Destinations

Great Ocean Road | Uluru | The Great Barrier Reef | Sydney Harbor

Duration

14 Days, door-to-door

Travel Map

Australia Luxury Travel image 3

Itinerary

Day 1 (March 25)
En Route

Enplane for New Zealand (see WALLSabout tip below!).

 

WALLSabout Tip: We highly recommend booking a one-day or two-day pre-trip extension. These days are relatively low key and include luxury accommodation, breakfast, and light activities for just a few hours of the day so you have plenty of time to rest up for the trip of a lifetime. See your WALLS consultant for details.

Day 2 (March 26)
Melbourne, Australia

Upon arrival into Melbourne, you are transferred to your luxurious, unique hotel in the heart of downtown Melbourne. Depending on the time of your arrival flight, you may like to  enjoy lunch then spend the afternoon browsing the shops and cafés at your doorstep at your leisure. Alternatively, if you’re “knackered” from your flight, take the afternoon to catch up on rest. Either way, accompany your WALLSabout Program Director for a Welcome Dinner and briefing at hotel’s signature bar, at 7pm.

 

WALLSabout Tip: If you arrive early in the day, try to skip the urge to nap, and instead explore the shops / cafes surrounding your hotel. After dinner briefing, go to bed early! The real adventures begin tomorrow!

 

Accommodation: QT Melbourne

 

Key Highlights:  Welcome to Australia! Welcome Dinner!  START of Program Director Services 6PM

 

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 3 (March 27)
Melbourne / Phillip Island Australia

Depart Christchurch early and explore the Southern Alps in style aboard the TranzAlpine train – one of the world’s great train journeys, covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way and taking just under 5 hours. Breakfast and lunch will be served on board and you’ll also have access to an exclusive open-air carriage. Disembark the train and board to our luxury mini coach en route to a one hour walking tour of the Hokatika Gorge! From there we’ll make our way along the West Coast before arriving at our beautiful accommodation, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Joseph. Rest and relax before dinner at the hotel.

 

WALLSabout Tip: Dress in layers and be ready for any weather. Have a daypack handy for short walks and/or anything you’ll need during the day as you will not have access to your roller bag. Our Mini Coach is stocked with snacks and water. Have your mosquito repellent handy for Hokatika Gorge… depending on conditions sand flys could be present. Socks and long pants will win half the battle as they typically go for ankles and wrists first and largely leave other parts of your body alone.

 

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Approximate Schedule:
7:00 AM Departure
1:30 PM Hokitika Gorge
5:00 – 6:00 PM Check-in Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 4 (March 28)
Melbourne / Torquay / Lorne

The Great Ocean Road Part 1

Surf Culture / Local Food / Local Flare!

Following breakfast at the hotel, we depart down the Great Ocean Road in search of one of the most prevalent and mysterious of all Aussie creatures — the surfer and colonies where surf culture runs rampant!  Stops include a walk around the Australian Surf Museum, experiencing the tradition of “Fish n Chips” by the beach (other options are available), walk the cliffs of the legendary Bells Beach National Surfing Reserve, Teddy’s Lookout, The Arch, and some hidden spots so good we can’t publish them here.

This evening check in to our Ocean View rooms at the Cumberland Lorne Resort and rest and relax before a beach front dinner at Almyra. Take an evening stroll on the beach and fall into bed after a full day and get some rest for tomorrow the adventure continues!

 

WALLSabout Tip: Have your camera’s ready and if you get a chance check out the reference to “Bells Beach” in the cult classic movie “Point Break”

 

Key Highlights: Great Ocean Road Surf Culture! Local food and flare! Beachfront dining and accommodation!

 

Accommodation: The Cumberland Lorne Resort

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 ( March 29)
Lorne / Port Campbell / Melbourne

The Great Ocean Road Part 2

The Big Twelve

Departing Lorne we hope to see some local residents that hang out in the forks of gum trees. Then stopping by Mates Rest for a rainforest walk among the ancient ferns and mossy trees indigenous to the region. Afterwards, we’ll grab a traditional Aussie snack, a “meat pie” (other options available) en route to one of the wonders of the natural world — The Twelve Apostles.

On approach to the world famous site, we’ll pause for a reverent approach to the world-famous landmark — an optional coastal hike up Gibson’s steps before a unique helicopter tour and explore the cliffs and the sight where Benjamin captured the Smithsonian exhibited image of “The Twelve”. Be sure to ask about Benji and Fro camping in the carpark!

Afterwards we push on to Port Campbell for lunch followed by the drive back to Melbourne and checkin to the Park Royal Hotel adjacent to the Melbourne International Airport — close striking distance for our early departure the next day! Dinner this evening at the hotel and then off to bed in search of an excellent night’s rest as tomorrow we are desert bound!

 

WALLSabout Tip: Ask Fro for a weather forecast the day before as the weather can be extreme on the coast.

 

Key Highlights: Wildlife, Worlds largest war memorial, feet in the sand on the Ship Wreck Coast

 

Accommodation: Park Royal Melbourne Hotel

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 (March 30)
Melbourne / Yulara

Yulara / Uluru and the Northern Territory! Field of Lights!

Breakfast on the run this morning as we catch wings to Central Australia. Arrive for a beautiful 2-course lunch at Walpa Bar en route to our luxury accommodation at Sails in the Dessert. See your Program Director for massage times (optional – see CYOA page for details). Alternatively, explore a resort activity including Didgeridoo Workshop, Gallery Tour, or Bush Yarns. Otherwise, simply rest up for an enchanted evening — the Field Of Lights Experience and group dinner departs the resort at 5:30. After Field of Lights, return to the resort and turn in for the evening. Rest up, because tomorrow’s sunrise will be a little red!

 

WALLSabout Tip: Big travel day and introduction to The Red Center / Native Australian culture! Keep hydrated and rested so you can enjoy every element planned in the coming days!

 

Key Highlights: Welcome to “The Red Center!” Field of Lights

 

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Resort

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 (March 31)
Yulara

Uluru / Kata Tjuṯa National Park

This morning we depart early to catch the world famous sunrise and the ancient red glow of Uluru as captured in Benjamin’s iconic Aussie image “Uluru-Ancient Glow”.

Afterwards, enjoy an Outback Picnic Breakfast, followed by a short hike to Mutitjilu Waterhole and a visit to the Cultural Centre. Then back to the hotel as the heat of the day sets in. Rest, relax, swim, or nap at the beautiful resort through the middle of the day, or enjoy lunch. See your Program Director for massage times (optional – see CYOA page for details).

Alternatively, explore a resort activity including Didgeridoo Workshop, Gallery Tour, or Bush Yarns (optional – see CYOA page for details). That afternoon join your Program Director and local guide for a journey to Kata Tjuṯa and a walk to the Waipa Gorge complete with Aboriginal “Dreamtime Stories” A brief stop en route back to the resort for sunset over Kata Tjuṯa will follow. Enjoy a 3-course dinner before retiring for the evening for some well earned rest after a thrilling day!

 

WALLSabout Tip: Have your camera ready today! From Sunrise to Sunset you’ll capture images and memories you’ll keep for a lifetime. Uluru / Kata Tjuṯa and if you’re lucky we might even run across a “Thorny Devil” (not kidding).

 

Key Highlights: Uluru’s ancient red glow! Further exposure to Aboriginal Culture and Heritage.

 

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Resort

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 (April 1)
Yulara / Cairns / Port Douglas

Morning in the Desert / Evening on the Beach!

Morning Choose Your Own Adventure! With so many activities to choose from, we had to empower you with CHOICE! See your Program Director for your customized departure times or simply relax at the resort until check out. Lunch before departure to the airport at Ilkari! Board the flying Kangaroo bound for Queensland (the sunshine state) to commence our tropical adventure.

 

WALLSabout Tip: Review your selection of CYOA and the morning activities you selected!! Don’t forget to put in your order for our group dinner that will be ready for our arrival on the coast!

 

Key Highlights: Heli Flight (optional) / Didgeridoo workshop / Bush Yarns / Gallery Tour / Coastal Dinner.

 

Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 (April 2)
Port Douglas / Great Barrier Reef

A Wonder of the Natural World – The Great Barrier Reef

How will you explore the Reef?!? Heli? Snorkel? Dive? Boat? Beach Day? With so many activities to choose from, you can choose your own ADVENTURE! The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers.

 

WALLSabout Tip: Review your selection of CYOA and enjoy your day!! Don’t forget to book Dinner On Your Own (DYOA) before leaving the states as reservations fill up fast in Port Douglas.

 

Key Highlights: Reef by air / Reef by boat / Reef snorkel / DOYA!

 

Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas

 

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 (April 3)
Port Douglas

Rainforest and Aussie Wildlife!

This morning we’re off to discover the wildlife of Queensland! First up is the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas where you’ll see Kangaroos, Koalas, Saltwater Crocs, an array of birdlife and adorable marsupials that you never knew existed! (Option to go back to the resort for a day at the beach after the Wildlife Park).

Next up we’ll venture into the Daintree Rainforest for a brief walk by the pristine waters of the Mossman Gorge. Maybe even a swim !! This evening we’ll return to the resort with time to rest and relax before dinner at the resort’s restaurant!

 

Key Highlights: Koalas, Kangaroos, Salty’s, oh my! Mossman Gorge!

 

Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 (April 4)
Port Douglas / Sydney

Coastal Morning & Sydney Skyline Evening

Enjoy your last morning stroll on the beach or a swim in the resort’s lagoon before breakfast at the resort, then checkout as we will be en route to Cairns Airport to catch our flight to Sydney!!

Upon arrival, transfer by private coach to our luxurious accommodation, which is nestled in the legendary Rocks district with views of the harbor and/or the CBD. Rest and relax in preparation for dinner,  a short walk from our accommodation.

After dinner enjoy a walk around the harbor at your leisure after dinner, taking in the sights of the Opera House, the Harbor Bridge, and the Skyline of Sydney! Rest up for the many adventures planned for the next day!

 

Key Highlights: Sunrise over the reef / Sunset over dazzling Sydney Harbour!

 

Accommodation: Four Seasons Sydney Harbor

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 (April 5)
Sydney / Manly

Exploring Sydney Harbor

After breakfast, we’ll take a tour of one of the most iconic structures in the world, the Sydney Opera House! After the tour enjoy the short scenic stroll to iconic Circular Quay where we’ll catch our scenic ferry across Sydney Harbor, taking in the sights en route to Manly.

Disembark and explore the shops and sights of Manly before a hearty lunch. Pick up a few souvenirs as we stroll back to the ferry back to Circular Quay.

Rest, then freshen up before an evening out and experience the other side of the Sydney Opera House where we will watch the Sydney Symphony Orchestra perform.

 

WALLSabout Tip: Review your selection of CYOA and enjoy your evening! Don’t forget to book Dinner On Your Own (DYOA) before leaving the states as reservations fill up fast in Sydney!

 

Key Highlights: Private Tour of the Opera House, Lifestyle of Manly, Photos from the water, and then the Sounds of the Opera House!

 

Accommodation: Four Seasons Sydney Harbour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 (April 6)
Sydney

CYOA Day! — Bridge Climb / Taronga Zoo / Shopping – Oh My!

How will you explore Sydney this day? After your CYOA exploring Sydney we’ll come together as a group and embark on our chartered Sydney Harbour Cruise complete with a champagne toast! Disembark and enjoy a short walk to our farewell dinner venue as we watch the setting sun over Sydney Harbour!

 

WALLSabout Tip: Make the most of your last full day in Sydney ! Loads of selfies and enjoy the view.

 

Key Highlights: Sydney any way you choose! Chartered cruise on Sydney Harbour. Farewell Dinner!

 

Accommodation: Four Seasons Sydney Harbour

 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 (April 7)
En Route Home

We wish you safe travels home – or choose one of our signature extensions.

Now Booking

2024

March 24 - April 6, 2024
Request Pricing
For the most up to date pricing, availability, as well as expert advice on the travel destination of your choice, complete the details below and a travel pro will contact you (often the same day).
 
Request A Travel Consultation
Websites are great, but there’s nothing like a professional to guide you through all the nuances of a particular destination. Complete the details below and we’ll share our passion and expertise with you on a phone or video call.
Speak With A Travel Pro

We’re a friendly bunch
Dial this number to speak with a travel pro.

(276) 696-6808

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA):
Optional Activities During Your Tour

Optional Extensions (Add these to your tour)

Arrive Early (One Day)

1 day pre-itinerary extension

We highly advise arriving 1 - 2 days early to shake off jet lag and be ready for the trip of a lifetime. Includes luxury accommodations, breakfast, and light activities for 2 - 4 hours per day with plenty of time to rest.

Arrive Early (Two Days)

2 day pre-itinerary extension

We highly advise arriving 1 - 2 days early to shake off jet lag and be ready for the trip of a lifetime. Includes luxury accommodations, breakfast, and light activities for 2 - 4 hours per day with plenty of time to rest.

Extend Your Stay - Sydney

1-3 day post-itinerary extension

Linger longer in the cosmopolitan jewel of Australia.

Testimonials

Australia Luxury Travel image 11

Benjamin Walls

Founder

"The goal with WALLSabout is not a great vacation, the goal is a life changing experience."

Benjamin Walls is an internationally recognized artist, founder of four successful startups, and an ardent conservationist. His dedication to connect people to the natural world has also led to the founding of WALLSabout Luxury Travel. “I believe there’s nothing more inspiring than our last great wild places — my mission is to reconnect people to those places in dynamic fashion. I do that with my artwork in my galleries, but WALLSabout™ is unique because it allows me to curate a three dimensional experience. The goal with WALLSabout is not a great vacation, the goal is a life changing experience."

Australia Luxury Travel image 13

Steve

Senior Program Director
Australia & New Zealand
Ground-handler

Steve, aka “Fro” resides in Barwon Heads, Australia with his beautiful wife, daughter, and son. He met Benjamin years ago while working at Copper Mountain in Colorado and they’ve been lifelong friends since. Steve has spent the last five years traversing the plains of Africa with WALLSabout™, and is an expert in all things safari. His goal on every adventure is to make you feel completely at home halfway around the world!

Australia Luxury Travel image 15

Lisa

Program Director

Lisa has over a decade of experience leading trips to destinations such as Australia, Cambodia, Chilie, Costa Rica, Nepal, Peru and Vietnam. In addition to her skills as a Program Director, she owns her own small business and is a CPA! One of her favorite quotes is by Howard Thurman who said “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.” Lisa remarks, "I truly come alive when I am given the opportunity to delight guests with one-of-a-kind experiences.’ Lisa makes her home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

Australia Luxury Travel image 17

Syd

Travel Concierge

From packing lists to visas to vaccinations - not to mention additional excursions - Syd has all of the answers!

Australia Luxury Travel image 19

Emma

Lead Travel Concierge

From packing lists to visas to vaccinations - not to mention additional excursions - Emma has all of the answers!

Australia Luxury Travel image 21
Benjamin’s hand-picked guides. They aren’t just good – they are the best.
Australia Luxury Travel image 23

Tori

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 25

Moe

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 27

Steve

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 29

Nick

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 31

John

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 33

Manny

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 35

Newton

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 37

Kevin

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 39

Maximilien

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 41

Erick

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 43

Thomas

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 45

Safi

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 47

Fabrice

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 49

Frank

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 51

Saide

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 53

Ally

Guide

Australia Luxury Travel image 55

Cassidy

Assistant Manager

[email protected]
828-552-4695‬

Australia Luxury Travel image 57

Rebecca

Assistant Manager

[email protected]
828-845-4995

Australia Luxury Travel image 59

Sydney

WALLS Supervisor

[email protected]
828-357-7430‬

Australia Luxury Travel image 61

Shawna

WALLS Consultant

[email protected]
828-552-4649

Australia Luxury Travel image 63

Lela

WALLS Consultant

[email protected]
276-285-5256

WALLSabout Journeys™ are carefully crafted luxury travel itineraries that are hosted by hand-picked local guides. Each trip is scouted and curated by our founder, Benjamin Walls to provide an ideal in-depth experience of various destinations and includes extraordinary accommodations, custom sightseeing tours, private transportation, most (if not all) meals, domestic airfare, and friendly personal service before and during the trip.

“I utilize the tenacity I have developed as an artist to curate our WALLSabout™ itineraries. I omit countless ‘good’ experiences so I can offer an itinerary that is truly special. For me, it’s about not settling for less than exceptional.” —Benjamin Walls, Founder of WALLSabout™ Travel​

Company Headquarters

WALLSabout, LLC
701 State St.
Bristol VA 24201

Retail Travel Desks

Inside the Benjamin Walls Galleries

701 State St.
Bristol VA 24201

38 Broadway St
Asheville NC 28801

Every Journey Begins With the First Step

Schedule a call with a travel professional to see if WALLSaboutTM is a good fit for you. We’re confident that a 15 minute phone call will yield more useful information than you’ll find online. If we aren’t the best fit, we’ll even suggest an alternative travel company.

For immediate service & pricing, call 877.989.2557.

Due to the volume of requests received, we require a phone number to verify you are a real person. We do not share your information with others.