Aussie Icons - Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne

Experience the beauty of Sydney with this full day tour with our driver and guide. Tick off iconic landmarks, like Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Stroll around vibrant districts like Bondi Beach, Kings Cross and explore the beauty of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair (gives the best view of Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge). Visit Milson Point, a suburb of lower North Shore of Sydney, and the other Northern Beaches. In the end, visit The Rocks, a place with some of the city’s oldest pubs and many of the upscale restaurants. 

After convenient pick-up in Sydney, voyage into the heart of the Blue Mountains—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at secluded lookouts offering magnificent views of the Three Sisters rock formation away from large crowds.  At Scenic World, ride on the Scenic Cableway that spans between two cliffs and awards you amazing panoramic views. Learn about local flora from your guide as you walk through the ancient rainforest on the Scenic Walkway. Listen for the native lyre bird and enjoy a peaceful moment in the trees. Discover the thrill of a 52-degree incline while riding the steepest passenger railway in the world—the Scenic Railway. The Railway experience through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging out of the ancient rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor, is a definite highlight for many visitors. Your included lunch comes with a variety of menu options and gorgeous mountain views. Visit one final lookout, only accessible to small groups away from large coaches, before your next stop at Featherdale. At this wildlife park, see native animals like koalas, echidnas and salt water crocodiles, with the opportunity to feed kangaroos. 

Make your own way by taxi to the airport to depart Sydney on a flight to Cairns. Catch a taxi from Cairns Airport to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure in the tourist capital of tropical North Queensland and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Stay: Cairns 3 nights

On this tour you will gain a greater understanding of the Mossman Gorge ecosystem from top to bottom on this outdoor excursion. Stroll through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, cruise down the Daintree River, walk along the beach at Cape Tribulation and enjoy stunning views of the region from popular lookout points.

After a convenient morning pick-up from your hotel, travel to the Mossman Gorge Centre. Enjoy morning tea before boarding the shuttle bus into the Gorge. Follow your informative guide into the Daintree Rainforest, breathe in the fresh air and soak up the enchanting woodland setting.  After exploring the Gorge, we make our way to the Daintree River for a 1-hour river cruise; marvel at the abundant wildlife species that call its calm water home including the estuarine crocodile. Next stop is the private access rainforest of Noah Valley. Enjoy a walk through the creek-side rainforest before a delicious BBQ lunch. Laid out under the sky-high forest canopy, this midday meal features fresh fish and tropical fruit, followed by a steaming cup of regional Daintree Tea. 

Emerging from one of the world's oldest rainforests, venture to Cape Tribulation on the coast. Amble along the beach and take in views of the stretching coastline and captivating coral reefs from the Kulki Lookout.  Time for an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Here you will enjoy a delicious cup of fruit ice cream made from exotic fruits grown on their own on-site orchard. Our final stop is at Alexandra Lookout. Situated over the Daintree River estuary, this breathtaking ledge offers expansive views of Snapper Island, the Alexandra Range and the glimmering Coral Sea. Now sit back and relax on the journey home after exploring the World Heritage Rainforest. 

Today, set out from Cairns for a day of snorkelling and sightseeing at two spectacular destinations in the Outer Great Barrier Reef. A large, modern vessel carries you to exclusive, protected locations far away from the crowds, where the spectacle of nature is waiting. Your captain will choose from 12 exclusive moorings at 6 reef locations, based on the water and weather conditions on the day, making sure you get the best experience to be found. Seasoned dive masters are on hand to provide an in-depth briefing on your gear and what to expect at each site.

Relax aboard the vessel as you leave the Australian coast behind and get your gear ready for some quality time in the sea. With outer reef locations chosen for their variety and the striking contours of the ocean floor, you're in for an outstanding experience when you plunge into the water. Once you've had a chance to mingle with the amazing sea life of beautiful corals and tropical fish, kick back aboard the vessel to enjoy a barbecue lunch before you cruise back to shore with a complimentary glass of wine to toast to a fabulous day on the Great Barrier Reef! 

Make your own way by taxi to the airport to depart Cairns on a flight to Melbourne.

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On arrival at Tullamarine Airport, please catch taxi to the Melbourne Hotel.  The rest of day is free to explore the city. Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex – and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art. Stay: Melbourne 3 nights.

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Miles of rugged beaches, wave-carved rock formations, and dense rainforest await on this full-day adventure along Australia's most famous scenic highway. Drive along the Great Ocean Road to see icons like the 12 Apostles, stroll beneath towering trees to spot koalas and lorikeets and linger over lunch in seaside Apollo Bay.

Head out of Melbourne and hit the road—the Great Ocean Road, that is. This 151-mile (243-km) highway winds its way along the southeastern coast of Victoria and is the world's largest war memorial. Your first stop en route is at Surf Beach, where you can take a beach walk while watching surfers catch waves before continuing on to Memorial Arch. Venture into the woods to look for koalas perched in the treetops, colourful parrots and lorikeets and the gum tree-loving kookaburra. In Apollo Bay, relax over lunch as you soak in the atmosphere of this waterfront locale and then work off your meal with a guided bush walk through the towering trees that line the Maits Rest boardwalk in the Otway Ranges, a cool and ancient temperate rainforest. The drive continues to the striking 12 Apostles, limestone stacks rising up from the waves, and Loch Ard Gorge, where you can take a walk while listening to the tale of Australia's most notorious shipwreck. Your final stop is at the arch nicknamed London Bridge, where you can feel the breeze off the sea before heading back to Melbourne.

Embark on an immersive journey through the wonders of Melbourne, a city renowned for its spectacular landmarks, enchanting gardens, vibrant culture, and rich history. With our knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll delve into the heart of Melbourne's inner city and uncover its captivating secrets.

Begin your adventure at the elegant “Paris-end” of Collins Street, where the fusion of sophistication and vibrant energy sets the tone for your exploration. Immerse yourself in Melbourne's sporting culture as you visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sports Precinct, where champions have made history. Capture a picture-perfect moment at the striking St Patrick's Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that radiates serenity and grandeur. Pay tribute to the fallen heroes at the Shrine of Remembrance, a solemn memorial that stands as a symbol of reverence and gratitude. Indulge your senses in the tranquility of the Royal Botanic Gardens, where lush landscapes, vibrant flower beds and serene lakes create an oasis in the heart of the city. Immerse yourself in art, culture and natural history as you explore the historic Exhibition Buildings and Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens.  Experience the lively atmosphere of Lygon Street, known as Melbourne's Little Italy. Then, visit Albert Park, home of the Grand Prix, surrounded by picturesque scenery that adds to the allure of this renowned racing destination. And no visit to Melbourne is complete without a stop at the iconic St Kilda, where you can enjoy the coastal views and catch a glimpse of the whimsical Luna Park.  At the end of this captivating journey, you will be conveniently dropped off at central Melbourne city location, allowing you to continue exploring Melbourne's wonders at your leisure or reflect upon the memories of an extraordinary day. 

The tour concludes this morning, when you check out of the hotel and catch a taxi or Uber to the airport.  We hope you have enjoyed exploring the very best of Eastern Australia.