Coastal Gems: Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney

Depart North America on your flight to Australia.

This day is lost as you cross the International Date Line.

After clearing Australian Immigration and Customs formalities at Sydney's International Airport you wil be transfered to your hotel.

You'll have time to relax and freshen up before your afternoon tour.

This afternnon be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth in a 90-minute leisurely walkabout with an Aboriginal guide in The Rocks, and journey into DreamTime, the culture of Aboriginal People.

The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour is 100 percent Aboriginal-owned and was developed by Aboriginal Elder, Margret Campbell, a Dunghutti - Jerrinjah woman. It is led by Aboriginal guides who have her permission to share their cultural knowledge. The tour gives you the opportunity to discover how the ancient Aboriginal DreamTime is still alive within the modern Sydney landscape and how the billion-year-old harbor, marine environment, sandstone strata, waterways, flora and fauna continue to influence how Aboriginal people live today.

This morning you depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. We continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 18th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. We will continue to Mrs Macquaries Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

We then continue through Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the worlds most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay, passengers will have the option a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.
Travel on to famous Bondi Beach where we enjoy a short stop of approximately 30 minutes. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi

Re-board your bus and continue on to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Final stop of the day is Darling Harbour. Your tour will end at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. You will need to make your way back to your hotel.

Treat yourself to Sydney Harbour's most sensational Cruise Like a Local Luncheon Cruise. A unique, four hour cruise experience. Enjoy the company of a small group aboard a 52 foot motor yacht. Your personal captain and host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbour and its foreshore as you take in the sites of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a 3 course BBQ lunch with regional wines, local beers and 5-star service. Immerse yourself in all the activities that a private vessel offers, including swimming, fishing, and kayaking - or sit back, relax on the expansive sunbed and do nothing at all.

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region.

7:00 - 7:30 AM Depart from the hotel with AEA Luxury Tours. 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.

From Calmsley Hill we continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. We will visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus our guests will enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by their guide.

Continuing on we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can't help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos.

We then make our way around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Hydro Majestic. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. We enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea/coffee. Beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you'll know why it's one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you're not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you'll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. We then stop briefly to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens our last stop, where we enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4:30 - 5:00 pm.

Today is at your lesiure to explore this spectacular city at your own pace.

Sydney is Australia’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city and an essential stop on any traveller’s Australia vacation. Surrounding the city is a wonderland of national parks, forests, mountains, river valleys and historic riverside towns. The first settlers arrived in 1788 came here to create a penal colony, finding the world’s largest natural harbour, and 70 beaches along the coast within a reasonable distance of the city. In more recent times, Sydney also hosted the 2000 Olympic Games.

Transfer to the airport form your flight to Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.

On arrival you are transfered to your accommodation in Port Douglas.

The balance of the day is at lesiure to explore this charming coastal town.

Join your coach transfer to the wharf this morning and board the vessel to enjoy a full day reef and island cruise to Low Isles. Sail to and explore this protected coral cay, with white sandy beaches and coconut palms, surrounded by coral gardens and the Coral Sea. Sailaway moors in the sheltered blue lagoon for five hours. Just relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour, take a trip on the glass bottom boat or laze on the deck after a buffet lunch. Later, enjoy sailing back to the mainland.

Your tour begins with being met by your friendly accredited guide at your accommodation. After introductions, drive north along the magnificent scenic coastal route learning about the history of the area and admiring spectacular views of the coastline and the Azure waters of the Coral Sea.

The first stop is at the Majestic Daintree River for morning tea (tea, coffee & biscuits) before enjoying an informative River Cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree Rainforest can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife. Next, we make our way up over the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage, Wet Tropics, and Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Your guide will take you on a journey through ancient Daintree Rainforest, whilst giving you an interpretation of flora and fauna. You will have ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species.

Enjoy lunch at a local cafe.

After lunch, continue along the 4WD Bloomfield Track through to pristine Emmagen Creek. Now it is time for a refreshing rainforest stream swim. We then make our way to Cape Tribulation Beach and stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographers' platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef'.

Head back with a stop at the Daintree Ice-cream Company (ice cream at own expense).

Today is at leisure to discover Port Douglas a chic, yet relaxed seaside village, perfect for couples, families and solo travellers alike, with a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, a plethora of restaurants and bars, not to mention fantastic boutique shopping. The village is also the ideal base to explore the World Heritage-Listed Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation with an abundance of tours and day trips available.

Transfer to the Cairns Airport in time for your flight to Melbourne.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel with the balance of the day at leisure.

Welcome to Melbourne, a city of contrasts, world famous sporting arenas and historic gardens. Be dazzled by the wondrous sights of Australia's most vibrant city and learn about Melbourne's fascinating history with your expert guide.

Join a small group tour to make the most of your stay as you zoom in and around the city, visiting such wonders as Federation Square, the MCG and our world-famous sports precinct, St Patrick's Cathedral, Albert Park Lake (Formula 1) and over to St Kilda Beach. You can even take a stroll in the gardens and visit St Patrick's Cathedral when permitted.

Visit world famous Albert Park, home of the Formula One, Australian Grand Prix as well as our inner-city sports precinct, home to the famous MCG and Melbourne Park where the Australian Tennis Open takes place.

There will be a maximum of 11 people in your group, so you will have plenty of opportunities to ask your guide questions and get to know your fellow travellers.

This afternoon discover Melbourne's arcades and laneways. Join this indulgent afternoon walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover artisanal and specialty retailers, that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways. Soak in the city via all your senses, and engage with passionate creatives. There is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.

Today, discover Phillip Island's unique nature experiences and dramatic landscapes. Your small group tour will help to further the protection and conservation of the local fauna and flora.

We drive south-east from Melbourne to reach Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles.  

Our journey then leads onto Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and our famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the island, depending on the time of year and your particular interests, we will visit Woolamai beach to see surfers riding the waves. From here, we go to the western corner of the island to enjoy magnificent views of Bass Strait and the Nobbies, which is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia.

During the daylight savings months, you will travel to the town of Cowes where you will have free time for dinner. In the winter months you can have something to eat at the Penguin Parade Visitor Center or wait for your early arrival back at your city hotel.

Finally, a trip to Phillip Island is not complete without its black tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. You will head to the Visitor Centre to shop, have a coffee and meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform where you will see the little penguins come ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows. On this tour, you will be treated to viewing the penguins at the special Penguins Plus viewing platform close to the little penguins' favourite spot to exit the water.

A full day to discover the Victorian capital at your own pace.

Repeatedly voted the world's most liveable city, Melbourne prides itself on its style and multifaceted urban culture. With a well-ordered downtown on the Yarra River, surrounded by parks and gardens, the capital of Victoria offers world-class art and live entertainment, a serious devotion to good coffee, gorgeous architecture, rich Aboriginal history, and top-notch dining. It's bound to be an urban highlight of any Australia vacation.

Federation Square is the perfect starting point, with its exhibitions, museums, restaurants, bars and shopping. To see Melbourne from a different perspective, visit the Eureka Skydeck for stunning views of the city’s heritage buildings, especially lit up after dark. A new development is the restored Docklands where one can enjoy award-winning restaurants alongside stylish bars and cafes. The city is also known for hosting world-famous events such as the Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Open Tennis and the Melbourne Cup.

For something different, head to seaside St. Kilda or funky Fitzroy, colourful neighbourhoods each with a character all its own. St. Kilda has its own beachfront and is home to Luna Park, the renowned amusement park, while Fitzroy is the hub of Melbourne's alternative and Bohemian nightlife.

Today you will be transfered to the Melbourne Airport for your onward flight.