11-Nights Aussie Fly & Stay: Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney from $4,299
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722347
Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks, Wildlife Encounters Discover Australia on an air inclusive trip, mixing Independent and Small group touring, with coral reefs, ancient rainforest, wild coastlines, wildlife and harbour views.
Trip Overview:
Discover Australia on an air inclusive trip, mixing Independent and Small group touring, with coral reefs, ancient rainforest, wild coastlines, wildlife and harbour views.
Highlights:
- Discover Melbourne, through hidden laneways, street art, historic arcades, and colourful city sights.
- Journey the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, rainforest walks, and the Twelve Apostles.
- Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns among vibrant coral and prolific marine life.
- Explore Cape Tribulation and the Daintree, meeting distinctive Australian wildlife near Port Douglas.
- Experience Sydney’s Opera House, harbour views and Blue Mountains lookouts across New South Wales.
Included Services:
- Round-trip Qantas Airways International & Domestic airfare from Los Angeles (US$) or Vancouver/Edmonton/Calgary (CA$)
- Private airport transfers throughout your vacation
- 3 nights premium accommodation in Melbourne
- 3 nights premium accommodation in Cairns
- 3 nights premium accommodation in Sydney
- Shared Lanes & Arcades Melbourne Walking Tour
- Shared Bay to Laneways Melbourne City Explorer Tour
- Small Group Great Ocean Road Tour
- Shared Great Reef Cruise
- Shared Cape Tribulation & Daintree Tour
- Shared Sydney Opera House Tour with Dinner
- Small Group Sydney Sightseeing Tour plus Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
- Small Group Blue Mountains Tour
- 3 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
Excluded Services:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Passport and Visa fees if applicable
11 nights from $4,299 per person
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Depart North America
Depart North America for your flight to Australia.
Day 2: En Route to Australia
A day is lost as you cross the International Dateline en route to Australia.
Day 3: Arrive Melbourne, Shared Afternoon Lanes & Arcades Walking Tour
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.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins St (4 Star Rating)
Ideally located in the heart of town on one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins is just 700 metres from Marvel Stadium and a short walk to local attractions like Melbourne Aquarium and Melbourne Convention Centre. Our coveted position amid majestic heritage buildings, a variety of boutiques, hole-in-the-wall bars, cool cafes and historic arcades provides the ideal base from which to explore Australia’s culture capital, or dash to your next meeting.
Day 4: Shared Melbourne City Sights Half Day Tour
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.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins St (4 Star Rating)
Ideally located in the heart of town on one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins is just 700 metres from Marvel Stadium and a short walk to local attractions like Melbourne Aquarium and Melbourne Convention Centre. Our coveted position amid majestic heritage buildings, a variety of boutiques, hole-in-the-wall bars, cool cafes and historic arcades provides the ideal base from which to explore Australia’s culture capital, or dash to your next meeting.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5: Small Group Great Ocean Road Full Day Tour
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.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins St (4 Star Rating)
Ideally located in the heart of town on one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins is just 700 metres from Marvel Stadium and a short walk to local attractions like Melbourne Aquarium and Melbourne Convention Centre. Our coveted position amid majestic heritage buildings, a variety of boutiques, hole-in-the-wall bars, cool cafes and historic arcades provides the ideal base from which to explore Australia’s culture capital, or dash to your next meeting.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6: Travel Melbourne to Cairns
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.
Hotel: Crystalbrook Bailey (5 Star Rating)
Modern, innovative and with an appreciation for the arts, Crystalbrook Bailey celebrates originality and individuality. Stay at Crystalbrook Bailey, a luxury hotel in Cairns, Queensland, and take time to get lost in the details. To question and explore. Art. Conversations. Places. Do things your way.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7: Shared Great Barrier Reef Full Day Cruise
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 multicolored 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.
Hotel: Crystalbrook Bailey (5 Star Rating)
Modern, innovative and with an appreciation for the arts, Crystalbrook Bailey celebrates originality and individuality. Stay at Crystalbrook Bailey, a luxury hotel in Cairns, Queensland, and take time to get lost in the details. To question and explore. Art. Conversations. Places. Do things your way.
Meal(s): Lunch
Day 8: Small Group Cape Tribulation and Daintree Full Day Tour
Starting with the scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive, recently voted as one of the most iconic road trips in Australia, you will make your way up to Port Douglas for your first stop at award winning Wildlife Habitat. Get to know the local wildlife on an immersive guided experience with a knowledgeable Wildlife Keeper. You will get the chance to spot animals such as the elusive Cassowary which is notoriously hard to spot in the wild! Be a Wildlife Keeper for the morning with this money can't buy experience that is exclusive to your tour. You can also purchase a photo experience with one of our koalas to remember the moment.
Hotel: Crystalbrook Bailey (5 Star Rating)
Modern, innovative and with an appreciation for the arts, Crystalbrook Bailey celebrates originality and individuality. Stay at Crystalbrook Bailey, a luxury hotel in Cairns, Queensland, and take time to get lost in the details. To question and explore. Art. Conversations. Places. Do things your way.
Meal(s): Lunch
Day 9: Travel Cairns to Sydney, Shared Opera House Tour plus Dinner
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).
Hotel: ParkRoyal Darling Harbour (4 Star Rating)
You'll always be in the centre of the action at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour hotel, with a convenient location just minutes away from the city's top sights and attractions. The friendly, well-informed hotel associates at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney are always on hand to share their knowledge of the city's best-kept secrets with you. Explore the neighbourhood and feel the buzz of energy in the bustling Sydney CBD and surrounding areas. Go for a stroll and enjoy the amazing views at Cockle Bay, take in the city's history and culture at The Rocks, or enjoy some retail therapy at Harbourside and Pitt Street Mall. Once you're finished exploring, simply rest and relax in the comfort of the 340 rooms and suites at this premium Sydney hotel.
Meal(s): Dinner
Day 10: Small Group Sydney Sightseeing Half Day Tour plus Harbour Lunch Cruise
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 19th 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 world’s 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.Time permitting, you may have the option for a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.
Hotel: ParkRoyal Darling Harbour (4 Star Rating)
You'll always be in the centre of the action at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour hotel, with a convenient location just minutes away from the city's top sights and attractions. The friendly, well-informed hotel associates at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney are always on hand to share their knowledge of the city's best-kept secrets with you. Explore the neighbourhood and feel the buzz of energy in the bustling Sydney CBD and surrounding areas. Go for a stroll and enjoy the amazing views at Cockle Bay, take in the city's history and culture at The Rocks, or enjoy some retail therapy at Harbourside and Pitt Street Mall. Once you're finished exploring, simply rest and relax in the comfort of the 340 rooms and suites at this premium Sydney hotel.
Day 11: Small Group Blue Mountains Full Day Tour
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. 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.
Hotel: ParkRoyal Darling Harbour (4 Star Rating)
You'll always be in the centre of the action at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour hotel, with a convenient location just minutes away from the city's top sights and attractions. The friendly, well-informed hotel associates at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney are always on hand to share their knowledge of the city's best-kept secrets with you. Explore the neighbourhood and feel the buzz of energy in the bustling Sydney CBD and surrounding areas. Go for a stroll and enjoy the amazing views at Cockle Bay, take in the city's history and culture at The Rocks, or enjoy some retail therapy at Harbourside and Pitt Street Mall. Once you're finished exploring, simply rest and relax in the comfort of the 340 rooms and suites at this premium Sydney hotel.
Meal(s): Lunch
Day 12: Depart Sydney
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Melbourne
Melbourne is a maze of hidden laneways, opulent bars, exclusive restaurants and off-the-beaten-track boutiques. Here you can soak up culture, hit the sporting grounds, taste the dynamic food and wine scene, dance til dawn or wander the parks and leafy boulevards. Visit Federation Square, the city's landmark cultural space, and enjoy a sunset beer on the St Kilda promenade. Shop till you drop on funky Brunswick Street or upmarket Chapel Street. Wander Southbank's cafes, bistros and bars and get a world tour of cuisines in Carlton, Richmond and Fitzroy. Take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and cheer with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Five Must-Have Melbourne Experiences:
1. Shop till you drop
Bag a bargain at the Rose Street Artist's Market and browse the funky boutiques on Brunswick Street. Buy designer labels such as Akira Isogawa and Zimmerman on Chapel Street in Prahran or in the historic Melbourne General Post Office, which covers an entire city block. For everything from fashion to furnishings at fantastic value, visit Bridge Road in Richmond. Melbourne is a shopper's haven, offering eclectic boutiques, high-end fashion, funky homeware stores and European style piazzas in the city's arcades and hidden laneways.
2. Bar hop and dance till dawn
Sip a cocktail in a converted sea container in Chinatown, enjoy a sunset beer in a St Kilda pub or listen to cabaret in lush retro surroundings in jazz bars in the city. Linger over exquisite tapas and exotic wine in a Little Collins Street bar and mingle in a pink parlour with fake grass in Bourke Street. You can party from dusk in the bars of Brunswick Street. Or dance till dawn in bars in the city's lantern-lit laneways, secret apart from the spill of coloured light under heavy brass doors.
3. Get into the gourmet goodness
Let the aroma of good coffee waft over you in Melbourne's gothic European laneways. The city is famous for its coffee and old-world café culture but there's so much more to explore. Once you've downed a 'short black' or taken an afternoon aperitif, try tea in a nineteenth-century hotel or salivate over your silver spoon in acclaimed restaurants like Nobu, Botanical and Becco. Pick up fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood at the Queen Victoria Market on a Saturday, known for its bustling crowds and buskers. Try out the restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars in Southbank or Federation Square. Make your way around Melbourne's multicultural cosmos of cuisines: Carlton for Italian classics, Richmond for budget-friendly Vietnamese and Fitzroy for Spanish tapas.
4. Fill up on culture
See a performance by the Australian Ballet, which is based here in Australia's cultural capital. Or enjoy a dazzling musical at the Princess Theatre. Browse the Southern Hemisphere's best collection of international art at the National Gallery of Victoria. Or visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square, a landmark cultural 'space' for Melbournians. Challenge yourself with the creative collections in the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank. To learn more about Melbourne's Aboriginal cultural heritage, see contemporary and dreamtime art or take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
5. Go sports mad
Cheer for an Australian Rules Football game with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over winter. Go cricket mad in summer, when the city hosts the Ashes and one day internationals. Or join the huge crowds watching the Australian Tennis Open at Melbourne Park. Rev heads head to Melbourne in March for the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Albert Park. And whether you are a racing fan or just a casual punter, you won't want to miss the Melbourne Cup - the world's richest horse race on the first Tuesday in November.
Sydney
Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Kayak under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24-7 fun.
Five Sydney Experiences Not to Miss:
1. Explore the historic Rocks
Discover Sydney’s colorful convict history in the harbourside quarter where it all began. Just five minutes from Circular Quay, you can hear stories of hangings and hauntings on a ghost tour, wander the weekend markets or climb the span of the Harbour Bridge. In amongst the maze of sandstone lanes and courtyards, you’ll find historic workman’s cottages and elegant terraces, art galleries, hotels with harbour views and Sydney’s oldest pubs. See people spill out of them onto a party on the cobblestone streets when The Rocks celebrates Australia Day on January 26th, Anzac Day on April 25th and New Years Eve.
2. Hit the world-famous harbour
Sail past the Opera House on a chartered yacht or paddle from Rose Bay in a kayak. Take a scenic cruise from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, past waterfront mansions, national parks and Shark, Clark, Rodd and Goat islands. Tour historic Fort Denison or learn about the life of Sydney’s first inhabitants, the Gadigal people, on an Aboriginal cultural cruise. Watch the harbour glitter from the green parklands of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which curves around its edge. Or take in the view from a waterfront restaurant in Mosman, on the northern side of the bridge, or Watsons Bay at South Head. Walk from Rose Bay to Vaucluse or Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay, on just some of the 16 spectacular routes hugging the harbour foreshore.
3. Visit Manly on the ferry
Travel across Sydney Harbour on a ferry to Manly, which sits between beaches of ocean surf and tranquil inner harbour. Wander through native bushland on the scenic Manly to Spit Bridge walk, learn to scuba-dive at Cabbage Tree Bay or ride a bike to Fairy Bower. Picnic at Shelly Beach on the ocean and sail or kayak from Manly Wharf round the harbour. Hire a scooter and do a round trip of northern beaches such as Narrabeen and Palm Beach. Explore the shops, bars and cafes along the bustling pine tree-lined Corso and dine at world-class restaurants with water views.
4. Enjoy café culture and top shopping in Paddington
Meander through the Saturday markets, browse fashion boutiques on bustling Oxford Street or discover the antique shops and art galleries in upmarket Woollahra. Visit the 1840s Victoria Barracks Army base, open to the public once a week, and see restored Victorian terraces on wide, leafy streets. Ride or roller-blade in huge Centennial Park, then stop for coffee and lunch on Oxford St or in the mini-village of Five Ways. Catch a movie at an art-house cinema or leaf through a novel at midnight in one of the huge bookstores. Crawl between the lively, historic pubs. They hum even more after a game at the nearby stadium or a race day, when girls and guys arrive in their crumpled trackside finery.
5. Walk from Bondi to Coogee
Take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you walk the winding, sea-sculpted sandstone cliffs between Bondi and Coogee. Swim in the famous Bondi Icebergs rock pool or just watch the swimmers with a sunset cocktail from the restaurant above. See wild waves in Tamarama, nicknamed Glamarama for the beautiful people who lie on its golden sand. From mid-October to November, the stretch from here to Bondi is transformed into an outdoor gallery for the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition. You can surf, picnic on the grass or stop for a coffee at family-friendly Bronte. Or swim, snorkel or scuba dive in Clovelly and tranquil Gordon’s Bay. See the graves of poets Henry Lawson, Dorothea Mackellar and aviator Lawrence Hargrave in Waverley Cemetery, on the edge of the cliffs. Finish your tour in the scenic, backpacker haven of Coogee.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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