Melbourne, Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef with Airfare

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.

This afternoon, join the Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour, a lovely and easy introduction to Melbourne. 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.

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.

Your unforgettable day will commence with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you are guaranteed plenty of close encounters with an array of Australian native animals like kangaroos, wombats and echidnas. Next, head to Phillip Island where, time/season permitting, visit Woolamai Surf Beach to catch a glimpse of the awesome waves and die-hard surfers. Following this, travel over to the dramatic west coast of the island. At the Nobbies, stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this dramatic coastline and perhaps spot a few seals and some penguin nests. Finally, your Phillip Island Day Tour is not complete without its black tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. You will firstly head to the Visitor Centre to explore, shop and have a coffee, then last but certainly not least, you will meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform. It's time to relax and let the show begin. The little penguins will waddle ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows. At the end of the evening, your Guide will take you back to your Melbourne hotel.

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.

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 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 itinerary and we will allow for plenty of photo opportunities. To begin, your expert Guide will collect you from your hotel to commence your fabulous road trip. First stop will be at the striking Split Point Lighthouse where you can take in the awe-inspiring scenery. You will have time to stroll along the wild beaches or otherwise, stop for a coffee (at own cost). Next stop is 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 stop for lunch (not included). Following this, enjoy exclusive access to an ancient Eucalyptus Forest walk, located at the iconic Great Ocean Road Eco Lodge where you can have close encounters with koalas, kangaroos and native birds. Importantly, as a guest on this tour, you will be contributing to the Conservation Ecology's conservation programs to protect the local tiger quolls, koalas and unique flora of the region. 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 guide will transfer you back to the comfort of your hotel in 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.  

To properly experience the wonders of the world's most celebrated underwater playground you need to spend a day here. On the outer edge of Hardy Reef, Reefworld is the best way to see everything the Great Barrier Reef has to offer. Come face to face with thousands of different species of marine life and stunning corals. Explore easy to follow snorkelling coral trails; SCUBA dive the most celebrated coral reef in the world; or just relax and enjoy the amazing view from the deck. Enjoy a buffet lunch as well as morning and afternoon

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. Day 10

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.

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 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!