Itinerary Highlights
- Explore Sydney’s Botany Bay, Hyde Park Barracks and The Rocks – where Australia’s earliest stories began
- Journey to the Blue Mountains and Bathurst to uncover gold rush heritage in Australia’s oldest inland town
- Gain an in-depth understanding of Tasmania's convict heritage and history in Richmond and Port Arthur Historic Site
- Explore Maria Island and its coastal fossil caves, and spot native wildlife such as wombats and wallabies
- Best time to travel November to April
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Car Hire
- International Flights
20 nights from £6,959 per person
Nicola
Travel Specialist
The regions of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania tell a fascinating story of Australia’s past, where historic sites sit alongside iconic must-see destinations.
South of Sydney, visit Botany Bay, where the first convicts landed in 1788. Then, in the city, wander around the immersive UNESCO World Heritage Hyde Park Barracks, before walking the cobbled lanes of The Rocks – Australia’s most historic precinct. Head to the Blue Mountains and visit Bathurst – the country’s oldest inland colonial settlement, thanks to the discovery of gold here in the 1850s. In Victoria, spend an afternoon at Sovereign Hill: a living museum telling the story of Ballarat – a gold rush boomtown.
Next, venture offshore to Tasmania, an island steeped in convict history. Discover one of Australia’s most important heritage sites at Port Arthur, and take the ferry to Maria Island, infamous for being the prison where convicts escaped across the water.
Itinerary
Day 1 Fly UK to Sydney
Fly from the UK overnight to Australia, arriving in Sydney the following day. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Capella Sydney – a beautifully restored heritage building. Take time to unwind after your journey, spending the evening at your leisure in these luxurious surrounds.
Day 2 Sydney
Begin your day exploring The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest historic precinct. Once a pristine coastline inhabited by the Gadigal people, The Rocks evolved into a vibrant cultural hub. You’ll wander its cobbled laneways, discover heritage homes and admire sweeping views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Later, visit the Museum of History NSW to uncover the story of Sydney’s convict colony.
Staying at
Capella Sydney
Day 3 Sydney
Today, enjoy a long lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour. You’ll glide past iconic landmarks, including Sydney Opera House, while learning about the harbour’s history. Cruise by Woolloomoolloo Bay, Double Bay, Point Piper and the national park islands of Clarke and Shark, before stopping for your entrée. Continue through Middle Harbour, enjoying main courses at Balmoral Public Dining Room.
Staying at
Capella Sydney
Day 4 Sydney to Blue Mountains
Leave Sydney behind and journey west into the Blue Mountains, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and deep valleys. Stop at Wentworth and Katoomba Falls to admire cascading waters framed by eucalyptus forests. Then visit Echo Point for dramatic views of the Three Sisters rock formation. On the way, your guide will share insights into the region’s Indigenous heritage and colonial history. Hotel - The Carrington Hotel
Day 5 Blue Mountains
Travel to Bathurst, Australia’s oldest inland colonial settlement. You’ll explore the town’s historic streets and learn how the 1850s gold discoveries shaped its growth and character. Visit local museums to uncover tales of early settlers, convicts and the vibrant boomtown life of the era. You might also enjoy a scenic Zig Zag Railway ride, where you wind through spectacular gorges.
Day 6 Blue Mountains to Melbourne
Fly to Melbourne, where you’ll check in at the stylish 1Hotel Melbourne. Begin your city exploration at the vibrant Southbank Precinct, home to galleries, riverside dining and cultural landmarks. Next, wander the bustling Victoria Markets. Then conclude with a visit to the historic Old Melbourne Gaol, where you’ll learn about the city’s notorious criminal past and its most infamous inmates. Hotel - 1Hotel Melbourne
Day 7 Melbourne
Spend half a day exploring Melbourne’s lanes and arcades. Slip into concealed laneways and soaring, forgotten arcades, chasing the ghosts of espresso and old-world commerce. Discover the clandestine stories etched into the brickwork, uncovering the city's soul beyond the main streets.. Hotel - 1Hotel Melbourne
Day 8 Melbourne to Ballarat
Ballarat
Head to Ballarat, a city renowned for its Victorian architecture. Explore the streets and historic buildings that reflect the city’s prosperous past, before visiting Sovereign Hill, a living museum that vividly recreates the gold rush era. Meet costumed characters, pan for gold and experience 19th-century life as it once was in this immersive setting. In the evening, you can then unwind. Hotel - Craig's Royal Hotel
Day 9 Ballarat to Hobart, Tasmania
Arrive at Hobart, where you’ll be met and transferred by private vehicle to The MACq01 Hotel on Hobart's waterfront. For an in-depth introduction to Tasmania’s history, visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Explore the village of Battery Point (named after the 1818-gun battery that protected old Hobart Town). Don’t miss the Battery Point Sculpture Trail either.
Day 10 Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur
You will gain an insight to Tasmania’s convict history on this full day tour to Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Port Arthur Historic Site you will learn the history of this convict settlement where ruins of 35 historic buildings still remain. Click on the link for more details.
Staying at
MACq 01
Day 11 Seaplane Flight to Maria Island
Embark on a spectacular seaplane adventure to Maria Island. Depart from downtown Hobart for a scenic flight along Tasmania's stunning East Coast before landing on the grass airstrip where you will spot kangaroos and wombats as you land. Maria Island National Park is a mountainous natural wildlife sanctuary teeming with wildlife. Enjoy a short walk, taking in the beautiful views before settling down for a delicious island picnic of Tasmania's very best produce.
Staying at
MACq 01
Day 12 Hobart to Strahan via Lake St Clair (188 miles)
Strahan
Collect your rental vehicle from Hobart and start your journey across Tasmania through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Marvel at the 90-metre-plus trees of Mount Field National Park and 80-metre Russell Falls which appeared on Australia’s first postage stamp. Arrive at the southern part of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Continue the scenic drive down a winding road with more than 90 bends to Queenstown which was once the world’s richest mining town. Copper mining and mass logging in the early 1900s have left the area with a surreal rocky ‘moonscape’. Continue to Strahan on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, six times larger than Sydney Harbour!
Hotel - Ormiston House
Day 13 West Coast Wilderness Railway
Strahan
Board the majestic steam locomotive for a half-day journey in to Tasmania’s wilderness travelling along The West Coast Wilderness Railway, a reconstruction of the Mount Lyell Mining and & Railway Company railroad that connected the copper mines of Queenstown with the port at Strahan. In the evening we suggest watching the waterfront play, The Ship That Never Was – Australia’s longest running play telling the story of escaped convicts, a stolen ship and mutiny at sea.
Hotel - Ormiston House
Day 14 Gordon River Cruise
Cradle Mountain
Cruise across Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gate before the Gordon River - a river so calm that you will see reflections of the wilderness on its mirror like water. Disembark at Heritage Landing for a short walk along boardwalks in to forests of Huon Pines which are several thousand years old. Visit Sarah Island, where ruins of the former penal settlement give an insight of convict life.
Day 15 Strahan to Cradle Mountain (90 miles)
Cradle Mountain
Depart Strahan for the 2.5hr drive to Cradle Mountain. This afternoon enjoy an easy hike around Dove Lake through the Ballroom Forest and around the summit of Cradle Mountain surrounded by the epic glacial scenery of the national park. This evening you will visit Devils@Cradle Wildlife Sanctuary.
Day 16 Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain
More strenuous hikes are possible such as the 8-hour Cradle Mountain Circuit. Visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery where there are twelve rooms of powerful imagery of Tasmania, Australia, and Antarctica.
Staying at
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Day 17 Cradle Mountain to Launceston (91 miles)
Launceston, Tasmania
Drive via Sheffield, ‘Town of Murals’ where some 40 or more colourful huge murals adorn the walls and buildings of this once industrial town that has reinvented itself to become a centre of bohemian art, craft and culture. Continue to Launceston famed for the Cataract Gorge. Hotel - The Florence
Day 18 Full Day Ben Lomond & Tamar Valley Vineyards
Launceston, Tasmania
Today, your 7-hour privately guided journey will commence by travelling to the spectacular Ben Lomond plateau which is the largest alpine plateau in Tasmania. Make the climb as you drive up Jacobs Ladder, a series of hairpin bends to marvel at the breathtaking view from the platform at the top. You will travel through the Tamar Valley wine region where you will stop for lunch and wine tasting at a vineyard restaurant. Hotel - The Florence
Day 19 Launceston to Freycinet National Park (111 miles)
Freycinet National Park
Continue your Tasmania adventure back to the east coast where you will spend the next two days at Tasmania's oldest park, Freycinet National Park. Enjoy a stroll along the Richardsons Beach while taking in views of the breathtaking Hazard Mountains. Pick up a picnic of fresh oysters, prawns, mussels, and more from Freycinet Marine Farm to enjoy at the beautiful Honeymoon Bay.
Day 20 Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park
Wineglass Bay is considered one of the top ten beaches in the world, and can only be reached by foot or water. We suggest the more active embark on an unforgettable 5.5-hour small group walking tour. Take in sweeping views of Wineglass Bay from the lookout before descending to the beach for a picnic lunch. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys offers a spectacular coastal cruise from Coles, around the peninsula and past dramatic sea cliffs. Spot marine and birdlife along the way before stopping in Wineglass Bay for a delicious picnic lunch included onboard (Sky Lounge guests only).
Staying at
Freycinet Lodge
Day 21 Freycinet National Park to Hobart (112 miles)
En-route to Hobart stop for lunch or wine-tasting at Devil's Corner where you will get a last view of the spectacular Hazard Mountains. At Mayfield Estate, join a salt sommelier and taste the pure Tasman Sea Salt, or purchase some to take home. Return your car at the rental depot in time for your onward flight
Nicola
Travel Specialist
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20 nights from £6,959 per person
