Day 1

Depart London Heathrow on your overnight flight to Melbourne.

Day 2

On arrival in Melbourne you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Lindrum for three nights.

Day 3

Afternoon excursion to Phillip Island. Visit Warrook Farm, a working cattle property, where you will have the opportunity to feed kangaroos. At Phillip Island visit the Koala Conservation Centre and observe cuddly koalas. At dusk, enjoy the ‘little penguin parade’ and see penguins make their way to their dune burrows. Return to Melbourne late this evening.

Day 4

At leisure.

Day 5

Pick up your rental car and start your drive along the Great Ocean Road. Overnight Apollo Bay at Claerwen Retreat.

Day 6

Drive to Port Fairy. This small fishing village is one of the oldest and most charming on the Great Ocean Road. Overnight Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel.

Day 7

At leisure in Port Fairy.

Day 8

Drive inland to Ballarat. In the heart of the Victorian goldfields region, Ballarat has a fascinating history with a rich heritage and culture. Gold was first discovered here in 1851 which led to the Gold Rush when 20,000 miners came from worldwide to seek their fortune. Overnight Comfort Inn Menzies Ballarat.

Day 9

Drive to the Yarra Valley. Just one hour from Melbourne lie the lush hillsides of the Yarra Valley, home to 90 vineyards and 35 wineries, many of which hold a reputation for creating world-class wines. Two nights Yarra Glen Grand Hotel.

Day 10

Balloon ride! Meet at Fergusson Winery before being transferred to the balloon launch site. Fly for approximately one hour over the beautiful Yarra Valley and its vineyards, completing the experience with a sumptuous champagne breakfast at Fergusson Winery. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 11

Return your rental car at Melbourne Airport and check in for your flight to Sydney. On arrival you will be transferred to the Old Sydney Holiday Inn for seven nights.

Day 12

A 3 day Sydney Pass is included. A Sydney Pass is the most flexible way to see the top attractions of Sydney at your own pace, on one easy to use ticket.

In the early morning venture behind the scenes of Sydney Opera House. Backstage Tours operate at 7am each morning. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to stand on the stages of the world-famous Concert Hall or Opera Theatre. Afterwards, the groups head to the Green Room, the private domain of stars, performers and staff for a light breakfast with their guide.

Day 13

At leisure.

Day 14

Full day excursion to the Blue Mountains.

Depart this morning, travelling in luxury 4WD, and see the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge before enjoying a memorable wildlife park visit. See koalas and kangaroos up close. Explore historic Richmond before travelling deep into the Blue Mountains. Enjoy a country style lunch in a magnificent homestead with Australian hospitality at its best. See the renowned Three Sisters plus Australia’s Grand Canyon. Return to Sydney and en route see the spectacular 2000 Olympic Games site.

Day 15

Day at leisure. In the evening Dine and Unwind on the World’s most spectacular harbour with Captain Cook Cruises.

Day 16

Daytime Bridge Climb! Enjoy spectacular views from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Suit up for the ‘climb of your life’. The climb is moderate and you will enjoy informative commentary from your guide as you ascend the bridge.

Day 17

At leisure.

Day 18

Transfer to the airport in time to check in for your flight to Cairns. On arrival transfer to Port Douglas for the next eight nights at the Radisson Treetops Resort.

Day 19

Full day Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise. Includes lunch and snorkelling. Board your high speed catamaran ‘Quicksilver’ for a cruise to Agincourt Reef. There is plenty of time to swim, snorkel or just relax. From the semi submersible and underwater observatory, you can view the world’s best coral and marine life in the tropical waters.

Day 20

Full day Kuranda tour. Board the Scenic Rail at Freshwater Station and take a spectacular journey through tunnels and past waterfalls and gorges. Arrive in Kuranda and explore this quaint rainforest arts and crafts village before joining Skyrail to glide silently over the rainforest canopy. Touchdown at the mountain base and take a short stroll to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where buffet lunch is enjoyed. Afterwards you have ample time to explore all the attractions of Tjapukai – movie theatres, stage shows, craft demonstrations and the famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe.

Days 21 and 22

At leisure.

Day 23

Full day Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest tour. Travel north through the Mossman Valley to the Daintree River. Cross the river by cable barge and continue through pristine rainforest. Stop for morning tea followed by a one hour rainforest walk. Travel further north to Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the reef and coconut trees line an unspoiled beach. Nearby is the Valley of the Palms, one hundred acres of natural palm forest. A delicious lunch of barbeque beef or barramundi is served in a natural setting, after which you return to the Daintree River for a one hour cruise to view the wildlife that inhabits this river system. Afternoon tea is provided at Mossman Gorge and there is time for a swim.

Return to your hotel late this afternoon.

Days 24 and 25

At leisure.

Day 26

Transfer to Cairns Airport in time to check in for your return flight to the UK.