Arrive early in Melbourne, often dubbed Australia's cultural capital, to wander through its art-laden alleys, visit galleries, and browse unique boutiques at your leisure. Renowned as Australia's culinary hub, Melbourne has a delightful treat in store for your Welcome Dinner.

Australia's Aboriginal culture stretches across oceans, rivers, rainforests, the outback, and urban areas, which you can explore through the Koorie Heritage Trust. Located in Melbourne's Federation Square, the organisation offers guided tours along the Yarra River led by First Nations guides as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Just steps away, visit Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, which showcases contemporary Torres Strait Islander culture through its culinary offerings. The menu features a rich variety of native Australian bush flavours, such as finger lime and quandong, complemented by a beverage list spotlighting Indigenous-owned businesses. Indigenous art also enhances the restaurant's ambiance. Additionally, the Ian Potter Centre (NGV) at Federation Square presents one of Australia’s most extensive collections of art by First Nations Creatives.

Explore Melbourne at your own pace. Looking for recommendations? Your Travel Director is here to help. You could opt to immerse yourself in the city’s heart, touring the Royal Botanic Gardens with an Aboriginal guide. Alternatively, ascend to the Melbourne Eureka Skydeck for a panoramic view from the highest observation platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Although it’s enticing to stay, the surrounding areas offer a wealth of attractions, like the Great Ocean Road. Driving along this World Heritage-listed route is an iconic experience, combining surf, charming seaside towns, and scenic nature walks. Alternatively, venture to Phillip Island across the bay, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, where you can watch penguins parade from the sea to their sandy nests each evening.

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa holds its place on the World Heritage list for good reason. Immerse yourself in the spiritual terrain revered by the Anangu people. During the Kuniya walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, your guide will highlight ancient rock art and native bush foods. Conclude the day with a spectacular sunset that bathes the outback in vibrant fiery colours, champagne in hand. This breathtaking scenery sets the stage for an exclusive barbecue dinner.

The outback fuels artistic expression, which you'll see first hand when you meet Aboriginal artists and sculptors at Maruku Arts, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Their artworks embody the essence of Australia, and they will guide you in capturing this drama through an art class. In the afternoon, explore the Gallery of Central Australia (GOCA), which showcases ethically sourced Aboriginal art. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic flight to view the landscape from above. Once back on the ground, take a stroll through Walpa Gorge, and conclude the day by toasting to a stunning Kata Tjuta sunset with a glass of sparkling wine.

Bruce Munro employed 50,000 lights to craft his outdoor masterpiece, Field of Light. This expansive array of bulbs bathes the Uluru landscape in an enchanting light, making a sunrise visit especially captivating. Tonight, your adventure continues in Sydney. If you're looking for dining recommendations, we have a curated list of top-notch restaurants to enhance your experience.

Prepare for a thrilling day in the Harbour City, complete with a behind-the-scenes look at the Opera House. This iconic site resides on the ancestral lands of the Eora Nation. Experience this rich history first hand by joining Aunty Margret from Dreamtime Southern X for a guided walking tour through the Rocks district. Then, trade land for water as you embark on a harbour cruise to see Sydney from a fresh perspective.

Choose to explore independently or seek assistance from your Travel Director for experiences like the Burrawa Indigenous Climb, where you'll ascend the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Aboriginal guide. Alternatively, spend the day exploring the Blue Mountains with an AAT Kings guide. Nearby adventures await on Dave's Rocks Pub Tour, showcasing some of the city's oldest pubs. For a different perspective, soar over beaches and bushland in a helicopter tour of the harbour. For a creative twist, consider a guided visit to the Art Gallery of NSW, an experience sure to spark inspiration.

What could be better than having one free day to discover Sydney on your own? Having a second one. It's perfectly understandable if you choose to spend several hours wandering along Bondi Beach, taking a ferry ride across the harbour to Manly, or selecting another exciting optional experience.

After arriving in Cairns from Sydney on your morning flight, enjoy a leisurely afternoon experiencing the warm tropical atmosphere. Wander along the lively esplanade or choose an Indigenous-owned Mandingalbay Tours cruise for a unique local perspective.

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel offers catamaran tours that present the Great Barrier Reef from a First Nations perspective. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sea rangers share ancient Dreamtime creation stories dating back 65,000 years as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. As you journey to Moore Reef, you'll have the opportunity to swim in the warm waters and explore among 1,500 species of fish.

Use your free day to explore the wonders of Tropical North Queensland. Consider taking a tour that includes the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway to delve deep into the rainforest. Alternatively, embark on an Outback Tasting Adventure to meet local distillers, brewers, cheesemongers, and farmers. You might also choose to explore native bush tucker on a tour through Cape Tribulation, Mossman, and Daintree, some of the oldest rainforests in the world. Cap off your exhilarating journey with a Farewell Dinner at Ochre Restaurant along the Cairns waterfront.

Not only will you leave Cairns as a more experienced traveller, but also as a more reflective one. Moreover, don’t be surprised if you depart with a group of new friends—Australia’s Aboriginal guides are as generous in sharing their stories as they are with their time.