Australia Highlights

Get a Lay of the Land

One of the more vibrant and visually striking cities in the world, begin your tour of Sydney’s essential highlights by meeting your private guide in the hotel lobby, then set out to explore the historic Rocks precinct – the birthplace of Sydney – where you’ll explore convict-built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Heading east, make your way to the gorgeous Botanical Gardens situated in the heart of the city. En route, pass through Macquarie Street – named after the fifth Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie – where you’ll also see Australia’s first Parliament House, the Hyde Park Barracks, and St Mary’s Cathedral. The tour continues onward to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair – carved in sandstone and situated steps from the water – where you’ll begin a walking tour of the harbor’s edge, taking in magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House before rejoining your vehicle. Continue through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, and Rushcutters Bay. Stop for lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Australia’s premier yacht club and home to what is considered yachting’sEverest’ – the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. Continue on through Darling Point, one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs, and see some of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses. Pass by Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, and Watsons Bay, before traversing along the coastline to Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will have some time to soak up the atmosphere of this beachside Mecca before strolling down the esplanade. Returning to Sydney via vibrant Oxford Street and the suburb of Paddington, you’ll have time to admire this boutique shopping precinct and its charming Georgian and Victorian architecture before being returned to your hotel.

From modern monuments to historic districts with excellent shopping in between, Sydney boasts a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. During your free time, consider exploring the Harbour area with its many cafes, gift shops, and gorgeous waterfront, or perhaps head to the Queen Victoria Building to shop at a few high-end designer boutiques. At Bondi Beach, whisk the shores barefoot, enjoying the soft golden sands beneath your toes. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to enjoy your time at leisure in sensational Sydney.

Breathe the Mountain Air

Today you’ll discover the best of the stunning scenery of the Blue Mountains, known for its dramatic steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and waterfalls. On this small-group tour, you’ll visit preeminent sites including Kings Tableland, Wentworth Falls, and the famed Three Sisters, all while keeping an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home. After a hotel pick-up, you’ll drive through the historic Rocks neighborhood– Australia’s first European settlement – passing convict-built cottages and Australia’s first church, before crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge. Next up, you’ll visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can pet a koala, hand-feed a kangaroo, and get up close with wallabies and wombats.

Carrying onward, you’ll enter the Blue Mountains National Park, first stopping at a secluded clearing to enjoy morning tea. Explore the gorgeous park in search of wild kangaroos and magnificent birdlife and then set off for magnificent Kings Tableland to bask in the incredible views overlooking the Jamison Valley. Break for lunch at a local café in the heart of the Blue Mountains, then track to Wentworth Falls, a beautiful waterfall found between Blue Mountains National Park and Kanangra-Boyd National Park. A guide will take you down a well-worn path towards the falls, taking in excellent views along the way and learning about the geological conditions that spawned the Blue Mountains. Next, you’ll hop into an awaiting vehicle and skirt around cliffs, driving towards the township of Katoomba. At Eagle Hawk lookout, you will see the famous Three Sisters rock formation, marveling at the views of the Jamison Valley, and visit Narrowneck Plateau to enjoy a few more outstanding vantage points.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Sydney, arriving at your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm.

A Change of Scenery

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Sydney Airport alongside a professional driver.

Board a flight in Sydney with service to Cairns. The approximate direct flight duration is three hours and 5 minutes.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately.

A transfer in a private vehicle with a driver between Cairns and Palm Cove is provided. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes

Underwater Wonderland

Cruise in style to the Great Barrier Reef, the ideal way to experience this famed natural wonder. Enjoy personalized snorkeling, certified and introductory diving lessons, and a glass-bottom boat tour alongside a friendly and professional crew. At pristine Upolu Cay – a coral formation surrounded by crystal waters – set your sights on a moving system, the shape and size of which alters as the currents, wind, and waves carve its form. A naturally occurring pontoon, the size and visibility of the cay, and access to it are subject to a host of conditions; on certain days, fortunate guests will not only be able to spot the cay but also to physically set foot on the formation (this cannot be guaranteed). No matter the weather, this six-hour cruise through the Great Barrier Reef will also include a range of scrumptious seafood lunch to enjoy in tow. With an enthusiastic crew committed to catering to your every need, a memorable and safe experience on the Great Barrier Reef is yours to discover. Please note: The cruise operates with a maximum of 75 passengers.

Relax and Recharge

Spend the day soaking up the Australian sun in Palm Cove. Home to one of the country’s loveliest beaches lined with palm trees, this is one of the most beautiful locations in Australia. Consider popping into several of the town’s vibrant shops and restaurants or simply relaxing in this idyllic tropical location.

The Journey Continues…

A transfer in a private vehicle with a driver between Palm Cove and Cairns is provided. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes.

Board a flight in Cairns with service to Melbourne. The approximate direct flight duration is three hours and 25 minutes.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately. 

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Melbourne’s domestic airport alongside a professional driver.

Nurtured by Nature

Depart Melbourne at around 8.00 a.m. and travel just 45 minutes west to the bushland of You Yangs National Park. The park is home to a healthy population of wild koalas. Take a very easy walk through the gum trees, searching for koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and birds in their natural setting. Your Wildlife Guide will point out plants and features of interest explain some of the history of the area and, where possible, introduce you to known and named Koalas that are part of a research project. Most of these koalas have been monitored by researchers for several years. At one of 5 Boneseed-removal sites, you stop for 5 minutes to remove some of these noxious weeds to improve the Koala habitat. The area you walk through is of great significance to the local Aboriginal People of the Wathaurong Tribe. The granite rock formations of the You Yangs staged huge meetings of Aboriginal People from all over southeastern Australia. Many signs of their occupation remain. Your Guide will share his/her knowledge with you. Though you will not be meeting any Aboriginal People on this tour, you’ll act with the knowledge, consent, and support of the Wathaurong Community. Please wear strong, fully enclosed walking shoes and suitable weather-appropriate clothing. You must be able to walk unassisted for at least one kilometer on uneven dirt surfaces to ensure wildlife sightings. There may be up to 5 walks of one kilometer during the day. The tour can accommodate up to 8 passengers, departs at 8.00 a.m., and takes approximately 8 hours.

Pound the Pavement

The lanes and arcades of Melbourne are truly mesmerizing. From the high arched ceilings of the Royal Arcade, opened in 1870, to the rich decorations of the Block Arcade, in operation since 1892, they never fail to impress. Housing a range of family-operated boutique curios, on this behind-the-scenes tour you’ll learn the fascinating history of this cosmopolitan city while being introduced to some of its most interesting districts by a private guide. As you explore myriad passageways, you’ll spot cutting-edge street art (or perhaps have the chance to watch as a new mural is designed) and also make a stop at a local chocolate shop for a light tasting. Toward the end of the experience, chat with your guide to develop a plan for the rest of the day or simply continue to explore the area on your own, perhaps returning to a few favorite gems in the afternoon. As this tour operates in all weather conditions, please ensure you have dressed appropriately.

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most dynamic cities that continues to grow on you the longer you stay. From its exciting art scene to its Alice and Wonderland-style hidden bars, it is worth taking your time to get to know this city. Home to the Australian Ballet, East End Theatre District, and a slew of international festivals, there is always something exciting happening in Melbourne. Please speak to your Destination Expert for assistance for further suggestions for your time at leisure.

Until Next Time…

You will be privately transferred between your hotel and Melbourne’s international airport alongside a professional driver.