Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be welcomed by a local representative before enjoying a private transfer to your hotel. Settle into your accommodation and take time to relax after your journey. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, with the opportunity to begin exploring one of Australia’s most sophisticated and culturally diverse cities. Perhaps wander through the historic streets of Chinatown, visit the famous Queen Victoria Market, or enjoy Melbourne’s renowned cafés and restaurants. A complimentary transportation voucher for Chadstone Shopping Centre provides another option for those wishing to explore Australia’s largest shopping destination.

An early departure takes you along the magnificent Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most celebrated coastal routes. Travelling through beautiful seaside towns, lush forests, and spectacular coastal landscapes, the journey offers wonderful opportunities to appreciate Victoria’s natural beauty. Along the way, keep watch for native wildlife, including kangaroos and colourful Australian birdlife. Visit the charming coastal town of Apollo Bay, where time is available for lunch at your own expense. Continue through the remarkable Great Otway National Park, home to ancient eucalyptus forests, towering ferns, and diverse wildlife. The afternoon brings you to the iconic Twelve Apostles, where dramatic limestone formations rise from the Southern Ocean, followed by a visit to historic Loch Ard Gorge, a beautiful coastal landmark associated with Australia’s maritime history. During the return journey to Melbourne, stop in Colac for dinner at your own expense. Return to your hotel in the evening after a memorable day along Victoria’s spectacular coastline.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, with the opportunity to explore Melbourne’s cultural attractions, shopping districts, and celebrated dining scene. For those interested in Australian wildlife, an optional excursion to Phillip Island offers a memorable encounter with the island’s famous Little Penguins. Travelling through the scenic coastal countryside, visit the Koala Conservation Centre and explore the charming township of Cowes before continuing to the island’s beautiful coastal viewpoints, including Nobbies and Seal Rocks. As evening approaches, witness the remarkable Penguin Parade, when the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the ocean and make their way across the beach towards their nesting burrows. This extraordinary natural spectacle is one of Victoria’s most treasured wildlife experiences. Return to Melbourne following the excursion.

A further day at leisure allows you to enjoy Melbourne according to your interests. Those seeking a deeper connection with Australia’s natural landscapes may choose an optional excursion to Wilsons Promontory National Park, one of Victoria’s most beautiful wilderness regions. Known for its dramatic granite mountains, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, the national park offers an exceptional setting for coastal exploration. A scenic wildlife cruise provides opportunities to admire remote islands, striking rock formations, and marine life, including seals and, depending on the season, dolphins or whales. The excursion may also include time at the celebrated Squeaky Beach, renowned for its exceptionally fine white sand and beautiful coastal scenery. Return to Melbourne in the evening, with time to relax after a day surrounded by nature.

Enjoy your final full day in Melbourne, with several wonderful options for exploring the city and its surrounding countryside. A guided walking tour offers an introduction to Melbourne’s fascinating history, beginning at Federation Square and continuing through the city’s distinctive streets, architectural landmarks, and riverside precincts. Learn about the region’s Aboriginal heritage, Melbourne’s early settlement, and its development into one of Australia’s most culturally diverse cities. Alternatively, visit the National Gallery of Victoria, the Immigration Museum, or the Melbourne Skydeck for impressive views across the city. Wine enthusiasts may prefer an optional excursion to the beautiful Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier cool-climate wine regions. Begin with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery before continuing to selected vineyards for wine tastings and an introduction to the region’s celebrated winemaking traditions. With its rolling hills, elegant cellar doors, and exceptional regional produce, the Yarra Valley provides a delightful contrast to Melbourne’s urban sophistication.

Following breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Melbourne Airport for your onward flight to Cairns, the gateway to Tropical North Queensland. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Surrounded by tropical landscapes and the warm waters of the Coral Sea, Cairns offers a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to some of Australia’s most extraordinary natural attractions. You may wish to enjoy a leisurely waterfront lunch featuring fresh local seafood, stroll along the Esplanade, or visit the beautiful Cairns Botanic Gardens, home to an impressive collection of tropical plants. Another option is the Cairns Aquarium, where fascinating exhibits introduce the marine life and ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics region. Spend the evening enjoying the tropical atmosphere of Cairns.

After breakfast, make your way to the departure point for a memorable journey to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most extraordinary marine environments. Travel by boat towards Green Island, a beautiful coral cay surrounded by clear tropical waters and vibrant marine life. The day’s excursion provides an opportunity to appreciate the remarkable underwater landscapes of the reef, with snorkelling and marine activities available according to the operator’s arrangements. Continue towards the Pinnacle Reef area, where colourful coral formations and tropical fish create an exceptional setting for underwater exploration. Whether relaxing aboard the vessel, enjoying the ocean scenery, or taking part in available marine activities, the day offers a wonderful appreciation of Australia’s celebrated reef environment. Lunch is included during the excursion. Return to Cairns in the afternoon, with the evening at leisure.

Today offers another opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland. Enjoy a relaxed day in Cairns or consider an optional excursion to the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where lush tropical rainforest meets the Coral Sea. Travelling north along the scenic coastline, visit Mossman Gorge, an area renowned for its beautiful rainforest landscapes and cultural significance. Continue across the Daintree River into one of the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest environments, where dense vegetation, remarkable biodiversity, and peaceful natural surroundings create an unforgettable atmosphere. Enjoy time to explore Cape Tribulation’s beautiful coastline, where rainforest-covered mountains meet pristine beaches. A stop for locally produced tropical fruit ice cream provides a delightful conclusion to the day’s exploration. Return to Cairns for your final evening in Tropical North Queensland.

Following your onward flight to Sydney, you will be welcomed by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy some time for lunch before meeting your guide for an afternoon walking tour of Australia’s most celebrated harbour city. Your exploration begins with the magnificent Sydney Opera House, admired around the world for its distinctive architecture and extraordinary waterfront setting. Continue through the historic neighbourhood of The Rocks, where cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, galleries, cafés, and traditional pubs reflect the city’s early colonial history. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of Sydney Harbour and learn about the cultural influences that have shaped the city. The walking tour also introduces Darling Harbour, a lively waterfront precinct known for its restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues. Your guide will provide recommendations for dining, shopping, and further sightseeing before concluding the tour. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Sydney, with the option to explore the city’s beautiful coastline or venture into the surrounding wine country. A guided excursion to Manly offers a wonderful introduction to Sydney’s relaxed coastal lifestyle. Begin with a scenic ferry journey across Sydney Harbour, enjoying impressive views of the Harbour Bridge and surrounding waterfront landmarks. Upon arrival, explore Manly’s charming streets, boutiques, and cafés before continuing towards the famous Manly Beach. The coastal surroundings of Shelly Beach and Queenscliff offer further opportunities to appreciate Sydney’s beautiful northern beaches. Alternatively, wine enthusiasts may prefer an optional excursion to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s oldest and most distinguished wine regions. Visit selected boutique wineries, enjoy guided tastings of regional varieties, and appreciate the picturesque vineyard landscapes. Depending on the excursion selected, there may also be opportunities to sample local cheeses, chocolates, and other regional specialities. Return to Sydney for an evening at leisure.

Your final full day in Sydney offers an opportunity to explore the city independently or join an optional excursion to the spectacular Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region celebrated for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and extraordinary natural scenery. Travelling west of Sydney, the landscape gradually gives way to rugged mountain ranges, deep valleys, and beautiful wilderness areas. Admire panoramic views across the Jamison Valley and visit the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, one of the region’s most recognisable natural landmarks. Depending on the selected excursion, enjoy scenic walking trails, impressive waterfalls, and opportunities to learn about the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage. As the afternoon progresses, the changing light creates beautiful views across the mountains and surrounding forests. Some excursions also offer opportunities to observe native wildlife, including kangaroos, during the return journey. Alternatively, remain in Sydney and enjoy the city’s galleries, waterfront restaurants, and beautiful harbour at your own pace.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your onward journey. Over the past eleven nights, your travels have brought together some of Australia’s most memorable destinations, from Melbourne’s celebrated cultural scene and the dramatic landscapes of the Great Ocean Road to the tropical beauty of Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney’s magnificent harbour. Following check-out, transfer to Sydney Airport for your onward flight or continue your Australian holiday with an additional stay or extension arranged according to your preferences.