Coastal Escapades – Melbourne, Brisbane & Whitsundays

Depart from North America on your flight to Australia.

Today is lost as you cross the International Date Line. You will regain the day on your return journey.

After clearing Australian Customs and Immigration formalities, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in central Melbourne. The balance of the morning is at leisure to relax.

Spend your afternoon exploring 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.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express on Flinders 

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. Your tour will finish by visiting Melbourne's famous Eureka Tower where you can scrape the sky to see the awe inspiring skyline at Eureka Skydeck 88 where you will be spoiled with 360 degree views of the city, Port Phillip Bay and out to the Dandenongs and the Yarra Valley. 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 travelers.

Let Oceania Tours whisk you away to 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.

Today is yours to explore! Discover the culture, cuisine, and coastal views as you wander the streets of Melbourne. 

You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Hamilton Island. On arrival at Hamilton Island, you will collect your bags, check in your hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. 

See the very best of the Whitsunday Islands National Park on this fully guided half day cruise.

Board your Whitehaven vessel for the scenic cruise to this magnificent beach. Your cruise vessel has expansive seating areas inside and out and your friendly skipper will provide an informative commentary on the history and natural wonders of the area. Sit back, breathe in the sea air, sip a wine or beer and marvel at the 74 Island Wonders of the Whitsundays, starting with views of Passage Peak and the imposing Pentecost Island.

The waters of Solway Passage lead you to the world famous Whitehaven Beach, a definite 'must see' in the Whitsundays. The crystal clear aqua waters and pristine white silica sand stretch for over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. It is Mother Nature at her best - the most photographed beach in Australia and named 'Queensland's Most Beautiful Beach'.

Wander along the beach to your own secluded stretch, laze on the beach or cool off in the azure waters.

Part of the Whitsundays, and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations. On a holiday to Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. Hamilton Island is a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach.

There's plenty to do during your Great Barrier Reef holiday on Hamilton Island. You can enjoy a wide selection of bars and restaurants, year-round cultural exhibitions and performances, an abundance of water sports and activities - and that's just the start. For sailing enthusiasts, there’s the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, and for keen golfers, the Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only Australian 18-hole championship course on its own island. 

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Brisbane, on arrival you will be met and transferred to your Brisbane accommodation.  The balance of the day is free to explore the city.

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.

Join us for an Australia Zoo adventure, enjoying numerous live wildlife shows that will leave you saying, "your beauty", including a sneak peek into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Hospital. Here you'll meet some new cobber's (friends) and see giant snakes and of course the famous and amazing crocodiles, you'll be stoked! You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Australia Zoo. You will have up to six hours to explore and see some of the fantastic Australian wildlife.  After your day of exploration, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

The once sleepy town of Brisbane has emerged in recent decades as one of Australia's fastest-growing capital cities.  The Brisbane River flows through the city's hilly topography, making a river cruise a great way to see the city. Top this off with riverside dining on Brisbane’s South Bank, then roam the trendy bars and cafes of West End, or for serious clubbing, cab it to Fortitude Valley. Culture lovers will want to dive into the city's riverside museum district next to South Bank, while shoppers should head to the city centre's Queen Street Mall.

You will be transferred to the airport this morning for flight back to North America.  Of course, if you want to stay longer and explore more of Australia, Goway can assist you with your perfect custom vacation – enquire now!