Curated Cosmopolitan

Set out on a journey through some of Australia's most vibrant and diverse cities: Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane. Each destination offers its own unique charm, from Melbourne's arts and café scene to Adelaide's blend of history, culture, and wine country. Discover the nation's political heart in the capital, Canberra, where national monuments and institutions tell the story of Australia’s past and present. Finally, explore the dynamic riverside city of Brisbane from many vantage points, with a stop to to meet some cuddly koalas. This curation of cosmopolitan experiences promises a perfect blend of urban adventures, culture and history, culinary delights, and natural beauty.

Trip Type: Cosmopolitan, Cultural, Food & Wine

Day By Day

Day 1 – Welcome to Melbourne

Welcome to Melbourne! Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation via private vehicle.

Park Hyatt Melbourne
The regal Park Hyatt Melbourne sits at the top of Collins Street, which is a stylish boulevard full of ornate Victorian architecture, high end shops and art galleries. Just across the street from the grand St. Patrick's Cathedral and the manicured Fitzroy Gardens, the hotel is an awe-inspiring combination of old-world and modern design. Winding staircases, Italian marble and towering pillars inspire opulence from the moment you step into the Park Hyatt's lobby. Each guest room is impeccably decorated with Madrona paneled walls, plush furniture and deep marble baths. The sophisticated art deco touches continue throughout the rest of the property. The edgeless lap pool glimmers in a room encased in golden light and stone pillars, and the day spa offers decadent treatments for ultimate relaxation. Park Hyatt perfectly captures the atmosphere of Melbourne and provides a great starting point to explore the rest of the city.

Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Melbourne

Day 2 – Boroughs of Melbourne

Go behind the scenes and beyond the tourist trail to experience Melbourne in a way most locals never see. This extended experience lets you delve deep into local life and creative culture.  Meet Melburnians, soak in the passion, coast through all the cool neighborhoods. Have a grand old day with a fabulous host in a great city doing all the things you love. Enjoy this suggested but highly flexible itinerary.

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 Adelaide

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Adelaide you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle. 

Mayfair Hotel
The Mayfair Hotel is located right in the heart of the city at the corner of King William and Hindley Streets in the heritage-listed, beautifully renovated Colonial Mutual Life building. Complemented by a stunning "jewel box" addition that beautifully complements the "Romanesque-style" building, the Mayfair Hotel is the gateway that links the recently refurbished Rundle Mall and Adelaide's exciting new Riverbank Entertainment Precinct. Offering luxurious accommodations, contemporary dining and premium hotel facilities, the Mayfair Hotel also showcases the very best of South Australia, including innovative food and wine and high-quality, locally made products and furnishings. 

Starting Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Classic Adelaide

Explore the Cultural Boulevard, walking with your private guide among the statuesque government and university buildings. Visit the renowned Art Gallery with Rodin Sculptures and Museum with its unique desert garden; all the buildings have stories to tell. Visit Artlab to view the talented team that is restoring historic paintings, books and fabrics. Enjoy visits of little streets and lanes while indulging in a taste of fine chocolate from famous icon producer, Haighs. Visit South Australia's own Jurlique store, discovering hidden secrets along the way, which only a local would know. Wander past the historic Queen Adelaide Club; Adelaide Club home to Adelaide's elite.

Starting Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Barossa Valley Day Tour

If you enjoy Australian wines or would like to try some, then a day exploring the renowned Barossa Valley will be one of the highlights of your stay in South Australia. This morning, begin a personally escorted journey that will pick up from your accommodation in the Barossa Valley. Travel to the Peter Lehmann winery for your first tasting of the day. Visit Torbreck wine cellars, a small winery with rustic charm, and also enjoy visits to other small wineries to meet well-known wine identities. Stop for a stroll in the German town of Tanunda with time to discover the small shops - many of which specialize in crafts made by the locals. Before lunch, take the picturesque drive up to Menglers Hill for views over the entire valley. Lunch will be at a restaurant in the Barossa. The next stop may be Henschkes winery in Keyneton or historic Yalumba the biggest family run winery in Australia. If time permits, visit small boutique producers, such as Charles Melton or Turkey Flat. You may also have the option to include formal premium wine tasting at Penfolds in the morning (additional cost). A visit to Maggie Beer Farm shop is a must for food lovers. Alternatively, continue through the picturesque villages of Hills en route to Hahndorf, the German village, where you may taste the fine wines produced by Hahandorf Hill winery. 

Starting Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – Travel to Canberra

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Adelaide Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Canberra you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle. 

A by Adina, Canberra
A by Adina Canberra is perched on the doorstep of the famed Parliamentary Triangle at Lake Burley Griffin. Situated amongst the buzzing line-up of ‘must experience’ landmarks near the aptly named Constitution Place. The hotel offers a great CBD location, 24-hour reception, complimentary WiFi, and two gyms. Whether traveling for business, pleasure or leisure, you’ll find a perfectly suited balance between a hotel and a residential experience. The hotel is a little luxe and a little laid back.

Starting Accommodation: A by Adina, Canberra
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Highlights of Canberra

Canberra’s best day tour! Witness the wonderful views of Canberra and the region from the top of Mount Ainslie. Your guide will explain the growth of a young city, the two-tiered colonial and capital city history and point out places of interest. Visit the National Capital Exhibition. Be guided through the corridors of power at Australian Parliament House. Survey the Parliamentary Triangle and its National Attractions. Explore the Australian War Memorial and experience the moving Last Post Ceremony. Todays tour packs as much as possible into a single day, giving you the best possible experience and context of Australia’s Capital.

Starting Accommodation: A by Adina, Canberra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 – Luxe Tour Du Vin

The Luxe Tour Du Vin Full-Day Canberra boutique winery tour will visit four local Canberra wineries, most of which you will be talking with the owners and winemakers directly at the cellar door. You will be collected from your Canberra accommodation and taken to Brindabella Hills for wine tasting and a 3-course lunch with a glass (or two) of wine included. After lunch, head to McKellar Ridge - a boutique winery and vineyard, for further wine tasting. Next up is Clonakilla, known for a Shiraz bland - enjoy a tasting with chocolates here before heading to Gallagher Estate, a family farm and winery. A final tasting with home made cheese and pickles before heading back to Canberra.

Starting Accommodation: A by Adina, Canberra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Travel to Brisbane

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Canberra Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Brisbane you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle. 

Emporium Hotel Southbank
Centrally located on Grey Street in South Bank, Queensland's premier lifestyle and cultural precinct, the Emporium Hotel South Bank is a half mile to Brisbane's CBD and is surrounded by some of the city's best bars, dining and lifestyle options. The 143 room boutique hotel is minutes walk to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum and Queensland State Library. From your initial entrance right up to the iconic rooftop and at every turn in between, each curated detail and handcrafted touch creates a sensory symphony that is bound to leave you with a lasting impression.

Starting Accommodation: Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 – Brisbane City and Lone Pine

Your knowledgeable guide picks you up from your accommodation and provides a brief historical tour of Brisbane's downtown, discussing the region's rich history from English prison to modern metropolis. Head to Mt Coot-tha for stunning views over Brisbane's downtown, across the suburbs and out to the islands. On the way, pass through the beautiful tree-lined inner suburbs with lovely heritage 'Queenslander' homes. Learn about Australia's native fauna on a guided tour through the world's first and largest koala sanctuary with over 130 koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. There is also a large variety of other Aussie wildlife, all in beautiful, natural settings. Highlights include a variety of birds-of-prey in the popular 'Free-Flight Show' and hand-feeding; patting the soft, friendly kangaroos. Popular optional extras include hand-feeding the cheeky, vividly colored rainbow lorikeets and the sheep-dog show as these intelligent animals demonstrate their crowd control skills. You may even pat or hold one of the beautiful, scaly 'friendly' snakes in the snake show! A photograph next to an iconic koala is also a popular optional extra. Some of the many other animals include crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, eastern water dragons, platypus and wombats. Animal encounters and personalized experiences at Lone Pine must be pre-booked to avoid disappointment. 

Starting Accommodation: Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 – Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Brisbane's must do experience, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a truly unique and memorable adventure for all levels of fitness. It is a soft adventure experience with a difference, and the most spectacular way to discover Brisbane. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll be exhilarated by a once in a lifetime experience that offers you the most breathtaking panorama of Brisbane and its surrounding natural beauty.

The one and a half to two hour experience includes a unique journey up over the bridge's superstructure to the 80-meter summit which provides magnificent uninterrupted 360 degree views of Brisbane City, the river, mountain ranges and islands. One of only three such experiences in the world, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb also provides fascinating commentary about the history and heritage of both the bridge and city surrounds.

Starting Accommodation: Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 – Depart Brisbane

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Brisbane Airport by private vehicle. We hope you have enjoyed your stay in Australia!

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Deluxe

Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey.

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