditional custodians. Continue with a guided walk around Uluru, exploring its northwest and southern sides while learning about its cultural significance and the stories tied to this remarkable sandstone formation.
##
Begin the day with a visit to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring rock formations, where you’ll explore the ancient landscapes on foot. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before ending the day with a glass of sparkling wine while watching the sun set over Uluru, casting vibrant colors across the desert.
##
Start early to experience the Field of Light installation at sunrise, an artistic display that transforms the desert landscape with thousands of glowing lights.
After taking in your final moments in the outback, transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney.
##
Join your guide for a walking tour through Sydney, including the historic Rocks district, an area rich in both colonial and Indigenous history. Later, enjoy a private guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. In the evening, set sail on Sydney Harbour for a sunset cruise, complete with an Australian barbecue dinner against the backdrop of the city skyline.
##
Enjoy a full day to explore Sydney your way. Stroll through the Rocks, visit top-rated bars, take a ferry to Manly Beach, or walk the scenic Bondi Coastal Trail for stunning ocean views.
##
Fly to Cairns and travel along a scenic coastal route to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Join an Indigenous-guided walk through Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to Port Douglas, your base for the next three nights.
##
Set out on a full-day catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Swim or snorkel among vibrant coral formations and marine life, including tropical fish, dolphins, and more. Lunch is served onboard before returning to Port Douglas for an evening at leisure.
##
Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Port Douglas, from its boutique shops to its scenic beaches or local markets. Later, take part in a cultural experience at Cooya Beach, where you’ll meet Indigenous guides and learn about the traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people. In the evening, there’s an option to join a farewell dinner with your group.
##
After breakfast, transfer back to Cairns Airport where your journey concludes in the mid-morning. Alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay in Port Douglas and continue exploring the region.
## Tour FAQS
##
Fly into Melbourne airport, and out of Cairns airport.
##
Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
##
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
##
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
##
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
##
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
##
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
1. **Consult with a healthcare professional:** Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. **Up-to-date medical advice:**
- **US residents:** Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- **UK residents:** Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- **Australian residents:** Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3\. **Government travel advice:**
- **US residents:** Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- **UK residents:** Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- **Australian residents:** Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4\. **Medication tips:** If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
##
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
##
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
##
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
## Would you like to learn more or customise our Discover Australia trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
## Discover Australia 12 days, 11 nights
All dates20262027
- Travel dates:
April 08, 2027 April 19, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
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###### Secure your spot
Trips 90 days or more away need just a 15% deposit per person. Between 60 and 89 days, it's 50% at booking.
###### Flexible payment plan
Pay the balance in equal monthly payments. Everything is due 60 days before departure, so trips departing sooner are paid in full at booking.
