Australian Outback Family Adventure

Take the kids on an adventure they’ll never forget! Explore the outback, visit a koala sanctuary, and enjoy an exclusive overnight experience at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.

This Australian Outback Family Adventure was designed for a family of four from Pennsylvania. They wanted to see Sydney, plus add some culture and wildlife experiences for the whole family. This amazing adventure to the outback and Sydney was perfect!

First for their Australian Outback Family Adventure, they visited Uluru/Ayers Rock. This giant monolith in the Red Centre is sacred to the local Aboriginal population and is known for changing colors with the light. They had an amazing camel ride to see Uluru at sunset and had a tour of the area the next day. They also enjoyed a special stargazing experience and learned about the indigenous population’s cultural connection to the night sky.

Next for their Australian Outback Family Adventure, they visited sunny Darwin and Brisbane. They went on a very unique tour of Litchfield National Park, where an Aboriginal guide shared local knowledge of the area and its connection to local culture. They loved seeing the dramatic rock formations and rushing waterfalls with crystal-clear swimming holes at the bottom. They even had a lunch of kangaroo and crocodile! In Brisbane, they visited the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to see iconic Aussie animals like kangaroos, a platypus, and of course koalas—there are more than 100 in the sanctuary.

Their Australian Outback Family Adventure continued in beautiful Sydney. Here, they decided to stay at the fabulous Shangri-La Hotel and enjoyed a gorgeous view from their room. They had a fun bike tour of to see the city’s highlights, then spent the night at Taronga Zoo with the popular Roar & Snore package. They were able to go “glamping” at the zoo, enjoy a nighttime safari, and get exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. They spent the rest of the day making sure they caught all the sights in Sydney before leaving in the morning.

When their Australian Outback Family Adventure came to an end, they returned home filled with incredible memories of the Australian outback and amazing wildlife experiences!

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to the outback! Arrive into Ayers Rock/Uluru in the spiritual heart of Australia. This monolith in the desert is sacred to the Aboriginal population. Over the next 2 days, you’ll have the chance to discover the strong sense of spirituality and culture here. Today, enjoy a transfer from the airport to Desert Gardens Hotel. Perhaps take a dip in the pool or browse the Mulgara Gallery onsite to see indigenous art.

This evening, meander through the rich red sand dunes on the back of a friendly camel, and watch in awe as Uluru changes color with the sunset. Learn about the flora and fauna of the area from your skilled cameleer guides, and end this wonderful tour at twilight with beverages and bushtucker food.
Sails in the Desert

Day 2
This morning, enjoy a guided trek around the base of Uluru, where you’ll embrace the culture, geology, and environment that make up the essence of this amazing natural attraction. Find yourself in awe as you watch Uluru change colors in the sunrise, visit waterholes, view ancient rock art sites, and learn the legends of the native Anangu people. This evening, take in magnificent, unspoiled views of the night sky with a family Astro Tour. Learn how ancient cultures used the night sky for mythology, orientation, and to predict upcoming seasons.
Sails in the Desert

Day 3 – 4
Fly to Darwin, the tropical capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel and enjoy the next 2 days at your leisure. Mix with the locals at the Mindil Beach Sunset markets or the unique seaside eateries of Stokes Hill Wharf. Visit Aboriginal art galleries and museums, explore the historic WWII tunnels, or watch a spectacular sunset over the harbor.
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Day 5
Today, you’ll get unique insight into the stunning landscapes of Litchfield National Park with an indigenous culture tour. Take the roads less traveled from Darwin to the world-class natural beauty and cultural symbolism of Litchfield National Park. Share unforgettable experiences with a tiny group of like-minded visitors—a taste of adventure in safety and comfort. You’ll see spiritually important waterfalls and stone country, ancient rainforest, and unspoiled woodland as your guide shares their importance in Aboriginal culture. Swim in natural swimming pools and enjoy a lunch of fresh, wild-caught barramundi, kangaroo, and crocodile. You’re sure to remember this special day in the outback!
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Day 6
Fly to Brisbane today, enjoying private transfers to and from the airport. Combine art and outdoor adventure in Queensland’s sun-soaked capital, where creative spaces, music, and hip new restaurants meet pretty riverside gardens and man-made beaches. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Mantra on Edward

Day 7
Enjoy a special treat today as you take a leisurely cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Here, you can unwind with an organic coffee in the Koala Forest surrounded by 40 koalas! Watch the antics of these amazing creatures while dining in the spacious covered courtyard, or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Hand feed a kangaroo, enjoy the Australian outback farm experience with sheep dogs and sheep shearing shows, watch eagles soar high at the bird of prey free flight show, and witness the platypus swimming and playing. You’ll have 3 hours to create unforgettable memories, then cruise back to Brisbane for the evening.
Mantra on Edward

Day 8
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to cosmopolitan Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney, make your way to the Shangri-La Hotel, a fabulous 4-star hotel located within walking distance of major attractions like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Spend this evening making yourself at home in your amazing room with a view.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Day 9
Spend the first half of today discovering Sydney iconic sites on a bicycle! You’ll get to ride on the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and relax in one of Sydney’s oldest pubs. This evening is something special… Spend the night at Taronga Zoo, a fun ferry ride away from downtown. Camp in safari tents, enjoy a sumptuous feast, and get close-up animal encounters as you tour the zoo with a very small group. Spend the night in the zoo campsite with views of Sydney Harbour one side and lions, snow leopards, and meerkats on the other!
Safari tent at Taronga Zoo

Day 10
This morning, you will rise to the warbles, rumbles, squeaks, growls, and roars of the animals greeting the day. Your wildlife adventure continues with a continental breakfast before you are treated to 2 exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences. You are also welcome to spend today exploring the zoo during the daylight hours. Spend the remainder of the day catching the rest of the sights and making sure you’ve gotten all your souvenirs! Tomorrow, it will be time to say goodbye to Sydney.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Day 11
This morning, your family adventure comes to an end as you head to the airport and begin your journey home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
11 day stay
4 travelers

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