14-Nights Australia - Escape to Luxury from $15,695

Swain Destinations

OFFER ID 1462900

Australia - Escape to Luxury
A luxury escape throughout Australia. Wander the arcades of Melbourne, discovering local designers and specialty retailers while taking in street art, architecture, and historical tales. Freycinet National Park is a rarely explored, wild, unpredictable, delicate and unforgettable place both above and below the sea. Kangaroo Island is home to diverse wildlife and a swag of spectacular natural attractions. Located between Flinders Chase National Park and Seal Bay Conservation Park, Southern Ocean Lodge is a luxurious base for adventures. Located on a private island resort, Hayman Island provides guests the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Finish your escape discovering the fabulous city of Sydney.

Your Itinerary Includes:

Private Airport Transfers
3 nights Melbourne
Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour
Foodies Journey Through The Mornington Peninsula
3 nights Freycinet
Saffire Schouten Island Half Day Tour
1 night Adelaide
3 nights Kangaroo Island
Activities at Southern Ocean Lodge
3 nights Whitsundays
3 nights Sydney
Sydney In Style Half Day Tour
Sydney Harbour Tour
Meals: 15 breakfast, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

14 nights from $15,695 per person

Itinerary

Swain Destinations: Australia - Escape to Luxury

Day 1 Arrive in Melbourne
Arrive in Australia from your Qantas flight from Los Angeles.

Welcome to Melbourne. Collect your luggage and clear Customs & Immigration and then proceed outside the Customs hall where you will find your driver who will take you directly to your accommodation.

Crown Towers Melbourne

Day 2 Lanes & Arcades Walking Tour
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, then ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. Join this indulgent morning walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and become orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover local designers 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, there is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.

Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: B, L

Day 3 Foodies Journey Through The Mornington Peninsula
Today is a relaxed Paddock-to-Plate tour of the Mornington Peninsula. Embrace the day with a stunning coastal drive south of Melbourne and prepare to be inspired and delighted by the diverse, boot-shaped region known as the Mornington Peninsula. You will be greeted by the owner of one of the longest continuously running small produce farms on the peninsula. Hear her family's stories and learn about their unique organic growing techniques. Sample honey straight from the bee hive, learn about the native plants and how they have been used by the indigenous populations for centuries and develop a new found appreciation for food and the Mornington.

Your hosts for lunch own a 27 acre farm and are known for producing some of the best olives, coffee and assorted produce. Enjoy a cozy picnic on their property and be surrounded by nature while sampling an assortment of local delicacies (upon request). Alternatively you can enjoy a two course lunch at one of the local wineries over looking the region. After lunch take a drive down the road to sample cool climate wines with some of the regions favorite wine makers, freshly made goats cheese from a local dairy or succulent strawberries and cherries from the fruit farms in the area. What more could a foodie want?

Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: B, L

Day 4 Travel to Freycinet
Takeoff to Hobart and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Transfer from Hobart to the Coles Bay/Freycinet area by private vehicle.

Saffire Freycinet
Meals: B, D

Day 5 Schouten Island Half Day Tour
Step aboard the Saffire vessel to enjoy a portion of the Schouten Island Signature Experience - exclusive to guests of Saffire. Schouten Island's vast and abundant eco-system has played a part in early Aboriginal settlement and the farming, mining and fishing in the area. Now, it is part of the Freycinet National Park, a rarely explored, wild, unpredictable, delicate and unforgettable place both above and below the sea. Be engaged by close-up interactions with soaring sea birds, playful marine mammals and a diversity of life on Tasmania's temperate reefs. The adventure also includes a visit to culturally significant sites of past and present inhabitants. Behold the beauty of Freycinet Peninsula and discover Schouten Island on this memorable 3-hour adventure. Morning tea is included and prepared by the team of chefs at Saffire.

Saffire Freycinet
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 Freycinet - At Leisure
Included in your Saffire accommodation is a broad range of activities that will offer innovative options for all styles of travelers and moods. These activities last from one to three hours and are your opportunity to engage and connect with this stunning location. From adventure to romance, rejuvenation to exploration, Saffire's activities add greater depth and dimension to your stay.

Saffire Freycinet
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 Travel to the Kangaroo Island
Takeoff to Kangaroo Island and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Your driver will take you directly to your accommodations on Kangaroo Island.

Southern Ocean Lodge
Meals: B, D

Day 8 Southern Ocean Lodge at Leisure
Southern Ocean Lodge offers guests a complete Kangaroo Island experience. With selected guided island experiences included in the tariff, all guests enjoy a personalized experiential touring itinerary of the island's unique natural attractions. A range of signature activities are offered daily allowing guests to encounter rich and varied wildlife, indulge in world-class food and wine and discover the island's unique natural attractions, often with exclusive access and always with a touch of luxe.

Southern Ocean Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9 Southern Ocean Lodge at Leisure
A menu of bespoke experiences provides further opportunity for exploration. These are some of the options offered by the lodge (not all options are offered every day, information will be available at time of stay):

Wonders of Kangaroo Island is a half day experience, and a spectacular introduction to the island's wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a fur seal colony are just some of the trip highlights. Wander amongst the rare Cape Barren Geese and search the leafy eucalypts for a sleepy koala.

Seal Bay is home to Australia's third largest colony of Australian sea lions. Join a naturalist guide for an exclusive tour on the beach with these wild animals. Learn about their unique breeding cycle and the ongoing research programs implemented on site. After your up close and personal experience relax with morning tea at the picturesque Vivonne Bay.

The Coastal Clifftop Walk is a scenic walk starting on the Lodge's doorstep atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk affords a bird's eye view of thundering waves crashing along the coastline. Stand on top of the cliff with the wind blowing, look out to sea and realize there is nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica. Experience and learn about local flora, fauna and coastline ecosystems. This is a photographer's dream.

Kangaroos; Kanapés. Soak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, a historic island property reached by a short drive from the Lodge and where local wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies congregate to graze. Observe these creatures in their natural environment, sip premium South Australian beverages and nibble on a 'Kanapé' whilst the sun goes down on another magical day.

Discover the intriguing Natural Heritage of this wild island in the Baudin Lounge. This informative visual presentation hosted by resident naturalist staff provides insight into the island's discovery and natural history as well as giving an overview of its many spectacular attractions. Refresh with a sunset drink at the convivial Lodge Bar.

Southern Ocean Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10 Takeoff to Adelaide
Takeoff to Adelaide for the next stage of your adventure. On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation in Adelaide by private vehicle.

Mayfair Hotel
Meals: B

Day 11 Takeoff to Hamilton Island
Takeoff to Hamilton Island and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Arrive at Hamilton Island Airport and make your way through the terminal. The luxury launch will take around one hour to transfer from Hamilton to Hayman Island.

Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort

Day 12 Hayman Island at Leisure
Hayman Island is a private island resort in the heart of the Whitsundays. The nearest island to the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island is ideal for nature based activities and exceptional guest experiences. Featuring 160 guest rooms, suites, villas and penthouses across three main accommodation wings, Hayman Island provides guests the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Restaurants and bars offer an array of local and international cuisine, while the spa and water-sports facilities complete the island experience. Perfect for families, couples and honeymooners, the resort also provides an idyllic setting for a wide range of celebrations and events.

Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Meals: B

Day 13 Hayman Island at Leisure
Hayman Island Water Activities
Hayman Island offers a range of activities and excursions for you to do as much, or as little, as you want during your stay.

Island Escapes: An excursion not to be missed - take advantage of the many surrounding beaches and allow our staff to recommend a beach that suits your desires for an hour, or a day. Order a picnic lunch through In Room Dining, pick up snorkeling gear or just a towel, spend the day snorkeling or sun tanning and return feeling totally refreshed.

Sunset Escapes: The Whitsundays are blessed with some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. Relax and sip champagne, nibble on your cheese platter and reminisce about your special holiday on Hayman. The watersports crew will advise the best beach options available on the day and then pick you up just after sunset.

Whitehaven Beach Experience: Cruise on one of Hayman's Luxury Vessels to the beautiful silica sands of Whitehaven Beach. Swim, sunbathe or stroll along the 6 kilometers of pure white silica beach on uninhabited Whitsunday Island. A tantalizing buffet lunch, with beverages, will be served onboard.

Dive and Snorkel Day Tours: The Whitsunday Islands unlock easy access to the Great Barrier Reef's stunning, colorful underwater world of coral and marine-life. With ideal water temperatures all year round, you can explore the huge biodiversity of species and habitats that make it one of the most complex natural systems on Earth.

Guided Jet Ski Adventures: Join your qualified and experienced jet ski guide on an epic 1 hour jet ski adventure, where you will drive your own jet ski around the waters of Hayman Island, seeing sea turtles and other marine life up close. This adrenaline-packed adventure combines jet skiing with a spectacular scenic tour of the north Queensland islands. With small group sizes and highly trained and qualified guides, you will receive a comprehensive safety briefing before heading out on the water.

Fishing: The charter fishing boat features an array of rods, reels and tackle. Our experienced crew are available to take you game fishing or bottom fishing for half or full day charters.

Kayaking: Join a tropical expedition among island fringing reefs. Paddle at a leisurely pace to any one of the local islands, snorkel over coral gardens teeming with fish, wander along pristine beaches, or simply relax and take it all in. This eco tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this unique world heritage Marine Park.

Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Meals: B

Day 14 Travel to Sydney
Takeoff to Sydney and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Intercontinental Sydney
Meals: B

Day 15 Sydney In Style Tour and Harbour Cruise
Depart from your Sydney hotel to discover the fabulous city of Sydney. You will travel through the business district and shopping areas, see Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town and drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coastline, see Bronte and Tamarama, then go on to explore the famous Bondi Beach. Spend 30 minutes walking the promenade or enjoying a coffee overlooking the beach.

From here, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to the Southern Headland of Sydney Harbour. Visit Watsons Bay before following the harbor foreshore towards Sydney City. You pass some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Drive through Vaucluse, Double Bay before reaching the colorful Kings Cross. Head through Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Sydney's Botanical Gardens and enjoy some spectacular Harbour Bridge and Opera House views. Return to Sydney's CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, historic convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical quarter of the 'Rocks.' Visit Sydney's Observatory Hill for amazing views over Sydney Harbour to the Blue Mountains. Drop off back at your Sydney hotel, restaurant or other city location.

Cruise on a luxury cruiser as you discover the beauty of Sydney Harbour and dine at iconic restaurants on a progressive long lunch. You will cruise past all of Sydney Harbour's famous icons and harbor-side mansions. Then, enjoy a progressive lunch at selected waterside restaurants. Beverages are included on board for the duration of the harbor cruise, and at additional cost in the restaurants. Depart from Circular Quay Eastern Pontoon for the cruise out to Watson's Bay for appetizers at Doyles on the Beach restaurant. From here, cruise around Middle Head and into the Middle Harbor to arrive at Balmoral for lunch at The Public Dining Room. After lunch, cruise back to Sydney Harbour while indulging with your cheese platter with wines to match.

Intercontinental Sydney
Meals: B, L

Day 16 Sydney at Leisure
It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the endless and beckoning bays of Sydney Harbour.

Intercontinental Sydney
Meals: B

Day 17 Depart Sydney
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Sydney Airport by private vehicle.

Meals: B

Featured Destinations

Wolgan Valley

Sydney

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.

Whitsunday Islands

Freycinet National Park

Melbourne

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.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

10/01/2024 - 11/30/2024

from $15,695 per person

12/01/2024 - 03/31/2025

from $16,090 per person

* 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.

Prices Start At

from $15,695 per person

Length

14 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Luxury
The finest hotels in the world, luxury lodging is characterized by luxury accommodations, impeccable service and the highest standards of comfort and pampering. Luxury hotels and resorts are often found in the most desirable locations. Building from the amenities and guest services offered at a deluxe hotel or resort, the luxury establishment usually puts on the finishing touches - fresh flowers around the hotel and original works of art throughout. Hotel restaurants often employ world renowned chefs to create delectable dishes and a unique dining experience. Attention to detail and personalized service are the hallmarks of luxury hotels and resorts.

Remarks

Prices are land only, per person, twin/double share in USD. Single supplement applies. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. Rates may vary by category and departure date; please inquire for details. Itinerary and map subject to change. Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions:

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1462900

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Cruise Vacations of Orange County

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