Wild Australia

Start your adventure with 3 nights in cosmopolitan Melbourne. Enjoy a full day city to country experience, venturing out to the Mornington Peninsula, one of Australia’s prettiest coastal wine regions. You will also take a guided walking tour of the city to uncover the hidden treasures of Melbourne’s Lanes and Arcades. Next, head to The Whitsunday’s where you will stay in the boutique Beach Club Hotel on Hamilton Island before spending a magical night in Australia’s first underwater accommodation and have a front row seat to the dazzling underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Fly on to Sydney where you will be taken to Taronga Zoo for your two night Wildlife Retreat package. Sleep inside the zoo, and experience something a little different to the everyday. Enjoy views towards Sydney Harbour and sleep with a kangaroo outside your window. It’s possible. One of the many inclusions is a night walk, the zoo is closed and only guests of the Retreat will join this experience. Finish your Aussie vacation with two nights downtown, with a city sights tour and a private excursion to the Blue Mountains.

Trip Type: Adventure, Cosmopolitan, Wildlife

Day By Day

Day 1 – Welcome to Australia!

Welcome to Melbourne! Upon arrival after clearing customs you will be met by your driver and transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle. 

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne

Day 2 – City to Country Experience

When it comes to vibrant city life, Melbourne is unparalleled. It is also unique among Australian cities to have so much on offer, so close at hand. Wander the lanes, explore the boroughs, drive through rolling hills and native eucalyptus forests, sample stunning local wines and farm gate produce, get up close to a koala, dip your toes in the Southern Ocean – all in a single, beautiful day.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 – Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour

Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told of, then ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. 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 designers 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.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 – Travel to Hamilton Island

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Melbourne airport by private vehicle. On arrival into Hamilton Island you will be met by your driver and transferred to your accommodation.

Starting Accommodation: Hamilton Island Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Hamilton Island at Leisure

With a choice of over 65 different activities available on and around Hamilton Island, there’s something to appeal to travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you prefer to relax by the pool or to explore the Whitsundays - or a bit of both - there are plenty of options to choose from: daily tours to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach, sea kayaking, twilight sailing, game fishing, scenic flights, diving, koala visits, bush-walking, and water-skiing. There is golf at the Hamilton Island Golf Club, spa treatments from two different on-island spas, and a variety of live entertainment at the bars and restaurants.

Starting Accommodation: Hamilton Island Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Reefsuite

Reefsuite is a two-day, one-night encounter with the Great Barrier Reef – an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep submerged in the waters of the reef. Exclusive Heart Pontoon at Hardy Reef is your destination – a permanently moored pontoon, located 40 nautical miles from shore on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Swim, snorkel, dive and explore this amazing natural ecosystem.

Starting Accommodation: Reefsuite
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Reefsuite

Dawn on the reef is peaceful and unhurried. There’s time for some more snorkeling after breakfast – the reef is all yours to enjoy – or return to the underwater observatory and watch the reef come to life. After lunch, your Cruise Whitsundays vessel returns you to the mainland. Your night on the reef may be over, but your Reefsuite memories will stay with you forever.

After departing Reefsuite you will be transferred to your accommodation on Hamilton Island.

Starting Accommodation: Hamilton Island Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Hamilton Island at Leisure

Today you are at your leisure to enjoy Hamilton Island.

Starting Accommodation: Hamilton Island Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Travel to Sydney

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Hamilton Island airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Sydney you will be transferred to the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. 

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
Revel in the natural beauty of the bushland, and step into a lush sanctuary where koalas and echidnas roam, and platypus swim. Join a guided tour with a passionate keeper, immerse yourself in their stories and encounter a close and emotional connection with the animals.

Starting Accommodation: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 – Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

Your guide will take you into the Zoo before it is open to the public. Explore the Blue Mountains Aviary, visit the Red Kangaroos and the Tasmanian Devils before heading back to the Retreat. Today you will also have time to enjoy an up-close experience with one of Australia’s iconic native animals during your koala encounter. Learn more about the conservation efforts that Taronga Zoo Sydney plays in the protection of the Koalas. Continue to enjoy your unlimited access to Taronga Zoo during the rest of the day.

Starting Accommodation: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 – Taronga Zoo and Sydney In Style Tour

After breakfast, you have the opportunity to enjoy the unique early morning atmosphere of the Zoo. At the conclusion of your Wildlife Retreat Package, feel free to continue exploring the Taronga Zoo with your complimentary general admission. 

After your departure from Taronga Zoo you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle. 

Sydney In Style Tour
Depart from your Sydney hotel to discover the fabulous city of Sydney. You will travel through the business district and shopping areas, see Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town and drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coastline, see Bronte and Tamarama, then go on to explore the famous Bondi Beach. Spend 30 minutes walking the promenade or enjoying a coffee overlooking the beach.

From here, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to the Southern Headland of Sydney Harbour. Visit Watsons Bay before following the harbor foreshore towards Sydney City. You pass some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Drive through Vaucluse, Double Bay before reaching the colorful Kings Cross. Head through Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Sydney's Botanical Gardens and enjoy some spectacular Harbour Bridge and Opera House views. Return to Sydney's CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, historic convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical quarter of the 'Rocks.' Visit Sydney's Observatory Hill for amazing views over Sydney Harbour to the Blue Mountains. Drop off back at your Sydney hotel, restaurant or other city location.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Blue Mountains Tour

A day like no other - you’re off to experience the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, in private. Beyond the big picture, this is a scenic widescreen epic. Marvel at deep canyons, sheer cliff walls, sandstone escarpments and tall waterfalls almost every time you step out. Explore historic villages, enjoy tea and scones in a quaint cafe, see Echo Point, home to The Three Sisters.

You are collected from your city hotel for an enjoyable drive through Sydney’s West into the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. The first look at the spectacular panorama of the Blue Mountains National Park is made from Wentworth Falls. Then, head to the quaint Leura village and stop at BYGONE Beauties for morning tea and scones, and a chance to explore the Teapot Museum. From here, head to Echo Point at Katoomba and the Three Sisters – part of Aboriginal folklore. A stop is made at Scenic World, where you have he opportunity to ride the Scenic Railway (the worlds steepest) to Dinosaur Valley, or experience the epic valley views from the Scenic Cableway (Scenic World is an optional extra to be paid direct on the day). Enjoy lunch and superb views at The Boiler House Restaurant at Medlow Bath, then on to Blackheath and spectacular Govetts Leap lookout. Marvel at deep canyons, sheer cliff walls, sandstone escarpments and tall waterfalls of the Grose Valley. At Mt Tomah, wander through The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden…. OR…. a little further onto Bilpin for Cider tasting. All too soon, it is time to head back to the city, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on to your hotel.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 – Depart Australia

Ahead of your flight this morning you will be transferred to Sydney airport by private vehicle. We hope you have enjoyed your stay in Australia!

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Deluxe
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 - 3/31/2025	$8,205
Single Traveler
12/1/2024 - 3/31/2025	$15,835

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