Brief itinerary
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Melbourne Arrival Melbourne
Day 2 Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles Melbourne
Day 3 Phillip Island Penguins Melbourne
Day 4 Melbourne At Leisure Melbourne
Day 5 Arrive Sydney and Stay at ParkRoyal Darling Harbour Sydney
Day 6 Blue Mountains Tour including Hiking Sydney
Day 7 Sydney Hop On Hop Off Or Spectacular Sydney Tour Sydney
Day 8 Sydney Seaplanes and Dining at Jonah’s Sydney
Day 9 Sydney to Daydream Island Daydream Island
Day 10 THE WHITSUNDAYS and Whitehaven Beach Daydream Island
Day 11 DAYDREAM ISLAND AT LEISURE Daydream Island
Day 12 Cairns arrival and Stay at Riley Cairns
Day 13 Outer Reef with Quicksilver Cairns
Day 14 Daintree and Cape Tribulation Touring Cairns
Day 15 Free Day in Cairns Cairns
Day 16 Depart Cairns
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Australian 16 Day Pick and Choose Trip
Day 1 Melbourne Arrival
You Will be met at Melbourne Airport and transferred to your Hotel Intercontinental or Similar
Five star luxury hotel accommodation located on prestigious Collins Street, with timeless heritage character perfectly blended with all modern luxuries.
Our location offers close by attraction such as Crown Casino, Docklands, Southbank and Marvel Stadium as well as quintessentially Melbourne boutiques, bars, cafes and galleries. Guests on the hotel can benefit from the insider tips of the world class concierge team. The hotel itself is iconic to Melbourne, built in 1891, it began as two separate buildings that housed the famous Melbourne wool stores and its offices. The neo-gothic style facade is truly remarkable, where old meets new and character melds perfectly with style.
There is plenty to do in Melbourne and we can recommend a number of experiences including Hot Air Ballooning over this city one of the few in the world to allow it.
Overnight: Melbourne
Sunrise in Melbourne
Day 2
Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles
View the popular coastal townships of Apollo Bay and Lorne – a surfer’s heaven and retreat. See many fern filled gullies and river inlets on your journey. Travel the length of the Great Ocean Road passing towering
limestone cliffs, sweeping white beaches and stunning forest scenery.
The Great Ocean Road is truly one of the world’s greatest scenic coastal drives. Witness a fabulous spectacle of massive natural erosion.
Contrasts abound between rugged coast and verdant rainforest living side by side. See the amazing Twelve Apostles – limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean and visit the Information Centre.
Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the scenery from various viewing platforms. See Loch Ard Gorge and be swept away by the romantic and tragic story of love and lives lost aboard the Loch Ard. Explore Port Campbell National Park. Discover the tragic history of over 50 ships wrecked along this rugged coastline. Continue beyond Port Campbell to the remnants of London Bridge. See the spectacular night lights of Melbourne as you cross the West Gate Bridge on your way back to Melbourne.
Overnight: Melbourne (this trip can be extended to two or three days and include dining and hiking options)
Day 3
Phillip Island Penguins
See the wonderful nightly phenomenon of the Little Penguins battling the strong surf as they return to the beach after a day of hunting fish at sea. Watch the Little Penguins as they make their way up the beach to their waiting families. Watch this amazing wonder of nature as they feed their young. (Please take warm clothing).
Before the parade, enjoy a more personalised wildlife viewing in an area limited to 300 people with ranger interpretation giving you a closer viewing of the Penguin arrival than the main viewing stands.
Overnight: Melbourne (this trip can be extended to two or three days and include dining and hiking options)
Maybe Add on a Pentecost wilderness cruise of Wilsons Prom
Discover the beautiful granite coastline and unique wilderness of the Wilsons Promontory National Park on our 2½ hour Wilsons Promontory Cruise.
Wilsons Promontory Cruises is the latest addition to the award winning Pennicott Wilderness Journeys yellow boat ecotours. Travel in world’s first, custom built amphibious boats, designed for cruising waters in comfort and safety.
Witness iconic South Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia and cruise into the waters of Bass Strait and Victoria’s first marine national park.
Discover a rugged and raw coast like no other as we explore The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. Marvel at the prehistoric boulders of Mount Oberon situated behind the white quartz sands of Norman Beach before uncovering the iconic granite monolith that is Skull Rock. Sculpted by waves and surrounded by crystal blue waters, Skull Rock’s eerie facade becomes even more mysterious as more and more skull shapes reveal themselves the closer you get.
Day 4
Melbourne At Leisure
Time to Explore Melbourne and all it has to offer either explore yourself or we can organise a city tour to take in all the sites.
Overnight: Melbourne
Melbourne At Leisure (Maybe take a morning Ballon and Champagne flight over the city or a ferry to Geelong with lunch on the Q train)
Day 5
Arrive Sydney and Stay at ParkRoyal Darling Harbour or Similar
This morning your private transfer will collect you from your hotel in Melbourne and take you to the Airport for your one hour and a half flight to Sydney.
Upon arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.
At Parkroyal Darling Harbour or Similar for 4 nights, Sydney, a new experience awaits as our bright and refreshing lobby provides a welcome sanctuary from the bustle of the city, while modern guest rooms, ensure a comfortable stay. Located on the city-side of Darling Harbour, the hotel offers premium 4.5* accommodation, gymnasium, conference and business facilities, as well as your choice of dining options all within minutes of the city’s most popular attractions such as the Darling Harbour precinct, China Town, Chinese Gardens, Town Hall, QVB and the shopping and business districts. Indulge in a delicious buffet breakfast at Barkers or experience Abode Bistro & Bar, the perfect place to make yourself at home, while you enjoy a cocktail inspired by the classics with signature touches. The dining room and decking area is a venue to dine in a stylish atmosphere and enjoy the delicious menu with fresh, seasonal flavours from locally sourced producers. The hotel also provides an enhanced Parkroyal Club experience, where in addition to a number of great privileges, you can relax in the comfort of the Club Lounge.
We can recommend a number of out standing experiences once you atr in Sydney including:
Sydney Harbour Twilight Bridge Climb
Opera House Tour
Harbour Cruising Overnight: Sydney
Day 6 Blue Mountains Tour including Hiking
The Blue Mountains experience is a journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region.
Our first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill a working farm also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure.
We will travel through picturesque villages, see spectacular views and waterfalls. Enjoy a short walk to a lookout point and hear about the unique Australian forest species.
We arrive at Evans Lookout where you will be issued your lunch pack, map and instructions on the hiking track. You hike from Evans Lookout to Govett’s Leap all the while looking out across Australia’s Grand Canyon, The Grose Valley. The magnificent waterfalls drop a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. The last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens where we stop briefly to enjoy the sweeping views and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice before travelling back to your hotel.
Overnight: Sydney
Day 7Â Sydney Hop On Hop Off Or Spectacular Sydney Tour
This is a day to explore Sydney on the Hop onHop Off Bus and ferry Transfer.
We can organise some surfing for you on Sydney’s famous Bondi beach as well as tour the harbour to Taronga Park Zoo.
Daily – Every 45 minutes
TOUR ITINERARY
Combine the Harbour Explorer rocket ferries with a Big Bus Classic
Ticket aboard open-top double-decker buses. Discover the best of Sydney
at your own pace.
Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer
The easy way to explore Sydney over two calendar days visiting up to
eleven famous harbour precincts including Darling Harbour, ICC Sydney,
Barangaroo, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Luna Park, Manly
and Shark Island.
Big Bus Sydney 48-Hr Premium Ticket
Hop-on hop-off sightseeing City and Bondi tours on-board a double-decker
bus with commentary. Over 30 stops, including Opera House, Royal Botanic
Gardens and famous beaches. Valid for 48 hours. The Premium Ticket also
includes a free Walking Tour of The Rocks.
OR
TOUR ITINERARY
The Spectacular Sydney tour is a thorough introduction to Sydney and its
neighbours. This tour combines both morning and afternoon tours to
create a full day tour of Sydney sightseeing. In the morning, you will
travel to Manly Beach for a wonderful stroll along The Corso to see the
beach that has made Manly famous. Along the way to Manly, you will view
Darling Harbour and then cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Stop at
Milsons Point for spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour
Bridge. Stop at North Head Lookout for a panoramic view of the Pacific
Ocean. Enjoy your time at Manly beach before heading back to Sydney. You
may choose to upgrade to include a luncheon cruise.
If you choose not to upgrade to any additional options, you will have a
2 hour break prior to returning to the coach for your afternoon portion
of the tour. For the afternoon tour, you will tour through the
historic Rocks area and take in views of the Opera House, Hyde Park,
St Marys Cathedral, Parliament House and the Art Gallery. Stop at
Mrs Macquaries Chair for magnificent views of the Opera House and
Harbour Bridge. See the colourful Royal Botanic Gardens on your way
to visit The Gap and enjoy stunning views. Stop at the world-famous
Bondi Beach and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Join the coach for
your return to Sydney, travelling through Paddington, the exclusive
Eastern suburbs and Rushcutters Bay. Cruise Sydney Harbour aboard the
prestigious MV Sydney 2000 and enjoy a fantastic buffet lunch and
commentary. You will need to meet your Captain Cook lunch cruise vessel
at 11.45am at Wharf1, King St Wharf. Be sure to check in with the staff
before taking off to enjoy your luncheon cruise.
Overnight: Sydney
Explore Sydney’s beautiful beaches
Sydney Hop On Hop Off Or Spectacular Sydney Tour
Day 8
Sydney Seaplanes and Dining at Jonah’s
This is an optional activity for Sydney including Sea Plane Transfers from Sydney Harbour a truly unique experience
The magic ofJonah’s
Perched on a cliff-top above some of Sydney’s best coastline, hatted Jonah’s Restaurant is steeped in history.
But while it opened in 1929, this multi-award winning property has a decidedly contemporary feel: it’s only the commanding views across Whale Beach and the Pacific Ocean that haven’t changed.
Today, those sensational vistas combine with an intoxicating cocktail of fine dining, luxury accommodation and Australia’s best wine list (just one of Jonah’s many accolades) to ensure Jonah’s Restaurant remains one of Australia’s most prestigious ocean retreats.
Meals included: Lunch
Overnight: Sydney
Sea Plane to Jonah’s
Day 9
Sydney to Daydream Island
This Morning your transfer will take you to Sydney Airport for your direct flight to Hamilton Island and Transfer by boat to Daydream Island.
Daydream Island Resort has re-opened after AUD$140M redevelopment and has many new features including 276 refurbished rooms & suites along with expanded food & beverage offerings, a revitalised pool landscape. As the beating heart of the island, the Living Reef wraps throughout the central resort building, holding over 100 unique species of marine fish and 80 species of coral. With group tours, hands on experiences and resident marine biologists, the Living Reef also provides a strong educational program on the protection and conservation of the area’s native coral and marine life. Daydream Island, a perfect location for families and couples.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Daydream Island
Day 10 THE WHITSUNDAYS and Whitehaven Beach
HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS
Cruise to superb, 7km-long Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. From the beach’s northern end, a leisurely 1.3km-return guided hike to Hill Inlet lookout follows a path walked by the Whitsundays’ traditional owners, the Ngaro people. Back at Whitehaven’s southern end, swim or relax on the sand, or tackle the easy-going 1.2km Solway Circuit walk to impressive Solway Passage lookout and secluded Chance Bay. A delicious gourmet burger is waiting for you back on the Whitehaven sand.
Scenic return cruise through the Whitsundays, with up to 6 hours on Whitehaven Beach
Guided walk to Hill Inlet and Lookout
Guided walk to Solway Circuit Lookout and Chance Bay
A gourmet burger on the beach
Morning and afternoon tea
Beach games
Protective stinger suits
Dedicated host for the duration of the day
All-inclusive drinks and charcuterie board on return from Whitehaven Beach to Daydream Island
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Daydream Island
Day 11
DAYDREAM ISLAND AT LEISURE
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Daydream Island
DAYDREAM ISLAND AT LEISURE
Day 12
Cairns arrival and Stay at Riley
After arrival in Cairns, you will be transferred from the airport directly on your tour incorporating the Kuranda rail and Sky rail tour and dropped back to your hotel.
After arrival in Cairns, you will be transferred from the airport directly on your tour (Coach) incorporating the Kuranda rail and Sky rail tour and dropped back to your hotel.
Airport pickup’s / dropoff’s & Flexible Timings.
This operator is very flexible and can include a pick up or drop off from the airport to meet your flight arrival / departure time, for a very small fee. They will hold your luggage for the day while you are in kuranda and then take you to your hotel after (arrival day)
This option is so flexible you can do the train up or the train down – to suit your timing:-
3.30 pm train from Kuranda down to Cairns
And we can lock in any skyrail up or down – the skyrail takes 45 mins in the air plus time at each of the 2 stops – an info centre and a boardwalk – we usually allow 90 mins in 1 direction for the whole experience!
Skyrail
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns Australia, is a world first in environmental tourism taking you on an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest.
The Skyrail experience, spanning 7.5kms over pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth.
Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Our world famous railway experience is a must-do when visiting Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, Australia. You will discover the pioneering history of the tropical north from way back in the late 1800’s, be astounded by a magnificent engineering feat and explore some of the great characters involved in the construction of this great railway.
Kuranda Village
Kuranda has come a long way from its initial origins as a centre for those choosing an alternative lifestyle in the late 60’s. Historic Buildings from the villages past now house a variety of upmarket restaurants, cafes and bars. It is still laid back, but with a style and sophistication that sets it apart from other Cairns Highlands Venues and Attractions.
Kuranda’s shops and markets with their exotically handcrafted goods, Aboriginal artifacts, restaurants and coffee shops make Kuranda a well known day destination.
Kuranda is surrounded by World Heritage listed wet tropics rainforest. It includes around twelve hundred species of flowering plants, eight hundred of which are rainforest trees. There are also orchids, ginger plants, strangler figs, palms and an immense variety of climbing plants. At any time of the year you will wonder at the richness and diversity of the lush foliage.
Overnight Cairns
Cairns newest five-star resort, Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, promises a fresh approach to hospitality. With a personality of its own, Riley is a sophisticated character with a playful outlook on life.
Guests can expect understated elegance, contemporary design and a splash of fun.
Residing in a prime location at the northern end of the iconic Cairns waterfront boardwalk, Riley features 311 stylish rooms and suites, most with spacious balconies. Family rooms have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, while suites and rooms have a mix of urban, resort and sea views.
There are also signature spaces to mingle, relax, work and play. Add to this a lagoon swimming pool spanning over 1,000 square metres with a private man-made beach, Eleme Day Spa and a 24-hour fitness centre and you’re on your way to a truly great stay.
Riley loves technology and all public and in-room areas are equipped with fast and free Wi-Fi. Each room features its own Apple iPad control centre complete with healthy living apps, Staycast by Google for video streaming, access to hundreds of complimentary movies and box sets and Nespresso machines (naturally with recyclable pods).
When it comes to restaurants and bars, Riley thinks differently. You’ll find engaging, social, vibrant spaces and a passion for innovation all day, every day. Pop into Greenfields for a freshly made cold-pressed juice or head to the theatrical Paper Crane for wok-fried seafood or the perfect steak.
For sweeping views and an atmosphere not to be missed, head to Rocco. Perfect for balmy nights, Rocco is perched 42 metres above sea level and offers share style food inspired by the Mediterranean along with a stellar Champagne menu, second to none.
Guests can also enjoy poolside beverages and snacks or stay refreshed with a 24-hour food and beverage in-room service.
The nearest airport is Cairns Airport, 5km from the property.
Oh, and the Wi-Fi is fast and free obviously!
Overnight: Cairns
Welcome to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Kuranda Scenic Rail
Riley Hotel
Riley HotelSee all
Day 13
Outer Reef with Quicksilver
Today is a full day tour on the Great Barrier Reef
INCLUSIONS
Includes:-
* Transfers to and from Cairns/Northern Beaches Accommodation
* Return wavepiercer cruise from Port Douglas
* Morning & afternoon tea onboard
* Reef presentation by a marine biologist
* Hot & cold tropical buffet lunch
* Snorkelling equipment
* Qualified snorkelling safety officers on hand
* Underwater observatory fish & coral viewing
* Coral viewing by semi-submersible vessels
* Fish feeding (conducted by crew)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Cairns
Take a boat trip out to the Great Barrier Reef
Outer Reef with Quicksilver
Outer Reef with Quicksilver
Day 14
Daintree and Cape Tribulation Touring
Today we embark on a full day tour of the Daintree Forrest and Cape Tribulation
TOUR ITINERARY
Enjoy one of the most scenic coastal drives in Australia along the Great
Barrier Reef drive to Port Douglas. Visit Wildlife Habitat. See the
endangered cassowary, along with other wildlife, as well as the
opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. Have your picture
taken with a koala, snake, or crocodile (extra cost). Morning Tea
included. Cross the Daintree River on a cable-driven ferry. Travel along
the rainforest-fringed Cape Tribulation Road through Daintree National
Park, a magnificent wilderness region. Enjoy a Tropical Lunch at a
picturesque setting (included). Arrive at Cape Tribulation Beach to
relax or walk the boardwalk to the lookout as well as participate in a
Guided Rainforest Walk. On your return journey back to Port Douglas and
Cairns, stop at Alexandra Lookout for magnificent views of the Daintree
River and Coral Sea. Search for crocodiles, birds and other wildlife as
your guide takes you through the mangroves on a Daintree River Cruise.
Marketing Text
Cape Tribulation and Daintree Wilderness
Includes:-
* Return coach transfers from accommodation
* Wildlife Habitat entry with guided tour and morning tea
* Cable-driven ferry
* Tropical lunch
* Guided rainforest walk
* Cape Tribulation Beach
* Alexandra Lookout
* Daintree River Cruise
DURATION
12 hours approximately
DEPARTS at 7:00am
Meals included: Lunch
Overnight: Cairns
Day 15
Free Day in Cairns
Enjoy a free day in Cairns to explore at your own pace. Opt to join an Aboriginal Dreamtime walk at Tjapukai, where you can explore the rich history of the world’s oldest living culture, or, if you fancy something a little more active and thrill-seeking, you could always go Bungee Jumping or white-water rafting on the Barron River.
Alternatively, you could spend the day exploring the northern or southern beaches or head up to Daintree to explore the rainforest.
Overnight: Cairns
Learn about Aboriginal culture at Tjapukai
Day 16
Depart Cairns
Today we transfer to the Airport for your flight home via Sydney overnight or direct
Cairns Airport