Planning a trip to Australia with your family? Adventures by Disney offers guided tours that take the stress out of vacation planning. But with prices starting around $9,000 per person, you’re probably wondering: Is Adventures by Disney Australia actually worth the cost?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Adventures by Disney’s Australia trips in 2026, including what’s included, the day-by-day itinerary, pricing, and whether this luxury vacation is right for your family.

Are you dreaming of an Adventures by Disney Australia vacation? Get a free quote today from our favorite Disney Travel Agency, The Vacationeer!

There’s no additional charge to use their planning services, and there’s never any obligation to book.

Best of all, they offer additional savings of up to $1,500 for clients who book an Adventures by Disney vacation with them — and those savings are applied after they use their extensive knowledge of Adventures by Disney discounts and savings strategies to get the lowest possible rate in the first place!

So don’t leave your dream vacation to chance! Let a true Disney travel expert handle all the details so you don’t miss a thing!

What is Adventures by Disney Australia?

Adventures by Disney is a guided tour service that creates all-inclusive family vacations. Think of it as having expert tour guides handle every detail of your trip while you just show up and enjoy the experience.

The Australia adventure takes you to some of the country’s most amazing destinations: the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, and Sydney. You’ll stay in luxury hotels, eat at fantastic restaurants, and get VIP access to attractions that regular tourists don’t get to experience.

Trip Option Duration Locations Visited Number of Meals Starting Price (Adult/Child) Best For
Full Australia Adventure 10 days / 9 nights 4 locations (Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Sydney) 20 meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners) $9,999 / $9,499 Families wanting the complete Australian experience with reef, wildlife, and cities
Sydney Escape 4 days / 3 nights 2 locations (Sydney, Southern Highlands) 8 meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners) $3,499 / $3,314 Short trips, Disney cruise add-ons, travelers on a tighter budget
New Zealand Adventure 12 days / 11 nights 7 locations (Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Greymouth, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown) 27 meals (11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners) $10,399 / $10,829 Adventure seekers, mountain lovers, those wanting glaciers and Māori culture

Two Ways to Experience Australia with Adventures by Disney

The Full Australia Adventure (10 Days)

This is the main Australia experience, taking you through Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, and Sydney over 10 days and 9 nights.

What’s Included:

  • 20 meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners)
  • Accommodations at top hotels like Crystalbrook Flynn Resort, Park Hyatt Melbourne, and Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
  • Two Adventure Guides who stay with you the whole trip
  • All activities, transportation between cities, and admission fees
  • VIP experiences and private tours

Age Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 5 years old
  • Suggested age: 7 and up
  • Some departures are Adult Exclusive (18+)

Flights:

  • You’ll fly into Cairns Airport (CNS)
  • Depart from Sydney International Airport (SYD)
  • Note: Airfare to and from Australia is NOT included in the price

Sydney Escape (4 Days)

If you don’t have time for the full 10-day adventure or want to add Sydney to a Disney cruise, the Sydney Escape is a shorter option.

What’s Included:

  • 8 meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
  • 3 nights at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
  • Highlights like Sydney Opera House tour, jet boat ride, and Taronga Zoo visit
  • Adventure Guides and all activities

This shorter trip is perfect if you’re looking for a quick Australian getaway or want to combine it with other travel plans.

2026 Adventures by Disney Australia Dates and Prices

Full Australia Adventure Pricing

Here are the currently available 2026 departure dates for the standard Australia trip:

  • February 8-17, 2026: Adult Exclusive – $9,199 to $9,599 per adult
  • May 24 – June 2, 2026: $9,499 per child / $9,999 per adult
  • June 7-16, 2026: Interest list (call for details)
  • June 21-30, 2026: $9,689 per child / $10,199 per adult
  • July 5-14, 2026: $9,499 per child / $9,999 per adult
  • July 19-28, 2026: Interest list (call for details)
  • August 2-11, 2026: $9,689 per child / $10,199 per adult
  • October 4-13, 2026: Adult Exclusive – $9,999 per adult
  • December 20-29, 2026: $10,449 per child / $10,999 per adult
  • December 23, 2026 – January 1, 2027: $11,589 per child / $12,199 per adult

Special Offer: Adventures by Disney is offering savings up to $400 per person on select departures booked by December 31, 2025. Contact The Vacationeer for details on which dates qualify.

Sydney Escape Pricing

  • January 30 – February 2, 2026: $3,314 to $3,514 per child / $3,499 to $3,699 per adult

As of now, there’s only one Sydney Escape departure scheduled for 2026, though more dates may be added. Contact The Vacationeer for the most current offerings.

Important Notes:

  • Prices are per person based on double occupancy
  • Child pricing applies to kids 11 and under
  • Prices don’t include airfare to/from Australia, travel insurance, or visas
  • All prices are subject to change

Explore Melbourne on the Adventures by Disney Australia trip | Image © Disney

The Complete Australia Adventure Itinerary

Let’s walk through what you’ll actually do on the 10-day Australia adventure.

Day 1: Welcome to Cairns

Your adventure starts when you land at Cairns Airport. An Adventures by Disney guide meets you at the airport and handles your luggage while driving you to the Crystalbrook Flynn Resort, a beautiful 5-star hotel.

After settling in, you’ll head to Salt House Cairns for a welcome dinner by the marina. This is where you meet your fellow travelers and get excited about the week ahead.

Day 2: The Great Barrier Reef

This is one of the most incredible days of the trip. After breakfast, you’ll board a boat to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders.

You’ll spend the day on a floating pontoon with a marine biologist who helps you explore the reef. You can snorkel right in the coral to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and maybe even dolphins or sharks. If you don’t want to get wet, hop on a semi-submersible submarine that lets you see everything underwater without actually swimming.

Lunch is served on the pontoon, and then you’re free to explore more. In the evening, you can choose where to eat dinner in Cairns.

Day 3: Rainforest Adventures

Day three takes you to Rainforestation Nature Park, where you’ll learn about Aboriginal culture from the local Djabugay people. You’ll see traditional dances, hear ancient stories, and try hands-on activities that teach you about the world’s oldest living culture (over 40,000 years old!).

After exploring Kuranda village for lunch, you’ll ride the Skyrail, a gondola that glides over the rainforest canopy with breathtaking views. Back at the resort, there’s free time before dinner, and Junior Adventurers get to watch a Disney movie together.

Day 4: Flying to Melbourne

After breakfast, you’ll fly to Melbourne with a boxed lunch. Once you arrive, you’ll tour the Old Melbourne Gaol, a historic jail from 1845 where you can walk through cells and climb the watchtower.

Dinner is at Taxi Kitchen, a restaurant with incredible views over Melbourne’s skyline.

Day 5: Exploring Melbourne

Start your day kayaking through downtown Melbourne on the Yarra River. Then head to Melbourne Skydeck, one of the highest viewpoints in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic city views.

After lunch, you’ll take a guided walking tour through Melbourne’s famous laneways and arcades, checking out the street art and hidden gems. Dinner is on your own tonight, so you can explore Melbourne’s amazing food scene.

Day 6: Wildlife and Gold Rush History

Today you’ll visit Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet wombats and kangaroos up close. Then it’s off to Sovereign Hill, a living museum that recreates the gold rush era. You can pan for gold, explore a mine, and even try candle making.

After lunch at Sovereign Hill, you’ll head back to Melbourne for dinner on your own.

Day 7: Hello, Sydney!

You’ll fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. After lunch at Terrace on the Domain with views of the Sydney skyline, you’ll stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, which opened in 1816.

Then things get exciting with a jet boat ride around Sydney Harbour. You’ll zoom past the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge with the wind in your hair. After a bike ride around the harbour, you’ll check into the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and have dinner together.

Day 8: Bondi Beach

Ever wanted to surf? Today’s your chance! You’ll have a private surf lesson at famous Bondi Beach with a certified instructor. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can take a guided walking tour of the beach area instead.

After lunch overlooking the ocean, you’re free to explore Sydney on your own for dinner.

Day 9: Sydney Opera House

Your morning and lunch are yours to explore Sydney however you want. In the late afternoon, you’ll go backstage at the Sydney Opera House for a private tour. You’ll learn about the incredible design and construction of this world-famous building.

Then comes dinner in the Yallamundi Room inside the Opera House itself—a truly special experience under those iconic white sails.

Day 10: Goodbye, Australia

After one last breakfast, you’ll transfer to Sydney International Airport to head home. Your adventure may be over, but the memories will last forever.

What About the Sydney Escape?

The 4-day Sydney Escape gives you a taste of Australia’s most famous city in a shorter timeframe. Here’s what you’ll do:

Day 1: Visit Taronga Zoo to see koalas, kangaroos, and other Australian animals. Check into the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Take a day trip to the Southern Highlands. You’ll see Fitzroy Falls (a 265-foot waterfall), canoe on the Wingecarribee River, and visit a family-owned alpaca farm.

Day 3: Jet boat ride on Sydney Harbour, tour the Royal Botanic Gardens, and enjoy a private Sydney Opera House tour with dinner beneath its famous sails.

Day 4: Transfer to the airport or cruise port.

The Sydney Escape is great for families who want a shorter trip or need to connect with a Disney Cruise. At around $3,500 per adult, it’s significantly more affordable than the full 10-day adventure.

Adventures by Disney Australia: The Good Stuff

VIP Treatment Everywhere

You’re not just another tourist. Adventures by Disney gets you special access that regular visitors don’t get. Private tours, early access to attractions, and behind-the-scenes experiences make you feel like a celebrity.

No Planning Stress

Your Adventure Guides handle everything. They coordinate transportation, make restaurant reservations, manage your luggage, and solve problems before you even know they exist. You just show up and have fun.

Educational and Fun

Kids learn about Aboriginal culture, marine biology, Australian wildlife, and history—but it never feels like school. Everything is hands-on and exciting.

Luxury Accommodations

You’ll stay at incredible hotels like the Park Hyatt Melbourne and Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. These aren’t just nice hotels; they’re some of the best in Australia.

Small Group Experience

With a maximum of 40 people on standard trips (or 12 on Private Adventures), you’re not dealing with massive tour bus crowds. You get to know your fellow travelers, and the guides can give everyone personal attention.

Most Meals Included

With 20 meals included on the 10-day trip, you don’t have to worry about where to eat most of the time. The meals that aren’t included give you flexibility to explore on your own.

Adventures by Disney Australia: The Not-So-Good Stuff

It’s Expensive

Let’s be honest: this trip costs a lot of money. At around $10,000 per person, you’re looking at $40,000 or more for a family of four. Plus, you still need to pay for flights to Australia, which can easily add another $5,000-$8,000 for a family.

You’re on a Schedule

Everything is planned out for you, which is great for stress-free travel but not ideal if you like to wander and explore at your own pace. If you prefer spontaneous travel, this structured itinerary might feel limiting.

Not Included: Airfare and More

The price tag is high, but it doesn’t include everything. You’ll still need to budget for:

  • Round-trip flights to/from Australia ($1,200-$2,000+ per person)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas (if required)
  • Tips for your Adventure Guides
  • Souvenirs and shopping
  • Some meals and snacks

Limited Free Time

While there’s some free time built into the schedule, you’re mostly following the itinerary. If there’s a specific restaurant or attraction you want to visit, you might not have time for it.

Not Ideal for Very Young Kids

While the minimum age is 5, the recommended age is 7+. There’s a lot of walking, early mornings, and activities that very young children might not enjoy or be able to fully participate in.

Your Adventures by Disney Australia itinerary starts in Cairns | Image © Disney

Is Adventures by Disney Australia Worth It?

Here’s the bottom line: Adventures by Disney Australia is absolutely worth it if you value convenience, luxury, and unique experiences over saving money.

This trip is perfect for you if:

  • You want a stress-free vacation where everything is handled for you
  • You’re willing to pay premium prices for premium experiences
  • You want VIP access and private tours you couldn’t arrange on your own
  • You love the idea of knowledgeable guides teaching you about Australian culture and wildlife
  • You want to see multiple destinations without the hassle of planning transportation and hotels

This trip might not be worth it if:

  • You’re on a tight budget
  • You prefer independent travel and making your own schedule
  • You’re experienced with planning international trips and confident doing it yourself
  • You don’t care about luxury hotels and can be happy in budget accommodations
  • You have very young children (under 7) who might not appreciate the activities

The Sydney Escape is a good compromise if:

  • You want the Adventures by Disney experience but can’t afford the full 10-day trip
  • You’re short on time
  • You’re combining your Australia trip with a Disney Cruise
  • You mainly want to see Sydney and don’t need the reef and Melbourne

Considering New Zealand Instead?

If you’re looking at Adventures by Disney’s Australia offerings, you might also want to check out their New Zealand adventure. It’s a 12-day trip that includes Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, and Queenstown.

The New Zealand trip offers different experiences like zip-lining through rainforests, exploring glowworm caves, and jet boating through glacier valleys. It’s priced similarly to the Australia trip (starting around $10,399 per adult for 2026) and offers the same level of guided luxury.

If you can’t decide between Australia and New Zealand, contact The Vacationeer—they can help you figure out which destination fits your family better.

How Many People Go on These Trips?

Standard Adventures by Disney trips can have up to 40 guests. If you want a more intimate experience, Private Adventures accommodate up to 12 guests. The smaller group size costs more but gives you even more personalized attention.

Fitzroy Falls, part of the Adventures by Disney Australia itinerary | Image © Disney

Tips for Booking Your Australia Adventure

Work with a Disney Travel Agent

We strongly recommend booking through The Vacationeer, a Disney-focused travel agency. Here’s why:

  • Their services are completely free (they’re paid by Disney, not you)
  • They know all the tricks for finding discounts and special offers
  • They offer additional savings up to $1,500 for Adventures by Disney bookings
  • They can answer questions and help with planning
  • There’s no obligation to book

Book Early

The most popular dates (summer and holiday breaks) fill up fast. If you have specific dates in mind, don’t wait.

Consider the Weather

Australia’s seasons are opposite of North America’s:

  • December-February (summer): Hot and humid in Cairns, perfect beach weather in Sydney
  • June-August (winter): Cooler temperatures, but still pleasant—great for avoiding crowds
  • March-May and September-November (spring/fall): Mild temperatures and fewer tourists

Budget for Extras

Remember that the trip cost doesn’t include flights, insurance, tips for guides, or many incidentals. Add at least 30-40% to your budget beyond the base trip price.

Final Thoughts

Adventures by Disney Australia is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that creates incredible family memories. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, you could plan a similar trip yourself for less money. But you can’t easily replicate the VIP access, expert guides, and stress-free convenience that Adventures by Disney provides.

If you have the budget and want to see Australia without the headache of planning an international trip, it’s absolutely worth it. The experiences you’ll have—snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, learning from Aboriginal elders, going backstage at the Sydney Opera House—are truly special.

For families who don’t have the time or money for the full 10-day adventure, the Sydney Escape offers a shorter, more affordable taste of what Adventures by Disney has to offer.

Ready to start planning your Australian adventure? Contact The Vacationeer today for a free quote and the most up-to-date pricing information. They’ll help you figure out which departure date works best for your family and make sure you don’t miss any available discounts.

Australia is calling—are you ready to answer?

Disclaimer: Prices and itinerary details are subject to change. Contact The Vacationeer for the most current information. This article is not sponsored by Disney or Adventures by Disney—we just really love helping families plan amazing vacations!

Ready to book your Australian Adventures by Disney trip?

Are you ready to book your Adventures by Disney trip to Australia? You’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience! Start planning your family vacation for 2026 or 2027 today. To create a truly magical experience, we recommend working with a Disney travel agent who specializes in Adventures by Disney. Our official travel agency partner, The Vacationeer, is an excellent choice. Their planning services come at no additional cost to you, making it easy to reach out for help with this trip or any other Disney vacation.

Additional Adventures by Disney Resources

Still wondering if an Adventures by Disney vacation is right for you? These helpful guides will answer all (or most) of your questions:

General Adventures by Disney Information

Specific Destination Guides

Alternative Trip Styles

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