Australia's Coastal Wonders and Vineyards

Day 1 - UK to Melbourne

Arrive at Melbourne airport and transfer to your chosen hotel, spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 2 - Great Ocean Road

Departing Melbourne, enjoy views of the city and Port Phillip Bay as we cross the Westgate Bridge. Passing through Geelong, you head toward the Surf Coast and stop at Torquay for morning tea by the beach. As you follow the iconic Great Ocean Road, your guide shares insights into the road's history and legends.

Your scenic journey includes a photo stop at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. In Kennett River, as you venture into eucalyptus forests to spot koalas and colourful birdlife. After lunch in Apollo Bay, enjoy a stroll through the lush Otway Ranges’ temperate rainforest.

At Port Campbell National Park, marvel at the famous Twelve Apostles with an option for a helicopter flight or beach access via Gibsons Steps. Explore Loch Ard Gorge, where your guide recounts the 1878 shipwreck story, and see formations like the Razorback. We return to Melbourne, stopping for dinner and enjoying the city lights from the Westgate Bridge.

Day 3 - Explore Philip Island & French Island

Spend a memorable day island-hopping from French Island to Phillip Island, immersing yourself in Australia’s charming wildlife and breathtaking ocean views.

The day begins with a ferry across Western Port Bay to secluded French Island. On arrival, enjoy a 4WD guided tour through this wilderness, where you'll observe koalas and other unique wildlife while learning about the island’s natural environment.

Next, we ferry to iconic Phillip Island, famous for its surfing, stunning beaches, and native animals. Enjoy a stroll in Cowes, with its lively pier, cafes, and boutiques.

A short trip to the Nobbies Boardwalk offers spectacular views of rugged sea cliffs and a seal colony. As evening falls, we arrive at the Penguin Parade, where you'll watch adorable penguins return to shore with expert commentary from rangers on their fascinating lives.

Day 4 - Explore Melbourne

A day at leisure to explore Melbourne. Speak to your consultant if you wish to add on one of our Melbourne experiences. 

Day 5 - Melbourne to Hobart

This morning transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Hobart. Upon arrival pick up your car hire spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 6 - Explore Hobart

Take an optional sightseeing tour, those interested in history will enjoy a visit to Port Arthur, with its rich convict past, or take a historic walking tour of Hobart. Lovers of the great outdoors can partake in a cruise to rugged Brunny Island, which also showcases the islands gourmet cuisine.

Day 7 - Hobart to Strahan

Take a scenic drive through Tasmania's stunning wilderness to reach Strahan on the island's west coast. Along the way, you might pause to admire the charming Russell Falls or explore the historic mining town of Queenstown, once the wealthiest mining community in the world.

Day 8 - Gordon River Cruise

Your journey begins by crossing the harbour to Hells Gates, where the ocean and harbour meet in a dramatic, narrow channel. From here, you’ll briefly venture into the powerful Southern Ocean before returning to the calm of the harbour, passing fish farms producing salmon and ocean trout.

As you enter the Gordon River, the Lady Jane Franklin II slows, gliding through still waters of this pristine wilderness. Designed to create minimal wake, the boat protects the fragile ecosystem, allowing you to admire the amber-stained reflections of the rainforest. You’ll disembark at Heritage Landing to explore a boardwalk through one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests, home to ancient Huon pine and other unique species.

After reboarding, enjoy a chef-prepared buffet as you cruise to Sarah Island, once a feared penal colony and the British Empire's largest boat-building site. Walk among the ruins, where your guide shares stories of convicts and settlers. Finally, you’ll return to Strahan aboard the Lady Jane Franklin II, bringing this unforgettable adventure to a close.

Day 9 - Strahan to Cradle Mountain

Continue your scenic journey onwards through the rainforest to Cradle Mountain.

Day 10 - Cradle Mountain

Spend a full day enjoying the beauty of Cradle Mountain and the Lake St Clair National Park, via one of the many walking trails, both long and short. From the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain to the mirrored waters of Crater Lake, this is a wilderness experience that will stay with you for a very long time.

Day 11 - Cradle Mountain to Launceston

The next stop is Launceton, en route there is an option to stop at the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, a 65 acre reserve and home to the infamous Tasmanian Devil.

Day 12 - Launceston to Freycinet National Park

Complete your traverse of the island today and arrive at the spectacular east coast and the Freycinet National Park.

Day 13 - Freycinet National Park

Spend a full day enjoying the beauty of the Freycinet National Park. There’s an option to take a scenic cruise, however the walk to Wineglass Bay viewpoint is a must, to capture one of Tasmania’s most iconic vistas.

Day 14 - Freycinet National Park to Hobart

Your drive continues today back to Hobart for your overnight stay. 

Day 15 - Hobart to Blue Mountains

Checkout of your Hobart hotel and make your way to the airport for your onward flight to Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney pick up your car hire and drive to awe-inspiring Blue Mountains.

Day 16 - Blue Mountains

Spend today exploring the Blue Mountains visit Echo Point, for a fantastic view of the Three Sisters and a chance to enjoy one of the many nearby bushwalking trails.

In the evening we have included a spectacular stargazing experience with a local astronomer. On your tour you will have the opportunity to spot the moon and its craters, Saturn, moons of Jupiter, Milky Way and more!

Day 17 - Blue Mountains to Hunter Valley

Your journey in New South Wales continues to Hunter Valley one of Australia's major wine regions home to more than 150 wineries to explore.   

Day 18 - Hunter Valley

A day at leisure to explore the Hunter Valley region. 

Day 19 - Hunter Valley to Sydney

Today make the drive back to Sydney and return your car hire. Spending the remainder of your day at leisure. 

Day 20 - Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise

Spend your morning at leisure, explore Sydney's Rock area and Circular Key before embarking on your lunch cruise of Sydney Harbour. Discover the secrets of one of the world's most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you will get to learn something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck.

Day 21 - Explore Sydney

A day at leisure to explore Sydney. Why not add one of our Sydney experiences including Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, a guided bike tour around the city or see the city through a different perspective with an Aboriginal walking tour. Speak to your consultant about which of our Sydney experiences are available during your stay.

Day 22 - Sydney to UK

Today check out of your Sydney hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.