18 DAY AUSTRALIA’S WILDLIFE EXPLORER
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Enjoy the ultimate Aussie Adventure covering the wonderful wild world of the states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. You’ll have numerous opportunities to see native Australian wildlife including rare and endangered species, not to mention the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. You’ll also explore some of the country’s most beautiful and dramatic coastlines, peaks and islands. This is a trip for those looking to get in touch with Australia’s animals and stunning natural beauty!
READ MORE >
Start Location: Sydney
End Location: Cairns
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Wildlife viewing: kangaroos, koalas, penguins, seals, crocodiles and more
- Animal encounters and feedings
- Sydney Panoramic City Tour
- Blue Mountains Wildlife Tour
- Melbourne: Lanes Tour and Aquarium
- Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- Phillip Island & Penguin Parade
- Great Ocean Road & the 12 Apostles
- Great Otway National Park & Tower Hill Game Reserve
- Coonawarra & Padthaway wine regions
- Naracoorte Caves National Park
- Adelaide & Cleland Wildlife Park
- Kangaroo Island & Flinders Chase National Park
- Cairns Aquarium & Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure
- Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Great Barrier Reef Excursion
READ MORE >
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Arrive Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! From the moment you arrive in this vibrant city you will discover a new adventure around every corner. From the many shops and restaurants of the famous Darling Harbour and the History of the Rocks area to the beautiful Bondi and Manly Beaches, you will always have so much to see and enjoy. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 3 nights.
Overnight: Sydney
Day 2: Sydney Sightseeing
Experience an unforgettable half-day panoramic city tour. On this tour you’ll visit the historic Rocks area and hear of its 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. Macquarie's Point to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We then head through Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the world’s most impressive harbours, we will make photo stops, including a panoramic view of the Sydney skyline. You’ll pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, and Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay. Here you will have the option of a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (own expense). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi. Re-board your bus and continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street. This afternoon you’ll arrive at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. You will spend a relaxing 2 hours discovering the secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens, and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you’re sure to learn something new about Sydney, its history, and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck.
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Lunch
Day 3: Blue Mountains Wildlife Tour
Your 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 on the highway. We’ll visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley for beautiful vistas. Where possible, this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day for a more relaxed and informative stop. Continuing on, we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point for views of the famous Three Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains feature 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 their magnificent colours. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation. Travelling around the mountains, we arrive at Hydro Majestic for lunch (own expense).The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you set 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 mesmerised by the dancing waves of water spray, you’ll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. We finally 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.
Overnight: Sydney
Day 4: Sydney – Melbourne
Today you’ll fly to Melbourne (flight not included). Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 3 nights. Start your stay in Melbourne with a short walk around town and a visit to the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Experience live shark feeds, Glass Bottom Boat tours and special touch-and-feel presentations. Your exciting journey will take you over four thrilling and interactive levels, where you will meet a whole host of weird and wonderful marine life.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 5: Melbourne Sightseeing
Today you’ll get to know the real 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 cafe 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 oriented to the life of the city that locals love. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture and historical tales are found in these walkways. There is something for everyone, local and visitor alike. See over 50 stores on this casual stroll and make a day of it in Marvelous Melbourne.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 6: Phillip Island and Moonlit Sanctuary
Head south-east from Melbourne today to reach Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles. Your journey then leads onto Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the Island, depending on the time of year and your interests, you can visit Woolamai beach to see surfers riding the waves. Next, you’ll be amazed by the dramatic west coast of the Island. At the Nobbies, stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this rugged coastline, see the blowhole and be mesmerized by the stunning views. You might even encounter your first penguin nests. You’ll stop for dinner at either Cowes or the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre depending on the time of year. Finally, a trip to Phillip Island is not complete without its black-tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. 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.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 7: Melbourne – Apollo Bay
Today, you’ll depart Melbourne via the West Gate Bridge. Travel through the vast volcanic plains en route to Geelong where you’ll have time to stroll along the transformed waterfront. Your first stop along the coast is at Bells Beach. The focus then turns to Australian native wildlife as we observe Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the wild. Your journey then begins travelling a very scenic, cliff-hugging section of the Great Ocean Road. Lorne is the largest of the seaside resorts and is a perfect place for a lunch break. After lunch we cruise along this spectacular road, stopping at many scenic spots including Kennett River. Travelling through Apollo Bay, you’ll go into the Great Otway National Park. Here you’ll enjoy a 1km guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully.
Overnight: Apollo Bay
Day 8: Apollo Bay – Mount Gambier
This morning starts with breakfast at the “locals’ favourite” Bay Leaf Cafe. Our journey then begins by travelling through the Otway ranges and onto the Shipwreck Coast. Your guide will introduce you to the strong Aboriginal heritage of the region with many tribes living prosperously around the coastline for thousands of years. The 12 Apostles are icons of Australia’s natural beauty. You’ll get the advantage of seeing them earlier in the day when it’s less crowded and beautifully sunlit. We then visit ‘Loch Ard Gorge’, the site of the most famous 19th century Australian shipwreck. Port Campbell is our lunch stop for today. After lunch we travel to a lesser known but highly impressive area of the Great Ocean Road west of Port Campbell. This section takes in London Bridge, Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, and Boat Bay. Our journey then continues through Warrnambool and onto Tower Hill Game Reserve where you’ll have a chance of seeing Koalas, Kangaroos, and Emus. From there, we venture on through picturesque Port Fairy towards Mount Gambier, home of the ‘Blue’ crater lake and numerous sinkholes.
Overnight: Mount Gambier
Day 9: Mount Gambier – Adelaide
Today starts with a drive through the Coonawarra wine region and a visit to the Naracoorte Caves National Park for a cave tour with a local guide. We then continue through another prominent South Australian wine region of Padthaway as we head north through to Keith. We stop here for lunch before joining the highway, travelling through grain and stock land towards Adelaide. On our approach to the city, we visit the very popular tourist village of Hahndorf and Mount Lofty summit for impressive, birds-eye views of Adelaide and surrounds. We arrive in Adelaide at around 6pm.
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 10: Cleland Wildlife Park
Take a walk on the wild side and engage with some of Australia’s most unique and curious wildlife! Cleland Wildlife Park is nestled within the beautiful Cleland Conservation Park, just 30 minutes away from Adelaide. Whilst immersing yourself in the wonders of this natural bush environment, you can engage with and discover more than 130 species of native wildlife. The Koala close-up experience and the hand feeding of kangaroos are definite must dos!
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 11: Adelaide – Kangaroo Island
Enjoy this morning at leisure to explore Adelaide on your own. This afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a scenic coach transfer to Cape Jervis, taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills. On arrival, board the SeaLink ferry for the transfer to your booked accommodation. Relax this evening on Kangaroo Island.
Overnight: Kangaroo Island
Day 12: Kangaroo Island
After breakfast your tour will begin. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park where you will be taken on a guided beach walk with an experienced guide and be amongst a colony of rare Australian sea lions. After your visit to Seal Bay, you will enjoy a delicious two course lunch. Spend the afternoon in the Flinders Chase National Park, which was devastated in the worst fire to ever hit the island in January 2020. You’ll see how quickly the regeneration of the native bush occurs after the event. Keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, and koalas. See the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. The Admirals Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal the spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery and safe haven for playful Long-nosed Fur Seals. Your last visit of the day is to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feed some kangaroos and get up close to the Kangaroo Island Koalas.
Overnight: Kangaroo Island
Day 13: Kangaroo Island – Adelaide
Start your day with a delicious cooked breakfast before heading off. Your first stop will be the fascinating Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain for an educational, interactive, and inspiring experience. Next, travel to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for a delicious lunch followed by an introductory talk about the history of the oil distillery and a guided tour. Your next stop is Clifford’s Honey Farm, where you’ll enjoy an informative guided tour of the honey room where you will learn about the extraction process, taste a honey soft drink, and have the option to sample the Drunken Drone Brewery’s Honey Wheat Ale. Continue to Pennington Bay, a spectacular beach on the south coast of Kangaroo Island before arriving at your final stop, False Cape Wines Cellar Door. Here you can take part in a structured wine tasting while enjoying the peaceful views of the surrounding vineyards. Your tour ends at the Penneshaw Hotel where you’ll have ample time for dinner (own expense) before returning to the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal for your ferry and coach transfer back to Adelaide.
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 14: Adelaide – Cairns
Today, you’ll fly from Adelaide to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (Flight not included). Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 4 nights.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 15: Cairns Wildlife Encounters
This morning visit the Cairns Aquarium for your Marine Life Close Encounter. Cairns Aquarium is designed for close viewing of reef and rainforest animals but behind the scenes there is so much more to explore and discover! This tour includes two components: a visit to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and a Behind the Scenes Tour. See where sick and injured marine turtles can be cared for and rehabilitated, find out what makes the aquarium tick and how they take care of the precious animals that call the Aquarium home. Your admission includes a personal ecologist guide, ray encounter with hand feeding experience, fully guided and personalized 2-hour tour, and Fish Scatter Feeding. In the afternoon, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, situated on the magnificent coastal drive between the popular destinations of Palm Cove and Port Douglas. This is the best place to see crocodiles and native wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. Set in the foothills of the MacAlister Range, in a World Heritage listed area, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is home to a range of habitat types including melaleuca wetlands, riverine rainforest and eucalypt woodland. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures provides an innovative approach to viewing and interacting with wildlife, enabling visitors to become immersed in a natural environment with safety. A series of timber boardwalks provide elevated viewing of wildlife as visitors journey through a range of natural habitats.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 16: Kuranda Scenic Railway
A wonderful day awaits as you are transported on the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail to Kuranda. Your Kuranda Boarding Pass enables you to avoid the ticketing lines as seating has been pre-allocated. Rainforestation, set in 40 hectares of lush gardens, is your next stop. Board the amphibious Army Duck, see unique tropical fruits, ancient rainforest plants & native animals, before a performance by the Pamagirri Dancers. A BBQ lunch is included as well, then it’s time to board Skyrail for your return journey.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 17: Great Barrier Reef Excursion
Depart direct from Cairns on a fast, stable catamaran providing a smooth and speedy ride to the Great Barrier Reef. Unique to Reef Magic Cruises, our modern catamarans are never filled to capacity ensuring unmatched space, comfort & attentive service. The all-weather Marine World platform caters for all activity levels. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, go scuba diving (no experience necessary) or join our Marine Biologist on a Guided Snorkel safari. Not a confident swimmer? Then stay dry and view the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass bottom boat or underwater observatory, try a Helmet Dive for a scuba-style experience without getting your hair wet, or soar above it all on a spectacular Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight. With 5 hours at the reef there is time to do it all. If simply relaxing & soaking up the tropical warmth is more your style, then take a time out on our spacious sundeck where you will also find the regions only reef-based massage therapist. Best of all, you’ll benefit from the expert local knowledge of a Cairns family-owned company and the friendly Australian atmosphere for which we are renowned. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Overnight: Cairns
Day 18: Depart Cairns
Your trip concludes today. We hope you have enjoyed your Australian adventure and have a safe journey home.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
• Pricing is per person based on double occupancy rooms
• Single, triple, and family pricing are available on request
• The above pricing and itinerary are subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates from suppliers
• Please contact our office for an updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel dates
• Pricing is per person based on double occupancy rooms
• Single, triple, and family pricing are available on request
• The above pricing and itinerary are subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates from suppliers
• Please contact our office for an updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel dates
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 17 nights of accommodation in your selected category
- Sydney Sightseeing Tour
- Sydney Harbour Cruise
- Blue Mountains Wildlife Tour
- Entrance to the Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium
- Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour
- Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island full day tour
- 3 Day/2 Night Tour of the Great Ocean Road
- Half Day tour of Cleland Wildlife Park
- 3 Day/2 night Kangaroo Island Package
- Cairns Aquarium Marine Life Encounter
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventure
- Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforestation Day Tour
- Great Barrier Reef Experience
- All tours and activities listed in itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
- Flights/Airfare
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Pre/post accommodation
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Items listed as 'not included' or 'own expense' in itinarary
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
TOURS YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
DOWNLOAD
Tour Code
18MAW
18 Day Australia’s Wildlife Explorer
18 days
Created On: 21 Dec 2024
Highlights
- Wildlife viewing: kangaroos, koalas, penguins, seals, crocodiles and more
- Animal encounters and feedings
- Sydney Panoramic City Tour
- Blue Mountains Wildlife Tour
- Melbourne: Lanes Tour and Aquarium
- Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- Phillip Island & Penguin Parade
- Great Ocean Road & the 12 Apostles
- Great Otway National Park & Tower Hill Game Reserve
- Coonawarra & Padthaway wine regions
- Naracoorte Caves National Park
- Adelaide & Cleland Wildlife Park
- Kangaroo Island & Flinders Chase National Park
- Cairns Aquarium & Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure
- Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Great Barrier Reef Excursion
Inclusions
- 17 nights of accommodation in your selected category
- Sydney Sightseeing Tour
- Sydney Harbour Cruise
- Blue Mountains Wildlife Tour
- Entrance to the Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium
- Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour
- Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island full day tour
- 3 Day/2 Night Tour of the Great Ocean Road
- Half Day tour of Cleland Wildlife Park
- 3 Day/2 night Kangaroo Island Package
- Cairns Aquarium Marine Life Encounter
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventure
- Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforestation Day Tour
- Great Barrier Reef Experience
- All tours and activities listed in itinerary
Exclusions
- Flights/Airfare
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Pre/post accommodation
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Items listed as 'not included' or 'own expense' in itinarary
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Moderate
Sydney
Cairns
$5,769 USD
Superior
Sydney
Cairns
$6,629 USD
Deluxe
Sydney
Cairns
$7,479 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* • Pricing is per person based on double occupancy rooms
• Single, triple, and family pricing are available on request
• The above pricing and itinerary are subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates from suppliers
• Please contact our office for an updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel dates
* • Pricing is per person based on double occupancy rooms
• Single, triple, and family pricing are available on request
• The above pricing and itinerary are subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates from suppliers
• Please contact our office for an updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! From the moment you arrive in this vibrant city you will discover a new adventure around every corner. From the many shops and restaurants of the famous Darling Harbour and the History of the Rocks area to the beautiful Bondi and Manly Beaches, you will always have so much to see and enjoy. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 3 nights.
Overnight: Sydney
Day 2: Sydney Sightseeing
Experience an unforgettable half-day panoramic city tour. On this tour you’ll visit the historic Rocks area and hear of its 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. Macquarie's Point to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We then head through Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the world’s most impressive harbours, we will make photo stops, including a panoramic view of the Sydney skyline. You’ll pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, and Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay. Here you will have the option of a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (own expense). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi. Re-board your bus and continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street. This afternoon you’ll arrive at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. You will spend a relaxing 2 hours discovering the secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens, and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you’re sure to learn something new about Sydney, its history, and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck.
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Lunch
Day 3: Blue Mountains Wildlife Tour
Your 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 on the highway. We’ll visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley for beautiful vistas. Where possible, this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day for a more relaxed and informative stop. Continuing on, we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point for views of the famous Three Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains feature 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 their magnificent colours. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation. Travelling around the mountains, we arrive at Hydro Majestic for lunch (own expense).The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you set 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 mesmerised by the dancing waves of water spray, you’ll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. We finally 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.
Overnight: Sydney
Day 4: Sydney – Melbourne
Today you’ll fly to Melbourne (flight not included). Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 3 nights. Start your stay in Melbourne with a short walk around town and a visit to the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Experience live shark feeds, Glass Bottom Boat tours and special touch-and-feel presentations. Your exciting journey will take you over four thrilling and interactive levels, where you will meet a whole host of weird and wonderful marine life.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 5: Melbourne Sightseeing
Today you’ll get to know the real 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 cafe 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 oriented to the life of the city that locals love. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture and historical tales are found in these walkways. There is something for everyone, local and visitor alike. See over 50 stores on this casual stroll and make a day of it in Marvelous Melbourne.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 6: Phillip Island and Moonlit Sanctuary
Head south-east from Melbourne today to reach Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park where you will meet endangered species, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles. Your journey then leads onto Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the famous Little Penguins. Upon arrival on the Island, depending on the time of year and your interests, you can visit Woolamai beach to see surfers riding the waves. Next, you’ll be amazed by the dramatic west coast of the Island. At the Nobbies, stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this rugged coastline, see the blowhole and be mesmerized by the stunning views. You might even encounter your first penguin nests. You’ll stop for dinner at either Cowes or the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre depending on the time of year. Finally, a trip to Phillip Island is not complete without its black-tie gala event: the Penguin Parade. 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.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 7: Melbourne – Apollo Bay
Today, you’ll depart Melbourne via the West Gate Bridge. Travel through the vast volcanic plains en route to Geelong where you’ll have time to stroll along the transformed waterfront. Your first stop along the coast is at Bells Beach. The focus then turns to Australian native wildlife as we observe Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the wild. Your journey then begins travelling a very scenic, cliff-hugging section of the Great Ocean Road. Lorne is the largest of the seaside resorts and is a perfect place for a lunch break. After lunch we cruise along this spectacular road, stopping at many scenic spots including Kennett River. Travelling through Apollo Bay, you’ll go into the Great Otway National Park. Here you’ll enjoy a 1km guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully.
Overnight: Apollo Bay
Day 8: Apollo Bay – Mount Gambier
This morning starts with breakfast at the “locals’ favourite” Bay Leaf Cafe. Our journey then begins by travelling through the Otway ranges and onto the Shipwreck Coast. Your guide will introduce you to the strong Aboriginal heritage of the region with many tribes living prosperously around the coastline for thousands of years. The 12 Apostles are icons of Australia’s natural beauty. You’ll get the advantage of seeing them earlier in the day when it’s less crowded and beautifully sunlit. We then visit ‘Loch Ard Gorge’, the site of the most famous 19th century Australian shipwreck. Port Campbell is our lunch stop for today. After lunch we travel to a lesser known but highly impressive area of the Great Ocean Road west of Port Campbell. This section takes in London Bridge, Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, and Boat Bay. Our journey then continues through Warrnambool and onto Tower Hill Game Reserve where you’ll have a chance of seeing Koalas, Kangaroos, and Emus. From there, we venture on through picturesque Port Fairy towards Mount Gambier, home of the ‘Blue’ crater lake and numerous sinkholes.
Overnight: Mount Gambier
Day 9: Mount Gambier – Adelaide
Today starts with a drive through the Coonawarra wine region and a visit to the Naracoorte Caves National Park for a cave tour with a local guide. We then continue through another prominent South Australian wine region of Padthaway as we head north through to Keith. We stop here for lunch before joining the highway, travelling through grain and stock land towards Adelaide. On our approach to the city, we visit the very popular tourist village of Hahndorf and Mount Lofty summit for impressive, birds-eye views of Adelaide and surrounds. We arrive in Adelaide at around 6pm.
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 10: Cleland Wildlife Park
Take a walk on the wild side and engage with some of Australia’s most unique and curious wildlife! Cleland Wildlife Park is nestled within the beautiful Cleland Conservation Park, just 30 minutes away from Adelaide. Whilst immersing yourself in the wonders of this natural bush environment, you can engage with and discover more than 130 species of native wildlife. The Koala close-up experience and the hand feeding of kangaroos are definite must dos!
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 11: Adelaide – Kangaroo Island
Enjoy this morning at leisure to explore Adelaide on your own. This afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a scenic coach transfer to Cape Jervis, taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills. On arrival, board the SeaLink ferry for the transfer to your booked accommodation. Relax this evening on Kangaroo Island.
Overnight: Kangaroo Island
Day 12: Kangaroo Island
After breakfast your tour will begin. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park where you will be taken on a guided beach walk with an experienced guide and be amongst a colony of rare Australian sea lions. After your visit to Seal Bay, you will enjoy a delicious two course lunch. Spend the afternoon in the Flinders Chase National Park, which was devastated in the worst fire to ever hit the island in January 2020. You’ll see how quickly the regeneration of the native bush occurs after the event. Keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, and koalas. See the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. The Admirals Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal the spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery and safe haven for playful Long-nosed Fur Seals. Your last visit of the day is to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feed some kangaroos and get up close to the Kangaroo Island Koalas.
Overnight: Kangaroo Island
Day 13: Kangaroo Island – Adelaide
Start your day with a delicious cooked breakfast before heading off. Your first stop will be the fascinating Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain for an educational, interactive, and inspiring experience. Next, travel to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for a delicious lunch followed by an introductory talk about the history of the oil distillery and a guided tour. Your next stop is Clifford’s Honey Farm, where you’ll enjoy an informative guided tour of the honey room where you will learn about the extraction process, taste a honey soft drink, and have the option to sample the Drunken Drone Brewery’s Honey Wheat Ale. Continue to Pennington Bay, a spectacular beach on the south coast of Kangaroo Island before arriving at your final stop, False Cape Wines Cellar Door. Here you can take part in a structured wine tasting while enjoying the peaceful views of the surrounding vineyards. Your tour ends at the Penneshaw Hotel where you’ll have ample time for dinner (own expense) before returning to the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal for your ferry and coach transfer back to Adelaide.
Overnight: Adelaide
Day 14: Adelaide – Cairns
Today, you’ll fly from Adelaide to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (Flight not included). Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 4 nights.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 15: Cairns Wildlife Encounters
This morning visit the Cairns Aquarium for your Marine Life Close Encounter. Cairns Aquarium is designed for close viewing of reef and rainforest animals but behind the scenes there is so much more to explore and discover! This tour includes two components: a visit to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and a Behind the Scenes Tour. See where sick and injured marine turtles can be cared for and rehabilitated, find out what makes the aquarium tick and how they take care of the precious animals that call the Aquarium home. Your admission includes a personal ecologist guide, ray encounter with hand feeding experience, fully guided and personalized 2-hour tour, and Fish Scatter Feeding. In the afternoon, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, situated on the magnificent coastal drive between the popular destinations of Palm Cove and Port Douglas. This is the best place to see crocodiles and native wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. Set in the foothills of the MacAlister Range, in a World Heritage listed area, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is home to a range of habitat types including melaleuca wetlands, riverine rainforest and eucalypt woodland. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures provides an innovative approach to viewing and interacting with wildlife, enabling visitors to become immersed in a natural environment with safety. A series of timber boardwalks provide elevated viewing of wildlife as visitors journey through a range of natural habitats.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 16: Kuranda Scenic Railway
A wonderful day awaits as you are transported on the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail to Kuranda. Your Kuranda Boarding Pass enables you to avoid the ticketing lines as seating has been pre-allocated. Rainforestation, set in 40 hectares of lush gardens, is your next stop. Board the amphibious Army Duck, see unique tropical fruits, ancient rainforest plants & native animals, before a performance by the Pamagirri Dancers. A BBQ lunch is included as well, then it’s time to board Skyrail for your return journey.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 17: Great Barrier Reef Excursion
Depart direct from Cairns on a fast, stable catamaran providing a smooth and speedy ride to the Great Barrier Reef. Unique to Reef Magic Cruises, our modern catamarans are never filled to capacity ensuring unmatched space, comfort & attentive service. The all-weather Marine World platform caters for all activity levels. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, go scuba diving (no experience necessary) or join our Marine Biologist on a Guided Snorkel safari. Not a confident swimmer? Then stay dry and view the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass bottom boat or underwater observatory, try a Helmet Dive for a scuba-style experience without getting your hair wet, or soar above it all on a spectacular Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight. With 5 hours at the reef there is time to do it all. If simply relaxing & soaking up the tropical warmth is more your style, then take a time out on our spacious sundeck where you will also find the regions only reef-based massage therapist. Best of all, you’ll benefit from the expert local knowledge of a Cairns family-owned company and the friendly Australian atmosphere for which we are renowned. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Overnight: Cairns
Day 18: Depart Cairns
Your trip concludes today. We hope you have enjoyed your Australian adventure and have a safe journey home.
