Essential Australia

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival at the Melbourne International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Melbourne

This morning’s tour will be packed with city sights and historical landmarks. Start your Australia trip, experiencing the hustle and bustle of Melbourne as your driver guide will let you know what to look out for along the way. First, you will explore Melbourne’s city centre. Considered the shopping capital of Australia, this city and the surrounding suburbs are home to modern shopping malls and boutique stores featuring world-class brands and products. You will see fine examples of Melbourne’s architectural splendors including St. Pauls Cathedral and the Princess and Regent Theatres. Discover the Royal Exhibition Buildings and the Federation Square — and stroll through Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, where you will see rare and beautiful species of plants, breathtaking landscapes, and iconic buildings. Visit the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens set on 26 hectares; these gardens were classified by the National Trust in 1974 and are highly valued for their historic and horticultural significance. Here, you can visit the Conservatory, known for its incredible floral display, or explore the quaint Tudor Village. See Captain Cook's Cottage (entrance not included). This lovely little cottage, situated in the heart of the Fitzroy Gardens, was the original home of Captain James Cook’s parents. It has been carefully restored and maintained, filled with furniture of the period, and surrounded by a garden of the 18th century. See the bustling Queen Victoria Market and Albert Park, home to the Australian Grand Prix. Next, stop for a photo at the Shrine of Remembrance, a memorial built to honor the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I. It is now a memorial to all Australians who have served at war. Your tour will end at Federation Square around noon. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Melbourne

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.

Overnight in Melbourne

Optional: Afternoon Phillip Island
Journey with us onto picturesque Phillip Island, as you enjoy an afternoon of delicious food from a local winery; sample some of the regions best wines; explore the beaches and native wildlife retreats; watch the sunset with Sparkling Wine; and of course, watch the world-famed Penguin Parade. 

Optional: Afternoon Lanes and Arcades Tour
Enjoy a more relaxed experience of Melbourne than you’d get in a traditional tour vehicle on a walking tour that provides the ultimate introduction if you're visiting for the first time. You’ll stop to hear tales and trivia that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook about top Melbourne attractions such as Federation Square, Hosier Lane, Old Melbourne Gaol, and much more.

Optional: Full Day Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostle
Departure Time: 8:00 AM

This tour will show you the wonders of the Great Ocean Road. Discover the popular coastal township of Lorne, a surfer's haven, and see many fern-filled gullies and river inlets on your journey. You will stop for lunch at Apollo Bay (lunch will not be included) before traveling the length of the Great Ocean Road passing by towering limestone cliffs, sweeping white beaches, and breathtaking forest scenery. See a fabulous spectacle of massive natural erosion at the incredible Twelve Apostles, which are limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. Walk along the boardwalk as you take in the breathtaking scenery from various viewing platforms and see the Loch Ard Gorge. Prepare to be swept away by the romantic and tragic story of love and the lives lost on board the Loch Ard. Explore Port Campbell National Park and discover the tragic history of over 50 ships wrecked along the coastline. Continue your tour beyond Port Campbell to see the remnants of the London Bridge before starting your return journey back to Melbourne. The tour will end at approximately 8.00 PM, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Optional: Puffing Billy Heritage Steam Train Journey
Departure Time: 8:10 AM

Depart Melbourne and head on a journey to the Dandenong ranges where you will discover lush ferns and dense forests. The Dandenong Ranges, known to the locals as the Dandenongs, are beautiful low mountain ranges located just 35 km east of Melbourne. At their peak, they rise higher than 630 meters and are cloaked in lush rainforests of Mountain Ash trees (the tallest flowering plant in the world), waterfalls, rolling hills, and steep valleys. You may get the opportunity to hand feed Crimson Rosella birds (seeds will be provided). Head on a ride on the restored Puffing Billy Steam Train, marvel over the towering mountain ash and beautiful gullies of the Sherbrooke Forest and take in the spectacular views and the lush rainforest settings. Sip on a cup of Devonshire Tea before you visit the quaint town of Sassafras, known for their beautiful antiques and local crafts. Enjoy free time to wander around and explore the area. Re-board your coach for your return ride to Melbourne. The tour will end at approximately 1:00 PM at Federation Square.

Early this morning you will make your own way (transfer not included) to Melbourne’s Southern Cross Railway Station to board your train to Sydney. Upon arrival at Sydney Central Station, make your own way to the hotel (transfer not included). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Sydney

Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to discover the highlights of Sydney and Bondi Beach. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel along two routes to top destinations like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Go in-depth at any given place by simply hopping off the bus to explore. You can experience Sydney and Bondi's most noteworthy attractions at your own pace with your ticket which is valid for 24 hours.

Overnight in Sydney

Optional: Harbour Highlights Cruise
Departure Time: 2:30 PM; Departure Point: No. 6 Jetty, Circular Quay

Make your own way to the meeting point (transfer will not be included) and board your Captain Cook Cruise to head on an afternoon Harbour Highlights cruise. Travel onboard a motorized vessel and take in the magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, exclusive suburbs, and Darling Harbour. The cruise will take you back to the starting point.

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book an optional tour.

Overnight in Sydney

Optional: Blue Mountains, Featherdale Wildlife Park, and River Cruise
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Wheat Road, the Streetside behind the Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour. Board your coach, sit back, and relax as you make your way into the incredible Blue Mountains as you listen to your driver-guide offer details on the day’s itinerary. Travel over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and head west towards the Blue Mountains. Visit the quaint village of Leura to purchase morning tea (not included), then head to the Scenic World and take in the views of the Jamison Valley. You may choose to ride the Railway, Cableway, or Skyway (not included). Your next stop will be at Echo Point to take in the breathtaking views of the Megalong and Jamison Valleys across to the Three Sisters. Learn about the Aboriginal Dreamtime legend of this rock formation. Stop at the Waradah Aboriginal Centre (entry will not be included), then head to the Featherdale Wildlife Park for the opportunity to get up close with the native wildlife. Hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and enjoy a face-to-face encounter with a friendly koala. End the day with a relaxing cruise down the Parramatta River to the Sydney Harbour, admiring the waterside suburbs and scenery along the way. Disembark the boat in either Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. The tour will end at approximately 6:00 PM.

This morning, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to the Sydney International Airport for your flight home.