Victoria & the Red Centre
Pamper yourself or enjoy some fine wines on the Mornington Peninsula during an indulgent stay at Jackalope. Then with jetlag behind you, venture into Melbourne to explore hidden spaces and iconic laneways, tantalizing food and wine, and a dynamic art scene. Next stop is Longitude 131, with time to explore Uluru and the red desert outback, while luxuriating in the best camping you can find! The last stop is Sydney, where you have the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and cruise the famous Sydney Harbour. From Australia's beautiful outback to two of the most iconic cities down under, this adventure gives you a glimpse into so much that Australia has to offer.
Trip Type: Adventure, Cosmopolitan, Cultural, Food & Wine
Day By Day
Day 1 – Welcome to Australia
A driver will meet you at the airport to transfer you directly to Jackalope in the Mornington Peninsula.
Starting Accommodation: Jackalope Hotel
Day 2 – Jackalope at Leisure
Today you are at your leisure to enjoy Jackalope.
The Mornington Peninsula has long been known as Melbourne's weekend playground. For international guests, the Peninsula is a perfect addition to a city stay, offering some of Australia's best food and wine, golf, adventure, beach and leisure activities. With a moderate, coastal climate, the Peninsula offers year-round opportunities to explore the region's wineries or tee off on its world-class golf courses. Over 50 cellar doors and restaurants dot the rolling hills around Jackalope's own 11-hectare vineyard, while 20 outstanding golf courses, of which three are rated in Australia's top 10, have cemented the Peninsula's position as Australia's number one golf destination. Framed by two spectacular coastlines, the Peninsula's unique array of dramatic surf and sheltered bay beaches, natural hot springs, and national parks contribute to the perfect mix of coastal and country reverie.
Starting Accommodation: Jackalope Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Jackelope to Melbourne
You will be driven from Jackalope to Melbourne by private vehicle.
Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – Great Ocean Road
The breath-taking Twelve Apostles are a must on any Australian adventure. A day spent journeying down the Great Ocean Road is the perfect chance to get back to nature. See wild kangaroos and koalas, feed rainbow lorikeets and king parrots and stroll through charming coastal towns, national parks and native forests. This is a big, brilliant day out, with this suggested but highly flexible itinerary.
You will meet your expert Localing host at your hotel. The drive out from Melbourne is a great chance to share some of your tastes and interests so these can be made a feature of your uniquely tailored experience. Sit back and get to know your host in a luxury touring vehicle equipped with wi-fi, water and a selection of Victorian treats. Stop by an Aboriginal centre for a gourmet morning tea with an Aussie flavor. Hear didgeridoo, learn to throw a boomerang and check out indigenous art from around the country. Be consumed by the scents and sounds of native eucalyptus forests. Learn about the 700 different varieties of gumtree, about wallabies, carnivorous snails and early explorers. Enjoy a cafe-style lunch in the backstreets of Apollo Bay, away from the tourist droves, then continuethe exploration. Feed wild parrots, spot koalas high in the treetops and search out a mob of local kangaroos. Take a guided walk at the Apostles and hear the stories which have granted the ‘Shipwreck Coast’ its perilous title. Break up the journey home with a stop for afternoon tea and some delicious Aussie treats.
Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Lanes and Arcades
Join this indulgent morning walk through Melbourne’s beautiful back streets, and become orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover local designer and specialty retailers that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways, there is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike. Morning tea is included as well as lunch with a glass of wine.
Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Melbourne to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Takeoff to Ayers Rock (Via Alice Springs) and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Activities at Longitude 131°
An exceptional touring program designed especially for guests of Longitude 131° is included in the wilderness experience and a personalized itinerary is presented upon arrival. Signature Experiences with lodge naturalist guides are shared with fellow guests in custom touring vehicles. Expeditions operate at scheduled times on a rotating basis, dependent on day of arrival, with timing subject to sunrise and sunset times which vary throughout the year, according to the seasons and weather permitting. For short stays at Longitude 131°, some tours and excursions may not be offered or available during your stay. This is just a sample of some of the experiences you may be able to enjoy:
Mutitjulu Meander; Venturing to Uluru whilst the morning sun lights up the ancient monolith, meander along the pathway to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti. Along this walk our guides share the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru.
Uluru Sunset; A drive into the dual World Heritage-listed National Park begins the evening followed by a leisurely walk through the Cultural Centre* where the informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Continue on to the twilight viewing area where you can take in the iconic sunset over Uluru with a glass in hand. *In the summer months, the Cultural Centre is visited as part of the Mutitjulu Meander morning experience.
Walpa Gorge; Kata Tjuta; This experience heads to Kata Tjuta comprising 36 majestic dome-like rock formations. Along the way the tour calls briefly at the Kata Tjuta Viewing Area for a longer distance perspective and photo opportunity, with expert commentary describing ecology and indigenous significance of the area. From the viewing platform guests continue their journey to Walpa Gorge where the natural history of Kata Tjuta is explained in detail, and discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today's landscape and ecology.
Mala Walk; Kantju Gorge; After arriving at the base of Uluru our guide leads you on a gentle walk as you learn about the history of the Mala people, pointing out cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the gorge walls ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Enjoying sunset drinks and canapés, guests revel in the silence and solitude.
Table 131; Dine outdoors on fine fare celebrating a fusion of modern and indigenous flavors and discover the wonders of the southern night sky. As darkness falls, a four-course dinner with matched Australian wines is delivered with Longitude service. In the cool season, a warm fire sparks under the spectacular night sky. Indigenous performers mesmerize with the movement and songs of their ancient culture and after dinner, Longitude's resident astronomer regales guests with tales of the Southerly constellations. (Subject to weather conditions).
Field of Light; World renowned artist, Bruce Munro has chosen the remote desert location surrounding Ayers Rock Resort for his Field of Light installation. Field of Light is a monumental and experimental artwork with 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres, connected via illuminated optical fiber bloom as darkness falls over the spiritual heartland of Australia's vast desert with Uluru as the backdrop. Longitude 131° guests arrive at dusk to meander around the field before enjoying the cool night skies at Table 131°. Witness the monumental combination of art and culture.
Bespoke Experiences; An additional menu of private experiences offers further exploration and the chance to tailor a special interest itinerary - additional cost applies.
Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Travel to Sydney
Takeoff to Sydney and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – BridgeClimb
For those seeking excitement, the best view in town, and a special feeling of achievement, join the exhilarating climb of one of Sydney's most famous landmarks. On the thrilling and totally safe Bridge Climb adventure, you may ascend to the top of the Bridge and stand over 427 feet above sea level. The view is breathtaking and you'll also have a close encounter with one of Sydney's historical gems and an engineering wonder of the world. The pace of the climb is leisurely and follows stringent safety standards so you will feel comfortable throughout the experience.
Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – Sydney Harbour Long Lunch Cruise
Your long lunch experience will begin with a welcome from your crew as you board the luxury cruiser, and depart for a surreal day out on Sydney Harbour. Soft drinks, sparkling wine, beer, still wine, tea, and coffee will be available from the moment you step on board. As you cruise past the world-famous landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House the crew will be on hand to tell you about the past and modern-day history of the harbor. See Woolloomoolloo Bay, the home of the Australian Navy’s Sydney Base Garden Island, then venture further down the harbor cruising past Double Bay and Point Piper which are the locations of the most expensive homes in Sydney. Pass by Vaucluse for your appetizer and make the first stop at the renowned Doyles on the Beach at Watsons Bay. Disembark and head down the wharf to the restaurant where you will have a choice of appetizers and a selection of beverages to choose from. Return to the vessel to cruise past the opening of Sydney Heads, then go around Middle Head to enter Middle Harbour. Stop at the Balmoral Jetty where you will disembark again for your main course at the Balmoral Public Dining Room. Head up to Spit Bridge and beyond to see some amazing landscapes and homes perched on the cliffs of Sydney’s upper-class North Shore district. Enjoy delicious desserts and a cheese platter on board as you return back through Middle Harbour to the main harbor where you will see the Northern shores of Sydney Harbour. Cruise past Taronga Zoo and the prime minister’s house before disembarking back in the city.
Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – Depart Sydney
Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodation to Sydney International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activites
Pricing
Package Level: Luxury |
Please note all prices listed are approximations and subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Each itinerary can be fully customized to your interests and needs.
|
| Twin Share |
| 12/1/2024 - 1/31/2025 | $10,705 |
| 2/1/2025 - 3/31/2025 | $10,630 |
| Single Traveler |
| 12/1/2024 - 1/31/2025 | $20,930 |
| 2/1/2025 - 3/31/2025 | $20,780 |
Terms and Conditions
Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions:
www.swaindestinations.com/terms
