Day 1: Depart Canada

Depart Canada today. You will cross the International Dateline and ‘lose’ a day (don’t worry, you gain this day back on your return journey).

Day 3: Arrive in Canberra, Australia

G’Day, welcome to Australia.  Start your Aussie adventure in the capital city Canberra where you will stay for 2-nights.

Day 4: Canberra

We have included a highlights of Canberra full day sightseeing excursion that includes the following cultural icons:

Australian Wonder: Parliament House

The parliament building is an architectural masterpiece, designed to symbolize Australia’s democratic values. Its design incorporates the elements that reflect the Australian landscape and culture. You see behind the scenes on a guided tour through the corridors of power at Australia’s Parliament House, survey the Parliamentary Triangle and its National Institutions.

Australian Wonder: Australian War Memorial

This national icon is a shrine and museum to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australians in wartime.  Here you can discover the Australian experiences of war and connect with the stories of people and events that shaped Australia as well as experience the moving Last Post Ceremony.

Day 5: Canberra – Melbourne

Transfer to Canberra Airport for your flight to Victoria.  On arrival, transfer to your Melbourn hotel where you will stay for 4-nights.

Days 6-8: 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 city and the surrounding regions of Victoria, we have included the following excursions to get you started exploring:

Australian Wonder: The Great Ocean Road

Journey down the Great Ocean Road coastal touring route on the south west coast, hugging the seaside cliffs. There are striking views along the way include craggy cliffs, empty beaches and soaring bluffs. You may also see whales, dolphins, echidnas and bandicoots along the way. Visit the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles that were chiselled out of limestone over 10-20 million years.

Australian Wonder: Philip Island

Drive south-east from Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park to see kangaroos, wallabies and koalas plus an array of birds and reptiles. Travel to Phillip Island, home of the famous Little Penguins. Watch little penguins dash home across the sand at dusk, explore boardwalks after dark to see penguins in their colony greeting neighbours, partners and their chicks.

Day 9: Melbourne – Hobart

Transfer to Melbourne Airport for your flight to the island of Tasmania.  On arrival in Hobart, you will be transferred to your Hobart hotel where you will stay for 4-nights.

Days 10-12: Hobart, Tasmania

Australia’s southernmost state, Tasmania is one of the most incredible natural environments.  To start exploring, we include an introductory 1.5 hour guided walking tour of Hobart.  See heritage listed buildings, learn how this capital city was established and became a vibrant waterfront city. We have also included the following excursions during your stay:

Australian Wonder: Port Arthur

Take a guided tour of historic UNESCO World Heritage listed Port Arthur. This iconic site is one of Australia’s most important heritage destinations. Travel to the historic town of Richmond and the famous Convict built Richmond Bridge, the Tasman Peninsula with natural bushland, native wildlife and amazing coastal scenery, Eaglehawk Neck and views from Pirates Bay Lookout and Tasman Arch. At Port Arthur, join a guided walking tour and harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead before free time to explore the restored buildings and ruins.

Australian Wonder: Bruny Island

One of Tasmania’s natural gems with spectacular coastal scenery. Spend a day on Bruny Island including 3-hour wilderness cruise. Travel along the rugged coastline below some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs to enter deep sea caves and search for wildlife.

Day 13: Hobart – Adelaide

Transfer to Hobart Airport for your flight to South Australia. On arrival, transfer to your Adelaide hotel where you will stay for 4-nights.

Days 14-16: South Australia

Adelaide is South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital. It is home to the lively Adelaide Central market, enjoyed by foodies, museums such as the Art Gallery of South Australia that display collections of Indigenous art, and the South Australian Museum that is devoted to natural history. It is also a gateway to explore more of South Australia such as wine regions of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills.  During your stay we have included two sightseeing excursion to explore a couple of the wonders of this area:

Australian Wonder: Barossa Valley

Australia’s oldest wine region is famous for its Shiraz and it is also a big producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Chardonnay.  Spend a day exploring landscapes covered in grapes and greenery and taste the best wines of the region and more. This includes the famous Whispering Wall with its acoustic qualities, Château Yaldara, home to some of the finest Shirazes in the region and some of the best-preserved period architecture in the state, Jacobs Creek, the historic township of Tanunda, Saltram Winery and hidden gem Rosenvale Wines.

Australian Wonder: Kangaroo Island

Travel to Kangaroo Island for the day, departing early morning  transfer to Cape Jervis to board a 45 minute ferry crossing to Kangaroo Island. Tour of South Australia’s premier nature destination including Seal Bay Conservation Park where you take a guided beach walk amongst a colony of rare Australian sea lions. Travel to Flinders Chase National Park, keeping an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, and koalas. See the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, a natural nursery and safe haven for playful Long-nosed Fur Seals. Finish with a visit to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, feed kangaroos and get up close to Koalas.

Day 17: Adelaide – Perth

Transfer to Adelaide Airport for your flight to Western Australia. On arrival you will be transferred to your Perth hotel where you will stay for 4-nights.

Optional Indian Pacific Rail Journey (additional cost):

You may choose to add 2 nights to your package and travel across the vast Australian outback from Adelaide to Perth on the iconic Indian Pacific train (instead of flying on Day 17). On this day, instead of boarding a flight you would board the train and your whole itinerary would be 2 nights longer.

This inclusive rail trip includes accommodation in a private twin share cabin and personalised service from the moment you step onboard. See the rich red soil of the outback as you cross the vast Nullarbor Plain from the comfort of the lounge through the picture windows. Spot Emus, Kangaroos, Eagles or perhaps even a camel. No airport security to go through, just check your bags at the terminal and enjoy this unforgettable once in a lifetime deluxe rail journey.

Please note: Space on the Indian Pacific is limited and books out well in advance, please book early to avoid disappointment!

Days 18-20: 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.

Australian Wonder: Rottnest Island

One day you will travel to nearby Rottnest Island, just 19 km off the mainland. Explore the amazing fauna and flora of this natural reserve, including stunning beaches, woodlands and salt lakes. Start with a historic train ride and then travel around the island to see Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels and the majestic look-out point at the rugged Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh. This pristine island paradise is also home to the curious Australian animal, the Quokka. During your stay in Perth, we have also 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 21: Perth – Alice Springs

Transfer from Perth Airport for your flight to the heart of Australia, the Red Centre.  On arrival, transfer to your Alice Springs where you will stay for 1-night.

Day 22: Alice Springs – Ayers Rock

Travel by road today across the red desert landscapes from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (Uluru) where you will stay for 1-night.

Australian Wonder: Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park

This afternoon, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre before travelling around the base of Uluru learning about the sacred sites, native flora, fauna and intriguing culture of the traditional owners, the Anangu. Continue to the Kuniya Walk to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. In the late afternoon witness the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset.

Day 23: Ayers Rock – Cairns

Rise early today to watch sunrise over Uluru and the Red Centre before visiting the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta and the base of Walpa Gorge and walking trail that follows the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.

In the afternoon, leave the red centre and fly from Ayers Rock (Northern Territory) to tropical Cairns (Queensland) on the east coast.  Check into your Cairns hotel where you will stay for 4-nights.

Days 24-26: 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 excursions to get you started:

Australian Wonder: The Great Barrier Reef

Board a 32m sailing catamaran for a full day cruise to Michaelmas Cay in the Great Barrier Reef. This picturesque Sand Cay is a National Park and 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: Kuranda Rainforest

Travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the small Daintree rainforest village of Kuranda.  Visit 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 27: Cairns – Brisbane

Transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight south to Brisbane.  On arrival, transfer to your Brisbane hotel where you will stay for 2-nights.

Day 28: Brisbane

Today is at your leisure to explore Brisbane.

Day 29: Brisbane – Sydney

Transfer to Brisbane Airport for your flight south to Sydney (New South Wales).  Check into your Sydney hotel 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: The Historic Rocks Precinct

One morning, take a guided 90min walking tour of the historic Rocks area in Sydney including Cadman’s Cottage, Bligh and Barney Reserve, Argyle Cut, Cumberland Walk. Harbor Bridge, Hicksons Reserve and Campbells Cove. Learn how ancient wisdom continues to reveal itself within the English settlement of The Rocks.

Australian Wonder: 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.

Australian Wonder: 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 and 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.

Day 33: Sydney, Australia – Canada

Farewell Australia today as your incredible Aussie journey comes to an end.  Transfer to Sydney airport for your flight home to Canada (arriving same day).

Note: If you have selected the additional Indian Pacific rail journey option on Day 17, you will return home to Canada 2 days later (Day 35).