Essential Australia

Sample itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne, Australia

G’Day and welcome to Melbourne! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The balance of your day is at leisure. Stay in Melbourne for 4 nights.

Days 2-4: 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 5: Melbourne – Cairns

Take a shuttle to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your Cairns hotel. The balance of your day is at leisure. Stay in Cairns for 4 nights.

Days 6-8: Cairns, Queensland

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. Please note: An Environmental Management Charge (EMC) / Fuel levy of AUD$20 per person  is to be paid on the day of your Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise.

Day 9: Cairns – Sydney

You will take a shuttle to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your central Sydney hotel. The balance of your day is at leisure. Stay in Sydney for 4 nights.

Days 10-12: 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 13: Depart Sydney, Australia

Farewell Australia today as your vacation comes to an end. Transfer to Sydney Airport.

Why not stay longer? Ask one of our Australia Destination Specialists about customizing your trip to explore more of what Australia has to offer, or perhaps combine New Zealand or the Fiji islands with your trip.