Destination Australia: Sydney, Melbourne & Cairns
The ultimate Aussie adventure
From the Sydney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef, this once-in-a-lifetime vacation checks everything off your Australian bucket-list. With 3 nights in Sydney, 2 nights in Melbourne, and 3 nights in Cairns, you'll experience the country's most noteworthy cities and most impressive natural wonders. Enjoy tours to the Blue Mountains, Cape Tribulation, the Great Ocean Road, and Daintree Rainforest, as well as included snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef!
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What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Sydney (SYD), out of Cairns (CNS)
- Private airport transfers
- 3 nights in Sydney at the Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour or similar
- Half-day private walking tour of Sydney
- Sydney Opera House tour with lunch
- Blue Mountains tour with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Melbourne (MEL)
- 2 nights in Melbourne at the Rendezvous Hotel or similar
- Great Ocean Road full-day tour with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)
- 3 nights in Cairns at the Pacific Hotel Cairns or similar
- Catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
- Cape Tribulation & Daintree tour with lunch
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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Get a peek at Melbourne's thriving music scene!
- Meet koalas, kangaroos, and native birds as you explore Great Ocean Road.
-
Feel the wind in your hair during a catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay.
-
Cruise atop the Daintree River and keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles!
-
Discover the colorful art that lines the streets of Melbourne.
Grab your camera and get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Venture "down under" and explore Australia's unbeatable beauty. Start off strong in Sydney, where you'll enjoy a walking tour of the city, as well as an intricate tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House. In addition, you'll embark on a fascinating tour of the incredible Blue Mountains! When exploring Sydney on your own, hang out with locals at The Rocks, a vibrant waterfront promenade filled with bustling restaurants and bars. Craving some sand and surf? Check out breathtaking Bondi Beach!
Next, take a quick flight to Melbourne, Sydney's artsy little sister. Wander streets lined with colorful murals, unique shops, and cute cafes. During your stay in Melbourne, you'll venture to the coast for a full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road! Experience stunning landscapes (including the Twelve Apostles), cute wildlife, and quaint seaside towns!
Last, but certainly not least, fly to Cairns, a spectacular city that's considered the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This portion of your trip is pure paradise. Enjoy a catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef and go snorkeling! Your dream of swimming among colorful fish and green sea turtles is about to come true. Keep exploring the natural beauty around Cairns with an unbelievable tour of Cape Tribulation and Daintree. Get up-close and personal with koalas and kangaroos, feast your eyes on white-sand beaches, and take a riverboat ride through the rainforest! Adventure is calling, Australia is answering.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Sydney (SYD), out of Cairns (CNS)
- Private airport transfers
- 3 nights in Sydney at the Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour or similar
- Half-day private walking tour of Sydney
- Sydney Opera House tour with lunch
- Blue Mountains tour with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Melbourne (MEL)
- 2 nights in Melbourne at the Rendezvous Hotel or similar
- Great Ocean Road full-day tour with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)
- 3 nights in Cairns at the Pacific Hotel Cairns or similar
- Catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
- Cape Tribulation & Daintree tour with lunch
- Breakfast daily
-
Get a peek at Melbourne's thriving music scene!
- Meet koalas, kangaroos, and native birds as you explore Great Ocean Road.
-
Feel the wind in your hair during a catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay.
-
Cruise atop the Daintree River and keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles!
-
Discover the colorful art that lines the streets of Melbourne.
Grab your camera and get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Venture "down under" and explore Australia's unbeatable beauty. Start off strong in Sydney, where you'll enjoy a walking tour of the city, as well as an intricate tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House. In addition, you'll embark on a fascinating tour of the incredible Blue Mountains! When exploring Sydney on your own, hang out with locals at The Rocks, a vibrant waterfront promenade filled with bustling restaurants and bars. Craving some sand and surf? Check out breathtaking Bondi Beach!
Next, take a quick flight to Melbourne, Sydney's artsy little sister. Wander streets lined with colorful murals, unique shops, and cute cafes. During your stay in Melbourne, you'll venture to the coast for a full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road! Experience stunning landscapes (including the Twelve Apostles), cute wildlife, and quaint seaside towns!
Last, but certainly not least, fly to Cairns, a spectacular city that's considered the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This portion of your trip is pure paradise. Enjoy a catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef and go snorkeling! Your dream of swimming among colorful fish and green sea turtles is about to come true. Keep exploring the natural beauty around Cairns with an unbelievable tour of Cape Tribulation and Daintree. Get up-close and personal with koalas and kangaroos, feast your eyes on white-sand beaches, and take a riverboat ride through the rainforest! Adventure is calling, Australia is answering.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Sydney!
Welcome to the land down under! Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first accommodation. Once you're all settled, head out and explore the beautiful city of Sydney on your own.Â
Private transfer to Sydney hotel
Check-in - Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour
The brand new, Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour is a 4-star hotel featuring an outdoor swimming pool, delicious restaurant, fitness center, and rooftop bar. There is also 24-hour reception, room service, and luggage storage on-site. The Above 319 rooftop bar features a heated pool and unbelievable views of Sydney, while the restaurant downstairs, The Sussex Store, offers casual dining and coffee. Rooms in the hotel are decorated in modern, New York-styled design with Wi-Fi, rainfall showers, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning.
Nearby the hotel, guests can visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales or The Star Event Centre located under 1.5 miles away, while the Kingsford Smith Airport is just 5 miles away.
Day 2. Sydney
Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then embark on a half-day private walking tour of Sydney! Explore the vibrant Rocks area, the Circular Quay, and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the skyline.Â
Next up: the one and only Sydney Opera House! Enjoy an included tour, on which you'll examine every nook and cranny of this historic structure. At the end of your tour, you'll indulge in a tasty included lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is all yours! You may want to head back to The Rocks for dinner, where you can sip local wine and gaze out at a gorgeous sunset.Â
Half-day private walking tour of Sydney
Lace up your sneakers! Time to explore Sydney with a half-day walking tour! This private tour will guide you through the historic Rocks area, Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour, and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair! Along the way, take note of any restaurants and shops you may want to return to. At Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, you'll experience spectacular views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge!
Day 3. Sydney
After breakfast, embark on a day of beauty in the Blue Mountains! Join a knowledgeable guide for an unforgettable tour of this majestic site.
Blue Mountains Tour with lunch
Grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the Blue Mountains! Join a knowledgeable guide and venture through some of Australia's most beautiful landscapes. Travel north across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and continue west until you reach Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to Australia's favorite marsupials: koalas! Get up-close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and more.
Hop back in the vehicle and journey on to Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy some morning tea at a hidden clearing and feast your eyes on the breathtaking beauty surrounding you. Here, you'll have time to roam freely about the area and seek out wild kangaroos and native birds!
Next, you'll stop at Kings Tableland, a jaw-dropping view that looks out over the Jamison Valley. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe in the heart of the Blue Mountains, then continue on to Wentworth Falls. Skirt around cliffs toward the township of Katoomba, then gaze out at the famous Three Sisters rock formation at Eagle Hawk lookout. After one last spectacular view from Narrowneck Plateau, you'll relax on a comfortable drive back to Sydney.
Day 4. Sydney - Melbourne
Say see ya' to Sydney! Enjoy a convenient transfer to Sydney Airport and board your plane to Melbourne. Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your next hotel. Check-in, freshen up, and go on your merry way!
Private transfer to Sydney airport
Fly to Melbourne!
Private transfer to Melbourne hotel
Check-in - Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Nestled in the buzzing business district, this historic hotel is rich with elegance and luxury. This award-winning hotel is within walking distance of Melbourne's best shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. Federation Square and the historic Flinders Street Train Station are right across the street!
Boasting 340 well-equipped rooms, the Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne offers modern amenities, yet maintains the feel and style of its 1913 origins. Check-in with the 24-hour reception team in the grand lobby, then find your room. Open the door to crisp air conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and more. Work all your stresses away in the fitness center, then satisfy your appetite at the onsite restaurant. Too cozy to leave your room? Order room service 24/7!
Day 5. Melbourne
Today, set out on a full-day tour to Great Ocean Road! Sit back, relax, and experience a majestic coastal drive along this world-famous route. Your camera will get a great workout today!
Stroll along the wild beaches and stop at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town set against soft rolling hills. There, you'll be treated to lunch at one of the cute cafes that line the streets.Â
Next, enjoy exclusive access to an ancient Eucalyptus Forest walk, located at the iconic Great Ocean Road EcoLodge. Get ready for close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and native birds! Last but not least, you'll visit the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Talk about an amazing day!
Full-day Great Ocean Road Tour with lunch
Fasten your seatbelt! This day-long tour of the Great Ocean Road will leave you feeling fully appreciative of the beauty of the world. You'll drive along the famed Great Ocean Road, enjoying stops along the way at Apollo Bay, Great Ocean Ecolodge, the Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. You'll have some free time to shop or grab a coffee in charming Apollo Bay. You'll also have access to an ancient Eucalyptus Forest Walk at the Great Ocean Ecolodge where you may be able to spot koalas, kangaroos, and more wildlife in their natural habitat! This tour includes a driver/guide, private motorcoach transportation, hotel pick up and drop off, National Park fee, and more!
Day 6. Melbourne - Cairns
This morning, you'll be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to colorful Cairns! Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your final hotel.
Settle in and spend what's left of your day exploring! Why not treat yourself to a lovely seaside dinner of barbecue or seafood?
Private transfer to Melbourne airport
Fly to Cairns!
Private transfer to Cairns hotel
Check-in - Pacific Hotel Cairns
Step out on your balcony and look out over the beautiful Cairns Esplanade and Trinity Harbor from the Pacific Hotel in Cairns. The hotel is easily within walking distance of the main shopping area and the new attractions at the Esplanade, like waterfront boardwalks, movie theaters, and art galleries, as well as a lagoon and beach. Retreat to the serenity of your hotel after a day of adventure!
Rooms are spacious and offer air conditioning, a safe, coffee and tea making facilities, a work desk, ironing facilities, a refrigerator, and private bathrooms complete with a hair dryer and toiletries.Â
Day 7. Cairns
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Spend the day sailing through the Great Barrier Reef on an amazing catamaran cruise. Enjoy stunning views, snorkeling, tropical cuisine, and more!
Catamaran Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
Great Barrier Reef, here you come! Set sail on a catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef. This stunning national park also serves as a sanctuary for migratory seabirds! Rich with a myriad of marine life, you can expect to see brightly colored fish and green sea turtles swimming through the waters of this endless coral reef. Enjoy an unforgettable day of tropical cuisine, snorkeling, and wildlife exploration!Â
Day 8. Cairns
It may be your last day in Australia, but it will surely be an amazing one. After breakfast, set off on a full-day tour to Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest!Â
Cape Tribulation & Daintree Tour (Full-day with lunch)
Embark on a full day tour to Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest! Travel in air-conditioned comfort as you venture to some of the oldest and most beautiful rainforests in the world. Hop out and cruise on the Daintree River, where you may spot wild birds or a crocodile!
Enjoy a tropical BBQ lunch in the rainforest, then visit the postcard-worthy Cape Tribulation Beach. Admire the bright blue coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout. What better way to end your day than a peaceful afternoon tea at the Mossman Gorge Centre?
Day 9. Depart Australia
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage, then hop in a transfer to Cairns Airport. Spend your flight home replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!