Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Melbourne.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Melbourne, Australia.

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

Your vacation accommodation is located within easy walking distance of Melbourne Central shopping centre, theatre district, and the famous Victoria Market. The rooms feature air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and safety deposit boxes. The hotel offers dry cleaning and laundry services, wireless Internet access, and public outdoor parking. Melbourne is the perfect launching pad for travel day tours to such places like Phillip Island and Penguins, the Great Ocean Road, or the Yarra Wineries. Make the most of your vacation by mingling with the people of Australia.

Today you’ll have the day free to Explore Melbourne City’s vast shopping centres, markets and boutiques, maybe do some souvenir shopping.

Melbourne is a Multicultural City boasting many boutique cafes, wineries and extensive shopping. You’ll also find it very easy to get around on the trains and trams, especially within the inners of Melbourne.

Photo Credit: Tourism Victoria

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

Phillip Island is home to an astounding array of wildlife, including Australia’s largest fur seal colony, the little penguins and cuddly koalas. Enjoy getting close to koalas and kangaroos before joining the little penguins at dusk, as they emerge from the surf and waddle to their burrows.

Get up close and personal with the friendly residents of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you learn about the conservation of these loveable native animals. The eco certified sanctuary also showcases some lesser known but equally adorable endangered species including the Southern Bettong, Eastern Quolls and rare Fluffy Gliders. From there travel to Phillip Island where you see the Nobbies, and Seal Rocks before travelling on to Summerland beach for the nightly penguin parade. Home to Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins, Summerland beach provides a spectacular backdrop to the world famous penguin parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins make their way across the beach and go home for the night. Come and enjoy the beauty and native wildlife and make this a journey to remember. Tour conclusion depends on time of year and ranges from 10pm during the winter months to midnight during summer as the penguins arrive at sunset.

Upgrade Available to Exclusive Viewing Platform (pricing available upon request)

Operates Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday only.
Image Credit: Visit Victoria

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

The spectacular Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Experience views of uninterrupted beaches, dramatic coastlines and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges with this small group eco-tour.

Travel west to the start of the Great Ocean Road and pass the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Arrive at the iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views over the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.

Discover the Shipwreck Coast, stroll along the historic beaches and see Loch Ard Gorge. Arrive at the famous 12 Apostles and descend the Gibson’s Steps, where you will be dwarfed by the high cliff line and these enormous offshore stacks. With this small tour group, there is plenty of time to get out and explore nature at its very best.

The highlights of this Great Ocean Road adventure include a visit to Bells Beach, where you’ll see one of Australia’s famous surfing beaches, world renowned for the Rip Curl Surfing Pro.

Enjoy the breathtaking view from iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse and learn about the fascinating history of the Aboriginal owners of the Gadabanud Peoples’ Cultural Centre. You will be afforded stops where you’ll see wildlife like Eastern grey kangaroos, koalas and native birds in the wild.

Pass through coastal towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. Enjoy a rainforest experience in the luscious surrounds of the Otway Rainforest and marvel at some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia.

Operates
Daily except Christmas
Departs 7:00am – 8:00am and Returns 9:00pm (approx.)
April – October Departs 10:00am to 11:00am and Returns 9:00pm to Midnight (approx.)

Includes
– Return deluxe coach transfers from accomodations
– Morning tea, coffee, & cake
– Gorgeous views
– Complimentary onboard wifi
– Expert commentary

Need to Know
Request infant seats (0-3 years) or a child booster seats (4-8 years) free of charge. Please bring money for lunch. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

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.)

Mingle with visitors and locals alike at the centre of the city known as Melbourne’s meeting place, Federation Square! Showcasing a creative mix of attractions it boasts 15 restaurants, cafes and bars and over 2000 events annually making this a must see in Melbourne!

Winner of the 2006 and 2007 Victorian Tourism Awards, Federation Square embraces some of the world’s most stunning architecture with a wide array of attractions. Situated on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation the Square supports the nation’s contemporary expression and values the heritage and traditions of the indigenous people of this area. Be sure to check out the Atrium, a major challenge made of glass, steel and zinc.

Flanked by Zinc, this centre provides access to The Square which features the paved sandstone cobbles from Western Australia and spectacular views of the City, Southbank and the Yarra River. Don’t forget to make a stop off at the Wharf which offers up the Riverland Bar and Cafe, Hire-A-Bike, Ferry Boat Drop off and Pick Up Service.

If you just happen to be in Melbourne on a Thursday night be sure to take advantage of the late night program! Open until 9pm, the Ian Potter Centre is the world’s first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art which showcases a spectacular array of over 20 galleries housed within this landmark architectural complex. Also open until 9pm, don’t miss the Australian Centre for the Moving Image which is the first centre of its kind in the world with its dedication to the moving image in all its forms – from early cinema to the latest digital media – it certainly offers a unique experience for visitors from around the globe.

Tours can be booked via the Melbourne Visitors Centre onsite at Federation Square: Tours depart daily, Monday – Saturday at 11am (50 minutes duration) Group limit: 15 people Cost: Free
Photo Credit: Federation Square

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation to the Airport in Melbourne, Australia.

Travel within Australia by Domestic Air from Melbourne to Launceston Tasmania.

Travel by taxi or ride share from the airport to your vacation accommodation (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

Make your way from the Airport Baggage Claim area to the Taxi Stand. Taxi’s are available on demand. Pay as you go.

Travel to your accommodation in Launceston, Tasmania where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Spend time in Launceston sipping fine wine and nibbling on smooth crumbling cheese or relaxing amongst the luxurious and modern surrounds of your room.

The surrounding precinct has become a new and vibrant centre of Launceston, Tasmania with a wide range of cafes and restaurants to experience and the opportunity to be pampered at the Mud Urban Day Spa. Adventures further afield include the impressive Cataract Gorge, the famous James Boag brewery and if you’re a wine lover, Launceston’s Tamar Valley, home to one of Australia’s major cool-climate wine growing regions.

Parking fees not included, paid on-site approx. $10AUD per day.
Ask about upgraded rooms!

Discover Launceston’s intriguing stories.

Take a coach tour of Launceston city or enjoy a Tamar River cruise on the luxury ‘Tamar Odyssey’ or ‘Lady Launceston’. Explore Launceston by night with a Ghost Tour at dusk through the city’s history with a professional theatrical guide.

Take a Heritage Walk to explore the city’s history, colonial churches and fine buildings (self-guided walk brochure and details of guided historic walks are available. Browse George Street’s crafts and gift shops and the Inveresk Cultural Precinct with it’s Sunday market, art & craft. Visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery housed at Inveresk and at Royal Park. Don’t miss the Planetarium at Royal Park and Aurora Stadium (Tasmania’s home of AFL).

See Tasmanian devils and other wildlife at nearby Launceston Lakes or visit Launceston’s colony of Japanese macaque monkeys in their home in City Park.

Follow the ‘Tamar Valley Wine Route from Legana to sample award-winning wines and cheeses, or visit the Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers for tours and tastings of Tasmania’s ‘other sparkling’. get high in the Cataract Gorge and join a guided rock-climbing and abseiling group, or be challenged by cable hang gliding at Trevallyn. then, be pampered with an indulgent dip in the hot pools and spas at the Aquarius Roman Baths.

Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania

We invite you to experience the only accommodation that is located in the world renowned Tarkine temperate rainforest, giving access to ancient forests and wild rivers. If you are looking for a long weekend that is a long way away from your day to day life then staying at our Tarkine Longhouse at the Tarkine Rainforest Retreat is perfect for you. You’ll soak up the beauty of the rainforest on a walk to the Huskisson River, a wild and unknown rainforest flanked river.

Day One: Giant trees and ancient rainforest
Highlights: Giant eucalyptus trees, ancient rainforest, pristine creeks

Drive We depart from Launceston and drive west to Burnie. After lunch and the gear check in Burnie, we head south, through scenic rolling hills, towards the heart of the Tarkine. The journey traverses highly productive agricultural land based on the rich volcanic soils of the region. As we venture south we encounter the first of the Tarkines world class forests. The Murchison Highway creates the western boundary of Tarkine. Eventually we leave the highway and head west towards camp located in the south eastern corner of the region. We initially cross a button grass plain, a relic of glacial action that once dominated the landscape, before crossing a number of forest clad ranges. From the summit, the impressive sight of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff appear to our east. As we continue west, the forest thickens and we gain our first glimpse of the giant eucalypt forests. On approaching the rainforest lined John Lynch Creek; we park the vehicle and prepare to walk into our base camp.

Time – Approximately 40mins
Distance – 1.0km
Pack Weight – 8-10kg

Day Two: Huskisson River walk
Highlights: Ancient rainforests, giant eucalypts, the wild Huskisson River and pristine creeks

Awake to your favourite morning drink surrounded by an ancient green forest landscape. After a tasty breakfast we depart for a day walk to the Huskisson River.

Track Grading
Time – 3.5-4.5 hours of walking time
Distance – 6kms
Pack Weight – Day Pack

Description – Tagged trail walking through open under storey temperate rainforest, there are some steep sections that have steps built into them, can be slippery in points. Fallen trees to be negotiated (generally with steps cut into the tree). The forest trail meanders through a stunning landscape of giant eucalypts, sassafras, celery top pine and myrtle. The under storey is completely open in parts, lined by a soft carpet of green mosses and lichens. In other areas, ancient ferns cover the forest floor, providing a 60 million year old link to the ancient Gondwanan forests that once covered large parts of Australia and Antarctica. Birds that live in the forest include, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos, Green Rosellas, Forest Ravens, and a number of small brown birds including, the Tasmanian Thornbill and the Scrubtit. As we approach the Huskisson River, the eucalypts disappear, leaving the myrtles and sassafras to dominate. Known as callidendrous rainforest, the ancient gnarled myrtle trees stand witness to the passing of time. The atmosphere is thick with antiquity and the experience of travelling back in time to the age of the dinosaurs is ever present. On arriving at the banks of the Huskisson, lunch is prepared. Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered White Goshawk that hunts amongst the forest canopy. Those who wish can enjoy a swim in the rainforest filtered waters. After lunch, sit back and soak up the peaceful surrounds. In the afternoon, we head back to camp and prepare for another scrumptious meal followed by great conversation and fine Tasmanian wine whilst relaxing around the warm glow of our camp fire.

Day Three: Tarkine Rainforest Retreat
Highlights: Relaxing around camp, Cradle Mountain

We spend the morning relaxing around the Tarkine Rainforest Retreat in the Tarkine Longhouse. Breakfast is served on our 12 seater Tasmanian Oak dining table. We depart the camp around 10am and drive to Cradle Mountain for lunch. There is an opportunity for a short walk (weather dependant) near or around Dove Lake, or to explore “Waldheim” the old home of Gustav Weindorfer, the man whose vision was instrumental in the area becoming a National Park and then a World Heritage Area. We depart Cradle Mountain by 3pm and are back in Launceston by 6pm.

Travel to your accommodation in Launceston, Tasmania where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Spend time in Launceston sipping fine wine and nibbling on smooth crumbling cheese or relaxing amongst the luxurious and modern surrounds of your room.

The surrounding precinct has become a new and vibrant centre of Launceston, Tasmania with a wide range of cafes and restaurants to experience and the opportunity to be pampered at the Mud Urban Day Spa. Adventures further afield include the impressive Cataract Gorge, the famous James Boag brewery and if you’re a wine lover, Launceston’s Tamar Valley, home to one of Australia’s major cool-climate wine growing regions.

Parking fees not included, paid on-site approx. $10AUD per day.
Ask about upgraded rooms!

Travel by taxi or ride share from your vacation accommodation to the airport (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

Fly from Launceston to Sydney this afternoon.

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel to your accommodation in the heart of Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Your vacation hotel is located just minutes from the bustling Darling Harbour and Sydney City. Explore the Darling Harbour area, which is a modern collection of unique Australia Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities. Travel by Monorail to the City Center is also a must, or walk to Circular Quay. Or maybe travel by ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or to the lovely tree-lined beach suburb of Manly. If plan your vacation in Sydney over a weekend, visit the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Souvenirs of Australia.
Photo Credit: Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW

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).

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

Depart Sydney from the International Airport and fly to Los Angeles. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.