12-Day Itinerary

October 27     Melbourne

Arrive in Melbourne, one of Australia’s biggest cities and home to many cultural institutions, to begin your introduction to Oceania. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character.

October 28    Melbourne    (B, L)

Today, embark on a full-day Great Ocean Road tour. Experience this majestic coastal drive in style, with time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous route. Stay on the lookout for some very special animals including whales, dolphins, echidnas and bandicoots. Stop at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town set amongst the soft rolling hills for lunch. Enjoy a walk in the forest of the Otway Ranges. Cap off your day with a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Return to Melbourne, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.

October 29    Melbourne    (B)

Take a morning city tour to discover Melbourne – a city of contrasts, world-famous sporting arenas and historic gardens. Visit the famous Albert Park, home of the Australian Grand Prix and Formula One, as well as the inner-city sports precinct, home to the famous MCG and Melbourne Park where the Australian Tennis Open takes place. You can even take a stroll in the gardens and visit St Patrick’s Cathedral when permitted. Your tour will finish at Eureka Tower (admission at own expense), where you can discover this attraction at your own leisure. You may choose to take the super-speedy elevator to Eureka Skydeck 88, scraping Melbourne’s awe-inspiring skyline where you will be spoiled with 360-degree views of the city, Port Phillip Bay and out to the Dandenongs and the Yarra Valley. Make your own way to your Melbourne accommodation.

This afternoon, travel to Phillip Island to witness the evening ritual of the Penguin Parade. Stop at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles. Travel onto Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and our famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the island, depending on the time of year and your particular interests, you will visit Woolamai Beach to see surfers riding the waves. From here, you go to the western corner of the island to enjoy magnificent views of Bass Strait and the Nobbies which is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. Witness the natural phenomena of the Penguin Parade on floodlit Summerland Beach. You will head to the Visitor Centre to shop, and meander along the boardwalk to the Penguin Plus viewing platform where you will see the little penguins come ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows. Return to Melbourne, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.

October 30    Alice Springs    (B)

Bid farewell to Melbourne as you take a short flight to Alice Springs, the country’s best-known outback town which was originally a telegraph station. On a tour of this lively town, visit The School of the Air, where you will learn how children who cannot access schools are educated by radio. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station, which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service, where you will see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote ‘outback’. Visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can see up close and maybe touch some of the lizards and snakes that frequent Central Australia’s semi-arid desert, such as the Perentie Lizard and the Thorny Devil. The tour concludes with a panoramic view of the township of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be transferred to your Alice Springs accommodation.

October 31    Uluru (Ayers Rock)    (B, D)

Depart this morning to travel to the magnificent rock formation called Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock), a site sacred to the Aboriginal people of the area and one of the country’s most recognisable natural icons. Discover the incredible Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on a walking tour through the Olga Gorge. This massive pile of rock domes dates back 500 million years. Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great Aboriginal cultural significance for the Anangu traditional landowners. Learn about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of the area. Tonight, experience the internationally renowned Sounds of Silence dinner as you dine under the stars and are enveloped by the serenity of the outback desert.

November 1    Cairns    (B)

Begin your day with the special opportunity to witness Uluru at sunrise. See the magnificent show of colour as the sun’s rays strike the mighty monolith, then enjoy an Outback picnic breakfast. Drive to Mutitjulu Waterhole then tour the base of Uluru to see ancient cave paintings and learn about Aboriginal legends and history. Transfer back to your accommodations before departing for the airport for your short flight to Cairns.

November 2    Cairns    (B, L)

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on a day-long excursion. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, encompassing 900 islands and stretching more than 2,300 kilometres. Admire the coral and the incredible underwater wildlife from the comfort of a glass-bottomed boat or up close with the snorkelling equipment provided.

November 3    Cairns    (B)

Enjoy a leisurely day on your own to explore Cairns.

November 4    Sydney    (B)

Fly to Sydney, Australia’s most populous city. On a tour of Sydney, visit the historic Rocks area and hear early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. See the shopping heart of the city, the Queen Victoria Building and visit Sydney’s trendy Oxford Street district. Travel through elegant Paddington with its terrace houses before arriving at the Pacific Ocean where you will see the superb coastal cliff walk around Tamarama and Bronte. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach, visit the beachfront promenade and enjoy a coffee or cool drink (own expense). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and Sydney’s best panoramic view at Dover Heights. Return to the city via Double Bay, Kings Cross and Mrs Macquarie’s Point for a final magical viewpoint over the harbour. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be dropped at either the Circular Quay or Darling Harbour precinct. Then you will make your own way to your accommodation.

November 5    Sydney    (B, L)

This morning, take a walking tour of the historical area of Sydney known as the Rocks. Explore Sydney’s sandstone heritage through hidden narrow back alleys, shady courtyards, and cobblestone lanes. View some of Sydney’s oldest dwellings; places lived in by the ‘well-to-do’ and the working class along with a visit to the gothic Garrison Church. Still to be seen today are the pubs once frequented by the locals and sailors alike and the haunts of the cutthroats and rogues. At the end of your tour, make your way to Circular Quay Wharf No.6 for a luncheon cruise through Sydney’s spectacular harbour. A lunch cruise is the best way to combine million-dollar harbour views with spectacular dining. There is no commentary to disrupt the flow of conversation and the menu is 2-course Contemporary Australian a la carte. Later, disembark for a Sydney Opera House tour.

November 6    Sydney    (B, L)

Today, travel to the Blue Mountains. Stop at Calmsley Hill, a working farm also home to kangaroo, emu, wombat and koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas and enjoy a stress and hurry-free environment. Arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous Three Sisters. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. Stop at Blackheath and enjoy a 2-course lunch (tea, coffee and beverages can be purchased at your own expense). Visit a selection of lookouts. Experience the view of Govetts Leap and the magnificent waterfall. Stop briefly to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you will enjoy sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to Sydney. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your Sydney accommodation.

November 7   Departure   (B)

Bid farewell to Sydney as you fly on to New Zealand.

4-Day Itinerary

November 4    Sydney    (B)

Welcome to Sydney, Australia’s most populous city. Depending on when your flight arrives, take some time at leisure to enjoy the city or to catch up on some sleep at your hotel.

November 5    Sydney    (B)

On a tour of Sydney, visit the historic Rocks area and hear early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. See the shopping heart of the city, the Queen Victoria Building and visit Sydney’s trendy Oxford Street district. Travel through elegant Paddington with its terrace houses before arriving at the Pacific Ocean where you will see the superb coastal cliff walk around Tamarama and Bronte. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach, visit the beachfront promenade and enjoy a coffee or cool drink (own expense). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and Sydney’s best panoramic view at Dover Heights. Return to the city via Double Bay, Kings Cross and Mrs Macquarie’s Point for a final magical viewpoint over the harbour. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be dropped at either the Circular Quay or Darling Harbour precinct. Later, visit the Sydney Opera House for a tour of this famous landmark.

November 6    Sydney    (B, L)

Today, travel to the Blue Mountains. Stop at Calmsley Hill, a working farm also home to kangaroo, emu, wombat and koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas and enjoy a stress and hurry-free environment. Arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous Three Sisters. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. Stop at Blackheath and enjoy a 2-course lunch (tea, coffee and beverages can be purchased at your own expense). Visit a selection of lookouts. Experience the view of Govetts Leap and the magnificent waterfall. Stop briefly to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you will enjoy sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to Sydney. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your Sydney accommodation.

November 7   Departure   (B)

Bid farewell to Sydney as you fly on to New Zealand.