Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney with Airfare

Depart North America for your flight to Australia.

A day is lost as you cross the International Dateline en route to Australia.

On arrival at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon, join the Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour, a lovely and easy introduction to Melbourne. Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told of, and ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. Join this indulgent afternoon walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover artisanal and specialty retailers, that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways. Soak in the city via all your senses, and engage with passionate creatives. There is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.

Be dazzled by the wonderous sights of Australia’s most vibrant city and learn about Melbourne’s fascinating history with your expert Guide. Take a stroll in the gardens, see some of our world famous attractions like Albert Park Lake (Formula 1 track), Federation Square and Brighton Bathing Boxes. Known as Naarm by the local Wurundjeri people, Melbourne is a young city full of rich history, from John Batman and the first settlers, the gold rush, bush rangers and the birth place of Australia as a country. Today, Melbourne is the largest city in Australia. Known for sports, arts, fashion and food, this tour is a must for visitors to get a good idea of all the places to see and experience in Melbourne.

Experience this majestic coastal drive-in style with your small group and enjoy time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous touring route. Stay on the lookout for some very special animals including whales, dolphins, echidnas and bandicoots. Your camera will get a good workout along this exciting journey where we will stop for plenty of photo opportunities.

To begin, your expert guide will collect you from your Melbourne hotel to commence your exciting road trip. Your next stop will be at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town which is most noteworthy for its setting among the soft rolling hills. It offers a great selection of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some lunch (not included). Following this, we will enjoy a walk in the forest in the Otway Ranges. A truly unique day out, capped off by a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Finally, your Oceania guide will transfer you back to the comfort of your hotel in Melbourne.

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns.

Welcome to Cairns, the gateway to Tropical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Your Great Barrier Reef day tour begins by boarding the award-winning superyacht Evolution and being met by our professional and expert dive crew who will make sure you are comfortable and ready for an adventure-filled day.

Relax onboard your 35-metre luxury superyacht for the day, as you cruise from Cairns to two exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Guests enjoy a total of five hours on the outer reef visiting two stunning and diverse reefs such as Norman, Saxon and Hastings. These locations are chosen for their exceptional coral density and prolific marine life.

Upon arrival at your first reef location, either Saxon or Norman Reef, it's time to snorkel and dive (diving at additional cost). Hop in the water with your provided equipment and check out the underwater world full of multicoloured fish, coral, and other marine life. Instruction is provided for beginners, and your knowledgeable dive crew are on hand to encourage and help you if need.

During your time on the reef, you will enjoy a BBQ Lunch prepared on board with fresh fish, steak, a variety of salads, and prawns. We also cater for special dietary requirements.

At the second reef location, North Hastings Reef, you can snorkel or dive again. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still check out the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef from above with a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight or from below on our Semi-Submersible Tour (additional costs apply).

On the return cruise back to Cairns, sit back and relax with a glass of wine and afternoon tea to celebrate the end of your day tour on the Great Barrier Reef.

This morning, your driver will greet you, collect your voucher, and issue your Kuranda Boarding Pass. We will then transfer you to Freshwater Station. There is no need to queue, as your pre-allocated preferential Train tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, with breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda.

Upon arrival in Kuranda, you have time to explore this fascinating village - approx. 1hr. The Kuranda Markets are full of colourful and interesting art or find the perfect souvenir at one of Kuranda's eclectic boutiques.

At 11.30 am, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway boarding line - there is no need to queue as your tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, be amazed as you journey over and through the World Heritage protected Rainforest. Your Boarding Pass is your ticket for this iconic rainforest experience that includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations where you can discover exceptional views from The Edge Lookout or visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Complimentary guided boardwalk tours are offered throughout the day at Red Peak Station. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, our coach is waiting to transfer you to Hartley's.

There is plenty of free time to explore the park, and your experience includes a 25 minute Wetlands boat cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. See the notorious head shake and death roll of a huge saltwater crocodile at the Crocodile Attack Show, and discover the world's most venomous snakes at the Snake Show!

Transfer to the Cairns Airport for your flight south to Sydney.

On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

Step inside the iconic Sydney Opera House and discover the extraordinary stories of one of the globe's most recognized landmarks. Throughout your experience, the passionate guide will take you inside theatres and foyers that are otherwise off-limits, while letting you in on some insider secrets pertaining to the history of the building and the people who were behind its creation. Following the tour, soak up the views while enjoying your choice of the main meal at the Opera Bar (an iconic Sydney venue focusing on Australian cuisines and suppliers) or House Canteen (harbourside all-day hawker-style venue offering pan-Asian cuisine), accompanied by a refreshing beverage (either wine, beer, or soft drink).

Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. We continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 18th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. We will continue to Mrs Macquaries Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

We then continue through Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the worlds most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay, passengers will have the option a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.
Travel on to famous Bondi Beach where we enjoy a short stop of approximately 30 minutes. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi

Re-board your bus and continue on to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Final stop of the day is Darling Harbour. Your tour will end at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. You will need to make your way back to your hotel.

This afternoon do what the locals do and travel on the harbour highway. The Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer pass is the easy way for visitors to explore Sydney over 2 calendar days visiting famous harbour precincts including Darling Harbour, Circular Quay (The Rocks and Opera House), Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly, Shark Island and more with full commentary. The round trip cruise is 60 - 90 minutes in duration with generally 30 - 45 minutes between vessels and you can stop off at any attraction and re-board the next Explorer vessel. Included in this pass is one entry to Taronga Zoo which is open from 9am - 5pm daily. Discover fascinating stories that bring history and culture of the Harbour city alive via expert guided commentary available directly through your smartphone. Before you arrive please download the POPGuide app

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region. 7:00 - 7:30 AM Depart from the hotel with AEA Luxury Tours. Our first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill a working farm also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. From Calmsley Hill we continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. We will visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus our guests will enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by their guide. Continuing on we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can't help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos. We then make our way around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Hydro Majestic. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. We enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea/coffee. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar. The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you'll know why it's one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you're not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you'll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. We then stop briefly to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens our last stop, where we enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4:30 - 5:00 pm.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.