13 Day Tour | Discover Melbourne and Sydney

Melbourne Great Ocean Road Melbourne

Miles of rugged beaches, wave-carved rock formations, and dense rainforest await on this full-day adventure along Australia's most famous scenic highway. Cruise along the Great Ocean Road to see icons like the 12 Apostles, stroll beneath towering trees to spot koalas and lorikeets, and linger over lunch in seaside Apollo Bay. Head out of Melbourne and hit the road—the Great Ocean Road, that is. This 151-mile (243-km) highway winds its way along the southeastern coast of Victoria and is the world's largest war memorial. Your first stop en route is at Surf Beach, where you can take a beach walk while watching surfers catch waves before continuing on to Memorial Arch.

Venture into the woods to look for koalas perched in the treetops, colourful parrots and lorikeets, and the gum tree-loving kookaburra. In Apollo Bay, relax over lunch as you soak in the atmosphere of this waterfront locale, and then work off your meal with a guided bush walk through the towering trees that line the Maits Rest boardwalk in the Otway Ranges, a cool and ancient temperate rainforest. Make your way to the striking 12 Apostles, limestone stacks rising up from the waves, and Loch Ard Gorge, where you can take a walk while listening to the tale of Australia's most notorious shipwreck. Your final stop is at the arch nicknamed London Bridge, where you can feel the breeze off the sea before heading back to Melbourne.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Hotel

Melbourne

Today is a day for Shopping or a free day to enjoy Melbourne and its surrounds at leisure.
For those chosing the Shopping day, this will be done at 'DFO' – Melbournes Direct Factory Outlets where you can pick up MANY shopping bargains!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Hotel

Melbourne Yarra River

Today you will cruise the Yarra River and admire Melbourne's spectacular skyline on a two hour narrated city cruise. Your cruise includes both the down and up river routes, encompassing the scenic river gardens and Herring island with the contrasting port and former-industrial Docklands area, giving you an extensive appreciation of the entire Melbourne region.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Hotel

Melbourne Phillip Island Melbourne

Today you will embark on a Phillip Island tour, which is an animal lovers dream! Join us on an adventure exploring the beautiful Phillip Island. In one day we will experience a guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Reserve, walk along wild and rugged surf beaches, spot wild Kangaroos and Wallabies, and at the end of the day visit the world-famous Penguin Parade.

Located 140 km southeast of Melbourne, drive to the majestic Phillip Island, home to a little over 7,000 people and over a hundred different species of animals, this is a small Island but it is steeped in significant areas of beauty with scientific, historic and archaeological interest.

On arrival you will be greeted by Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger for a guided walk through Phillip Island’s Koala Reserve. You will be given a presentation about Koalas, history and relevance of the Reserve and the last area of natural woodland on the island. Phillip Island was a favourite hunting fishing and foraging ground of the Yalloc Bulluck, one of the largest clans of the Bunurong people. These first Australians would cross over to the island in the Summer months and during the ‘egging season’, with the abundance of wildlife still here today it is understandable why the area was popular. Evidence of the Yalloc Bulluk’s foraging can be found today, with middens viewable at the Penguin Parade and within the Summerlands National Park. Phillip Island Nature Parks is actively working to enhance visitor understanding and preservation of these areas of cultural significance.

We will take a walk along the boardwalks of ‘The Nobbies’ and have a look to see if we can spot any Little Penguins in their burrows. Follow the walkways around to view ‘The Blowhole’ where waves come crashing up onto the dark volcanic rock. The caves and formations at this naturally craggy peninsula make for many dramatic photos, with the backdrop of Seal Rocks – on a sunny day you might be lucky enough to see Australian Fur Seals basking in the sun.

As the sun begins to set it is time to make your way to the Penguin Parade. The Little Penguins only come out of the water after the sun has gone down so that they can be sure to stay out of the way of any predators in the air above them. You will then return to Melbourne.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Hotel

Melbourne Yarra Valley Healsville Sanctuary Melbourne

Enjoy a small-group/full-day tour that combines native wildlife with wine tasting in Victoria’s internationally acclaimed Yarra Valley wine region. Set out from Melbourne for a visit to Healesville Sanctuary, founded in order to preserve and protect endangered animal species, and spend the morning observing koalas, kangaroos, emus and other iconic native animals.

Early afternoon, travel across to Yering Station Vineyard for a delicious a la carte main course lunch and wine tasting before finishing the day with cheese and wine at the De Bortoli Winery.

At approximately 415 PM, you will head back to Melbourne where you'll arrive at around 545 PM and be dropped off by Federation Square or St Paul's Cathedral.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Hotel

Melbourne Sydney

Today make your way to the airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is yours at liesure.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:  Rydges World Square Sydney

Sydney

Explore all popular Sydney Harbour destinations with a convenient Harbour Hopper pass. Take in the striking views of the city from a spacious ferry and get off whenever and wherever you wish to. Additionally, enjoy access to the Manly Beach and Manly-Watsons Bay fast ferry. Discover iconic attractions, hidden beaches, pristine bushlands, and botanic gardens with a hop-on hop-off transfer service between Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo and Watsons Bay. And don't miss out on the vibrant Manly Beach, by taking the fast ferry from Circular Quay or Watsons Bay.

Experience all the natural beauty of the harbour contrasting with the modern cityscape, such as the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the elegant buildings of Darling Harbour. Take advantage of the flexible route and departure times to embark and disembark at your chosen locations.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:  Rydges World Square Sydney

Sydney

Continue to enjoy your Harbour Hopper Pass before embarking on a 3-hour Jazz lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour. Experience great atmosphere, a delicious lunch and superb entertainment whilst enjoying the spectacular views of the Harbour.

Come aboard and sway to the rhythms of live jazz and easy-listening pop as you indulge in three course Carvery & Seafood set menu lunch served to your table, followed by a selection of delicious cakes, fresh seasonal fruit, coffee and tea. Enjoy a glass of bubbly from the bar and let time pass you by as you embrace the spectacular harbour views! This luncheon cruise has been a Sydney favourite with locals and tourists alike for over 30 years, combining restaurant style dining and unforgettable views.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation:  Rydges World Square Sydney

Sydney Blue Mountains Sydney

Today you will embark on a guided trip to the Blue Mountains on a full-day minivan tour from Sydney. Visit multiple lookouts and take in the views of Jamison Valley. Ride the world's steepest railway and visit Sydney Zoo.
First, after pickup, stop off at Echo Point, where you will have the closest and best view of the Three Sisters. Witness the blue haze and the vast expanse of the Jamison Valley, and experience the Blue Mountains' beauty.

Next, visit Scenic World and dare yourself to ride the steepest railway in the world. The trains drive down with an incline of 52-64 degrees, with views from the top of the Three Sisters and the Valley. After, visit the quaint village in the Blue Mountains. Explore the boutique store and enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants. Then, on the way back to Sydney, venture to the Western Plains to visit Sydney Zoo — Sydney’s ultimate wildlife experience.
See a koala or a wallaby with an amazing nocturnal enclosure of Australian mammals and reptiles, and other animals from around the globe.

Conclude your day with a ferry ride on the Parramatta River to Circular Quay. Travel under the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House before disembarking at Circular Quay.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:  Rydges World Square Sydney

Sydney Hunter Valley Sydney

Travel from Sydney and visit a combination of three boutique wineries and distilleries in Hunter Valley. Enjoy guided spirit wine tastings matched with cheese and chocolates and a delicious lunch.

Begin your full-day tour with a convenient pickup from central Sydney and admire the picturesque surroundings as you drive in Hunter Valley, Australia’s first wine region. Go on guided tours inside some of the production houses, see behind the scenes, and learn how spirits and wine are made. During guided tastings, try chocolates and local cheeses to match the wines and keep your tastebuds exploring the flavour combinations.

Get to know the local producers and discover the taste of a region famous for its beautiful wines, hand-crafted spirits, and refreshing beers and ciders. Take a break from all the sightseeing and take in the Valley’s charm with a relaxing lunch with a wine, craft beer, or cider. Later, return to the hotel in Sydney.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:  Rydges World Square Sydney

Sydney

Today you will enjoy the Hop on Hop Off Bus service. Discover the streets of Sydney and the sandy shores of Bondi Beach as you cruise around town on an open-air, double-decker bus. Experience all the excitement of Australia's famous harbour city, hopping on and off at up to 34 stops near great attractions. Snag a seat on an open-top double-decker bus for a ride between Sydney's waterfront attractions. With 2 routes and up to 34 stops, this is a convenient way to make sure you don't miss a thing as you tour around town. When you want a closer look, step off the bus for a while to hang out, and then catch the next one when you're ready to move on.

Plan out your own itinerary and visit the landmarks that interested you most, whether you want to dig your toes into the sand at Bondi Beach, soak up the history of The Rocks, or take a sightseeing stroll around Darling Harbour.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:  Rydges World Square Sydney

Sydney

Your discovery of Australias two largest capital cities has come to an end. Make your way to the airport for your flight home or onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast