Cities, Rainforest and Reef

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. 

This tour visits some of Melbourne's spectacular surroundings including the picturesque area along the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula. Sample some of the regional gourmet food and produce the Peninsula has to offer. Travel to Arthurs Seat Lookout, the highest point on the Peninsula with panoramic views. Enjoy a tasty lunch at one of the delightful wineries. Sample superb wines at other local wineries and taste some of the well known locally produced cheeses. Taste delicious handmade chocolates made from fresh local ingredients.

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

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.

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.

This private tour begins with a visit to Blackwattle Bay and the Sydney Fish Markets.  Considered one of the finest fish markets in the world, the Sydney Fish Markets are owned and run by the fishing co-operatives and retailers within the markets. At the markets you’ll find a great mix of Australians working over the catch. If you wish, you can begin early in the morning with the Behind the Scenes Auction Tour or stop for a plate of fresh sushi or famous Sydney rock oysters to titillate the taste buds while speaking to the locals about the catch of the day.  Next is Queen Street, Woollahra with its fine array of food provisioners including Vic Churchill’s Butchery, Simon Johnson and ‘jones the grocer’ for an introduction to Australia’s finest products.  The early 80’s introduced the versatile and highly decorative Nouvelle Cuisine which encouraged and educated Australians to appreciate the ‘ingredient as the hero’ and led to the birth of modern Australian cuisine. This new Australian cuisine reflects many influences, Thai, Italian, Japanese, Greek, French and even English, but at the heart of this culinary style is the access to fresh ingredients, put together resourcefully and presented with a large dash of good old Aussie lack of pretension. We’ll stop in at a fine wine shop for a look at the wide regional variety of Australian wines. But let’s not get delayed as it’s time for a Sydney Long Lunch!  You’ll end your day with a three course luncheon experience which reflects the very essence of Sydney’s gastronomy at the award-winning Catalina’s overlooking Sydney Harbour at Rose Bay. Or you may choose the Seven Course Degustation luncheon at the scenic Cottage Point Inn overlooking Broken Bay. An inspiring place to sit and contemplate the joys of Australian cuisine, the spectacular food and wine menus beckon. 

Private transfer in a private vehicle with a driver from the airport to the city or hotel

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

Hinterland flights do not have flight numbers. Upon arrival into Cairns airport, proceed to Sun Palm tour desk where you will board your transfer to the Hinterland Terminal to catch your flight to Lizard Island.

Enjoy the usage of Lizard Island's Catamaran's and Paddle Ski's free of charge, as you explore the Anchor and Watson Bay area.  If a guide is required for these activities, a charge will be applied.

Lizard Island provides guests with a variety of free recreational activities including use of motorized dinghies, tennis, paddle ski's, a well equipped gymnasium and much more.

Hinterland flights do not have flight numbers. Upon arrival at Lizard Island airport, proceed to Sun Palm tour desk where you will board your transfer to the Hinterland Terminal to catch your flight to Cairns.

Transfer between Cairns airport and Mossman with private vehicle and driver.

The mist topped mountains beyond Port Douglas cast a magic spell that lures visitors along the short scenic drive north to Mossman, a picturesque little township nestled at the foot of the mountains among the bright green fields of sugar cane. Today you are free to enjoy the town. At nearby Mossman Gorge, see the Mossman River tumble its way over and around huge granite boulders that line the gorge creating cool clear freshwater swimming holes. Awe-inspiring tree-clad mountains rise sharply up from the riverbanks. Walk as far as the suspension bridge across the river or explore the 2.7 kilometre, 1.7 mile rainforest loop trail. Mossman Gorge is home to the Kuku-yalanji people, the areas traditional Aboriginal landowners who strive to protect their natural heritage as they share its unique qualities with visitors. Guided bushwalks are available that give a rare insight into the special relationship Kuku-yalanji people have with the rainforest, while traditional dance performances and artefact displays portray their rich cultural heritage. Should you wish to take part in an excursion we can pre arrange it for you, otherwise the staff are happy to cater to your individual needs.

You wil be picked up from your Mossman hotel by private car and driver, and taken to Cairns City or Cairns airport.