Discover Australia

Day 1: Perth

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

It’s then time to check in and relax at your hotel. The luxurious five-star Terrace Perth Hotel is in the heart of the city.

Day 2: Perth

=Set off after breakfast on a tour that takes in all key attractions and historical points of interest. You begin the day at the beautiful Kings Park botanical gardens where you will have time to experience a walk through the tree’s canopies on the Tree Top Walkway giving you a birdseye view of Perth’s city skyline.

Later, continue to one of Perth’s best beaches Cottesloe Beach before arriving at the historic port town of Fremantle. Time is allowed here for you to walk down the main street, enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes or perhaps find a bargain at the markets which run at weekends.

Then join a Swan River Cruise back to Perth with Captain Cook Cruises. Onboard, relax into the panoramic scenery of Perth as you enjoy a Western Australian wine tasting whilst cruising by extravagant waterfront houses of Millionaires Row.

Day 3: Perth

After breakfast, it’s time for an adventure day. You will explore the world-renowned Pinnacles Desert, an amazing moon-like landscape. Other highlights of this exciting day include off-road driving and sandboarding on huge white sand dunes, swimming in the Indian Ocean (weather permitting), hand-feeding kangaroos, touching and photographing koalas and viewing native wildflowers.

After stopping at Caversham Wildlife Park in the Swan Valley to view koalas and hand-feed kangaroos, travel to the lobster fishing town of Cervantes for lunch. You’ll stop at the Lobster Shack for an informative talk about the lobster industry, followed by a self-guided tour through the purpose-built factory. Then it’s onwards to the mystical Pinnacles Desert for an easy-paced walk through the fascinating landscape where you will be in awe of the sheer size and number of these spires. Afterwards, enjoy a thrilling experience of sandboarding and 4×4 driving over the vast sand dunes of Lancelin.

Day 4: Perth to Adelaide

After breakfast, you’ll check out from your hotel and take a transfer to Perth Airport for your onward flight to Adelaide. After the short flight, you’ll be met by your private 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 traveler 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 to Cape Jervis where you will board the ferry for your 45-minute cruise to Kangaroo Island.

On arrival onto Kangaroo Island, enjoy the scenic drive to the Seal Bay Conservation Park. Here you can walk on the beach among a colony of rare and wild Australian Sea Lions with a National Parks Ranger. Head to Vivonne Bay for a two-course lunch, followed by a spectacular free-flight display of Australian Birds of Prey.

Spend the afternoon at Flinders Chase National Park, renowned as a sanctuary for native Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and echidnas. The tour of the park will take you to the rugged southern coastline for a walk on Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch. Remarkable Rocks provides great photographic opportunities and stunning sea views. Admiral’s Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal this spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery and safe haven for playful New Zealand fur seals that can be seen resting, swimming and playing in the waves or on the rocks.

Return to Kingscote Airport for the flight to Adelaide.

Day 6: Adelaide

Today you’ll get a chance to go beyond the cellar door and onto rugged 4WD tracks throughout the Fleurieu Peninsula where guests can truly discover the myriad of attractions that this beautiful region has to offer.

You will not only be treated to the world-class food and wine over lunch that has put the region on the map, but will also discover the unspoiled beaches, breathtaking coastlines, and pristine bushland hidden throughout the region.

Day 7: Adelaide to Melbourne

Your driver will pick you up after breakfast for a flight to Melbourne.

Upon arrival, you will head to a beautiful 5* hotel in the heart of the city.

The rest of the day is yours to explore this cool and contemporary city.

Day 8: Melbourne

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 Marvelous Melbourne.

Day 9: Melbourne

Today it’s your chance to explore the stunning world renowned Great Ocean Road. Pass through and learn a little about Victoria’s second largest city, Geelong, on your way down towards the Surf Coast, with its enchanting beach side towns and powerful swells.

At Bells Beach, stop to appreciate this world famous surfing break and to immerse yourselves in a bit of the local surfing culture. This is truly one of the world’s premier surfing spots and attracts board-riders from far and wide. Departing Bells Beach set out along the Great Ocean Road itself, as the experienced driver-guide provides an informative commentary about the road’s history and its place in Australian folklore.

The scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road is a highlight in itself. Absorb some truly amazing coastal scenery, with new views being revealed around every bend. Make plenty of scenic stops, including of course a photo opportunity at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View.

At the township of Kennet River make a brief side trip into the sweetly-scented eucalyptus forest to locate some of the local koalas in the native habitat. The koala population here is particularly strong and numerous sightings are guaranteed.

After lunch in Apollo Bay, follow the Great Ocean Road away from the ocean and into the mountains. The tour proceeds through the spectacular Otway Ranges, where you stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool temperate rainforest at Maits Rest.

And then it’s onwards to the world-famous Port Campbell National Park and its iconic array of rock formations. You’ll be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the Twelve Apostles.

After a few more scenic stops you’ll return to Melbourne.

Day 10: Melbourne to Ayers Rock

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your onward flight to Ayers Rock.

You’ll be picked up and taken to the Desert Garden Hotel. Magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs are the setting for this lovely hotel. You can relax in the comfort of your own private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the hotel’s refreshing pool, sipping on cocktails from the Bunya bar. And it’s only a short stroll to Desert Gardens’ numerous lookouts, where you can view what is said to be Australia’s best sunset, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert.

Tonight you’ll get to watch the sunset over Uluru. Your guide will take you into the national park and you’ll have the chance to wander in the tranquil surroundings. You will see the rock art of the ancients and learn how Uluru was, and still is, a significant location for teaching young Aboriginal people. You then adjourn to the new Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area where you will observe an uninterrupted view of Uluru with Kata Tjuta in the background.

Day 11: Ayers Rock

Your guide will meet you at your hotel before sunrise. Departing the resort the tour will travel through the landscape to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. From there is it a 40km journey through the desert landscape to the mighty rock formation. On arrival at the viewing area you walk to the best vantage point to see the 36 domes that comprise this spiritual place while watching the sun’s morning glow as the desert comes alive. Then you’ll make your way to the western side of Kata Tjuta where you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast.

As you approach the entrance to Walpa Gorge, named for the wind (Walpa) that whistles between the massive domes that shape Kata Tjuta, the result of eons of weathering and continual upheaval, your guide will share the significance of this men’s sacred ceremonial site. Take a stroll between these mighty conglomerate rock walls as your guide explains how the environment and the geology has evolved over millions of years. You’ll then return to your resort to have a relaxing afternoon.

In the evening you’ll return to Kata Tjuta. You will be set down at a desert dune where you will sip champagne and listen to the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo while watching a magnificent sunset over Kata Tjuta. When the sun has finally set, lanterns will be lit and a Northern Territory gourmet barbecue will be served. After dinner, the lights will go down revealing a star filled sky, clearer and brighter than most city dwellers will ever see. The resident Astronomer will then introduce you to the magnificent constellations, stars and planets that make-up the skies of the Southern Hemisphere before you return to your hotel for a restful night.

Day 12: Ayers Rock to Cairns

Return to Ayers Rock airport for your flight to Cairns. You’ll be picked up in Cairns and check in to a suite at the Cairns Plaza Hotel which includes your own lounge.

Overnight in Cairns.

Day 13: Cairns

Today you’ll set off early and embark on a cruise on board a 20m Ocean Freedom catamaran to explore Upolu Cay and the outer edge Upolu Reef.

Its protected shallow waters make it the perfect location from which to explore the reef, for both snorkelers and certified and introductory scuba divers.

You’ll get six hours on the reef as well as a smorgasbord lunch, snorkeling equipment and a glass bottom boat tour.

Overnight in Cairns.

Day 14: Cairns

Today you’ll set off on your own walkabout! After arriving at Mossman Gorge, you will be treated to a guided rainforest walk along private, easy-graded tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over cool rainforest streams.

At lunch you’ll enjoy a speciality Barramundi lunch in this beautiful oasis amidst the rainforest, overlooking the Mossman River.

After lunch, you will enjoy a fascinating hour cruising through the Daintree River and its wildlife environment, which is home to birds, tree snakes, unique plants and the estuarine crocodile – a great photo opportunity.

Day 15: Cairns to Sydney

We’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to Sydney.

We’ll then drive you into the city to check in to the lovely Cambridge Hotel, located close to gay-friendly Oxford Street. Alternatively, we would suggest considering an upgrade to a 5* overlooking Sydney harbour.

Overnight in Sydney.

Day 16: Sydney

Today you’ll explore the best of Sydney. Colonial history, stunning architecture, superb waterways and friendly people epitomise the vibrancy of this spectacular city. On this morning’s tour, see the many contrasts – from the traditional Victorian architecture of the Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building (worth an interior visit on your own) to the modern skyscrapers of the business district; from the sweeping design of the Opera House to the modern development of Darling Harbour.

Drive past the Botanic Gardens to Lady Macquarie’s Chair for views of the harbour and the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and then head out to the exclusive eastern suburbs, passing Kings Cross en route to Vaucluse and Double Bay. Continue to the Heads, famous Bondi Beach and historic Paddington with its iron railed town houses, arriving at Circular Quay Wharf to board your lunch cruise round the harbour.

The sensational seafood buffet lunch includes a delicious selection of fresh seafood, gourmet roasts, chef’s daily specials, crisp salads and seasonal fruit plus a selection of divine desserts and Australian cheeses. You can disembark at King Street Wharf at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay in the city. Make your own way back to your hotel at your leisure.

Overnight in Sydney.

Day 17: Sydney

Today you’ll get a chance to explore The Blue Mountains. You’ll journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. From temperate rainforests to towering sandstone escarpments, you’ll see and experience it all. You’ll visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region. Your first stop in the morning is at Featherdale Wildlife Park where we arrive before any other tourists to meet the native Australian animals here – you can actually get up close and personal, stroke a koala and hand feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus.

As you head into the mountains you’ll travel through the picturesque village of Wentworth Falls with spectacular views over the Jamison Valley and the magnificent waterfall for which it is named. You’ll stop here to take in the views and take a leisurely walk to see the waterfalls. Continuing on you’ll arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous Three Sisters.

At lunch, you’ll dine at the historic Boiler House Cafe with spectacular views and a relaxing 2-course cafe style lunch. The afternoon is spent visiting more stunning locations including Govetts Leap where the magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff.

The last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens where you will stop to enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before returning back to your hotel.

Day 18: Sydney

Day at leisure to relax at the beach or explore further.

Discover Sydney’s vibrant neighborhoods, relax at Bondi Beach, or indulge in some last-minute shopping. Sydney has so much to see and do.

Day 19

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.