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Australia’s East Coast

A perfect itinerary for first time visitors to Australia who have a limited time to travel. With three night stays in Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns you’ll have plenty of time to explore these iconic places. Cruise on Sydney Harbour, see the stunning Blue Mountains, enjoy Australia’s cultural capital of Melbourne and see the spectacular Great Ocean Road - one of the world’s iconic coastal drives. Relax with three days in Cairns, visiting the Daintree - the world’s oldest rainforest and see where the rainforest meets the reef before spending a day snorkeling through the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrive Sydney (3 nights)

Day 2- Sydney City Tour

Day 3 - Blue Mountains Tour

Day 4 - Fly to Melbourne (3 nights)

Day 5 - Philip Island Wildlife Tour

Day 6 - Great Ocean Road

Day 7 - Fly to Cairns (3 nights)

Day 8 - Daintree Rainforest Experience

Day 9 - Great Barrier Reef

Day 10 - Fly Home or Extend Your Trip

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Australia

Upon arrival at Sydney’s modern Kingsford Smith International Airport you will be met by your driver and escorted to your centrally located hotel by private vehicle. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, to recover from the long journey and get a first taste of this exciting city.

Day 2 - Sydney City Tour

This morning you will enjoy a guided tour of Sydney. After meeting your guide in your hotel, you will visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, where you will take a short stroll and learn about some of Australia’s native flora. From here you can take that perfect photo of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

After driving through the lively neighborhoods of Kings Cross and Woolloomooloo, you will explore some of the beautiful secluded bays and see where the locals hang out.

No visit to Sydney would be complete without a visit to the iconic Bondi Beach where you will see surfers and enjoy the local beach vibe before returning to the city for a brief stop in Chinatown on the way back to your hotel.

Day 3 - Blue Mountains Tour

Today you will have an unforgettable experience touring the Blue Mountains. Approximately a two-hour drive east of the city, this world heritage site is named for the blue haze that appears from its eucalyptus trees. You will enjoy spectacular vistas of the amazing as we get off the beaten track, as well as enjoying a bird’s eye view of the area from the Scenic Cableway and Scenic Skyway cable cars before traveling up the steepest incline railway in the world - the Scenic Railway.

After lunch in the pretty village of Leura, you will visit the Sydney Olympic Park, site of the 2000 Olympic Games before boarding a ferry for a leisurely cruise back to the city center, passing under the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Day 4 - Fly to Melbourne

Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport is located 10 miles north of the city and an easy ride by private vehicle to your centrally located hotel. Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia and its art and culture capital. Although i’s a large city, it retains a vibrant neighborhood spirit, embodied in fierce sports rivalries of local sports teams. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city’s unique, bohemian neighborhoods with their many cafes, bars, restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops.

Melbourne also has Australia’s best selection of restaurants and nightlife for you to enjoy, as well as the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.

Day 5 - Philip Island Wildlife Tour

Today’s fascinating tour has a particular focus on wildlife, conservation and breathtaking scenery. We start with a visit to Churchill Island where you will gain an insight into the lives of the first settlers of this remote island. Next, is a visit to the Koala Conservation Centre where you are guaranteed close-up encounters with these marsupials in their natural habitat.

On the island’s south coast, you will be able to appreciate the full force of the Southern Ocean and possibly spot some penguin nests. A visit to the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre allows you time to walk to the penguin viewing platform to witness the animals surfing in on the waves.

Day 6 - Great Ocean Road

One of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world lies a short distance from Melbourne and is sure to be remembered as a highlight of your visit to the region. Today’s tour gives you time to enjoy some of the most spectacular views in Australia as you marvel at the ocean crashing onto the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles. You’ll also have the opportunity to walk through a eucalyptus forest, see native birds, wallabies and koalas up close and at the Split Point Lighthouse, depending on the season you may see whales, dolphins and kangaroos. Enjoy a lunch stop in the pretty town of Apollo Bay, with a backdrop of rolling hills on one side and white-sand beaches on the other, before returning to your hotel in the city.

Day 7 - Fly to Cairns

Welcome to Australia’s tropical north! Arguably the most beautiful part of the country, and home to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, you will find this region to be very warm, welcoming and laid-back. You will be met at the airport by your driver and escorted to your nearby hotel.

Day 8 - Daintree Rainforest Experience

The Daintree is the oldest living rainforest in the world and is a fascinating place to visit. This morning you will drive along a beautiful coastal road via Mossman to Cape Tribulation. Arriving at the Daintree River and the entrance to this lush region, you will begin with an informative river cruise where you will learn about the local estuarine crocodiles and other wildlife found here. You’ll experience an intimate view of the rainforest from an elevated boardwalk with a guide to explain the many varieties of flora and fauna surrounding you.

Following lunch, you’ll have a unique experience of hand feeding a kangaroo before enjoying a refreshing win in the pristine Emmagen Creek. At Cape Tribulation Beach you can experience where the rainforest meets the reef before returning to your hotel.

Day 9 - Fly/Cruise to the Barrier Reef

After a leisurely breakfast you will depart late morning for the heliport in the center of town from where you will be whisked away on a spectacular scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Landing on a floating platform on the outer reef you will have a couple of unforgettable hours to snorkel in the otherworldly beauty of the reef, surrounded by huge schools of brightly colored fish and pristine coral. After refreshments you will return to Cairns by boat.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, relaxing at your hotel’s pool or sampling some of the fine cuisine in the many nearby restaurants.

Day 10 - Depart for Home / Optional Extension

This morning you will be met by your driver and escorted to Cairns’ airport for your flight home, or to continue to another exciting part of Australia.

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Sydney - Parkroyal Darling Harbour - 4 Star - Luxury

Located on Darling Harbour, the Parkroyal offers premium accommodation within minutes of the city’s most well-known sights and attractions. Many of the hotel's rooms enjoy views over Darling Harbour and nearby landmarks such as Cockle Bay, King Street Wharf and the Sydney Convention Centre. Hotel facilities include a gymnasium and business center as well as a choice of dining options including 24-hour room service.

Sydney - Shangri-La Hotel Sydney - 5 star - Deluxe

The Shangri-La’s location offers stunning views of Sydney’s spectacular harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Sydney Opera House. It is positioned in an elevated location overlooking the interesting, historic Rocks district and offers spacious and inspired luxury guest rooms and suites, with the city center’s largest accommodations among Sydney hotels. In addition, the hotel offers some of the city’s best dining, including the Altitude Restaurant and Blu Bar, both offering spectacular views of the city.

Melbourne - Crown Promenade Melbourne - 4 Star - Luxury

Stylish, affordable, and contemporary. Located right in the heart of Melbourne's vibrant Southbank entertainment district and connected to the exciting Crown Entertainment Complex by a skybridge, this hotel is also close to the central business district, Melbourne Exhibition Centre as well as the city's most famous arts and sporting facilities. The property features spacious, modern rooms with great views overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne city or the Yarra River.

Melbourne - Park Hyatt Melbourne - 5 star - Deluxe

Overlooking Fitzroy Gardens and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Park Hyatt is Melbourne’s premier luxury hotel. Located in the heart of the city’s central business district it offers a warm ambience and exceptional levels of personalized service. Hotel facilities include outstanding rooms and suites, the award-winning Radii restaurant and the Park Club Health & Day Spa which features an indoor pool with Grecian mural. A stay at this excellent hotel is sure to be a highlight of your visit to this exciting and vibrant city.

Cairns/Great Barrier Reef - QT Port Douglas - 4.5 Star - Luxury

This vibrant resort boasts quirky design and two hip new food and bar experiences – an interactive marketplace kitchen and a cool cocktail bar. Set in lush tropical gardens just minutes from the town of Port Douglas and Four Mile Beach, the hotel offers a range of stylish hotel rooms. Guests can enjoy the beautiful lagoon-style pool, designer spa and enjoy watching movies in the exclusive outdoor cinema during the cooler the winter months.

Cairns/Great Barrier Reef - Thala Beach Nature Reserve - 5 Star - Deluxe

Thala is a beautiful, luxuryhotel set in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting close to the natural attractions of Cairns, Port Douglas and offering easy access by boat or aircraft to the Great Barrier Reef. Located an easy 45-minute drive north of Cairns airport and just south of the town of Port Douglas, the hotel offers eco-friendly accommodation options throughout a 145-acre property. All rooms are luxuriously furnished and offer either lush jungle or tropical ocean views. The hotel’s restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine and spectacular uninterrupted Coral Sea views.

Optional Extensions

Kangaroo Island (2-3 nights)

This beautiful island in South Australia has a huge variety of different landscapes and environments. It’s also Australia’s leading wildlife destination and a fantastic place to experience some soft adventure while you walk amongst fur seals on the beach at Seal Bay, see koalas up close and marvel at the large numbers of kangaroos. This is a wonderful destination for any nature lover.

Tasmania (3-4 nights)

Located in far south-east Australia the island of Tasmania could practically qualify as a separate continent in itself due to its unparalleled diversity. The pristine serenity, spectacular beauty and clean air of its rugged coastlines and mountains make it a destination like no other. There’s amazing wildlife here, great food and wine and a rich history, as well as beautiful beaches, stunning scenery everywhere you look and some of the best walks in the world.

Uluru / Ayers Rock (2-3 nights)

A visit to this iconic destination is a must. In addition to seeing this awe-inspiring monolith up close, you can connect with the world’s oldest culture on a guided Aboriginal cultural tour. Your Aboriginal guide will give you a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Australia’s first people sharing with you stories of dreamtime legends. Dine under the stars with the backdrop of Uluru in the peaceful surroundings of the desert or take an unforgettable hot air balloon or helicopter ride over the area for a truly unforgettable view.

3, 4 or 7-night Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef

This unforgettable small vessel (44 passengers) cruise to the outer Barrier Reef will allow you to see parts of this pristine ecosystem rarely visited by day trippers from the coast. Every day you will visit a different reef, where you can snorkel, swim or SCUBA dive among coral and fish in clear, tropical waters. A resident marine biologist is on board to give briefings and explanations to further help you learn more about this amazing place. Your spacious and stylish en-suite private accommodation on board features large picture windows and fresh, creative local food is served in the dining room. Attentive service is always on hand from your friendly, well trained Australian and New Zealand crew.

Fully guided, private tours are priced from:

Luxury - US$5595 per person (4 star hotels)

Deluxe - US$7350 per person (5 star hotels)

Ultra-Luxe - US$9995 per person

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double room in low season.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of our representatives while in Australia
All transportation and tours as described in the itinerary in air-conditioned vehicles
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.)