National parks, nature and dream beaches
From the wild Top End to the Whitsundays, a road trip through sandstone gorges, coral reefs and ancient rainforests.
Duration
23 days
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
An itinerary idea where you enjoy national parks and nature, without wasting time in large cities. A road trip with regularly two or three nights per destination to explore, discover and do activities without rushing. You visit the national parks of the Top-End, spend quality time on the East Coast along the Great Barrier Reef. You observe Australian wildlife in its natural habitat as well as the richness of the marine depths. The highlight with at the end of the route, a dream stay in the Whitsunday archipelago.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to the Northern Territory!
To Darwin
Arrival at Darwin airport. Pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel located in Darwin city center.
A multicultural coastal city, this is where you take your first steps in Australie discovering the Top End. Aboriginal land, wild fauna and freshwater pools await you on the roads between national parks and outback.
Cultural encounter and sunset at Ubirr
Darwin → Parc National de Kakadu
Drive in your own vehicle to meet a family from the Limilngan-Wulna Land people for an authentic two-hour experience (included). A genuine introduction to the customs and traditions of the Aborigines of the Adelaide River region.
Continue to the Kakadu National Park at Jabiru.
Night at the park.
Off-the-beaten-path Excursion
Exceptional full-day excursion on Aboriginal culture and heritage (included) in Arnhem Land and northern Kakadu. Visit these inaccessible locations including sites of ancient rock art. Meet Aboriginal artists at the Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre in Oenpelli.
Night in the park.
Impressive waterfalls and tall sandstone cliffs
Today you have the choice to explore other parts of the national park. Crocodile watching cruises or accessible waterfalls on detours heading south are experiences to be lived in full immersion in pristine nature.
In the afternoon, drive to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its 13 impressive gorges carved into sandstone country.
Night at Nitmiluk National Park.
Activity suggestions: cruise on the East Alligator River or on the Yellow Water River at Kakadu, dinner cruise in the gorges at Nitmiluk.
Day at Nitmiluk National Park
Hike the trails that wind through the Katherine Gorges and its sandbanks at the foot of spectacular cliffs.
This region of the park also hides a significant number of Aboriginal art sites.
Activity suggestions: helicopter flight over the 13 gorges, canoe rental to explore the first 3 gorges (half-day).
Night at Nitmiluk National Park.
On the way to the wonders of Litchfield National Park
Continuation of your road trip on the Stuart Highway towards the Litchfield National Park. There are numerous waterfalls that plunge spectacularly from high plateaus.
An ideal stop to cool off in these natural pools. We recommend at the end of the day Buley Rock Hole and early in the morning before passing tourists, Florence Falls!
Night at Litchfield National Park.
Return to Darwin at your own pace
Parc National de Litchfield → Darwin
A relaxing day to enjoy nice weather at the national park.
On your way back to Darwin, make a detour to the Territory Wildlife Park to see rare species such as freshwater stingrays, black kangaroos and the curious emu.
Arrive in Darwin for sunset on Mindil Beach!
From Top-End to the Great Barrier Reef
Darwin → Aéroport International De Darwin
Short transfer to Darwin airport and return of your rental vehicle.
From Aéroport International De Darwin
Domestic flight to Cairns, located on the coast of the Coral Sea, in the state of Queensland.
To Cairns
Pick-up of your rental car and check-in at your hotel.
A small tourist town where life is good, your stay continues in a spirit of tranquility and in the relaxed atmosphere, typical of the state of Queensland.
Free Discovery Day in Cairns
Rest, explore the coral islands, fly over the Great Barrier Reef, go rafting or fishing, from Cairns this day is organized to your liking!
Night in Cairns.
Exploration of Daintree, Exceptional Biodiversity
Today marks the beginning of your new road trip along the famous east coast of Australie. Head north towards Cape Tribulation. A journey along a coast renowned for its stunning panoramic views with many opportunities to stop between Coral Sea and tropical rainforest.
Visit Palm Cove or Port Douglas for lunch overlooking the sea or prefer the small village of Mossman, before crossing the Daintree River towards a world comparable to Jurassic Park.
Night at Daintree National Park.
Between Coral Sea and Ancient Rainforest
From Cape Tribulation you will undertake a half-day of underwater exploration by snorkeling. A short boat ride in a speedboat takes you off the beaten path in a small group to a magnificent site of the Great Barrier Reef which extends over 2000 km along the East Coast!
Off the coast of the Daintree rainforest, sheltered from mass tourism, lies a colorful reef that is very well preserved as well as active marine life.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore the marked trails through the dense forest. An opportunity to encounter an animal important for its ecological role in the rainforest: the cassowary (formerly classified as a vulnerable species).
On the road to the highlands in the Tablelands
Cape Tribulation → Atherton Tablelands
You are heading to the Atherton Tablelands to reach a lodge nestled in nature and enjoy the benefits of the natural world and the magical atmosphere of the rainforest.
The Tablelands on Your Own
On the itinerary for this day at your own pace: walks in the tropical rainforest, rest and relaxation in this sanctuary famous for its abundance of birds, its wildlife and its flora.
The region has plenty to offer when you want to make new discoveries: the historic village of Herberton, a species of kangaroo that lives in trees, a cooking class with fresh local produce… treat yourself!
Overnight stay at Atherton Tablelands.
Return to the coast via Wooroonooran National Park
Atherton Tablelands → Mission Beach
You will cross the rolling region of the Atherton Tablelands, with the opportunity to cool off in one of the freshwater lakes or one of the many waterfalls in this splendid area south of Cairns. Continue along the east coast towards Mission Beach, a small beach resort off the beaten path.
Night at Mission Beach.
Day on the Great Barrier Reef
Boat trip operated by a local family that takes you sailing outside the Great Barrier Reef. A sea outing suitable for both snorkeling and divers (beginners or certified).
What's the difference from other cruises?!
You embark from the beach to magnificent sites frequented mainly by locals. The Great Barrier Reef departing from Mission Beach promises a colorful day of adventure away from the crowds, in a friendly atmosphere!
Night in Mission Beach.
Road Trip in Freedom
Route towards Townsville making a surprising detour via Wallamans Falls (approximately 60 km round trip), Australia's highest permanent waterfall (268 metres).
According to your tastes and interests, you may prefer to do a skydive, visit Tully Gorge known for extreme rafting or explore Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville.
Night in Townsville.
Stop in Airlie Beach, essential gateway to the Whitsundays
Follow the Bruce Highway to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays Archipelago and its 74 islands.
Night in Airlie Beach.
At the heart of the archipelago at Hamilton Island
Airlie Beach → Whitsundays Islands
This morning, several options for flying over the archipelago by helicopter, seaplane or combining a boat trip and flight are available to you
Return the car before taking the boat to your accommodation located on Hamilton Island, the largest inhabited island in the archipelago.
Shuttle transfer from Hamilton Island marina and check-in to your bungalow for the next 3 nights.
The Whitsunday Islands
Free stay with your feet in the water, a 3-minute walk from Catseye Beach.
Activity suggestion: boat day at Whitehaven Beach.
Nights at Hamilton Island.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights, domestic flights, airline taxes or fuel surcharges associated.
- Meals (except breakfasts, dinners and lunch indicated).
- Drop-off fees for one-way car rental trips (when applicable).
- The entrance fees to national parks.
- Crossing the Daintree River by ferry ($31 AUD to be paid on site)
- A change in the GST rate or the introduction of a new government tax.
- Any potential supplements for public holidays and special events.
- Petrol, possible tolls and parking fees
- Gratuities and personal expenses throughout the entire trip.
- Supplementary insurance for this trip to Australie.
Included
- 20 nights in Australie with suitable accommodation at each stage of the stay (Lodge, Cabin or 3* Hotel).
- The meals indicated.
- Recent car rental from Darwin (airport) on day 1 to Darwin (airport) on day 8 in SUV category with unlimited mileage, 2nd driver and comprehensive insurance with no deductible.
- Recent car rental from Cairns (airport) on day 8 to Airlie Beach (town centre) on day 18 in SUV category with unlimited mileage, 2nd driver and comprehensive insurance with no excess.
- Aboriginal culture introduction tour at Mary River (2h).
- Excursion to Arnhem Land from Kakadu including access rights, lunch and refreshments (8 hours).
- Half-day boat trip departing from Cape Tribulation (4 hours).
- Full-day cruise on the Great Barrier Reef departing from Mission Beach including lunch and snorkeling equipment (8 hours).
- Boat crossing from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island.
- The GST (local tax).
- Personalized itinerary in digital format on mobile application.
- Documents de voyage détaillé en français.
- English-speaking assistance by our agency during your stay in Australia.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Australia for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Australia, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. It is, however, strongly recommended that it remain valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Electronic Visa (eVisitor or ETA)
Australia does not grant visa exemptions in the traditional sense. Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland are eligible for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), while Canadian nationals must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601). Both of these electronic authorizations are free or low-cost, electronically linked to the passport, and do not result in any stamp or visa label.
These authorizations permit tourist stays of up to 3 months per visit, with overall validity of 12 months from the date of issue. They may allow multiple entries during this period.
The application must be completed online before departure, via the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or the Australian ETA application. Authorization is generally issued quickly, sometimes within minutes.
Authorities may request:
proof of an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Declaration on Arrival
Before or upon arrival in Australia, travelers must complete an Incoming Passenger Card. This form provides customs and biosecurity services with:
personal and passport information,
flight and travel details,
customs declarations (food, plants, animals, medications, currency, etc.).
Australia enforces strict biosecurity rules: certain food items, plants, animal products, and wooden articles may be prohibited or subject to inspection. It is essential to declare any item that may be affected, as failure to do so can result in substantial fines.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport as well as their own electronic authorization (eVisitor or ETA).
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Health
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Australia for travelers from Europe or Canada. However, it is recommended that you ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly advised, as healthcare in Australia can be costly for non-residents.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire with the Australian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An electronic travel authorization (ETA or eVisitor) is mandatory and must be requested online before departure (approximately 20 AUD). The authorization is valid for 12 months and allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 3 months per visit. Your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay. Before booking your trip, check with the embassy or consulate of your country for the specific conditions applicable to your nationality, as travel authorization requirements may vary depending on your country of origin.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €270 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€1,300-2,000 return) are additional. Distances require domestic flights and car rentals.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor every itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Northern Territory
Architect of Australia's Great Journeys, based in Sydney
Australia is lived through distances, light and contrasts. My role is to help travellers transform this vastness into a smooth, coherent and truly personal itinerary.
— Yann
