Dreamtime Discovery: Exploring the Magic of Australia

Australia is not just a nation—it’s a continent. Resplendent with spectacular natural beauty, immense cultural diversity, and cosmopolitan cities full of art galleries and fine restaurants, there are many sides to this complex and fascinating destination. To truly discover Australia means exploring from the outback to the Sydney Opera House—and naturally, our Australia Discovery Tour with Uluru & the Great Barrier Reef ticks those boxes. But in classic VBT | Country Walkers style, this new Discovery vacation gives you so much more.

Red is the Color of the Heart

The vibrant crimson glow of Uluru at sunset has been captivating the minds and hearts of Australians since long before the nation of Australia was even a thing. For thousands of years, this imposing sandstone monolith has been a source of deep spiritual meaning for the Aṉangu people—the Aboriginal Australians who have been stewards of the continent’s Red Centre since the world began. Here, the Aṉangu have lived their sacred journey in Uluru’s imposing shadow—practicing the ancient customs and rituals that have grown and developed out of centuries of devotion to the land. “When you arrive in the Red Centre, you become instantly enveloped in the environment,” says Chris Skilling, VBT Vice President of Worldwide Travel. “Just walk out your door and you’re surrounded by this vibrant red sand, which is really a unique experience.” As you approach the Uluru monolith, it’s impossible not to feel its weight in the surrounding landscape—from its imposing shadow to the fascinating culture that surrounds it. “We ask you to listen carefully when visiting Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park,” say the words on the official website of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. “Let the knowledge you hear come through your ears, into your mind, and settle in your heart.” During this incredible journey, the knowledge you’ll gain has the power to settle in your heart—enhancing it with the warmth of the wonderful world around you.
As you explore the heart of Australia’s outback, you’ll meet local Aṉangu artists who share the spiritual significance of their dot painting tradition—and even offer a few lessons and a chance to try your hand at this ancient tradition. “Dot painting is iconic in Australia’s Red Centre,” explains Chris. “At the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, you’ll have a chance to chat with the artists about their spiritual journey and gain better understanding of Aboriginal culture and expression.” There’s a wealth of fascinating things to do and see in this Aṉangu artist’s colony before returning to your resort where you can relax by the pool and reflect on the day’s discoveries before the evening’s adventure begins to unfold.
As the first rosy tendrils of the setting sun filter through the deep blue sky, a short drive brings you into the arid expanse of the desert—and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. “We’ll start out walking down a sandy path,” explains Chris. “Then we come to an overlook where we’ll find a glass of bubbles already waiting for us—and there it is: the sandstone edifice of Uluru glowing in light of the setting sun.” As you sip, the sandy path beckons you ever closer to the mysteries of this spiritual monolith. “We come to a place where there are several tables laid out for dining under the stars,” Chris recalls. “The food is spectacular—and as we enjoy dinner beneath the setting sun, we begin to see the Field of Light.” An art installation spanning an area equal to more than seven football fields, artist Bruce Munro’s remarkable installation, the Field of Light, comprises 50,000 glowing spheres that gently illuminate the landscape around Uluru. Lit by the Field of Light’s otherworldly glow, you’ll experience an aspect of Uluru few have experienced first-hand.

An Eco-Friendly Adventure on the Great Barrier Reef

Along the coastal shores of Queensland, the lush rainforest and vibrant coastal waterways are a sharp contrast to the arid desert at Uluru. Here, you’ll find vibrant rainbow lorikeets, bouncy kangaroos, and adorable koala bears—and the cheerful, laid-back social atmosphere that Australia is known for. “The people are just so darn nice,” recalls Chris with a smile. “Everyone was so welcoming and I found it a really comfortable environment to be in because people were kind and polite. People are not in a rush in Australia, and that makes it relaxing to be there.” In the Daintree Rainforest, you’ll meet a Kuku Yalanji guide who takes you on a Dreamtime Walk—discovering the unique environment of the rainforest and learning how the Kuku Yalanji people used its resources to survive. The lush forest reveals its secrets as you follow your guide along ancient forest paths.
Off the coast of nearby Port Douglas lies one of the seven wonders of the natural world—the Great Barrier Reef. Known for the vibrant marine wildlife that lives within its vast coral network, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced several coral bleaching events in recent years due to rising ocean temperatures. “At VBT | Country Walkers, it’s really important to us to have a positive impact on the places where we travel,” says Chris. “That’s one reason why we’re using a sailing catamaran and solar-powered glass-bottomed boat to discover the Great Barrier Reef.” As your private catamaran navigates the reef’s quiet waters under sail, you’ll be joined by a local marine biologist who shows you the secret marvels of the reef’s fragile beauty—including colorful clownfish, iconic Māori wrasse, and coral-crunching parrotfish. Try your hand at snorkeling—or view the reef through the glass bottom of your boat’s solar-powered tender.

Surf’s Up! Bondi Beach is Quintessential Australia

On the shores of sophisticated Sydney, you’ll experience another fascinating view of Australia’s coastal culture—surfing. “On Bondi Beach, we’ll meet our local friend, Brenda,” says Chris. “Brenda has spent years helping women to learn to surf—and she’s going to take us on a walk around the headland and show us some of the history in Bondi’s 100-year-old beach club.” Beach culture is deeply embedded in the fabric of Australian society, and Brenda’s 30 years of experience living, breathing, and surfing in the atmosphere of Bondi Beach gives us an authentic view of this fascinating and truly Australian activity. “The best thing about being a surf coach is changing lives one wave at a time,” says Brenda. As you explore the cashing waves on Bondi Beach, dine under the stars at Uluru, and sail the Great Barrier Reef, you may very well find your life transforming one wave (or handshake, or smile) at a time, as well.