Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights in your studio room apartment.

Just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, your accommodation is conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD.

The friendly staff at your accommodation can attend to your every need with 24 hour guest reception. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at their signature restaurant.

Relax in a stylish and comfortable haven whilst being in close proximity to shopping at Westfield’s Pitt St Mall and Darling Harbour. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Pitt St towards Circular Quay to take in more of Sydney’s world famous sites- like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theater as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour – a perfect photo opportunity.

Operates
Daily, Hourly 9am to 5pm
Does not operate Good Friday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day 2024

Includes
One hour guided experience.

Need to Know
This tour has 300+ stairs – Low Impact. It is strongly encouraged that you leave bags at your hotel and avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an 8×10″ sheet of paper). No luggage or large bags accepted. Videoing is not allowed. There are plenty of photo opportunities — your tour guide will advise you if photos are not to be taken at any point.

Upgrades
-Add a lunch, dinner or performance to your tour.
-Upgrade your experience with a private, backstage, or architectural tour.

On your vacation explore Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia with this unlimited full day pass, or take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

Hop On and Hop Off at up to seven famous harbour attractions with this unlimited full day pass, or simply take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

The Harbour Express stops at the following tourist attractions:

Fort Denison: The historic island and cafe in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

Taronga Zoo: Discover Australia’s amazing wildlife including koalas, platypus and kangaroos.

Shark Island: This island national park is the perfect destination for a BYO picnic lunch, complete with a small beach area for swimming.

Watson’s Bay: Home of Doyle’s famous seafood restaurant and only a short walk to beautiful harbour swimming beaches, HMAS Watson and headland parks.

Luna Park: Sydney’s famous fun park with rides and games, or walk across the Harbour Bridge from Milsons Point station.

Darling Harbour: Aquarium & Wildlife World, Australian Maritime Museum, shops, restaurants and only a short stroll or Monorail to Sydney Tower, Star City Casino, Powerhouse Museum and China Town.

Circular Quay: The Rocks historic precinct, weekend markets, Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Harbour Bridge pylon. (Additional Fees apply for Park Entry to Fort Denison, Shark Island & Taronga Zoo).

Discover Australia as you travel by rental car for four days.

As part of your vacation self-drive Australia and explore our stunning landscapes, coastlines, regional towns and wildlife. Stop and meet the locals, maybe enjoy a counter meal at a local Aussie pub, or relax on the beach while sampling some takeaway fish & chips from the local deli or servo. During one of your rest stops try to spot a kangaroo, emu or even a Koala in the wild.

Please bring a valid American drivers license with you and be aware that the Australians drives on the left hand side of the road.

Base rate only paid by About Australia. GPS, Insurance, Premium Location Surcharge, Fuel and Fees to driver’s credit card.

Coastal Self-Drive Tour from Sydney, New South Wales, through to Melbourne, Victoria, via Phillip Island.

DAY 1: SYDNEY / KIAMA / JERVIS BAY / BATEMANS BAY (approx 4.5 hrs)

Depart Sydney and begin your self-drive adventure with your first stop being the city of Kiama, meaning “where the sea makes a noise” in the local indigenous language. Stop and see the famous blowhole or Kiama’s local rock pool a popular location for spotting dolphins or whales. If you continue your self drive through Gerroa you can stop at the Coolangatta Estate Winery for lunch and possibly some wine tasting. But don’t stop for too long, you will follow the scenic route via Huskisson to Jervis Bay Marine Park where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach, the world’s whitest sands and crystal clear waters provide a picturesque setting for the diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of Jervis Bay. Pass through the district of Shoalhaven and spend the night in Batemans Bay, a pretty coastal town on the east coast of New South Wales.

DAY 2: BATEMANS BAY / EDEN / LAKES ENTRANCE (approx 5.5 hrs)

Grab some breakfast in Batemans Bay before heading out on the scenic coastal self-drive. Just before reaching Moruya, maybe take some time to stop in Bega, a town popular for its cheese and dairy products. Continuing south, enjoy the coastal views while passing through Merimbula & Bournda National Park. If you feel up for it, have a light lunch at the Wharf in Eden. Eden is a town of history and traditions dating back to the New South Wales whaling industry. If you’d like to, visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum which houses the skeletal remains of legendary “Old Tom”, a killer whale that reputedly guided whalers to their prey. The museum tells of Eden’s whaling, Aboriginal, timber and fishing histories. Heading farther south, you can enjoy a scenic walk through beautiful warm climate rainforests’ flora and fauna at the Bemm River Scenic Reserve. Once you reach the coastal town of Lakes Entrance you might spot some majestic pelicans. Lakes Entrance is where the 90 miles beach meets the South Ocean. Spend the night in Lakes Entrance.

DAY 3: LAKES ENTRANCE / FOSTER (approx 7.5 hrs)

Depart Lakes Entrance and head southwest towards Wilsons Promontory National Park. Wilsons Promontory is Australia’s most southerly point on the mainland and one of Victoria’s most beautiful National Parks. It protects over 50,000 hectares which include some of Victoria’s best beaches, cool shaded rainforest gullies, cloud soaked mountain peaks, rugged offshore islands and remote light stations illuminating the seas surrounding the southern tip. Take time to enjoy the view from Picknick Point Lookout and take a stroll to Squeaky Beach. From here you will continue your self-drive west to Phillip Island. From here you will head to the quaint town of Foster. We recommend stopping in and treating yourself to a delicious dinner. You can pick up a meat pie, fish and chips or some tasty sandwiches before turning in for the night.

DAY 4: FOSTER / MELBOURNE (approx 2.5 hrs)

End this scenic coastal self drive in Melbourne, Victoria.

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Spend one night in your vacation accommodation along this coastal self-drive in Batemans Bay, New South Wales.

Batemans Bay is a divine place to visit where pelicans and seagulls flock to the shores. Relax on the dozens of clean beaches located in the surrounding area or take a river cruise. Many excellent fishing opportunities are located nearby and this hotel boasts its own fishing pier. Boating, diving, windsurfing and surfing are also available.

A variety of restaurants, cocktail lounges and shops are located nearby. Enjoy dinner and drinks with friends or family at the on-site restaurant which boasts a dining balcony with water views. Room service is also available.

Guest rooms are air conditioned and come equipped with refrigerators, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers and cable television. Guest laundry facilities, on-site scooter rentals and continental breakfast are also available at this hotel.

Next stop along your coastal self-drive is Lakes Entrance, Victoria, where you will spend 1 night.

Stay at this picturesque Lakes Entrance motel. Your vacation accommodation is conveniently situated near Jimmy’s Look Out and Ninety Mile Beach. Check out the nearby wineries and art galleries or relax on the beautiful beaches.

The Alpine National Park is near your vacation accommodation and plenty of places for shopping. Enjoy boating, fishing, scuba diving, golfing or relax in the pool before relaxing in your guest room. These newly renovated rooms includes a flat screen TV, alarm clock, hair dryer, desk, iron and ironing board, coffee maker and refrigerator.

Next stop along your coastal self-drive is Phillip Island, Victoria, where you will spend 1 night.

Just a 90 minute drive from Melbourne and conveniently located in the centre of Phillip Island, this resort is only 2kms from the Cowes shopping precinct with its safe bay beaches and only 3kms from the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and the popular patrolled surf beach of Smith’s Beach. With family friendly facilities including a restaurant and bar, a wood fired Pizzeria, outdoor swimming and toddler’s pool, gym, spa, sauna, Kidz Zone game room, playground, tennis, BBQs and kilometres of walking tracks, you will truly enjoy this resort!

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is just 90 minutes southeast of Melbourne and has a range of activities that will simply drop your jaw and dazzle your eyes.

This is your chance to experience the iconic venue in the flesh. Let rip in a go-kart on our 760m replica Grand Prix track, or buckle in for the real deal; an adrenalin-amping triple Hot Lap lightning ride around the Phillip Island circuit with an experienced racing driver.

Revisit the heart-pumping history of the venue within the Visitor Centre’s History of Motorsport Display. Follow in the footsteps of motorcycle racing champions on the Guided Circuit Tour, allowing you exclusive access to off-limits areas trackside, including Race Control, Media Centre, Pit lane, Pit Roof and, where every racer would love to finish, the winner’s podium being sprayed with champagne.

The ride is only half the experience.

Do you want to see a koala up close in its natural environment? Come visit the treetop & woodland boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre.

Experience wild koalas in their natural habitat and stroll through Aussie bushland at this environmentally sustainable centre dedicated to koala conservation on six hectares. Originally established in 1991, the centre is dedicated to koala research and conservation and has played a vital role in ensuring there is a protected koala population on Phillip Island.

Enjoy 2 boardwalks, the Koala Boardwalk and the Woodland Boardwalk. On the bushwalking tracks, keep an eye out for wallabies, echidnas, birds and other Aussie wildlife. Learn about the amazing lives of koalas in the interactive Visitor’s Centre. The Koala Conservation Centre is also home to a host of Australian Wildlife such as wallabies, nocturnal brushtail and ringtail possums, echidnas and over 80 species of birds.

Open 10am to 5pm daily (2pm Christmas Day)

Photo Credit: Koala Conservation Centre; Phillip Island Nature Park

Travel to your accommodation in Melbourne, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. Its suites are equipped with kitchenettes, air conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms. Most are facing on to the hotel’s private European style courtyard. The vacation accommodation is close to Chinatown. Or perhaps stroll to the Southern Cross Station and travel by tram throughout the city. For the less adventurous, Melbourne is the perfect launching pad for day tours to such places like Phillip Island and Penguins, or perhaps the Great Ocean Road.

This morning you are going to enjoy some good old fashioned fun and the most beautiful rainforest in Victoria. You will then be spoiled with some great Aussie food and wine for lunch and go on to taste wines from some of Victoria’s leading wineries. We’ll get your day started with a journey through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and views of the Dandenong Ranges in the distance.

The Dandenong Ranges, also known as the Dandenongs, are beautiful mountain ranges just 35kms east of Melbourne. At their peak, they rise to more than 630 metres and are wrapped in lush rainforests of Mountain Ash trees (the tallest flowering plant in the world), waterfalls, rolling hills and steep valleys.

Right in the heart of the Dandenongs is Grant’s Reserve – a gorgeous spot to take a break. On arrival you will be greeted by the surrounding mountain hue and crisp clear air. While here you will enjoy a traditional Aussie billy tea with vegemite, crackers & lamingtons.

The Dandenongs is a haven for bird life and while at Grant’s Reserve you can handfeed some of the most striking Australian birds such as the colourful Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Pink-chested Galah. You will also be entertained by the wonderful bird song that fills the valley.

Next you head to Belgrave, home of the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train, where you are in for some fun! This century-old steam train is maintained in its original glory and runs to this day on its own mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook. Here you’ll go back in time as you get on board for a 30 minute ride through the heart of the rainforest. You’ll head through the gorgeous Sherbrooke Forest and ride over the old Trestle Bridge. Just before Menzies Creek you can see stunning views of Port Phillip Bay before heading through Paradise Valley and on to the townships of Emerald and Gembrook. You’re going to love it!

The scenery en route to the Yarra Valley is just spectacular with the Great Dividing Range as the backdrop. When you arrive in Victoria’s premium wine growing region, you’ll visit Fergusson Winery and another two leading wineries for wine tasting, appreciation and education. Of the many wineries in the area, you may visit estates such as Rochford Wines, Dominique Portet, or Domaine Chandon. Each has earned an international reputation for excellence and offer cellar-door tastings of their awardwinning selections of Australian wine.

Departs: 8:20am; Returns: 5:30pm

The Queen Victoria Market is an historic Melbourne landmark and a Melbourne institution dating back to more than 120 years ago.

Queen Victoria Market hasn’t been just a market. At different times in the past it has been a cemetery, a livestock market and a place to sell fruit and veggies (vegetables) wholesale. It is said to be the southern hemisphere’s largest open-air market offering a variety of fresh farm produce and, on Sundays, a wider range of merchant items which turn the market into a modern Arabian Nights bazaar. This is the place to buy your souvenirs.

Aside from the variety of wares offered at the Queen Victoria Market, buskers and street entertainment are a market feature, particularly on Sundays when Queen St is closed and becomes a place of cafes, carnival rides and other activities. And there’s always the sound of spruikers cajoling visitors into buying their goods, and you can haggle for the best prices you’re able to get.

The Queen Victoria Market trading hours are 6am to 2pm on Tuesday and Thursday; 6am to 6pm (with the general merchandise section closing at 4pm) on Friday; 6am to 3pm on Saturday; and 9am to 4pm on Sunday. The market is closed on Monday and Wednesday, and on Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. (Please double check times before you go.)

Photo Credit: Queen Victoria Market

As you cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne, you will enjoy fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant officially commenced operation in August 1983. These glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining. Dining aboard the Tramcar is not only a culinary delight, but also a trip into a little piece of Victoria’s history.

The tram is air-conditioned for total comfort and piped music helps to create a unique mood on wheels. Smart casual, suit or similar dress is appropriate when dining.

Early Dinner 5:45-7:15pm (Daily)

Also available: Lunch 1:00-3:00pm (On Request); Late Dinner 8:35-11:30pm (Daily)

(Please note that a surcharge will apply for Christmas Day Luncheon and New Years Eve Late dinner.)

Remember, this road trip is fully customizable. Combine it with other destinations, add accommodation, sigthseeing tours and flights (international &/or domestic).

Just let us know what you want and our Travel Experts will design your complete itinerary with a ‘no-obligation’ quote.