10 Day Australia's East Coast Highlights Tour
This is the perfect itinerary for anyone wanting to visit Australia’s East Coast with all the highlights.
Australia's East Coast Highlights Tour
10 days from Melbourne (Narrm) to Sydney (Warrane)
Enjoy a 3-night stay in Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns we've included enough time to see all the highlights each city has to offer. Cruise on the harbour and visit the Opera House in Sydney; enjoy the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, arguably the food, fashion and sports capital of Australia; and visit Cairns, gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Full Day Yarra Valley Tour
• Half-Day Landes and Arcades Walking Tour
• Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay Shared Cruise
• Full Day Ngana Julaymba Dungay Cultural Tour
• Sydney BridgeClimb
• Sydney Opera House Tour
• Sydney Harbour Long Lunch Cruise
• Full Day Blue Mountains Luxury Private Tour
ACCOMMODATIONS AND OTHER INCLUSIONS
• 3 Nights in Melbourne at the Park Hyatt Melbourne - King View Deluxe Room including Full Breakfast
• 3 Nights in Port Douglas at the Peninsula Boutique Hotel - Ocean View Suite including Continental Breakfast
• 3 Nights in Sydney at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney - Deluxe Full Harbour King Room including Full Breakfast
• Private Car and Driver transportation between hotels and airports
Ask how we can help customize this tour further for you!
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Melbourne
Arrive MelbourneIncludes: Private Car/Driver Transfer from Melbourne International Airport to the Park Hyatt Melbourne
There is a lot to love about Melbourne – just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Melbourne is less than 200 years old and never sits still. Modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing.
Day 2: Yarra Valley
Full Day Yarra Valley TourHotel: Park Hyatt Melbourne in a King View Deluxe Room
Includes: Full breakfast, hotel pick up & drop off, 2 course lunch with a beverage, wine tasting at a few local boutique wineries tailored to your preferences, entry to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, a private tasting with local produce
This 8 hour tour provides you with an opportunity to visit one of Australia’s leading wine making regions, just a short drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is an ideal destination for an indulgent day out of the city. With a stunning backdrop of the Yarra Ranges as well as renowned restaurants throughout the area, wine and food lovers alike will revel in everything the Yarra Valley has to offer. Throughout your day, delight in an exclusive private tasting with carefully matched Yarra Valley produce at one of our favourite boutique vineyards. Spend time exploring the region meeting local characters and sampling wine from highly regarded wineries such as Yarra Yering, Coldstream Hills, Pimpernel and Yering Farm. Avoiding the crowds of the larger establishments, the tour will be tailored to suit your tastes. Perhaps a drop of gin at a local distillery or sampling fresh cheese at Yarra Valley Dairy might be of interest to you too. Of course, no visit to the Yarra Valley would be complete with a sumptuous lunch at one of the region’s picturesque vineyard restaurants, such as TarraWarra Estate or Oakridge Wines. Return to Melbourne, where you will be transferred to your Melbourne accommodation.
Day 3: Melbourne
Half Day Lanes and Arcades TourHotel: Park Hyatt Melbourne in a King View Deluxe Room
Includes: Full breakfast, hotel meet up, drink and snack
Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool cafe you were told of and ended up missing everything? Enjoy a 3 hour walk through Melbourne’s beautiful back streets and get 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. See over 30 stores on this casual stroll and return to those you like best in the afternoon.
Day 4: Melbourne to Port Dougles (via Cairns)
Includes: Full breakfast, Private Car/Driver Transfer from Melbourne hotel to Domestic Airport, Private Car/Driver Transfer from Cairns Airport to Peninsula Boutique Hotel in Port Douglas
Your flight today is not included in your arrangementsLocated just north of Cairns, Port Douglas offers a sophisticated and low-key escape for travellers in an unpretentious and relaxed tropical environment. Shop in the boutique clothing stores, dine in the exquisite alfresco restaurants and enjoy the islands and coral cays of the nearby Great Barrier Reef. A visit to Four Mile Beach is essential where you can laze away the day on the pristine sand. Port Douglas is also a popular base from which to explore the rainforests of the Wet Tropics, Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
Peninsula Boutique Hotel is an adult only boutique property, located directly opposite Four Mile Beach and is at the quiet end of Macrossan Street. The hotel offers spacious contemporary guest rooms which have been designed with the tropics in mind. All rooms have a discreet kitchenette and a large private balcony or terrace.
Day 5: Port Douglas
Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay CruiseHotel: Peninsula Boutique Hotel in an Ocean View Suite
Includes: Continental breakfast, hotel pick up and drop off, morning and afternoon tea, buffet lunch, snorkelling equipment, wet suites & floating devices, instruction and in-water assistance, guided snorkel tour, glass bottom boat viewing and reef interpretation
The adventure starts with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina. You can sit back and relax on the beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish. Exploring the white sands of the coral cays will relax the mind. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquility and swim in turquoise clear waters. Small numbers of guests ensure personal interactive communication with our experience guides. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees, supplied by local plantations, will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation. Expert guiding and 1st class services are all included from helpful, friendly crew.
Day 6: Daintree
Full Day Ngana Julaymba Dungay Cultural TourHotel: Peninsula Boutique Hotel in an Ocean View Suite
Includes: Continental breakfast, hotel pick up and drop off, Professional Aboriginal Guide, Bush Tucker Tasting (seasonal & tidal), lunch
On this 7.5 hour tour you will spend the day with a local Aboriginal tour guide, learning about culturally significant areas and the relationships the Kuku Yalanji still have with their land. Learn the history, culture and traditions of the local Aboriginal people and the area. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest and coastal habitats learning about the environment, different foods and medicines utilized from nature, sample some bush tucker, collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab. To complete the adventure cool off in a pristine freshwater stream. At the completion of the tour, you will be transferred back to your Port Douglas accommodation.
Day 7: Port Douglas to Sydney (Warrane)
BridgeClimb SydneyIncludes: Continental breakfast, Private Car/Driver Transfer from Port Douglas hotel to Sydney Airport, Private Car/Driver Transfer from Sydney Airport to the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Climb, group photograph, Certificate of Achievement and BridgeClimb cap
Your flight today is not included in your arrangementsSoak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Cruise 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.
Your 3 hour tour commences with a comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration, before you are led by one of BridgeClimb’s Climb Leaders, on a guided journey (including preparation and briefing), to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The tour takes you along the top arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on the surroundings, with the opportunity to witness 360 degree views of Sydney including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour City surrounds.
Day 8: Sydney (Warrane)
Sydney Opera House Tour & Sydney Harbour CruiseHotel: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Deluxe Full Harbour King Room
Includes: Full breakfast, guided Sydney Opera House tour, Sydney Harbour Long Lunch Private Cruise with Progressive 3 course lunch and beverages
More than 60 years ago, Jorn Utzon designed what is now considered one of the greatest buildings of all time. But for Utzon, the Sydney Opera House story was no fairy tale. The 1 hour tour brings to life the saga behind the making of the world’s most famous house. Your guide will take you on an emotional journey inside this modern masterpiece, putting Jorn Utzon on centre stage and is a tribute to his creative genius. You will discover why Utzon was more than an architect: he was an architect of change. And how, against a landslide of political and public criticism, he created the youngest building ever to be World Heritage listed. You will be taken inside one of the working venues to experience the magic behind the world’s most extraordinary opera, ballet, symphony and dramatic performances.
Enjoy a 4 hour cruise on iconic Sydney harbour on board a luxury cruiser. Cruise past the world famous landmarks of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House as your crew will be on hand to tell you about the past and modern day history of the harbour. Start with entree at Watsons Bay and then cruise onto Middle Head and into Middle Harbour. Discover the beauty of the harbour and then stop at Balmoral for lunch at a world famous iconic harbour side restaurant. Depart Balmoral and cruise past the Spit Bridge while you indulge on your dessert and cheese platter & wines to match before the return to the main harbour where you will have an opportunity to stop for a swim if you choose (time & weather permitting).
Day 9: Blue Mountains
Full Day Blue Mountains Private TourHotel: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Deluxe Full Harbour King Room
Includes: Full breakfast, hotel pick up and drop off, private touring of Blue Mountains, Calmsley Hill admission, morning tea, 2 course Lunch at Echoes Restaurant with a beverage, national park fee and bottled water on board
This 9 hour tour travels to the Blue Mountains. Stop at Calmsley Hill, a working farm also home to Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas and enjoy a stress and hurry free environment. Arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous Three Sisters. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. Enjoy lunch at Echoes Restaurant, perched at the absolute edge of the Blue Mountains, with views of mountains, cliff edges and lush rainforest valleys. After lunch, visit Govetts Leap, one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. Your last stop at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens where there is time for a short inspection of the flora including the ancient Wollemi Pine. Return to Sydney, where you will be transferred to your Sydney city accommodation.
Day 10: Sydney
End of tourIncluded: Full breakfast, Private Car/Driver Transfer from your City Hotel to International Airport.
Today ends your Australia's East Coast Highlights tour.
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Terms & Conditions
All rates will be quoted in the applicable currency and will be valid for travel during the seasonality dates booked. Should existing Government charges change or new charges be introduced prior to travel, we reserve the right to requote. International airfares may be subject to fuel surcharges at the time of booking. Rates are not valid over special event periods when surcharged rates and/or minimum stays may apply. All tours must be started and completed within the validity dates of the rates shown for the specific rate to be applicable. Travel that crosses between rate validity, or where there is a seasonality note, will be subject to a special quotation. All prices are subject to the availability of the specified services and contracted rates at the time of booking. COST EXCLUDES • Internal Australian flights (unless otherwise specified) • Internation flights • Supplier surcharges when date/time of service required occurs on a public holiday or outside of standard hours • Optional tours and services • Meals other than those specified above • Beverages • Gratuities • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone calls, mini bar, laundry, etc.) • Travel insurance (cancellations, loss of deposits, delays, etc.)