Australian Highlights Tour

Day 1: Melbourne

Upon arrival into Melbourne Airport, we’ll pick you up and take you to your hotel via a private driver.

It’s then time to check in and relax at your hotel. One of our favourite hotels is The Ovolo, designed and inspired by the hidden laneways and gems for which Melbourne is well known. Located within the heart of the city and steps away from Parliament House and the treasury gardens, Ovolo offers effortless living without being away from the action of the city. And we particularly like the Ovolo’s free mini-bar in the room.

Day 2: Melbourne

After a relaxing night’s sleep it’s time to explore. Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local cafe you were told of and ended up missing everything? Melbourne’s arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. We’ll take you on an indulgent morning walk through Melbourne’s beautiful back streets and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love.

Discover local designers and specialty retailers that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture and historical tales are found in these walkways. There is something for everyone, local and visitors alike. Morning tea is included before a restaurant lunch accompanied by a glass of Australian wine. See over 50 stores on this casual stroll and return to those you like best in the afternoon. Make a day of it in marvellous Melbourne.

Overnight in Melbourne.

Day 3: Melbourne

After breakfast, you have the chance to set off to explore the wildlife that Australia is famous for. In small groups this naturalist-guided ecotour gives you quality time to learn about wildlife and enjoy the wide open spaces of Australia.

Get close to kangaroos, koalas and abundant birdlife. You’ll see the special Koala Research Project which ensures that you’ll often have multiple sightings of these delightful creatures in the wild. A delicious bush lunch is included.

Walk amongst large free-ranging mobs (groups) of wild kangaroos. Spot Emus, Wallabies, Cockatoos and other unique Australian wildlife in the sweeping grasslands and around the billabongs of Melbourne’s Western Plains.

Visit an open forest in a National Park that is home to a large and healthy population of wild koalas. During your journey, your guide will share with you the great significance of the Western Plains to Aboriginal people.

Overnight in Melbourne.

Day 4: Melbourne to Adelaide

After breakfast, you’ll check out from your hotel and take a private car to Melbourne Airport for your onward flight to Adelaide.

After the short flight, you’ll be met by your driver who will take you to your hotel.

At the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, you’ll find an inner city hotel that oozes personality and charm. Created with the discerning traveller in mind, the interiors of this 120 room hotel are an envied mix of cosmopolitan class and a flow-through of space and light. Location is key. A few steps from the foyer will put you in the heart of the vibrant East End with the CBD and Rundle Mall just a short stroll away.

If 5* luxury is what you’re after we suggest the boutique Mayfair Hotel which is in the heart of the city and its stunning design is complemented by innovative food and wine and accompanied by locally made products and furnishings.

Day 5: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Today it’s time to embark on an adventure to Kangaroo Island. Join an early morning scenic coach drive through the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis where you will board the SeaLink ferry for your 45-minute cruise to Kangaroo Island.

On the full day Seal Bay Discovery tour, our first visit is Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery. After lunch marvel at the natural hunting abilities of the Birds of Prey before taking a guided beach walk among a breeding colony of rare Australian sea lions.

Then it’s on to Parndana Wildlife Park before we drive to Island Pure Sheep Dairy, a unique and fascinating farm producing delicious yogurts and cheeses with tastings available followed by a transfer to your chosen accommodation.

If you’re looking for ultimate luxury then make sure you ask us to book you into Southern Ocean Lodge.  With everything included, you can try numerous wines and sumptuous food whilst looking over the most gorgeous panoramas of the ocean. In fact it’s so good that we’d suggest you ask us to book you two nights here if you can!

Day 6: Kangaroo Island to Adelaide

After a morning pick-up from your chosen accommodation, begin the full day Remarkably Wild tour experiencing the Clifford’s Honey Farm before traveling on to Kelly Hill Caves where a National Parks Guide will escort you deep into this fascinating cave system.

After lunch, we drive a short distance to Flinders Chase National Park. Walk along boardwalks to the spectacular Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch. We then head to Kingscote to witness the daily pelican feeding.

Your Kangaroo Island Coast to Coast adventure comes to a conclusion when you take the ferry back to Adelaide.

Day 7: Adelaide to Ayers Rock

We’ll pick you up after breakfast for a flight to Ayers Rock.

You’ll be staying at the luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic, Longitude 131 which offers immersion in the wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, complete with 5-star luxury and private views of the sun rising and setting over Uluru (Ayers Rock).

In the crisp, white linen of a king-sized bed you find the serene, silent sleep of the desert. Above the sweeping canopy of your palatial tent floats a greater canopy, endless and sparkling with constellations brimming with Anangu, (local Aboriginal people), tales and stories. This kind of relaxation and isolation is a rarity and so enjoy the experience. As one of only 30 guests, you’ll awake to your own private view.

Undoubtedly a highlight of your trip, your room will feature a spacious ensuite bathroom with oversized rain shower and a moving wall panel, so that the spectacular view may be enjoyed from every angle. Each room is equipped with a complimentary in-suite bar and your stay includes all your meals, your entry to the National Park and pick up and drop off from the airport.

Day 8: Ayers Rock

Unwind once more, topping up your tan and taking in the stunning surroundings. Perhaps take a morning walk, or simply relax with a book by the pool.

Day 9: Ayers Rock to Port Douglas

In the afternoon you’ll be driven to the airport for a flight to Cairns.  Upon arrival your driver will take you to Port Douglas to check in to the exclusive Coconut Grove apartments.

Port Douglas is a cosmopolitan village by the sea, surrounded by rainforest and with the magnificent Four Mile Beach. Holidaymakers love Port Douglas for its front door access to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage rainforests as well as the number of boutiques, shopping and other activities.

Overnight in Port Douglas.

Day 10: Port Douglas

You will be picked up from your apartment to explore Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge.

Visit the Mossman Gorge Gateway Centre and enjoy an indigenous presentation by the traditional owners of the gorge, the Kuku Yalanji people before boarding your eco shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge. Your guide will take you for a guided walk sharing their knowledge of this enchanting rainforest environment. Learn about the fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

Then it’s on to Cape Tribulation where you will walk on this world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout.

Enjoy a short walk along a delightful rainforest creek before a delicious tropical lunch.

It’s then off to the Alexandra Lookout: After winding through the rainforest of the Alexandra Range, enjoy this spectacular lookout over the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island and beyond to the Coral Sea.

You’ll then explore the Daintree River on a short cruise learning about the wildlife and environment, habitat of birds, tree snakes, unique plants and of course the estuarine crocodile.

Overnight in Port Douglas.

Day 11: Port Douglas

Today it’s your chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll be picked up and taken to Agincourt Reef, at the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognized as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment.

Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. Enjoy a tropical smorgasbord lunch on board as well as the chance to snorkel. View coral in the semi-submersible and explore the underwater observatory as well as an informative talk by a marine biologist.

Overnight in Port Douglas.

Day 12: Port Douglas

The day is yours to explore and relax. In the late afternoon you will embark on sunset sailing trip of the Great Barrier Reef whilst enjoying canapes. The hour and a half trip allows you to soak up the peace and tranquility of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea with spectacular mountain views.

Overnight in Port Douglas.

Day 13: Port Douglas to Sydney

After breakfast, it’s time to jet off to the capital of Australia, Sydney. Your driver will take you to Cairns airport for a flight to Sydney.

Upon arrival, we’ll pick you up and take you to your hotel.

If you want 5* luxury then check in to the Sheraton on the Park which is in the heart of the city and overlooks Hyde Park. For those of you who prefer to be closer to Oxford Street, the premier gay street in Sydney then we have options there too.

Alternatively, go in style and stay at a hotel overlooking Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

Day 14: Sydney

Today it’s your chance to explore Sydney with a full day of exploring by sea and land.

Begin your day with a sensational Sydney Cruise that visits the harbour’s stand out attractions. Take in the sights and delights with a small group whilst navigating the waterways of Sydney harbor.  Your informative captain and crew will entertain you throughout your two hour morning cruise.

In the afternoon, set off on a trip around Sydney. You’ll visit its trendy districts, superb coastal cliff walks and famous Bondi Beach.

Day 15: Sydney

This afternoon take a ferry to stunning Manly Beach and then venture out to the scenic North Head. Take in the coastal cliffs with the city skyline in the background, and depending on the time of year, maybe catch a glimpse of the endangered little penguins or migrating humpback whales.

After the ride, sit back and take in the beautiful Sydney sunset behind the Opera House, Harbor Bridge, and city skyline as we cruise back on the ferry.

Day 16: Sydney

The day is yours to explore at leisure. There’s so much to do in Sydney just ask us about added extras. Perhaps a helicopter tour or a walk up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Whatever you’d like to do we can probably sort it for you.

Overnight in Sydney.

Day 17: Departure

It’s time to bid farewell and fly back to Sydney for your onward journey. We’ll drive you to the airport, naturally, but of course if you’d like to stay a bit longer then we can arrange that too.