Classic Australia

Sample itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Canada

Depart today, you will cross the International Dateline and ‘lose’ a day (don’t worry you get it back on your way home).

Day 3: Arrive in Melbourne, Australia

G’Day and welcome to Australia and to the city of Melbourne, Victoria.  After arrival, the remainder of your day is spent at your leisure. Stay in Melbourne for 4 nights.

Days 4-7: Melbourne, Victoria

Welcome to Melbourne, a city of contrasts, world-famous sporting arenas, historic gardens, historic lanes and arcades and excellent local cuisine. There is much to see and do in this lively city and the surrounding region, you may choose to go to the Great Ocean Road scenic coastal drive, see the Little Penguins return at dusk on Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula or the famous Yarra Valley wine region. We have included the following excursion to get you started exploring:

Melbourne city tour – discover the sights and learn about Melbourne’s fascinating history on a small group tour. Visit Federation Square, the MCG and sports precinct, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Albert Park Lake and St Kilda Beach. You can take a stroll in the gardens and visit St Patrick’s Cathedral when permitted. Visit Albert Park, home of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix as well as the inner-city sports precinct, home to the famous MCG and Melbourne Park where the Australian Tennis Open takes place. Your tour finishes at Eureka Tower where you can take the elevator to Eureka Skydeck 88 for 360 degree views of the city, Port Phillip Bay and out to the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley or take a leisurely Yarra River Cruise (Eureka tower or Yarra cruise optional, additional cost).

Day 7: Melbourne – Cairns

Make your way to the airport for your flight north to Cairns. After arriving in Cairns, the rest of today is free. You will stay in Cairns for 4 nights.

Days 8-10: Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to explore the tropical north Queensland region including World-Heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest.  There is much to see and do in the area, we have included the following excursion to get you started:

Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise – Spend a day exploring this World-Heritage marvel up close. Snorkelling is one of the best ways to view the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef! Travel to the pristine outer reef and locations chosen for their water clarity, coral density and overall quality of marine life. Snorkeling equipment is provided with tuition for beginners and easy reef access from large water level platforms.

Day 11: Cairns – Sydney

Make your way to the airport for your flight south to Sydney. After arriving in Sydney, the balance of your day is at leisure. You will stay in Sydney for 4 nights.

Days 12-14: Sydney, New South Wales

Enjoy a combination of excursions and free time while in Sydney. There is  so much to see and do in this iconic city and beyond in New South Wales! Enjoy a beach day at one of the many beaches from Bronte Beach to Bondi, explore different neighborhoods, take a tour or performance at the incredible Sydney Opera House, explore the wilderness area of the Blue Mountains National Park or the Hunter Valley wine region!  We have included the following two excursions during your stay to get you started exploring:

Historic Heart of Sydney tour – Join a 90 minute walking tour of ‘The Rocks’ precinct to get up close and personal with the living history and heritage of Sydney. This includes lively tales from a colourful past when the area was inhabited by the first convicts in 1788, forever impacting the local Indigenous peoples way of life. See historic storehouses, public and working class cottages.

Sydney Harbour Lunch cruise – Enjoy 3 relaxing hours cruising Sydney Harbour to enjoy lunch, live commentary an excellent city views from the water. Discover secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours, including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more.

Day 15: Depart Sydney, Australia

Farewell Australia today as your vacation comes to an end. Return home to Canada.

Optional Island Extension – Sydney (Australia) – Rarotonga (Cook Islands)

If you choose to add the optional island stay, instead of flying home today you will fly to the Cook Islands (via Auckland).  On arrival in Rarotonga you will be met and transferred to your island accommodation.  The rest of your day is free.

Days 16-19: Rarotonga

You have four days to relax and enjoy island time! Do as much exploring or as little as you please while in Rarotonga. Enjoy beaches, hiking the rugged interior, watching the sun set or visiting the local market on a Saturday. This island is just 32km around and exploring is simple, they have just two buses that travel either clockwise or anti-clockwise! Your accommodation is located on 4-acres of lush tropical gardens and offers just 24 villas on Rarotonga’s sunset coast, across from the Aroa Beach & Marine Reserve. This self-catering property has a pool, communal BBQ and kayaks. Each villa also includes air conditioning, kitchenette and an outdoor patio. During your stay we have also included the following excursions in your package:

Rarotonga island discovery – a quick introduction to the island including historical sites and places of interest, tourist services, activities and attractions including an intro to local Cook Islands Black Pearls. Muri Lagoon Day Cruise Excursion – enjoy a day on the water in a beautiful sheltered lagoon. with clear, shallow water and a glass bottom boat cruise. This natural aquarium has myriads of colourful fish and snorkelling is the ideal way to explore up close. After snorkelling, head to a small island to relax and enjoy a delicious barbeque lunch.

Day 20: Depart Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Your incredible journey comes to an end today.  You will be transferred from your hotel to Rarotonga Airport where your journey home to Canada begins.

Flying to Australia with Air New Zealand

Celebrating 85 years of flying in 2025, award-winning Air New Zealand remains a key part of the experience for Canadians travelling ‘down under’ to New Zealand and also to Australia and the Pacific Islands! from the moment you step onboard you will have a taste of kiwi hospitality, enjoy modern fleet of aircraft, a comfortable onboard experience, a commitment to sustainability plus the extra peace of mind of travelling with an airline known for its strong safety record.

Extra comfort when you upgrade:

When you contact our team to book your Australia trip, ask about prices to upgrade your flights and travel with the extra comfort, style and service offered by Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy or Business Class.

Why not stay longer? Ask one of our Australia Destination Specialists about customizing your trip to explore more of what Australia has to offer, to add New Zealand or the Cook Islands.

Browse some of our other great Winter Getaways on Sale, for a limited time only:

Downunder Tour Sale, Save up to 15% on Guided Tours

Classic New Zealand Vacation – 2 Weeks, 3 Cities with Flights

Classic Downunder Vacation – 4 Weeks, 6 Cities with Flights

 Tropical Cook Islands Escape – 4 Weeks, 2 Countries with Flights

Sunshine Coast Australia Escape – 3 Weeks, 2 Cities with Flights