Family Trip to Australia: Wildlife, Reef, and Sydney Package
This Australian family adventure creates unforgettable memories as you hand-feed kangaroos, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and learn to surf on famous Bondi Beach. From tropical Queensland to cosmopolitan Sydney, every experience is perfectly designed for families seeking unique Australian adventures.
At a Glance
- 3 nights Brisbane
- 2 nights Lamington National Park
- 3 nights Port Douglas
- 3 nights Sydney
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
Don’t just see Australian wildlife—get up close! Hand-feed kangaroos and see koalas up close at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, then snorkel the Great Barrier Reef’s pristine coral reefs.
Special Access
Experience Aboriginal culture hands-on with a private tour led by a Kuku Yalanji guide. Sample bush tucker cuisine, try traditional hunting practices and spear throwing, and cool off in pristine freshwater streams during this one-of-a-kind Daintree Rainforest adventure.
Unique Stays
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat offers an immersive nature experience nestled in Lamington National Park’s native rainforest. Families can choose from glowworm grotto experiences, flying fox adventures, and wildlife encounters perfect for all ages.
Insider Tip
Doug, Vice President Operations
While in Brisbane, be sure to check out Eat Street Northshore. Tons of different restaurants and themed bars to choose from, plus cool lighting and an outdoor theater.
Suggested Itinerary
The itinerary below is just one example of what we can create. At Down Under Endeavours, we use 25+ years of hands-on expertise to design bespoke adventures inspired by you. Get in touch to make your dream trip a reality!
Brisbane
Koala Encounter | Private Family Tour of Brisbane
Pictured: Brisbane’s Story Bridge at Night
Day 1: Hello, Brisbane
Fly into sunny Brisbane on Qantas Airways and discover Queensland’s cosmopolitan capital, where creative spaces and hip restaurants meet pretty riverside gardens and family-friendly beaches. Enjoy a transfer to your centrally located, apartment-style hotel and explore Brisbane at leisure.
Overnight: Brisbane (Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square)
Day 2: Koala Encounters
Today the whole family experiences Australia’s most iconic animal up close! Head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can see koalas, hand-feed kangaroos and colorful lorikeets, and interact with 100 Australian animal species in this perfect family wildlife adventure.
Overnight: Brisbane (Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square)
Day 3: Brisbane Private Family Tour
Enjoy your private Brisbane tour, starting at picturesque Howard Smith Wharves, a revitalized riverside precinct with plenty of family-friendly dining. The day’s activities are tailored to your family’s interests, with countless adventures to choose from! Conclude at City Winery, a chic urban winery in the James Street Precinct, where parents can tour the facility and enjoy wine tasting while kids explore the family-friendly surroundings.
Overnight: Brisbane (Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square)
Lamington National Park
Rainforest Retreat with Optional Excursions
Pictured: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (Tourism Australia)
Day 4: Rainforest Retreat
Hit the road for a short drive to Lamington National Park and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, your family’s beautiful hideaway nestled among native rainforest. This immersive nature experience includes two activities per person. This evening, we recommend the magical glowworm grotto experience or scenic sunset experience—perfect for creating lifelong memories.
Overnight: Lamington National Park (O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat)
Day 5: Rainforest Family Adventures
Choose from exciting family activities today: guided rainforest walks, billy tea history tours, wildlife encounters, thrilling birds of prey shows, flying fox adventures, and much more. Evening relaxation awaits in your spacious villa with a private terrace overlooking the rainforest.
Overnight: Lamington National Park (O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat)
Port Douglas
Daintree Rainforest Cultural Tour | Great Barrier Reef Excursion
Pictured: Walkabout Cultural Adventures
Day 6: From Rainforest to Beach
Head to Port Douglas, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! Your beautiful, family-friend hotel is just steps from the famous Four Mile Beach. Surrounded by lush tropical forest with seemingly endless saltwater lagoon pools, catch a sunset on the beach and relax in your gorgeous villa.
Overnight: Port Douglas (Coconut Grove Port Douglas)
Day 7: Aboriginal Cultural Family Experience
Port Douglas uniquely combines two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest. Today your family explores the area on a private, full-day cultural tour with an Aboriginal guide, learning about the amazing relationships the Kuku Yalanji people maintain with their land.
Visit the majestic Daintree Rainforest and coastal habitats, discovering traditional foods and medicines from nature. Sample “bush tucker” cuisine, try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, attempt spear throwing, and catch mud crabs! Complete this family adventure by cooling off in a pristine freshwater stream.
Overnight: Port Douglas (Coconut Grove Port Douglas)
Day 8: Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Today your family will explore the legendary Great Barrier Reef! Visit the outer edge where special ribbon reefs run parallel to the Continental Shelf—recognized as the most pristine Great Barrier Reef ecosystems. Clear water provides excellent visibility, encouraging rich coral growth and supporting spectacular marine life perfect for family snorkeling.
Enjoy five hours at Agincourt Reef with unlimited family snorkeling. The reef pontoon features hydraulic platform for easy water access, change rooms, hot showers, expansive sundecks, air-conditioned lounge areas, licensed bar, and latest dive and snorkel equipment suitable for all family members.
Overnight: Port Douglas (Coconut Grove Port Douglas)
Sydney
Family Surfing Lessons | Private Family Tour of Sydney
Pictured: Let’s Go Surfing
Day 9: Arrive in Sydney
Today you’ll fly to beautiful Sydney. Your hotel sits on the iconic Darling Harbour, with family-friendly restaurants and activities at your doorstep. Settle into your stylish apartment-style accommodation before heading out to explore.
Overnight: Sydney (Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour)
Day 10: Family Surf Lessons
Head to the beach for an exciting family adventure: surfing lessons! Join Let’s Go Surfing for introductory surf lessons on Bondi Beach, where your family learns to safely catch your first waves and create lifetime memories together. The remainder of the day allows you to explore Sydney at leisure—perhaps take the scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte Beach.
Overnight: Sydney (Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour)
Day 11: Private Sydney Sightseeing
Enjoy a private family tour of Sydney’s top destinations, tailored to your interests. Head to Circular Quay to see the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, then explore the vibrant Barangaroo neighborhood. For the ultimate Sydney family experience, consider a long lunch cruise on the harbor to take in the famous skyline from sparkling blue waters.
Overnight: Sydney (Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour)
Day 12: Australia Family Adventure Complete
Say goodbye to Australia with a transfer to Sydney airport. Fly home reminiscing about all the incredible family adventures you shared down under, from koala encounters to Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and Sydney surf lessons!
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare