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Essence of Brisbane, Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef

Duration
11 Days
Prices From:
US$ 2,749

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the best of Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef on this 11-day Australia vacation. Explore sunny Brisbane and its nearby rainforest on an exciting river cruise. Venture north to Port Douglas and immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest. Finish your trip exploring Melbourne's iconic laneways and Phillip Island's Penguin Parade.


Make your way from the sunny coasts of Brisbane to the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater kaleidoscope, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and Melbourne’s iconic laneways during this 11-day Australia vacation. Begin in the heart of Brisbane and cruise along the Brisbane River to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, passing the city’s most iconic attractions and historic landmarks along the riverbed. Meet iconic Aussie wildlife at the renowned Australia Zoo, bringing you face-to-face with giant snakes, crocodiles, and more. Swim in the warm Coral Sea off the shores of the picturesque Mooloolaba Beach before strolling along the Mooloolaba esplanade to the Mooloolaba Surf Club for a delicious lunch.

Head to Port Douglas and set sail to the protected coral cay and warm sandy beaches at the Low Isles. Dive beneath the warm azure waters on a snorkel tour or float in a glass-bottom boat before your buffet lunch at sea on your return voyage. Venture inland from Cape Tribulation to the ancient Daintree Rainforest on an informative river cruise. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO-listed Queensland Wet Tropics, searching for local wildlife as you hike deeper into the 180-million-year-old rainforest. Cool down with a rainforest stream swim before finishing your day with a trip to the famous Daintree Ice-Cream Company and Cape Tribulation Beach.

Begin your Melbourne exploration with a tour around the city before meeting endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, colourful birds, and reptiles at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. Continue south to Phillip Island, where you'll find Australia’s largest fur seal colony and the famous Penguin Parade. Indulge in delicious wine during your Yara Valley wine tour before exploring Melbourne’s iconic laneways and back streets, discovering the quirky cafes, street art, artisanal retailers, and independent designers in the city’s beating heart.


 

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Duration
11 Days
Prices From:
US$ 2,749

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Arrive Brisbane

On arrival at Brisbane Airport, you will be transfered to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to relace or explore Brisbane at your own pace.

Duration3 Nights
Accommodation

Rydges South Bank Brisbane

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Location View map
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    Rydges South Bank Brisbane



    Rydges South Bank is located in the heart of Brisbane's arts and entertainment precinct and is the closest hotel to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Activities in the precinct are endless with regular events and showcases on art, music, food and films. It's the perfect …

    Rydges South Bank is located in the heart of Brisbane's arts and entertainment precinct and is the closest hotel to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Activities in the precinct are endless with regular events and showcases on art, music, food and films. It's the perfect place to take advantage of Brisbane's outdoor lifestyle; wander through the weekend art and craft markets, take a dip in South Bank's man made Street's beach, or enjoy a barbeque or picnic in the lush parklands. The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is immediately adjacent to the hotel and downtown Brisbane and the bohemian village of West End are a 10 minute stroll away.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Barbeques (BBQ)
    • Bicycles
    • Business Centre
    • Concierge
    • Conference Facilities
    • Currency Exchange
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
    • Parking (Valet)
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna
    • Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 2

Koala and River Cruise

The Koala and River Cruise is a memorable journey on the Brisbane River to the oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary in the world. The cruise travels through the city's most historic landscapes, iconic attractions, historical home sites and interesting wildlife habitats as you listen to an entertaining and informative commentary.

Day 3

Be an Aussie For A Day

Join us for an Australia Zoo adventure, enjoying numerous live wildlife shows that will leave ya saying ‘you beauty’, including Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, within the purpose built Crocoseum. Here you’ll meet some new cobbers (friends) and see giant snakes and of course the famous and amazing crocodiles, you’ll be stoked!

Next stop, you’ll have to throw on some thongs (flip flops) and budgie smugglers (speedo's - optional!), as you visit the picturesque Moolooaba Beach – voted one of Queensland’s best beaches. Take a dip in the ocean – stroll along the white sands (Mooloolaba beach towel included) explore the Mooloolaba esplanade. After all this, you will find yourself at the Mooloolaba Surf Club in the afternoon, where you can have a few cold ones and a feed. So what do ya reckon? If you think there’s a better way to spend the day as an Aussie, we say tell him he’s dreaming!

Day 4

Brisbane to Port Douglas

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns (flight not included in price).

On arrival at Cairns you wil  be transfered to Post Douglas.

The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy this tropical resort town at your own pace.

Duration3 Nights
Accommodation

The Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas

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Location View map
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    The Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas



    This small luxurious boutique hotel is located in the centre of Port Douglas on the Esplanade and across from the beach. There are 34 spacious one bedroom suites with private balconies and large twin-tub bathrooms. The Peninsula Boutique Hotel has a landscaped pool with waterfall …

    This small luxurious boutique hotel is located in the centre of Port Douglas on the Esplanade and across from the beach. There are 34 spacious one bedroom suites with private balconies and large twin-tub bathrooms. The Peninsula Boutique Hotel has a landscaped pool with waterfall and lap pool and a sheltered sundeck and spa. Enjoy daily cocktails from the Hi Tide bar and restaurant. The Peninsula Boutique Hotel is an adults only haven with the comforts and facilities of a large hotel but with the friendliness and personal service that only a small property can provide.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Lounge(s)
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 5

Low Isles Sailing and Snorkelling Cruise

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.

Meal Plan Lunch
Day 6

Cape Tribulation Daintree

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).

Meal Plan Lunch
Day 7

Port Douglas to Melbourne

This morning, transfer to the Cairns Airport for your flight to Melbourne (flight not included in price).

On arrival at Melbourne Airport, you will be transfered to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy this charming Victorian city at your own pace.

Duration4 Nights
Accommodation

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank

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    Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank


    The brand-new Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is situated in Melbourne's premier culture and entertainment destination. Positioned in the arts hub of Melbourne, Southbank is home to the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Holiday Inn Express …

    The brand-new Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is situated in Melbourne's premier culture and entertainment destination. Positioned in the arts hub of Melbourne, Southbank is home to the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is within close proximity to many of the city's renowned restaurants and bars, being within walking distance to the Crown Casino complex and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The hotel's location also allows for easy access to Melbourne's sporting and entertainment precinct which hosts the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Arena and AAMI Park.

    Facilities

    • Accessible Facilities
    • Connecting Rooms Available
    • Credit Cards Accepted
    • Non-Smoking facilities
    • Non-Smoking Rooms
    • Parking
    • Shuttle Service

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 8

City Sights and Phillip Island Tour

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 with Oceania 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 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.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 9

Yarra Valley Wine Experience

Take in some of Victoria's best wineries in the stunning region of the Yarra Valley, only one hour from Melbourne. The tour features visits to some special wineries with outstanding scenery to match.  Enjoy tutored tastings at up premium wineries, a superb  A La Carte lunch winery restaurant lunch with a glass of estate wine.  This is a sociable and educational day out. With the help of an expert guide - a real wine expert, you will discover the richness of the Yarra Valley’s thriving wine industry.

Meal Plan Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10

Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour

Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told of, and ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. 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.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 11

Depart Melbourne

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal Plan Breakfast

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Daily except Friday

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Brisbane
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Port Douglas
  • 4 nights moderate accommodation in Melbourne
  • Shared Koala and River Cruise
  • Shared full day be an Aussie for a day
  • Small group half day Morning Melbourne City Tour
  • Small group half day Phillip Island Penguin and Moonlit Sanctuary Tour 
  • Small group full day Yarra Valley Wine Experience
  • Small group half day Lanes and Arcades Tour
  • Shared full day Low Isle Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise in Port Douglas
  • Shared full day 4WD Cape Tribulation Tour from Port Douglas
  • 2 lunches and 4 breakfasts

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.


27 Apr 2024
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