Australia
An Australian Odyssey: From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef
Program No. 22754RJ
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An Australian Odyssey: From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef
An Australian Odyssey: From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef
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Participant Reviews
Based on 53 Reviews
SHOWING
This program is a great introduction to Australia. We visited many parts of this large country and got to spend enough time in each area to feel we'd gotten to know it somewhat. History, the natural world, the arts and the people who inhabit the continent were all explored through lectures, tours, walks, performances and other activities. In particular, seeing the animals and plants unique to Australia made this tour an especially rewarding experience. And, If you have never been to an opera, here is your opportunity to attend one at the Sydney Opera House.
— Review left February 14, 2026
The group leader and the instructors were the kind of people that make the trip you take a great learning and visual experience. The experience you get is well worth the cost of the trip.
— Review left February 11, 2026
Just back from the best trip ever! Our second venture with Road Scholar (first was in 2022 to the Greek Isles and Istanbul, my favorite city). An excellent itinerary which took us around and about Melbourne, the Aussie Open, Healesville Animal Sanctuary, Aborginal and local art museums, and Philip Island for the delightful sunset penguin parade. Then off to Alice Springs and the Outback, where we feasted on an exquisitely prepared Aboriginal meal, then on to the spectacular formations of Uluru (fka Ayers Rock) and Katan Tjuta. Cocktails while viewing the sunset against Uluru, then stargazing and seeing the Southern Cross for the first time. Then east and north to Cairns for the rainforest and our first-time snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. there bonding with a giant sea turtle. Finishing up in Sydney with its historic sites, a hike over the Harbor Bridge, the Taronga Zoo, and a night at the Opera where we were treated to a highly professional performance of Madame Butterfly. Excellent guidance by Elspeth throughout the trip, and knowledgeable, accessible and active local guides (Richard in Melbourne, Martin in the Outback, Mark in Cairns and Liz in Sydney). We were amongst an amiable and active group of eighteen adventurers, seven couples and four soloists, mostly retired, all around 70 years old, and not a prima donna in the mix. We were quite happy to sit down to eat with any of them. All the meals were hearty and tasty, in sizeable portions, featuring very few carbs, with full and fruity breakfast buffets each day to fuel us through morning hikes in urban and natural settings. The price for 2 weeks, including five internal flights, was quite reasonable. Bear in mind it can be quite hot in their Summer, much like Las Vegas or the Southwest in June-August. Clean water sources for re-filling our R.S. flagons were plentiful. Highly recommended for the active and young at heart.
— Review left February 8, 2026
What an incredible sample of all things Australian! The Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, the Outback, animal sanctuaries, a rainforest, aboriginal cooking and art, a Penguin Parade, and a balladeer to entertain us with songs such as “ Waltzing Matilda”, “ A Pub with no Beer” and “ I am Australian”.
Free time to explore markets and eat at an incredible variety of of international foods- Tibet, Sri Lankan, Ethiopian…
Seamless travels in country via planes, coach, public transport or foot.
So many good, caring and knowledgeable leaders - Harry, Mark, Meredith- who made sure we knew what we were going to see and the history behind it all.
Wow! Worth the long haul flight to get there
— Review left December 15, 2025
This is an incredible experience to explore an environmentally and culturally diverse continent/country. A unique opportunity for exploring nature and culture dynamics that only exist in Australia.
— Review left December 8, 2025
As usual this trip met my expectations. Looking forward to an other
— Review left October 25, 2025
We recently returned from a wonderful Road Scholar trip to Australia. We got a taste of the beauty, culture, history and the people of this vast continent and made new friends along the way. I would highly recommend this adventure to anyone who loves to travel, meet new friends, and learn more about what makes Australia so special.
— Review left October 21, 2025
What a delightful way to be introduced to Australia. The trip provides an overview of this large and diverse country. I instructors are well chosen and you enjoy a variety of interesting and entertaining sites.
— Review left October 13, 2025
This was the best tour we've ever taken. There were so many wonderful, enlightening and in-depth experiences that we were wowed. We would recomment this tour to anyone. You will not be disappointed
— Review left October 13, 2025
Excellent program! It IS keep-the-pace, but we saw and did so much in such a relatively short time. Our program leader, Martin, was wonderful, as were the other instructors and on-site coordinators. Actually being at some of the places we've seen in photos for years was a very special experience. It's a great way to get an overview of such a vast country/continent; I'd highly recommend it!
— Review left October 3, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this program! Such an interesting country with a unique history. Nothing but positive experiences.
— Review left May 8, 2025
If you've dreamed of visiting Australia, including Urulu (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef, enroll in this program. It's terrific!
— Review left May 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this program. Great first trip to Australia.
— Review left April 27, 2025
I would recommend this program to friends that have similar interests in traveling.
— Review left March 24, 2025
Personally, I would recommend doing Australia and New Zealand as two separate trips because there is so much to see in each. This Australia trip covered the two eastern major cities, the desert and outback, and the rain forest and Great Barrier Reef. Magnificent!
— Review left March 23, 2025
The program was very well-organized and educational,with a congenial group of 16,and a great group leader,Jen.The pace was fairly intense, and I could have used another hour of down time each day.I would happily go on another Road Scholar trip.
— Review left February 11, 2025
The proud history of the Australian convicts, the Gold Rush, the desert heat of the Outback, walking through the Rain Forest, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, a private tour, and "La Traviata" at the Sydney Opera House - all this in this tour! Wow!
Jim Carroll, Bridgewater, NJ
— Review left February 4, 2025
An Australian Odyssey is a marvelous adventure. Fabulous in every aspect. There were so many terrific educator's who enhanced my knowledge and understanding of Australia. Our group leader, Jennifer Reagan was awesome.
— Review left November 4, 2024
This was an outstanding trip. Our group leader, Martin, was a gem-- not only personable, but SO knowledgeable and so good at coordinating the individuals and the activities. He was an asset. Starting in Melbourne and ending in Sydney was great even though I'm generally less interested in cities than in natural environments. Both cities have wonderful sites to see that were fun and informative. In Sydney, walking across the bridge, and touring and eating at, and seeing a show at the Opera House were highlights. I was particularly moved by our time in the Northern Territory. Uluru was amazing, and Alice Springs was particularly valuable in giving us an opportunity to learn about the area and the challenges of remote living. The Royal Flying Doctors Service museum was excellent, as was the School of the Air. I had been concerned before the trip about the amount of travel within the country, but the short flights were easy and valuable-- they allowed us to see a great deal of this amazing country. It was a wonderful trip.
— Review left November 2, 2024
Road Scholar is an excellent way to see new places in the world and not have to do a large amount of planning. The tours are great. This was our 4th and certainly not our last.
— Review left October 22, 2024
The Australian Odyssey: From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef is a superb
program and will not disappoint. The leadership and guides are knowledgeable
and extremely helpful. My wife and I took the trip in September,2024 and were
very pleased with the experience and knowledge we gained.
— Review left September 29, 2024
One element of this fabulous trip that I had forgotten to put in my original submission, is that I would have liked to have had some presentation (part of a lecture?) from a sociological and anthropological perspective on aboriginal history, current conditions, and the relationship with the politically dominant population. We learned quite a lot about aboriginal traditions throughout the program, particularly in the Alice Springs area, and about the Indigenous Vote referendum during other history presentations. However, I felt that in upholding the deep traditional knowledge of the aboriginal people, a bit of the current reality of the aboriginal people within the Australian state was given a bit of a whitewash. I'm not sure that the often stated view the the whole bush is the aboriginal home is a sufficient answer to how they actually live on the land today. Is it possible to live in traditional ways anywhere in the country? How does segregated education work in practice, i.e. just indigenous language training or English language and skills training for being able to obtain jobs in the dominant culture (however one might feel about that)? There must be more to the indigenous economy than selling art to tourists. What types of economic support from the various governments are needed/provided? No villages or no villages that they want foreigners to see? Thanks.
— Review left May 10, 2024
Australia's raw nature, tumultuous history, and cultural growth is shared with you by its everyday citizens of both Aboriginal and European descent. This is an unforgettable discovery of the Land Down Under from the Southern Ocean where penguins come ashore and Uluru,the very heart of the country; to the Cairns, home of the oldest rainforest on the planet and the Great Barrier Reef; and finally to Sydney, The Rock! A journey worth taking!
— Review left May 8, 2024
We had a great trip to Australia and thought the program provided the perfect amount of sightseeing and classroom learning. We were also very impressed with our Group Leader, and had a great group of people on our tour. Half the fun was getting to know the rest of the people we were traveling with!
— Review left March 24, 2024
The journey down under was spectacular. Met so many great people. Experienced diverse cultures and customs. Thank you Road Scholars!
— Review left March 21, 2024
This trip to Australia was fantastic. We experienced the big cities of Melbourne and Sydney as well as life in the outback. Special favorites were Hluru Rock and the Sydney Opera.
— Review left March 18, 2024
Uluru in the rain!!!
— Review left March 11, 2024
Terrific way to see "The Land Down Under". Very satisfied with my experience.
— Review left February 10, 2024
This trip is an excellent sampling of what Australia has to offer, which is extensive.
— Review left February 5, 2024
This program was terrific, interesting and I am so glad I attended it.
— Review left October 31, 2023
A comprehensive tour of the highlights of Australia with excellent local guides and instructors.
— Review left October 29, 2023
We understand a 14 day trip is just not enough to spend more time, this was a good introduction to knowing about Australia. Only negative was half the 24 people kept to themselves and were not friendly after 1st day.
— Review left October 12, 2023
Hilary Basile and all of the guides/Lecturers were outstanding . Hotels were adequate and suitable. Meals were good with a couple of exceptions at the Sydney Hotel.
Quantas inability to provide direct flights from city to city was a problem . Always connecting thru Sydney was a waste of time. Hard to believe no other airline could have accomodated our schedule.
I realize the trip's activity description was Keep the Pace and I appreciate RS effort to provide a comprehensive experience. However, there was not much free time or even time between activities to gather oneself and get organized for the next day. Early mornings and late nights were ill timed so as to provide consecutive long exhausting days especially the long days in Alice Springs, going from Cairns to Sydney and in Sydney. Also not enough time allowed in Uluru to spend time at the Native Cultural Center.
— Review left May 16, 2023
I would highly recommend this program. Well worth the money and time spent in Australia. So much to learn and see. Truly, a life-time experience.
— Review left February 9, 2023
Australia Odyssey...From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef was an opportunity of a lifetime and for those who yearn for travel, wish to expand educational knowledge, and enjoy interacting with like minded travel partners; this RS trip should be made a PRIORITY. Exceeded our expectations on a daily basis...Good on ya mate!
— Review left January 31, 2023
For the first time visitor, I great way to see Australia and understand its culture and history.
— Review left December 1, 2022
I would have to say that this trip will go down as one of the worst trips I've been on. Not that it was your fault. I tested positive for covid-19 in Alice Springs and had to isolate for 5 days. The motel where I had to stay was not that helpful; had to ask for menus and then they weren't always delivered, coffee was delivered cold so I quite asking for it, asking for a single roll didn't work, you always two or more. I think I and the other person who was isolated here sort of felt abandoned and left on our own. Some of the instructions we received were confusing and/or contradictory. Such as whether another Covid-19 test was required before we could exit our isolation. Anyway after five days I tested negative for the virus and left Alice Springs for Sydney. That means that I spent five days in isolation, one day traveling on my own from Alice Springs to Sydney, and the last of the seven days I spent alone walking through Sydney and touring the city. The rest of the group didn't arrive at the hotel until later that evening. So out of a fourteen day tour I missed exactly half of it. And I missed the middle part of the tour that I was most interested in. Again as I said it wasn't your fault I got sick, even though I exhibited no symptoms, I followed the regions protocol and isolated for five days.
I do appreciate the help the tour leader and other participants gave to my wife who continued with the group. She was having some discomfort with her hip and knee so help with luggage and walking on uneven surfaces was a great help. Thanks.
— Review left October 21, 2022
If you want to learn about and see a lot of Australia in two weeks, you can't beat this Road Scholar trip for its variety of high quality experiences.
— Review left March 5, 2020
An Australian Odyssey was a wonderful tour! Everything was well organized, the sites were well chosen, there was a real mix of different things to visit (cultural, in nature, and so on), the historical background provided was a huge help, and, very importantly, the participants were enthusiastic and involved. We were all stimulated by the program, and enhanced each other's experiences.
— Review left March 4, 2020
Great trip. Good lecturers and local guides. Absolutely splendid with one exception, the BBQ at Alice Springs. Something went wrong there.
— Review left March 4, 2020
Thank you for asking for and gathering information about the trip. We added 5 days in Tasmania and really enjoyed the Bruny Island Tour. You may want to offer the extension but understand if you don't. Best to you all.
— Review left February 29, 2020
What a wonderful journey through Australia - from cosmopolitan cities to the outback to the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest. The program might look a little daunting at first glance, but the domestic flights and transfers between locations were relatively stress free, and it was so interesting to experience the contrasting areas of Australia. Our experience at the Great Barrier Reef was particularly memorable, and snorkeling was easy for everyone - our entire group participated. Our group leader, Ruth, was organized, friendly, caring, and made sure we optimized our experiences. The local instructors were also very knowledgeable and did a great job of helping us understand the history of Australia and the current issues facing the country. Put this journey on your wish-list!
— Review left February 10, 2020
Excellent adventure. Will highly recommend
— Review left February 2, 2020
If at all possible be sure to take this amazing trip! I learned & experienced so much about Australia. More than met my expectations. This was my first Roads Scholar trip and I am planning another trip already.
— Review left December 16, 2019
Get outside of your comfort zone and meet Australians on their homeground.See, hear and truly experience an amazing country.
— Review left December 4, 2019
The program is brilliantly planned and well executed. Australia become a fascinating place for me. I would recommend this trip to anyone. Peter and Rose were terrific. I loved this trip.
— Review left April 22, 2019
Loved it! Exceeded expectations. Logistics handled expertly by organizers.
— Review left April 14, 2019
This program exceeded our expectations! Our program leader was wonderful, our activities were well planned and smoothly implemented, and the other participants were interesting, entertaining, and upbeat.
— Review left April 12, 2019
My first Road Scholar trip even surpassed my high expectations. I look forward to my next journey with them.
— Review left April 6, 2019
This is a great Road Scholar program. There is no better way to understand Australia in a couple of weeks. The big cities (Melbourne, Sydney), the Outback, the rain forest, the barrier reef. It is all there. The guides were all great and really knew their portion of the trip and were able to convey it to us in an engaging, frequently funny manner. Highly recommended.
— Review left April 4, 2019
We highly recommend the Australian Odyssey (From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef) trip! It was informative, inspiring and fun. From great lectures to great outings to great accommodations to great food, our trip was a fabulous addition to our "bucket list".
— Review left March 17, 2019
We loved this tour. The group we were with were fun, friendly and interesting. All the sites we visited did not disappoint. Our instructors were well informed and professional. If you should have a sudden health issue, Road Scholar takes care of your needs. We have seen how efficiently they respond to such needs twice on different tours. Ian, our tour director, took charge of the situation to get the needed care.
— Review left March 17, 2019
This program provides a delightful and broad insight, particularly for first-time visitors to Australia. It’s an outstanding introduction to this part of the world.
— Review left February 24, 2019