Day 1: Depart Canada

Depart Canada today. You will cross the International Dateline and ‘lose’ a day (you will gain this day back on your return journey).

Day 3: Arrive in Melbourne, Australia

G’Day welcome to Melbourne and Australia!  On arrival you will transfer to your Melbourne hotel where you will stay for 4-nights.

Days 4-6: Melbourne, Victoria

Melbourne is  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 regions, we have included the following excursions to get you started exploring:

 Australian Wonder 1: The Great Ocean Road

This full day small group tour is of the Great Ocean Road coastal touring route along the south west coast that hugs the seaside cliffs along the wild Southern Ocean. Striking views along the way include craggy cliffs, empty beaches and soaring bluffs flanked by brilliant green countryside. You may also see wildlife such as whales, dolphins, echidnas and bandicoots along the way. Travel out of Melbourne, stopping at Apollo Bay, a small seaside town before enjoying a walk in the forest in the Otway Ranges. Visit the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles that have have been chiselled out of limestone over 10-20 million years.

Australian Wonder 2: Phillip Island

Drive south-east from Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles. Travel to Phillip Island, home of the famous Little Penguins. On arrival on the Island, depending on the time of year and your interests, you will visit Woolamai beach to see surfers riding the waves. During the daylight savings months, you will travel to the town of Cowes where you will have free time for dinner before heading to the Penguin Parade. Here you can watch little penguins dash home across the sand at dusk, explore boardwalks after dark to see penguins in the colony, greeting neighbours, partners and their chicks.

Day 7: Melbourne – Cairns – Port Douglas

Fly from Sydney to Cairns.  On arrival you will transfer north to Port Douglas where you will stay in a private nature lodge for 4-nights.

Days 8-10: Port Douglas, 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 excursions to get you started:

Australian Wonder 3: The Great Barrier Reef

Board Ocean Spirit, a 32m sailing catamaran for a full day cruise to Michaelmas Cay in the Great Barrier Reef. This picturesque vegetated Sand Cay is a National Park and a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds that is circled by a fringing reef. Enjoy four hours on the reef where you can choose from a range of activities including snorkelling, semi-submersible tours and guided beach walks. Lunch is included.

Australian Wonder 4: The Daintree Rainforest

Travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway winding through tunnels and past spectacular waterfalls to Kuranda.  After wandering through the picturesque rainforest village of Kuranda, transfer to Rainforestation Nature Park for an Aussie BBQ lunch and Army Duck Rainforest tour on both land and water. Watch the Pamagirri Dancers perform in the rainforest amphitheatre, then learn about throwing a boomerang and playing the didgeridoo. Visit the Koala and Wildlife Park to see crocodiles, wombats, snakes, dingoes and a cassowary and hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. Here you will also have the chance for a photo cuddling a koala or holding a small crocodile (additional cost) before boarding Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to glide above the rainforest canopy with stops along the way.

Day 11: Port Douglas – Cairns – Darwin

Transfer from your Port Douglas lodge to Cairns Airport for your flight to the Northern Territory. On arrival in Darwin, transfer to your hotel where you will stay for 3-nights.

Days 12-13: Darwin

Darwin is Australia’s northernmost city, an adventurers paradise that is gateway to discover nearby national parks as well as wildlife and local WWII history.  During your stay we have included an excursion one day that includes two Australian wonders (and more):

Australian Wonder 5: Giant Termite Mounds

Travel to Litchfield National Park surrounded by thick pockets of tropical rainforest.  Visit some incredible monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds and learn about their role in the tropical eco-system. One of Litchfield National Park’s most impressive and unique sights are the hundreds of Magnetic Termite mounds that are up to 100 years old and unique to the northern parts of Australia. You will also have the opportunity to cool off in one of Litchfield’s beautiful natural plunge pools at Wangi Falls (swim during the Dry season only), or take the Loop walk through the Monsoon Forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a bush setting before visiting waterfalls and natural rockpools for another opportunity to swim.

Australian Wonder 6: Ancient Crocodiles

Take a wildlife crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River for a 1-hour crocodile cruise to spot crocodiles and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The traditional lands of the Limilngan-Wulna people are one of the most spectacular places to explore the diverse wildlife of the Top End, home to numerous species of birds, turtles, water pythons and of course the iconic Saltwater Crocodile. See the biggest reptile in the world and oldest creature to walk the planet since dinosaurs. These prehistoric creatures grow up to 6 meters in length (the size of a small bus) and can weigh up to 1000kg. Australia’s Top End is thought to have over 100,000 Saltwater Crocodiles mostly in and around the Darwin, Adelaide River and Mary River areas.

Days 14-23: Darwin – The Kimberley – Broome

Every Kimberley voyage is different! The next 10-days you will experience a unique small ship expedition cruise along the remote north western coastline of Australia.  Few travellers get to explore this area each year and this region remains one of the most untouched frontiers in Australia. Travel with expert guides to witness diverse marine life, dramatic landscapes,  unique waterfalls, wildlife and if you are extra lucky later in the season you may also see humpback whales on their migration north. In the evenings you can sit back and enjoy sunset canapés and drinks as dusk settles over the Kimberley. All meals plus selected wines, beers and house spirits served with lunch and dinner are included plus excursions with Expedition team, use of Xplorer and Zodiacs, daily onboard lectures, port fees, gratuities and much more. You will also experience many Australian wonders along the way:

Australian Wonder 7: Horizontal Falls

This is a unique ocean phenomenon where some of the highest tides in the world create a horizontal waterfall. As the tide turns each day, the falls reverse and flow in the opposite direction through the narrow gaps in the McLarty Range. Here you will experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels.

Australian Wonder 8: Montgomery Reef

The world’s largest inshore reef (over 400 sq km) makes for one of the most interesting cruise excursions in Australia. Water levels drop sharply at low tide, allowing the reef to emerge up to 4 metres above water level. It is described by David Attenborough as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”. You will have the chance to get up close to Montgomery Reef and discover the tidal reef’s diverse marine life.

Australian Wonder 9: King Cascade Waterfall

Witness the King George River and the 80m tall twin King George waterfalls, a spectacular terraced waterfall in Prince Regent National Park, one of Australia’s most remote and beautiful places.

Australian Wonder 10: Ancient Rock Art

The Kimberley coastal region is one of the world’s oldest and richest collections of rock art, located in some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia. On your cruise you will discover Indigenous rock art galleries and learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art.

Days 24-25: Broome

After your cruise spend a couple of days relaxing at Cable Beach in Western Australia.  These days are at your leisure to enjoy this idyllic location. Cable Beach is 22km of pristine white sand and pristine waters where the sunset over the Indian Ocean will not disappoint!

Day 26: Broome – Perth

Transfer to Broome Airport for your flight to Perth.  On arrival you will be transferred to your deluxe Perth hotel where you will stay for 3-nights.

Days 27-28: Perth

The capital of Western Australia, Perth is known as Australia’s sunniest capital city where sandy beaches and parks meet street art, small bars and creative restaurants.  During your stay here we have included the following excursions:

Swan River Cruise & Wineries – start your day with a cruise up the Swan River before travelling to the renowned Swan Valley wine region. Here you will visit two quality wineries and two breweries, a set lunch with a glass of beer/wine/cider, cheese platter, a beer sample at a boutique award winning microbrewery and chocolate tasting!

Perth City Lanes & Arcades – walking tour to explore the inner city with a local via the pedestrian friendly malls, ornate arcades, trendy laneways, back streets and dirty alleys. Starting at the historic Perth Town Hall, the tour winds through the lanes and arcades while you learn local stories, people and places. You may explore landmarks including The State Buildings and Yagan Square. Finish at a local bar where the first drink is included.

Day 29: Perth – Sydney

Transfer to the airport for your flight to depart Perth and the west coast of Australia and fly cross-country to Sydney.  On arrival in Sydney, you will transfer from the airport to your deluxe Sydney hotel located right on the harbour where you will stay for 4-nights.

Days 30-32: 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, catch a 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 excursions during your stay to get you started exploring:

Australian Wonder 11: The Rocks

One morning, take a guided walking tour of the historic Rocks precinct in Sydney. Learn about the most ancient culture on earth on a 90-min walk with an Aboriginal guide.  Journey into Dreamtime, the culture of Aboriginal people. and learn how this place now known as Sydney continues to weave ancient culture into it’s modern, built up environment. Drawing upon knowledge populated from the oldest ecologists, conservationists, wildlife carers, botanists, astronomers, climatologists and marine biologists on earth today, the guides will explain how this ancient wisdom continues to reveal itself within the English settlement of The Rocks. Landscapes include Cadman’s Cottage, Bligh and Barney Reserve, Argyle Cut, Cumberland Walk. Harbor Bridge/Dawes Poin – TARRA, Hicksons Reserve  and Campbells Cove.

Australian Wonder 12: Sydney Opera House

In the afternoon, explore the Sydney Opera House up close. Step beneath the sails to discover insider secrets and stories of the Opera House artists and performances. Step inside the iconic theatres and foyers that bring to life over 1800 performances each year. Explore the building with your guide to learn about how Jorn Utzon’s vision came into existence against impossible odds and capture photos from rare vantage points that are off limits to the public.

Australian Wonder 13: Sydney Harbour

The focal point of this city is the harbour and the ultimate way to enjoy the ever changing Sydney Harbour views is by boat.  We have included cruise with two-course lunch that takes a 90-min circuit of Sydney Harbour.

Day 33: Sydney, Australia – Canada

Farewell Australia today as your vacation comes to an end. Transfer to Sydney International Airport for your flight home to Canada.