Australia In Depth

Set out today on an exploratory journey of the Melbourne surrounding area.  Begin by departing the suburbs en-route to the Westgate Bridge for some spectacular viewing of the Port Phillip Bay area.  From here, you’ll enter the volcanic western plains of Victoria, an area where the first European settlers forged their way as far as the Otway ranges, establishing large agricultural based properties and homesteads to harvest the land and develop the sheep trade industry.  Next, you will head into the Geelong area to marvel at the picturesque waterfront of Corio Bay.  This was an important port area during the famous “gold-rush” era of the 19th century.  Travel across the fertile sheep and dairy farmlands en-route to the cooler temperate rainforests of the Otway Ranges National Park.  Enjoy a delicious, café-style lunch at Port Campbell as the fresh crisp air rises from the southern oceans and fills your lungs with relaxation and rejuvenation.  Travel only a short drive away to the “Shipwreck Coast” where you’ll hear the tales of heroes and follies, outlining the attempt made by captains whom tried navigating this wild coastline, some ending in triumph whilst others…well the proof remains rusting is the ocean sea-bed.  Visit the famed shipwreck site at “Loch Ard” and hear the story of how two survivors struggled ashore amidst the wreckage.  Marvel at the monolithic site of the 12 Apostle Rock formations which occupy this dramatic coastal boardwalk.

Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel.

Set out on a shared tour of the surrounding Melbourne area beginning with a visit to a boutique winery which overlooks the Westernport Bay area.  Listen to the colourful tales and stories from your guide regarding the explorers, sealers and whalers who inhabited this fertile land.  Travel to Phillip Island, known as the “wildlife island” for an opportunity to walk amongst the treetops of the Koala Conservation Centre to observe a protected Koala company.  Continue trekking through the nature reserve, exploring the bush and wetlands for habitual wildlife, flora and fauna.   Wildlife sightings include a wide range of birds and one of Australia’s famed marsupials, the Wallaby.  This dynamic location is also renowned for its Penguins which come ashore each evening at dusk from their ocean feedings.  These Penguins walk and talk there way loudly as they make their way through the sand dunes to their burrow nests.  Make use of the boardwalk to snap some up close photos of the Penguins as they march. Enjoy a delicious fish and chip lunch at the Jetty Restaurant in the township of Cowes on Phillip Island.

Transfer between City/Hotel to Airport with private vehicle and driver.

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

A private transfer between the airport and your hotel is provided.

When the night sky is clear take a journey and learn of ancient tales and mythologies derived from the Southern night sky. Sit back and gaze up to the unique and magical constellations.  Located on the Southern Hemisphere, you will be able to spot stars Australian sky you may not see in the North, for example the bright polar star). An iconic star constellation for the southern regions is the Crux or also called the Southern Cross.  The Crux became used as a national symbol by several southern nations and appears on the Australian flag.

A scenic walk starting right on the Lodge’s doorstep takes you atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk provides you with a bird’s eye view of thundering waves crashing along the coastline. Experience and learn about local flora, fauna and coastline ecosystems. A photographers dream!

Seal Bay is home to Australia’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions and is one of the most popular destinations on the island. Join our 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.

A private transfer between the airport and your hotel is provided.

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

Transportation between Adelaide domestic airport and your hotel by private car is provided.

Take a 75 minute transfer from the airport to the Louise.

Today you will on a private escorted early-morning drive to a nearby conservation park. Go on an easy walk before enjoying a gourmet breakfast in the park, surrounded by families of kangaroos. Dusk and early mornings are the best time to observe the park's wildlife. Watch out for kangaroos feeding on the open grasslands in the early morning or late afternoon, while the occasional echidna or possum may be seen foraging for food at dusk. Abundant native flora and birdlife can also be enjoyed.

A 75 minute private transfer from the Louise to the airport is provided.

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

A shared transfer from the Ayers Rock airport to your hotel and vice versa is provided. Waiting times at both the airport and hotels may vary, but are usually on average 20 minutes.

Head out into the Outback with an expert Australia Guide to explore the most profound and culturally significant monolithic structure in Australia. Departing the resort the tour will travel through the outback landscapes to the entrance of the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. From this point it is only a matter of minutes before the spectra of Uluru rises from the sand dunes to demonstrate its enormity and presence. Within your first step you are presented with a photographic opportunity of this amazing Australian icon. With Uluru looming in front of you, your guide will take you closer towards the base. The closer you wander the more you surrender to the realisation of the sheer size and magnitude of this monolith. As you drive around the base, your guide will take you to the entrance of Mutitjulu Waterhole, a semi-permanent watercourse nestled in the contours of Uluru. Here you will learn the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) as well as a number of other stories associated with other prominent Tjukurpa (Dreaming) stories. You will see the rock art of the ancients and learn how Uluru was, and still is, a significant location for teaching young Aboriginal people about their culture. You'll then adjourn to the new Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area where you can marvel at an uninterrupted view of Uluru with Kata Tjuta in the background. A return transfer to your accommodation is provided upon completion of the tour.

Today you will travel towards Uluru to marvel at vast monolithic shapes that rise from the sand dunes in the early dawn hours. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. You will learn the creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and hear about the Mala people. After breakfast you will visit Mutitjulu Waterhole and then drive around the base of the Uluru before returning to the resort.

Delicious delicacies and silent serenity best describes this evening Sound of Silence Outback Dinner experience.  Be whisked away to a secluded and specially chosen location shortly before sundown to the solitary sounds of didgeridoo’s echoing across the outback desert as you enjoy champagne and canapés.  Marvel at all the different hues of red and orange as the sun sets below the horizon and the stars begin there dance across the ever-increasingly darkened dance-floor sky, as you feast upon an array of Northern Territorial culinary delights including barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile, bush salads and Aussie deserts.  Allow your guide and resident astronomer to provide color commentary on what is considered by many as one of the world’s best stargazing experiences.  Wind down the evening with a coffee, tea or hot mulled wine before heading back to your accommodation. 

A shared transfer from the Ayers Rock airport to your hotel and vice versa is provided. Waiting times at both the airport and hotels may vary, but are usually on average 20 minutes.

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

A transfer between Cairns airport and Mossman with private vehicle and driver is provided.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings in Daintree National Park. The sheer number of individual trees can bewilder - with counts of over 1000 per hectare, excluding saplings under 10cm diameter. Over 800 different species of trees have been identified here, with a substantial number only found in this area. The tropical rainforest is unquestionably the most significant plant community on earth. At least 90 species of the exquisite orchid family are found in Queenslands wet tropics, nearly half of these cannot be found anywhere else. The Daintree is famous for its beautiful fan palms. Unquestionably, the most handsome of all palms, its huge, near-circular pleated fronds intensify the tropic jungle feel. However, the area supports a further fifteen varieties of palms, all endemic to Australia. They include black palm, oriana, and the wait-a-while climbing palm.

You will be picked up from your Daintree lodging by private car and driver and taken to Cairns City or Cairns airport.

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

Your hotel in Hamilton Island will arrange an airport transfer as part of your stay.

On the eastern side of the uninhabited Whitsunday Island see nature at its unspoiled, spectacular best. Magical Whitehaven Beach is considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world and one of the must see icons of the Whitsundays. From Hamilton Island you will board one of Fantasea's high speed, air-conditioned catamarans and enjoy a gourmet barbeque lunch whilst departing for Whitehaven Beach. Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles and whales as you cruise through the calm, turquoise waters. The experienced crew will provide a thorough commentary on the geographical surroundings and history of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Fantasea Reefworld is situated at Hardy Reef, approximately 40 nautical miles from the mainland and is the largest floating pontoon facility in Australia, with two pontoons measuring a total length of 86 metres. Travel to Reefworld on a high speed, air conditioned catamaran, fitted out for day cruise operations and a smooth, comfortable passage. Hardy Reef is a healthy platform reef which allows for sheltered and protected snorkelling and swimming conditions year round. Inside Hardy Reef on a channel referred to as "the river", Reefworld is the best way to see everything the Great Barrier Reef has to offer. The location and strategic positioning of Reefworld at Hardy Reef means that you will spend less time on the vessel and more time exploring the Great Barrier Reef!

Your hotel in Hamilton Island will arrange an airport transfer as part of your stay.

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

A private transfer from the Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa, is provided.

From modern monuments to historic districts, the Australian capital Sydney boasts a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy including trips to the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.  Try spending some time exploring the Harbour area with its many cafes and gift shops.  Head out on a half day tour or picturesque harbour cruise.  The SmartVisit allows visitors to visit the sight they want to see, on their own schedule.  Ask your Travel Consultant for purchase details.

Begin this half-day panoramic city tour of beautiful Sydney today as you depart your hotel in a shared mini-coach on route to the renowned “Rocks” area, where your guide will explain the historic significance of this popular tourist harbour.  Have you camera handy as you marvel at two of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.  Visit the city’s shopping center and the trendy new Oxford Street before traveling to the swanky Paddington area boasting some elegant terrace lined houses.  After, travel to the superb coastal cliff area around Tamarama and Bronte for a brief walkabout before heading to the Bondi Beach area to explore the beachfront promenade.  You’ll then return back to the Sydney harbour for a lunchtime cruise. 

Set out today aboard a luxury 4-wheel drive vehicle to explore some of the many landmarks and sites around Sydney and the Blue Mountain Range.  Begin with a visit to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge before venturing onto a memorable visit to the Wildlife Park.  See the powerful Australian Kangaroo and get up close and personal with some friendly Dingoes – and yes, even pat the cuddly Aussie Koala.  Next it’s off to explore the historic Richmond area before travelling off the beaten path deep into the Blue Mountain Range.  Enjoy a rejuvenating morning tea amongst the natural creatures that live in this bush.  Experience real back country exploration as you view these vistas of magnificent cliffs and canyons of this World Heritage recognized area.  Marvel at the sight of the Three Sisters monolith and the Australian Grand Canyon during your explorations.  Enjoy trekking through the bush before feasting on a scrumptious country style lunch at a local Australian homestead.  Upon completion of your tour a return transfer back to your accommodations is provided.

A private transfer from the Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa, is provided.