Itinerary Highlights
- Discover Kangaroo Island's wildlife - sea lions, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and if you are lucky even echidnas and goannas
- Discover the natural beauty of Victoria's Great Ocean Road on a self-drive
- Take in Sydney's iconic sights during a luxury lunch cruise
- Snorkel over the mesmerising Great Barrier Reef and explore the ancient rainforests of Daintree National park and Cape Tribulation
- Best time to travel November - April
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Car Hire
- Domestic Flights
- International Flights
18 nights from £7,199 per person
Nick
Travel Specialist
An 18-night journey showcasing Australia’s diverse landscapes, flora and fauna.
Swim with wild dolphins at Adelaide’s fashionable seaside village of Glenelg and wander amongst Australian sea lions on Kangaroo Island. Discover the Great Ocean Road's breathtaking coastal scenery and rainforests on a self-drive through quaint historic towns and farmlands.
Explore the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne with a juxtaposition of glass skyscrapers and Victorian architecture, and see the trams trundle through multi-cultural neighbourhoods that offer a vibrant art scene and cuisine from across the globe. Sail past the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge a harbour lunch cruise and take in the magnificent views over the Jamison Valley on a small group tour to the Blue Mountains.
Swim amongst colourful corals and tropical fish on a day cruise to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and take a 4WD adventure through Queensland’s Tropical North in the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. This is the perfect itinerary for a first-time visitor to south and east Australia; discovering so many of its finest attractions.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Adelaide
Arrive in Adelaide where you will collect your rental vehicle for the short drive to your Adelaide hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the capital city of South Australia. Take the tram down to the fashionable suburb of Glenelg where you can soak up the seaside charm, swim with wild dolphins, or enjoy the sunset and dinner at Holdfast Bay Marina.
Day 2 Adelaide
Start your day at Adelaide Botanic Garden, then explore the Art Gallery of South Australia. Stroll through Rundle Mall for shopping and lunch or pick up some delicious treats at the Adelaide Central Market. For sports fans, you can take a tour of the historic Oval sports stadium or wine lovers, head out to Barossa Valley or Adelaide Hills.
Staying at
Sofitel Adelaide
Day 3 Adelaide - Kangaroo Island (116 miles including ferry crossing)
Make an early start from Adelaide, driving south to Cape Jervis to board the first ferry across to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Join an Exceptional Kangaroo Island small group tour on an adventure to the unspoiled wilderness of "Australia's Galapagos. Nature reserves and National Parks protect over a third of the island, a sanctuary for native wildlife. The island is home to Kangaroos, Australian sea lions, and thousands of Tammar wallabies. Staying at Providence Guest House
Day 4 Kangaroo Island
This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for day two of your Kangaroo Island adventure. Today's small group tour will take you on a walk through the bush - through strangely shaped trees. Look out for wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and koalas. Break for lunch at a private bush camp before continuing to one of the island's highlights, Seal Bay Conservation Park. Here you will take a private guided tour among Australian sea-lions on a beautiful sandy beach. This is where you will understand why Kangaroo Island is often referred to as Australia's Galapagos. Staying at Providence Guest House
Day 5 Kangaroo Island to Robe (305 miles)
Robe
Today's scenic drive passes through the Fleurieu Peninsula, with rolling hills and vineyards before entering the Coorong National Park with it's stunning lagoons and coastal dunes. Stop at quaint towns like Goolwa and Kingston before reaching Robe, known for its beaches, history, and fresh seafood. Staying at Robe House.
Day 6 Robe to Port Fairy (175 miles)
Port Fairy, Victoria
Enjoy a morning discovering Robe's history and beaches before embarking on the breathtaking journey to Port Fairy. Take a break at the midway point in Mount Gambier to see the famous Blue Lake and sinkholes. Continue through the lush Limestone Coast, passing through charming towns like Port MacDonnell and Portland. End in the historic seaside gem of Port Fairy, a perfect blend of nature and heritage.
Day 8 Port Fairy
Port Fairy, Victoria
Port Fairy charms with its historic cottages, serene beaches, and bustling harbour. Stroll along Griffiths Island where you can admire the lighthouse and spot seals. Explore boutique shops, savour fresh seafood, and enjoy coffee and sweet treats in cosy cafes. As dusk falls, the town's timeless beauty and tranquil atmosphere create a perfect end to a delightful day.
Staying at
Drift House
Day 8 Port Fairy to Johanna (92 miles)
The scenic drive along Victoria's Great Ocean Road passes through rolling farmlands, lush rainforests, and follows dramatic coastal cliffs. Key stops include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard, and Gibson Steps. Explore waterfalls, quaint towns and scenic walks. Nature and beauty abound.
Day 9 Great Ocean Road
Enjoy a day of rest at The Boomerang at Johanna. This unique accommodation is surrounded by nature and is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the surroundings. For those that prefer to keep active, Otway National Park is a short drive where you can explore the forest canopy with a treetop walk at Otway Fly, then visit Beauchamp Falls or Triplet Falls. Explore Cape Otway Lighthouse for stunning ocean views or take a stroll at Maits Rest. Always keep an eye out koalas resting in the trees.
Day 10 Johanna to Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula (115 miles including ferry)
Continue your Great Ocean Road journey combining scenic coastal and forest routes. Pass Apollo Bay and Lorne with breathtaking ocean views. Stop at famous surfing spots like Bells Beach and Jan Juc. At Queenscliff, take the ferry across Port Phillip Bay to Sorrento, a charming seaside town with sandy beaches, limestone buildings housing shops and cafes and grand mansions on Millionaire's Walk.
Day 11 Sorrento to Melbourne (67 miles)
Your next stop is the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, a juxtaposition of towering skyscrapers and Victorian architecture. The City and Royal Botanical Gardens sit on the banks of the tranquil Yarra River. Trams trundle through the city-centre and out to the trendy and multi-cultural neighbourhoods, such as Fitzroy with its vibrant art scene, and the bohemian seaside village of St Kilda with its pavement cafes, wonderful cake shops and bars on Acland Street. Staying at InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto
Day 12 Melbourne
A day in Melbourne is a blend of culture, food, and urban charm. Start with coffee at a laneway cafe, then explore Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria or Queen Victoria Market. Stroll along the picturesque Yara River, and end with dinner in Chinatown or a show at the Arts Centre.
Day 13 Sydney
Sydney is simply one of the most beautiful cities in the world, sitting on the world’s largest natural harbour and featuring some of the most iconic manmade creations; such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Explore Sydney’s Darling Harbour, an area dedicated to entertainment, shopping and dining with a spectacular backdrop of Sydney’s skyline.
Day 14 Sydney Harbour Cruise
Board Journey Beyond's cruise boat for a relaxing two-course lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour. Your crew will share with you the rich history of this spectacular harbour while you take in the sights of Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and multi-million-dollar waterfront mansions in the exclusive bays and coves.
Staying at
Capella Sydney
Day 15 Blue Mountains
Embark on a journey to the World Heritage Blue Mountains, a vast valley of eucalypt forests, rugged tablelands and waterfalls. Your small group tour takes you on a complete loop of the Blue Mountains, stopping at highlights that include Wentworth Falls, Echo Point at Katoomba for panoramic valley views and the Three Sisters rock formations. Scenic outlooks include Govett’s Leap and Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens.
Staying at
Capella Sydney
Day 16 Palm Cove
Palm Cove, Queensland
Take a short flight to Cairns and transfer to the northern beaches of Palm Cove. A relaxed village by the sea, Palm Cove offers palm tree-lined beaches, fabulous galleries and boutiques and award-winning restaurants. The resort is more low-key than Cairns and a delightful place to relax and from where you can explore Queensland’s ‘Tropical Far North’ and Great Barrier Reef.
Day 17 Great Barrier Reef
Palm Cove, Queensland
Choose from either a small group sailing catamaran or a FastCat cruise for a full day adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. Swim and snorkel amongst tropical fish, turtles and rays and an amazing array of colourful turtles. If you have chosen the Reef Magic Cruise, you will have access to a floating pontoon, semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours plus an underwater observatory.
Staying at
The Reef House Boutique Hotel & Spa
Day 18 Daintree and Cape Tribulation
Palm Cove, Queensland
Embark on an all-day small group 4WD adventure into Queensland’s Tropical North wilderness. Drive north along the scenic coastal Captain Cook Highway for a river cruise on the Daintree River, and through mangroves home to Estuarine Crocodiles. Stop at viewpoints over tropical rainforests and the Coral Sea and take guided walks along elevated boardwalks.
Staying at
The Reef House Boutique Hotel & Spa
Day 19 Depart Palm Cove
Transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight back to the UK.
Nick
Travel Specialist
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Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Easter Sunday: Closed
Good Friday and Easter Monday: 10am - 4pm
18 nights from £7,199 per person
