Day 01: Arrive Melbourne
Welcome to the start of your wonderful holiday this morning as you arrive into Melbourne. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax. Spend the rest of the day walking around the city, or discovering the city on the inner circle tram that is free for all.
Today’s Highlights:
- Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium opened in 2000. There are four amazing worlds to discover and enjoy, including Antarctica featuring Australia’s only sub Antarctic penguins, the most bizarre marine animals and vibrant species in Weird and Wonderful, the journey from River to Reef, the stunning sea jellies, the colourful Coral Atoll and exotic freshwater animals such as turtles, frogs, snakes, eels, and Sharks Alive featuring huge sharks and the largest stingrays in the world.
- Experience the Edge @ Eureka Skydeck 88. At Eureka Tower, Skydeck you will experience awe inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience The Edge – a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building (with you in it) suspended almost 300 metres above the ground.
Overnight in Melbourne
Day 02: Melbourne
Following breakfast it’s time to see more that this great city has to offer.
Today’s Highlights: (day trip)
- Philip Island – Enjoy a full day trip out into the home of the Fairy Penguins. En route to Maru Koala and Animal Park. Pat a koala, feed kangaroos and even meet a gold possum. See the Nobbies rock formations overlooking one of the most treacherous expanses of water in the world, Bass Strait.
- Penguin Parade Viewing Platform is located in a ‘high penguin traffic area’ and will place you in the best position to see the little penguins as they emerge from the ocean on their journey home.
Overnight in Melbourne
Day 03: Melbourne
Day is at leisure.
Optional Highlights:
- Sovereign Hill Gold Rush and Wildlife Park Tour – Travel to Ballarat and visit Sovereign Hill where you can learn about the history of the Gold Rush and life in the 1850’s. Also visit Ballarat Wildlife Park. Get as close as you dare to a crocodile at a feeding session and see Tasmanian Devils, wallabies, giant turtles and emus.
- 1 Day Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles Tour – See some of Victoria’s spectacular coastal scenery and beach resorts along the Great Ocean Road. Travel to the Otway National Park and continue to Port Campbell National Park where we see the amazing 12 Apostles, remnants of London Bridge and the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of many historical shipwrecks.
- Puffing Billy Heritage Steam Train with Devonshire Tea Tour – Travel east of Melbourne to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Enjoy Devonshire Tea at Grants Reserve where you can hand feed crimson rosellas. Take a 30 minute ride through the spectacular forest aboard Australia’s oldest operating steam train, Puffing Billy.
- Yarra Valley Wine & Gourmet Tour – Visit to Yarra Farm Fresh, for a palate cleansing fruit experience. Travel to De Bortoli Wines. Later visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Coombe – The Melba Estate
- 1 Day Mornington Peninsula Ultimate Tour – The Peninsula offers everything from breathtaking beaches and historical National Parks to vineyards and hot springs. Visit the seaside town of Portsea and Point Nepean with spectacular views of Bass Strait. Visit Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm & Mornington Peninsula Chocolates. Later visit Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Farm. Lastly visit Murrays Lookout.
Overnight in Melbourne
Day 04: Melbourne – Sydney
Breakfast this morning is followed by your transfer to the airport in order to board your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and the rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore and enjoy the city. Sydney is a great place to chill out in and have loads of fun.
Today’s Highlights:
- The Sydney Showboat is Australia’s most luxurious authentic paddle wheeler, renowned for it’s famous dinner cruise and show. The experience is comparable to any of the leading Sydney restaurants with dinner cruise offering a restaurant dining experience that includes an innovative 3 course dinner menu.
Overnight in Sydney
Day 05: Sydney
Today’s Highlights:
- Blue Mountains – See native wildlife whilst you explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Scenic World, where you can enjoy 360 degree views of the Jamison valley. With the unlimited Discovery Pass ride the steepest Railway in the world. Glide out on the Cableway for panoramic views. Then ride the Skyway 370 metres above ancient ravines and dazzling waterfalls. Next we go to Echo Point, which has views stretching across to the Three Sisters – a trio of rocky pinnacles. Stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park. End your day with a relaxing cruise taking in the sights that the Parramatta River
Overnight in Sydney
Day 06: Sydney
Today’s Highlights:
- Sydney Flexi Attractions Pass / 3 Ticket – Explore the best of what Sydney has to offer. You can choose entry to 3 top attractions in and around Sydney. You have over 30 attractions to choose from and each attraction is valid for single entry only. The pass includes a full colour guide complete with map and attraction information. You can choose any 3 from the following attractions: Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye, AAT Kings Half Day City Sights Tours, Sydney Explorer Bus, Oz Jetboating, Madame Tussauds, Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Eco Hopper, Manly Bike Tours, The Rocks Walking Tour and much more.
Overnight in Sydney
Day 07: Sydney – Cairns
Post breakfast its time for you to be transferred to the airport for your flight out to Cairns. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax.
Overnight in Cairns
Day 08: Cairns
Today’s Highlights:
- Hot Air Balloon – The day begins very early this morning around 0500 hrs as you are escorted for a ride of your life on board the Hot Air Balloon. Experience the fun and unique sensation of being in a Hot Air Balloon, flying gently high above the Atherton Tablelands. The balloon takes off from Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn, spend 30 minutes floating in your Hot Air Balloon, time to really breathe in the wide-open spaces. It’s just like a balloon festival, every day!
- Green Island Reef Cruises – Later you will depart Cairns for Green Island an area where one of the Natural Wonders of the World is housed – the ONLY wonder that can be seen from the Moon!! – The Great Barrier Reef. Green Island is a beautiful coral cay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Green Island is a Marine National Park with unique rainforests, surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life. You will depart Green Island for Cairns. The rest of the evening is free for you.
Overnight in Cairns
Day 09: Cairns
Today’s Highlights:
- Kuranda Rail, Skyrail and Tjapukai – Wake up to breakfast this morning following which you are taken to visit the rainforests of Kuranda and the aboriginal experience at Tjapukai. Your driver will meet you at your hotel and check you in for your tour using your Kuranda Boarding Pass. The pass includes a detailed itinerary, pre-allocated preferential Kuranda Scenic Railway seating, map of Kuranda, and discounted entry into selected Kuranda attractions. On arrival, meet your Indigenous guide who will show you through the remainder of the park, including bush food demonstrations, didgeridoo demonstrations, movie theatres, fire making and the famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. At the scheduled time board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Once aboard, you will be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest. There are 2 stations enroute where you can alight and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts. Upon arrival in Kuranda Village, you have 2 hours free time to do your own exploring, the Kuranda Boarding Pass offers discounted entry into many of the Kuranda Attractions a detailed map of Kuranda including key points of interest. Later avoid the ticketing lines and board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Barron Gorge on your journey to Freshwater Station. Disembark at Fresh water Station where our coaches are waiting to return you to your accommodation. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax and unwind.
Overnight in Cairns
Day 10: Cairns – Gold Coast
Post breakfast its time for you to be transferred to the airport for your flight out to Brisbane / Gold Coast. Upon arrival you are met and are transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax.
Today’s Highlights:
- 4WDing Rainforest and Glow Worm Tour – Experience exciting night time 4WDing, local commentary on nocturnal flora and fauna, finished off with glow worms in their natural environment alongside secluded National Park Waterfall.
Overnight in Gold Coast
Day 11: Gold Coast
Today’s Highlights:
- Dreamworld is filled with a variety of rides, shows and attractions. So many worlds in one, it is home to The Big 8 Thrill Rides.
Overnight in Gold Coast
Day 12: Gold Coast
Today’s Highlights:
- Seaworld – Spend the entire day enjoying yourself at the various shows and rides here.
Overnight in Gold Coast
Day 13: Gold Coast
Its time to bid adios to your holiday in Australia as you head to the airport and onwards.