Discover Australia: Sydney, The Red Centre, The Great Barrier Reef and Melbourne

On arrival at Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport, you will be transfered to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Sydney is located on the east coast of the country in the state of New South Wales. It 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.

Enjoy a full day of Sydney touring by sea & land. Begin your day with a sensational morning tea cruise. A unique, two-hour cruise experience. Enjoy the company of a small group aboard a 52-foot motor yacht. Your personal captain & 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 lite morning tea with coffee, tea, juice, water and 5-star service. After your cruise enjoy some free time to explore the "Rocks" and perhaps enjoy lunch (at your own expense). Your afternoon sightseeing starts at 1:15 p.m. sharp from the back entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel. Now, enjoy an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half-day tour. Visit Sydney’s trendy districts, superb coastal cliff walks and famous Bondi Beach. Your personal guide will entertain you along the way.

This afternoon step inside the iconic Sydney Opera House and discover the extraordinary stories of one of the globe's most recognized landmarks. Throughout your experience, the passionate guide will take you inside theatres and foyers that are otherwise off-limits, while letting you in on some insider secrets pertaining to the history of the building and the people who were behind its creation. Following the tour, soak up the views while enjoying your choice of the main meal at the Opera Bar (an iconic Sydney venue focusing on Australian cuisines and suppliers) or House Canteen (harbourside all-day hawker-style venue offering pan-Asian cuisine), accompanied by a refreshing beverage (either wine, beer, or soft drink).

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. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). 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.

This morning you are transfered to the airport for your flight to Ayers Rock (flight not included in price).

Uluru / Ayers Rock is a sandstone rock formation and UNESCO World Heritage site situated 450 kilometres/280 miles southwest of Alice Springs. It is 348 metres/1140 feet high but the bulk of the rock is actually underneath the ground. To give an idea of its size, the distance around the circumference is 9.4 kilometres/5.8 miles. Despite its remoteness, Uluru / Ayers Rock makes an unforgettable addition to your Australia vacation.

This afternoon travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment. Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that makeup Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years.

Travel from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station (included) along the way. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvelous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor. After lunch (own expense), return to Ayers Rock Resort.

Your Wintjiri Wiru experience begins deep in the desert. After a short journey from Ayers Rock Resort, take a gentle evening stroll through the desert along an elevated walkway until you reach the open-air theatre, set upon a dune top. You'll be greeted with delicious cocktails, infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views and watch on in awe as the sun slowly sets over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Embark on a culinary adventure with a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern culinary techniques to create a masterpiece for the palette.

With the heart of Australia as the backdrop, a story passed on for thousands of generations, now passes to you. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told like never before with ground-breaking technology. Choreographed drones, lasers, and projections will take flight, lighting up the night sky in a modern, artistic expression of an ancient, Anangu story. Feel a powerful connection to country as you listen to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language and immerse yourself in a living story.

As you travel towards Uluru its vast shape rises from the sand dunes as the early dawn light highlights it presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location with uninterrupted views to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. Enjoy a picnic breakfast before you experience the highlights of Uluru. Your guide will escort you on a short walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole at Uluru where you will learn the creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (Python). You will drive around the base of Uluru before returning to the resort.

Following the tour you will be transfered to the airport for your flight to Cairns (flight not included in price).

Cairns is a small city and Australia vacation staple in the tropical north of Queensland, best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It enjoys easy access to mountainous rainforests including the ancient Daintree, the oldest rainforest on earth. Offshore, you can enjoy world-class diving or snorkeling, getting close to schools of tropical fish and abundant marine life.

For an experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver's wave piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive (extra cost), snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (extra cost). Whichever way you choose; you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

The Classic Kuranda Experience includes the main attractions of Kuranda, but gives you more free time to explore Kuranda. You will travel to Kuranda by scenic railway and then spend some free time in the village. Wander through the many shops and local markets, which offer a full range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts.

You will then be transferred to Rainforestation Nature Park, where you will enjoy a delicious Australian BBQ lunch, a guided tour of the rainforest on board an amphibious Army Duck, and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance performance, followed by the Dreamtime Walk. You will learn how to throw a boomerang, see a spear-throwing demonstrations, and learn about aboriginal culture.

A guided tour of the Koala and Wildlife Park will commence at the Cultural Centre. Your coach will then transfer you to Kuranda Skyrail Terminal for the 7.5 kilometre Skyrail Rainforest Cableway journey down the mountain. Your coach will then return you to your accommodation.

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

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.

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.

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.

Experience this majestic coastal drive in style with your small group and enjoy time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous touring route. Stay on the lookout for some very special animals including whales, dolphins, echidnas and bandicoots. Your camera will get a good workout along this exciting journey where we will stop for plenty of photo opportunities. To begin, your expert Oceania Guide will collect you from your Melbourne hotel to commence your exciting road trip. Your next stop will be at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town which is most noteworthy for its setting among the soft rolling hills. It offers a great selection of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some lunch (not included). Following this, we will enjoy a walk in the forest in the Otway Ranges. A truly unique day out, capped off by a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Finally, your Oceania guide will transfer you back to the comfort of your hotel in Melbourne.

Following breakfast you will be transfered to the airport in time for your onward flight.