Planned by Tom,
local expert for Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Taiwan
5/5
Starting at USD 10070 per adult / 14 days
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Explore the best of Australia's cities and nature! From Sydney and Melbourne's urban charm to the scenic wonders of the Great Ocean Road, Cairns' reef adventures, to the lush rainforests of Kuranda. End with nature's embrace at Burleigh Head and Lamington National Parks on the Gold Coast.

This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences or an alternative route? Get in touch with Tom today to receive your personalized quote. Just enter your details and receive a quote based on your preferences.

Overview

Sydney 3 nights
Melbourne 1 night
Port Campbell 1 night
Melbourne 2 nights
Cairns 3 nights
Gold Coast 3 nights

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1-4

Sydney

DAY 1

Welcome to Sydney - Private transfer to the hotel

Touching down Sydney, be welcomed with your name sign and transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to recover from jet lag.

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DAY 2

Sydney City Tour with Harbor Lunch Cruise

Begin your immersion in Sydney's harbor soul at Circular Quay, a bustling port where ferries intersect with street life, immersing you in Sydney Harbor's stunning panorama of harbor, bridge, and opera house. Follow the harborside walkway to reach the Sydney Opera House perched majestically on the water's edge. Taking a 1-hour join-in guided tour inside, you will discover the magic beneath the sails.Later, board the Sydney Harbor Lunch Cruise and enjoy the city from a different perspective as you marvel at the sights fringing the coastline. Disembark and conclude the day with a stroll around the nearby Rocks, Sydney's oldest district filled with sandstone buildings and cobblestone lanes.

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DAY 3

Blue Mountain with a private driver

Experience the majestic World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains on a private full-day tour from Sydney. Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Mountains and sites including the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Hop onboard the Scenic Railway (or other rides) at Scenic World. Lunch by own at Europeanised Leura town.

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DAY 4

From Sydney to Melbourne (flight)

Fly to Melbourne this morning.Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, thrives with its eclectic laneways, vibrant arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings. Known for its Victorian architecture, it hosts major events like the Australian Open and Melbourne Cup. The city's parks, museums, and bustling neighborhoods embody its dynamic and cosmopolitan character, captivating visitors from around the globe.

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DAY 4-5

Melbourne

Melbourne Travel guide

DAY 5

From Melbourne to Port Campbell - Great Ocean Road

Hit the road in the morning to take in the breathtaking scenery along the Great Ocean Road.Stop at Torquay, the surf haven and gateway to this famed coastal drive. The winding road unspools, unveiling sweeping vistas of the Southern Ocean at every turn. Refuel in Lorne, a small town filled with a row of cute coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs with outdoors seating space. You can spend some more time wandering around this tiny town.Move on to the Maits Rest Rainforest within the Otway Ranges, home to towering eucalypts that brush the forest canopy. Here you will be lucky to find wild koalas as you hike through the paths. Finally, you will hit the jackpot - the iconic Twelve Apostles - with the background of sunset. Overnight in Port Campbell.

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Accommodation: Southern Ocean Villas

DAY 5-6

Port Campbell

Port Campbell Travel guide

DAY 6

Port Campbell National Park and return to Melbourne

Spend the morning visiting Port Campbell National Park. Climb steps to clifftop lookouts for spellbinding views of one of Australia's most photographed natural wonders. The Archway, Razorback, and Dumpling Rocks emerge from the surf while tales of shipwrecks from another age echo along the coast. After that, return to Melbourne through the inland road, along with the idyllic scenery.

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DAY 6-8

Melbourne

Melbourne Travel guide

DAY 7

Philip Island Day Tour

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne lies Phillip Island with its wealth of Australian wildlife and captivating coastal landscapes.Begin your day at Koala Conservation Centre. Wander the tree-top boardwalks and come face-to-face with koalas nestled in gum trees - right in their natural habitat. Not only koalas, but wallabies, birds, and echidnas also call this six-hectare sanctuary home.Next, board an eco-cruise to take in majestic views of one of Australia's largest fur seal colonies as they cavort, play, and frolic on the rugged beaches along the wild coast.Finally, make your way to the renowned Penguin Parade to witness the endearing march of little penguin families waddling across the beach to their burrows as the sun sinks into the sea, ending your wildlife-filled day on this enchanting island.

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DAY 8

From Melbourne to Cairns (flight)

This morning, bid farewell to Melbourne and fly to Cairns, a laid-back city and gateway to Queensland's tropical north. Upon arrival, why not discover the Esplanade Boardwalk? The soothing sound of the waves washing up on the shore accompanies your leisurely walk, refreshing your soul.

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Accommodation: Oaks Cairns Hotel

DAY 8-11

Cairns

DAY 9

Green Island and Great Barrier Reef

Step aboard an exciting catamaran adventure to explore the marine wonders of Green Island and the pristine outer Great Barrier Reef.Spend two hours soaking up the tropical paradise of Green Island, a tiny coral cay ringed by pure white beaches and lush rainforest. Spot tropical fish darting through the crystal-clear lagoon and bird life flourishing amidst the native trees.Then, board the spacious activity platform of Great Adventures, moored right over the vibrant coral reef. Spend the next three hours immersed in the underwater wonderland of the outer reef. You may see tropical fish dazzle in a dizzying array of hues as they flit between coral structures, or Jellyfish drift by in beautiful disks of translucent wonder.

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Accommodation: Oaks Cairns Hotel

DAY 10

Kuranda Classic Tour

Board the Sky rail Rainforest Cableway, gently floating 90 minutes above the canopy. Two mountaintop stations within the rainforest allow you to walk among palms and ferns.At Barron Falls Station, the Edge Lookout unveils awe-inspiring views of Barron Falls tumbling violently into the chasm below.Next, hop aboard the Army Duck Rainforest Tour for an insider's tour of the rainforest interior. Your guide points out all manner of curious creatures that call the jungle home.At the journey's end, tuck into a delicious rainforest BBQ buffet spread.Later, board the scenic Kuranda Scenic Railway back to the city, taking in waterfalls, gorges, and pockets of dense rainforest as the train snakes gracefully over old bridges spanning forest valleys.Next, stroll along the Esplanade - a palm-lined promenade overlooking the Pacific. Take in the scene while sipping a cocktail at one of the rooftop bars, gazing at Cairns city and the infinite Coral Sea as the sun slips below the horizon, casting a golden glow.

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Accommodation: Oaks Cairns Hotel

DAY 11

From Cairns to Gold Coast (flight)

Flight from Cairns to Gold Coast.The Gold Coast, Queensland, epitomizes Australia's coastal allure with its pristine beaches, world-class surfing spots, and lush hinterland. Home to iconic theme parks like Sea World and Surfers Paradise, it offers a vibrant nightlife and a rich array of dining and shopping experiences, drawing tourists and locals alike year-round.

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DAY 11-14

Gold Coast

Gold Coast Travel guide

DAY 11

Skypoint Observation Point & beaches

Take in the glorious panorama from the Sky point Observation Deck atop the 230-meter Q1 Building. Gaze at the glittering coastline, skyscrapers, and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see.Descend to a relaxed lunch overlooking the waves at the legendary Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. Savor the casual beachside atmosphere and coastal menu as surfers catch waves just beyond the boardwalk.Spend the afternoon swimming and strolling the endless expanse of golden sand that makes up Surfers Paradise Beach. Stretching over two kilometers, this iconic beach awaits with fine white sand, gentle surf, and inviting turquoise waters.Take a leisurely wander along this sun-kissed beachfront city famed for its thrilling theme parks, stylish boutiques, alfresco cafés, and the quintessential Australian beach experience.

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Accommodation: Aegean Resort Apartments

DAY 12

Burleigh Head National Park Day Tour

Begin your day strolling the forested walking trails through Burleigh Head National Park, taking in the lush coastal landscape and scenic ocean views.Take either the gently undulating Oceanview Track along the edge of the park for views of Tallebudgera Creek, or climb steeply up the Rainforest Track through lush jungle to the panoramic Tumgun Lookout perched high in the treetops.Next, relax beneath the swaying palms on the wide expanse of the beachfront.As the sun sinks low in the horizon, climb Burleigh Hill for sweeping panoramic views of the coastal town dotted with gleaming rooftops. Settle onto a timber bench carved in the shape of a surfboard and watch the sun disappear into the surf in a symphony of gold and orange.

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Accommodation: Aegean Resort Apartments

DAY 13

Lamington National Park & O'Reilly's vineyard Day Tour

Embark on an unforgettable four-wheel-drive eco-tour!Drive an hour west to the vast Lamington National Park. Walk beneath towering rainforest trees on O'Reilly's Tree Top Walkway. Take in views of dense, green jungle and distant, gleaming valleys. Or enter the cool cave at Natural Bridge. Marvel at the rushing waterfall cascading through the natural stone arch into a shimmering pool below.At O'Reilly's vineyard, taste award-winning wines overlooking Canungra Creek then walk alpacas at Mountview Alpaca Farm, taking in the bucolic vineyard grounds.Return refreshed: indulge at a Gold Coast spa, browse handmade treasures at Surfers Paradise markets, and dine on international cuisine under the glow of an elegant chandelier at one of Surfers Paradise's finest restaurants.After dark, soak up the neon glow of the Gold Coast's party scene. Listen to live bands under twinkling lights at Elsewhere Bar or sample cold craft brews at House of Brews.

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Accommodation: Aegean Resort Apartments

DAY 14

Goodbye Australia - Transfer to the airport Gold Coast

Board your onward flight departing from Gold Coast Airport, enjoying one last glimpse of Australia's vivid coastal scenes.

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