Days 1 to 3 – Your adventure begins in Sydney.

Explore this beautiful and historic city. Perhaps visit the botanical gardens, the observatory, George Street, or wander around the historic ‘Rocks’ are where you can find many galleries, shops and cafes. There’s no better way to see the sights of Sydney Harbour than on a harbour cruise. Don’t miss the Opera House, where you can catch a show, or take a backstage tour. Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly Beach, the famous Bondi Beach and Luna Park are other top spots to visit.
5 nights Sydney

Day 4 – Day Tour to the Blue Mountains

Escape the city and enjoy the tranquillity of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains on this day trip from Sydney. Enjoy a guided bush walk and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation standing tall over Jamison Valley. See kangaroos up close and koalas at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Finish your day with a leisurely cruise down the Parramatta River and into Sydney Harbour.

Day 5 – Sydney

Enjoy more free time in Sydney.

Day 6 – Fly to Cairns

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival in the Tropical North, collect your car at the airport and drive one hour north to Port Douglas.
5 nights Port Douglas.

Day 7 – Outer Great Barrier Reef snorkel cruise

Great for beginners, non-swimmers and first-time visitors to Tropical North Queensland cruise to Agincourt Reef from Port Douglas. You can watch fish feeding, go on a snorkelling expedition, try scuba diving, view the coral and marine life on a semi-submersible submarine, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch.

Days 8 to 10 – Tropical North

Free time to explore the area or relax at the beach. Perhaps take the Kuranda scenic rail into this quaint mountain village where you can enjoy a canopy walk or the butterfly house. From there you can take the Skyrail cable car back down over the treetops of the rainforest towards the stunning beaches below. Head up to Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation, where Captain Cook’s ship ran into trouble and explore the stunning Daintree National Park.

Day 11 – Fly to Melbourne

On arrival in Melbourne transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free evening.
4 nights Melbourne

Days 12 & 13 – Melbourne

Free time to explore this vibrant city and cultural heart of Australia. Why not visit the Botanical gardens, Flinders Street historical rail station, Wander around the old town, perhaps visit the immigration museum for a fascinating insight into the early history of modern Australia. Walk along the new promenade of the South Bank or take the train to bohemian St Kilda. Hop on a train out to Brighton Beach and relax in front of the colourful beach huts, or take a tour out to the Dandenong Ranges on Australia’s favourite steam train; Puffing Billy.

Day 14 – Day Tour to Phillip Island Penguin, Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary

See all the world-class attractions of Phillip Island in one day on this small-group eco-tour from Melbourne. Departing Melbourne at midday, you’ll travel to the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes for an opportunity to visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Get up close to koalas and other Australian animals at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. The highlight of your Phillip Island experience will begin at dusk as you watch the fairy penguins waddling up the beach into their burrows in the sand dunes.

Days 15 to 17 – Great Ocean Road

Collect your car from the downtown depot and head to the iconic Great Ocean Road. Travel west past the famous Bells Beach, the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge rock formations, maybe stop along the way to spot Koala in the trees and take a scenic helicopter flight. On the 3rd day of your road trip turn inland to the stunning Grampian Mountains where you can stop for the night at Halls Gap.
1 night Apollo Bay
1 night Port Fairy
1 night Halls Gap

Day 18 – Ballarat

On your way back to Melbourne or to the airport spend the day at the historic Gold Rush city of Ballarat and experience the 19th-century gold-fever for yourself at the Sovereign Hill open-air museum.
1 night Ballarat

Day 19 – Melbourne / airport

More time?
Why not extend your trip and add in stops at Brisbane, the unique Frazer Island, the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, or continue your road trip along the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide. Ask for further information and suggestions. Great Rail Journeys are also available.