AUSTRALIA HIGHLIGHTS 10 Days - from Sydney or Melbourne
The perfect trip for limited time travelers while still seeing some of the very best of Australia. As always, our tours are 'small group tours' of less than 12 in most cases, sometimes just you!
Highlights: Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney City tours Melbourne and Sydney Wildlife tour with naturalist (small group) Penguins of Philip Island (small group) Great Barrier Reef (optional small or large boat) World Heritage Rainforests (small group) Lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour (or optional 3/4 day SAILING on the harbour!!) Opera House performance (optional - not included) Blue Mountains or Hunter Wine Valley (small group)
Note: Days can be added to this trip, or to another destination(s) within Australia, such as the Outback, Adelaide, Brisbane, etc.. Or extend your stay with a stop in New Zealand!
Any day arrival!! Based on a minimum of two persons, OR get a group of friends and have your OWN TOUR! Let's get on the way...
DAY 1 WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA!(any day arrival)
Note: this can be changed to arrive in Sydney and depart from Melbourne at the end of the trip. Arrive any day!
Arrive Melbourne this morning. Clear arrival formalities and exit into the Arrivals Hall where you meet a representative who will transfer you to your hotel in central Melbourne.
This afternoon you have a tour of Melbourne sights. Melbourne has compelling appeal in its gardens, history, character and its charm. Inhabited by cultures from across the globe, this city has a fascination in the mix of its cosmopolitan peoples who give generously and share passionately in the richness of this most dynamic and vibrant city. Highlights of your tour include; St Paul's Cathedral, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens, the Princess Theatre, Melbourne Cricket Ground, National Tennis Centre (where the Australian Open is played), trendy Southbank and St Kilda, Port Melbourne, Crown Casino and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The tour finishes in the centre of Melbourne at approximately 4.30pm.
The evening is at leisure to venture out amongst a myriad of fine restaurants. Then, a good nights' sleep!
DAY 2 MELBOURNE, penguins and wines - small group tour (CB/L)
The morning is at leisure. Perhaps a stroll through Fitzroy Gardens or the fashionable shops of central Melbourne.
You are met in the hotel foyer by your guide for your afternoon and evening excursion to Phillip Island.
From the city we by-pass Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs before driving through beef and dairy cattle farms, horse breeding studs and swampland. A home made afternoon tea will be enjoyed on route before we pass through an interesting valley that's home to the world's longest earth worm. As we skirt Westernport and views of French Island we cross over the bridge to Phillip Island.
Recognised as a world leader for environmental conservation, Phillip Island’s sandy and rocky shorelines team with wildlife including over 200 species of birds. Time permitting we can view the local fisherman cleaning their catch of the day whilst battling amongst the fight of gulls and pelicans.
Have a quick distant view of Churchill Island, home to Victoria's oldest garden and crop of wheat. On Phillip Island's northern side, look out for masked lapwings, spoonbills, ibis, herons and black swans. We then visit the south-side and check out some local surfers on a pristine beach overlooking the highest point of the island.
It's now time to visit the Koala Conservation Centre. This is one of the few areas in Victoria where you can see a protected koala colony. Walk amongst the treetops in nature reserve bushland and see wild koalas within touching distance! We may spot a wild wallaby or two as well. Time permitting we pass Swan Lake, the island's largest fresh water lake, and head to the Nobbies. From this magnificent headland, the views stretch over Mornington Peninsula and Bass Strait. One and half kilometres offshore are Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest Australian Fur Seal colony.
Finally we get to the Penguin Parade. Each evening at dusk Little Penguins arrive in groups on the beach after a day of fishing. See them waddle their way into the dunes where their burrow nests are situated. We have access to the less populated boardwalks enabling you to gain close contact with the penguins without any hustle and bustle. Seeing, hearing and learning about the penguin behaviour, and their daily routines is an amazing experience.
Your evening finishes with dinner in the township of Cowes before returning to Melbourne late evening.
Please note in summer you will dine before the Penguin Parade. This itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and time of the year. The itinerary lists many options and the guide will do the best to see all of this before sunset and the arrival of the penguins.
DAY 3 MELBOURNE, Koala and Kangaroo (CB/L) - small group tour or, the Wines of the Yarra Valley (CB/L) - small group tour
Wildlife excursion: You are picked up from your hotel at 10.00AM by your guide and travel 1.5 hours from Melbourne into the Victorian countryside. Today you will see free range Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Emus, and watch Koalas in their natural habitat. You will also be introduced to a program which is breeding for release a variety of bird species which were once common on Victoria's volcanic plains. Enjoy a day with your naturalist guide and discover the Australian bush and the animals that inhabit it. Cross the Werribee Plains, part of one of the world's largest volcanic provinces, to visit Serendip Sanctuary. Here drive around the perimeter road offering excellent opportunities to see the mobs of kangaroos, small groups of Emu's and a variety of waterfowl. Stop to walk through the bird hides with opportunities to look out over the Sanctuary's extensive wetlands and inspect breeding colonies.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Sanctuary before driving further west to the Brisbane Ranges National Park. Here you are guaranteed to see Koalas in their natural habitat; your guide will describe the research in the Park which has provided much of the knowledge of this fascinating creature. After the tour, return to the hotel approximately 4.45PM.
Wine excursion: The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of the world’s prime grape-growing regions. It is home to Victoria’s earliest vineyards - the very first vines being planted at Yering Station in 1838.
This glorious valley surrounded by rolling hills and nurtured by the Yarra River, produces a remarkable array of exemplary cool-climate wines and regional produce. Amid undulating panoramas of vineyards and fertile farmland lie fifty-five cellar doors of some of the world’s finest wineries alongside some brilliant family-owned and boutique wineries, awaiting your discovery.
During the day we will visit 4-5 of the Yarra Valley’s finest wineries which may include Domaine Chandon where the style is to sit down and enjoy a full flute of sparkling wine and a taster’s platter. Other wineries that we may visit include Balgownie Estate, Coldstream Hills, Rochford, Oakridge Estate, Yering Station, Tokar Estate, De Bortoli, Dominique Portet, Fergusson Winery, Riverstone Estate, Yering Station, Tarrawarra Estate, Punt Road, Sticks, Immerse, Outlook Hill, Yileena Park and Coombe Farm.
Please talk to us about your favourites, and we will endeavour to include them in your tour.
DAY 4 MELBOURNE/CAIRNS (CB/inflight meal)
You are transferred to the airport for a morning flight to Cairns.
Arrive into sunny North Queensland. On arrival, you are transferred to the northern beaches for three nights in a wonderful tropical hotel.
Relax in the warm Queensland sunshine at the pool or on the beach. Visit the many shops and cafes...
DAY 5 NORTH QUEENSLAND, Great Barrier Reef (CB/L) Note: there are many boats that take cruises to the reef and each has it's own personality. Let us help you have the right experience - non swimmer, diver, snorkeler, small or large boat...we know them all.
You are transferred to board your catamaran out to the Outer Edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
From the moon the Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure visible on earth - a national treasure and one of the true wonders of the world. The friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and life. The reef lagoon at Agincourt offers excellent swimming and snorkeling areas. Quality snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge and the Marine Biologists on board can introduce you to a whole new world. For the more adventurous, SCUBA diving on Agincourt is amongst the best in the world. Both introductory dives for the beginner and guided dives for the certified diver are available at an additional cost. Or you can choose to stay dry and explore the stunning reef world one metre underwater from the semi-submersible vessel or an underwater observatory. Tropical smorgasbord lunch and morning and afternoon teas on board the Wavepiercer are included. After a day of fun and sun return to Port Douglas and transfer back to your hotel by approximately 6.15PM.
DAY 6 CAIRNS, Rainforest (CB/D)
The morning is at leisure.
NEAP Advanced Eco Tourism accredited You are collected at about 2pm for an excursion into the Atherton Tablelands above Cairns for some day and night spotting of rare native Australian wildlife. The trip visits many different habitats, from lowland to highland tropical rainforest, each housing a remarkable concentration of flora & fauna. This is our best tour for seeing the widest range of native plants, mammals, reptiles & birds in their natural environment! Topics of interest include history, soils, geography, environment, indigenous people, plants & wildlife. Sightings typically include many birds, some endemic, the Musky Rat Kangaroo (the smallest & most primitive kangaroo), Boyd’s Forest Dragon, at dusk Australia’s famous “Duck Billed” Platypus & after dinner Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo (occasionally), Lemuroid, Green & Herbert River Ringtail Possums & many other unusual mammals, insects & amphibians some found only here. Included – transfers, use of spotting equipment & books, refreshments, restaurant dinner, park fees & spotting lists. Group size is 6-10
DAY 7 CAIRNS/SYDNEY (CB)
You are transferred to the airport for your late morning flight to Sydney.
On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel in central Sydney.
This evening is at leisure to dine in any of the myriad of restaurants famous in Sydney - some within a short walk of your hotel. Or, an optional performance at the famous Sydney Opera House.
DAY 8 SYDNEY, touring and harbour cruise
Sydney is a thriving harbourside metropolis populated by four million people and is Australia's best known city. It was the first site of European settlement on the Australian continent - one vastly different from today's cosmopolitan showcase. The city's most famous landmarks include Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Centrepoint Tower. With the harbour at Sydney's centre, the city proper is bounded by water to the north and west and fringed to the east by the extensive green parklands of the Botanical Gardens and the Domain. Sydney is an exciting and interesting city to experience.
This morning, you take a tour of Sydney sights followed by a lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour. (Note: we can plan a sailing cruise on the harbour as well...)
DAY 9 SYDNEY, Blue Mountains (CB/L) - we can include a 3 hour hike in the mountains for you! or Hunter Wine Valley (CB/L)
Blue Mountains: Depart your hotel this morning, travel in luxury 4WDs across the Sydney Harbour Bridge then past the 2000 Olympic Games site and onto the Blue Mtns National Park. Leaving the main roads behind travel deep into the bush. Enjoy morning tea surrounded by kangaroos, parrots & kookaburras.
Departing Glenbrook, continue into the high Blue Mtns. See Leura village & the 3 Sisters. These majestic pillars of sandstone tower over the valley and are one of Australia's spectacular sights. We'll also drop-off at Lilianfels hotel.
Travel on to the highest point of the whole Blue Mtns, then descend in 4WD along a thrilling backcountry track out to the magnificent Kanimbla lookout. If you have the energy take a bushwalk. Nearby, enjoy lunch at the Hotel Imperial. Experience a fabulous meal, chat to the locals and explore Mt Victoria village.
This afternoon visit the so-called 'Grand Canyon' of Australia at Govetts Leap with its awesome views. Pick-up passengers returning to Sydney from Katoomba then commence the return to Sydney. Follow the original trail of the first explorers to cross the Blue Mtns in 1813 before arriving at Sydney's premier wildlife park. See koalas, kangaroos up close plus friendly dingoes. Take a close-up photo as you pat the koalas. Depart the park & return directly to Sydney and hotels. Fantastic day!
Hunter Wine Valley (L): Travel in your luxury mini bus; for those who want to see and taste great Australian wine and food. Also see the Hawkesbury River, rural farmland, gorgeous 1850's sandstone village with country pub! Taste the best of Hunter wines at 3 wineries (choose your favourite winery if you wish) and enjoy superb lunch in a real vineyard.
Depart Sydney for Australia's premium white wine growing region. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, see Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, spectacular Hawkesbury River. See sandstone cliffs, mountains, rivers, farmland, spot kangaroos, travel quiet backroads, enjoy morning tea and explore Wollombi 1850's 'sandstone' village including the pub.
Your driver/guide today is a Hunter Valley winery expert. Taste wines at famous old family run vineyards as well as exciting new names such as Brokenwood, Draytons, Tempus II, Oakvale or visit smaller, more exclusive wineries. Lunch today is in the heart of the vineyards where you'll enjoy superb food along with specially matched wines giving our famous 'wine and food marriage' lunch ! Today we'll also visit local produce shops for tastings. Passengers staying overnight in the vineyards will be dropped off at their hotels before commencing our return to Sydney. Travel via the Pacific Coast freeway returning you to your hotel.
DAY 10 SYDNEY/HOME (or extension to other Australia cities or New Zealand)
You are transferred to the airport for your flight home. OR...You can extend your stay in Sydney for as many nights as you wish, or extend your stay to other Australia destinations or NEW ZEALAND! Please see our Australia modular options for various destinations.
Inclusions: AUSTRALIA HIGHLIGHTS 10 -day
Three nights Melbourne centrally located hotel with continental breakfast Afternoon sightseeing tour of Melbourne Day wildlife excursion with local guide, including transport and lunch, hotel pick up and return (small group) Afternoon and evening "Philip Island" penguin excursion with local guide and including transport and hotel pick up and return (small group) Three nights North Queensland (Cairns area) tropical hotel with continental breakfast Full day rainforest excursion with local guide and including transport and lunch, and hotel pick up and return (small group) Full day Great Barrier Reef cruise including hotel pick up and return, snorkel equipment and lunch Three nights Sydney centrally located hotel with continental breakfast Morning Sydney city sights coach tour Lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour Full day Blue Mountain excursion with local guide and including transport and lunch, hotel pick up and return (small group) or Hunter Wine Valley All airport/hotel transfers All taxes
Approximate cost, based on two traveling and sharing twin/double room, per person: First class: $ USD 2574.00 Standard: $ USD 2271.00
Deposit: $350 per person, USD (non refundable) Balance: due in full 42 days prior to departure
Plus Airfare: please inquire. Airfares are seasonal; we work with airfares to/from and within the South Pacific and will get you the best fares and schedules to suit your trip that are available at the time. Travelers using frequent flyer points for international air travel are welcomed to travel on this itinerary. Domestic Australia travel can be arranged through this office.
We'll make your Australia Holiday the best!
Specializing in travel to New Zealand and Australia for over 23 years!
