Independent Journey Down Under
Independent Journey Down Under
Independent Journey Down Under
9 Days Starting in Cairns, Australia and ending in Sydney, Australia
Visiting: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Sydney
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IPO1-2025
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Independent Journey Down Under" and explore the cultural and natural wonders of Australia. Begin your adventure in tropical Cairns, where you can unwind and prepare for an unforgettable catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Dive into the vibrant underwater world or enjoy a semi-submersible tour. Next, fly to Uluru and witness the breathtaking sunrise over the iconic rock formations, followed by a guided walk through Kata Tjuta and a visit to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Conclude your journey in Sydney, Australia's largest city, with ample leisure time to soak in its vibrant atmosphere and stunning sights. Enjoy comfortable stays at the Pullman Cairns International, Desert Gardens Hotel in Uluru, and Swissotel Sydney.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cairns,Australia
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
• Welcome to tropical Cairns! The balance of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host is available to make recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
Day 2: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Late this afternoon, return to Cairns.
Day 3: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Cairns,Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Today, fly to Uluru. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 5: Uluru
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Rise early for an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Witness incredible views over the dunes and stunning desert landscape. Continue to Walpa Gorge for a guided walk through Kata Tjuta. This afternoon, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which houses an amazing collection of ceramics, paintings, and punu (woodwork) from the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of Uluru. Finish the day at “Sunset Strip” for a drink and canapés, and to witness the changing colors of the rock.
Day 6: Uluru,Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Fly to beautiful Sydney, Australia’s largest city. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Why not grab dinner at a waterside restaurant and take in the energy of this vibrant city? Your Local Host is available to make recommendations and point you in the right direction.
Day 7: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Enjoy a full day at leisure in this beautiful city.
Day 9: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in Pullman Cairns International, Desert Gardens Hotel, and Swissotel Sydney.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and 1 lunch.
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Excursion to the Great Barrier Reef
Catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef with options to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist.
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Guided Walk at Kata Tjuta
Guided walk through Walpa Gorge at Kata Tjuta.
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Visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
Visit to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to see a collection of ceramics, paintings, and woodwork from the Anangu people.
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Sunset at Uluru
Experience the changing colors of Uluru at 'Sunset Strip' with a drink and canapés.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Australia are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily; 1 lunch
UNESCO Sites
Great Barrier Reef|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Accommodation
Cairns: Pullman Cairns International, Uluru: Desert Gardens Hotel, Sydney: Swissotel Sydney
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights between Cairns, Uluru, and Sydney, as well as a catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef.
Notes
During the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, certain activities may not be available. A different activity may be substituted or a refund offered if your included activity is not available. Intra-tour flights not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are available during the excursion to the Great Barrier Reef?
During the excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, you can choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist.
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What can I expect during the visit to Uluru?
At Uluru, you will rise early for an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, followed by a guided walk through Walpa Gorge. In the afternoon, you will visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which houses a collection of ceramics, paintings, and woodwork from the Anangu people. The day will end at 'Sunset Strip' with a drink and canapés, witnessing the changing colors of the rock.
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What is included in the meals during the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily and one lunch.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The accommodations include Pullman Cairns International in Cairns, Desert Gardens Hotel in Uluru, and Swissotel Sydney in Sydney.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time on the first day in Cairns, the fourth day in Uluru, and multiple days in Sydney for independent activities.
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Can I extend my stay in Sydney after the tour ends?
Yes, you can choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.