Melbourne's beautiful parks and gardens, mixed with fine Victorian architecture, elegant tree lined boulevards, modern skyscrapers and diverse shopping and cuisine make for an unforgettable stay. Embark on one of Australia's finest road trips with your small group tour of the Great Ocean Road and Grampians. The Great Ocean Road ribbons through an invigorating and inspiring region of grand coastal scenery, lush rainforests, charming seaside villages and rich rural hinterland. Mother Nature has blessed the Grampians with some of her finest work. Four hundred million years of landscape sculpture and forty thousand years of Aboriginal culture. Fly north to Cairns and journey an hour north to Port Douglas, the gateway to an amazing selection of touring options encompassing the Reef, the Outback and the Rainforest. Finish in cosmopolitan Sydney, a modern and vibrant city with something for everyone.
Inclusions:
- Virgin Australia flights from Los Angeles – Melbourne /– Adelaide - Uluru - Sydney - Los Angeles. (Domestic US flights can be added at an additional cost.)
- Seat in coach airport shuttle transfers
- 3 nights Novotel Melbourne Collins, Standard Queen
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade Ultimate Eco Tour
- Bunyip 3 days/2 nights extended Great Ocean Road and Grampians Adventure
- Half Day Lanes & Arcades tour
- 4 nights Shantara resort & Spa, Studio Pool View
- Quicksiilver Low Isles day cruise
- Voyages half day Dreamtime tour
- 4 nights Pier One Sydney Harbour Heritage King Room
- Half day small group city sights of Sydney
- Sydney Harbour morning story cruise
- All taxes & fuel surcharges
Itinerary
Customize this itinerary - Contact Us
Day 1 - Depart US
Flights on award winning Virgin Australia airlines to Brisbane or
Sydney, on to Cairns, down to Sydney then back home again. Our
price includes options in Economy, Premium Economy and Business
class – you choose!
Day 2 - Cross International Dateline
Day 3 -
Arrive Melbourne
Upon arrival in Melbourne seat in coach transfer to
accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION - Novotel Melbourne on Collins is located in the heart of Melbourne CBD above the newly redeveloped St Collins Lane. St Collins Lane will house the first Australian Flagship stores for several iconic brands, giving Melbourne exclusive access to international fashion and dining.
A food and wine lover’s paradise, find your flavor in Melbourne! You’re guaranteed to find something for everyone with fines restaurants, eclectic cuisines, country pubs, regional produce and endless wineries. Melbourne's beautiful parks and gardens, mixed with fine Victorian architecture, elegant tree lined boulevards, modern skyscrapers and diverse shopping and cuisine make for an unforgettable stay. With hundreds of unique activities right on the doorstep of Melbourne - you're sure to have a one of a kind experience.
Day 4 -
Phillip Island Ultimate Ecotour
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. Visit historic Churchill Island and see
sheep shearing in action, with time to explore the historic
buildings. Next, visit the Koala Conservation Centre to see koalas
in their natural environment. Take a stroll along the boardwalks at
the Nobbies and Seal Rock Centre, before arriving at 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.
Day 5 -
3 Day, 2 night Great Ocean Road & Grampians
Adventure
We start with a trip along one of the world’s premier coastal
scenic roads, the Great Ocean Road. You’ll have plenty of
time to take in the stunning Surf Coast beaches, historic Cape
Otway Lighthouse, plus the amazing natural beauty of the Twelve
Apostles, Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge. Because you will be
overnighting not far from the Twelve Apostles you will get to see
an unforgettable sunset over the Shipwreck Coast. Overnight stay
along the Great Ocean Road
Day 6 -
3 Day, 2 night Great Ocean Road & Grampians
Adventure
Continue along the Great Ocean Road for the morning before heading
inland towards to Grampians National Park, site of some of
Australia’s most stunningly rugged landscapes. Bring your
hiking shoes because you’ll be taken to some special spots
where waterfalls drop down from ancient escarpments and red ridges
weave their way toward the horizon. Aboriginal heritage at Brambuk
Cultural Centre. Overnight stay in wilderness lodge surrounded by
kangaroos in the Grampian foothills
Day 7 -
3 Day, 2 night Great Ocean Road & Grampians
Adventure
Wake up to nothing but the sounds of nature, birdsong and the wind
in the trees. Choose a beautiful nature walk Wonderland, Venus
Baths or the Balconies - and explore the Grampians. Cool off at
majestic Mackenzie Falls. Native bird & wildlife spotting and
endless views from the summit of Reed`s Lookout. Return to
Melbourne. Overnight Novotel on Collins.
Day 8 -
Melbourne - Cairns, Port Douglas
This morning transfer to Melbourne airport and your flight to
Cairns. On arrival you will be met by Exemplar Transportation for
your seat in coach transfer from Cairns airport to Port Douglas
(approximately 1 hour).
ACCOMMODATION - Stay 4 fabulous nights at Shantara Resort & Spa, located 400 metres to Port Douglas’ famous Four Mile Beach with its palm fringed beach, relax or swim in the warm calm waters. Take a stroll to Macrossan Street (400metres) that offers an array of trendy gourmet restaurants, cafes and boutique shopping to suit all tastes. With a choice of spacious studio rooms or large comfortable one bedroom self-contained apartments, Shantara is an adult haven, ideal for couples looking for a tranquil, romantic and relaxing getaway.
Day 9 -
Great Barrier Reef Day Tour
A Quicksilver coach will pick you up from your hotel for your
transfer to Marina Mirage Port Douglas, the departure point of your
cruise. At 9.30am board Wavedancer, a 30 metre luxury sailing
catamaran to commence a full day cruise to the Low Isles. Journey
to this idyllic coral island set in a lagoon on the Great Barrier
Reef. You have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, drift through the
corals or take a glass bottom boat tour. Lunch is served on board.
Join a marine biologist for a guided walk around the island or a
guided snorkel tour. Cruise concludes at approximately 4.30pm, at
which time hotel drop offs will commence.
Day 10
- Mossman Gorge & Aboriginal Dreamtime
Walk
Travel north along the scenic coastal road to arrive at Mossman
Gorge Centre and enjoy an Indigenous presentation by the
traditional owners of the gorge, the Kuku Yalanji people before
boarding the eco shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge. Your
guide will take you on a walk sharing their knowledge of this
enchanting rainforest environment. Learn about the fascinating
secrets of one of the world's oldest rainforests. Upon conclusion
of the cruise, commence the return journey to Port Douglas
Day 11
- Port Douglas
Explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure or consider
adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites (additional
cost applies) :
-
Silversonic Outer Barrier Reef
Silversonic is a 29 metre luxury catamaran custom designed for small groups of adventure minded people to revel in the thrill of diving and snorkelling. With over five hours to explore the delights of this underwater world, visit 3 different outer reef locations at Agincourt Reef on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. -
Kuranda, Rail, Skyrail & Tjapukai
Kuranda Scenic Rail to Kuranda, Barron River & Stoney Creek Falls, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park which includes indigenous guide , entrance to all Theatres, the famous Tjapukai Dancers, boomerang/spear throwing & bush medicine. -
Wildlife Habitat
The award-winning Wildlife Habitat is Australia’s leading immersion exhibit - an open and interactive environment for guests and animals to mingle in a spacious and natural setting. Visitors wander along elevated boardwalks, observing up close a huge range of flora and fauna as birds fly and roam freely. The original Breakfast with the Birds has been a visitor must do for two decades. Guests are immersed within the Wetlands environment whilst enjoying the cacophony of sounds and colors of Wildlife as they wander freely amongst the guests and are treated to a fantastic tropical breakfast buffet. -
Daintree Rainforest Jungle Surf
Rainforest has more strata than any other terrestrial ecosystem, and can only be truly appreciated by getting up into the canopy. With its low-impact system of platforms and cables, Jungle Surfing offers unparalleled access to the heart of the Daintree from the bustling forest floor to the giants that tower above the canopy.
Day 12
- Cairns - Sydney
This morning you will be transferred by seat in coach shuttle to
Cairns airport. Fly Cairns to Sydney.
ACCOMMODATION - Stay 4 nights at the Pier One Sydney Harbour, located alongside the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. Pier One Sydney Harbour is Sydney's first over-water hotel. The hotel offers a special blend of early twentieth century federation architecture enhanced by a chic, contemporary interior design. Travellers can choose from spacious well appointed guestrooms and suites, many featuring magnificent views of Walsh Bay and Sydney Harbour.
Day 13 - Sydney - Half
Day City Sights tour
This morning you
will be picked up from your hotel for your small group Panoramic
Sydney Sights tour. Commence a morning Panoramic Sydney Sights
tour. Visit the historic Rocks area (Old Town of Sydney) and hear
of the early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera
House, see Sydney Harbour Bridge and the shopping heart of the city
including the Queen Victoria Building and Sydney Tower. Visit
Sydney's trendy district, Oxford Street and elegant Paddington with
its terrace houses. Arrive at the famous beaches - see Tamarama,
Bronte and stop at the Bondi beachfront to stroll and enjoy a
morning coffee or tea (at own expense). See surfers, famous Aussie
lifesavers and Sydney's most spectacular panoramic viewpoint.
Return to Sydney via Sydney Heads lookout, Watsons Bay, Kings Cross
& Mrs Macquaries Point for unsurpassed views of the Harbour
Bridge & Opera House.
Day 14
- Explore Sydney Harbour
This morning at your leisure. This afternoon board your Captain
Cook Cruises vessel at Jetty 6 Circular Quay to commence an
afternoon Harbour Story Cruise. Discover the stories of Sydney
Harbour under the spell of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This
sightseeing cruise includes a fun and personalised commentary of
the sights, people, land, history and development of the world's
most beautiful harbour city. Self serve coffee, tea and biscuits
are included.
Day 15
- Sydney
Sydney at your leisure or add a tour - some of our favorites
(additional cost):
- Blue Mountains Day Tour
Visit Scenic World and dare yourself to ride the steepest Railway in the world with spectacular views of the Three Sisters and the Valley. Go through the quaint village of Leura showing the beautiful stores, houses and gardens along the way to Reids Plateau. A picturesque view of the Jamison Valley, taking in the rear view of the Three Sisters away from the crowds. Return to Sydney by way of Featherdale Wildlife Park, with a chance to cuddle up to a koala or feed the baby wallabies. Your trip to Sydney is not complete without a cruise on Parramatta River to Sydney Harbour Circular Quay. - Taronga Zoo
This small group tour led by an expert guide offers an excellent introduction to Australia's wildlife and brings you close to the animals. There are plenty of photographic opportunities with kangaroos, wallabies, birds, wombats, echidnas and reptiles. Another fantastic offering from Taronga Zoo is Roar & Snore – Sydney’s ultimate sleepover. Nestled on the cliff top edge of Sydney’s stunning harbour, Taronga Roar and Snore’s is the only opportunity to camp overnight with views of Sydney Harbour and the city on one side and lions, leopards and meerkats on the other. - Hunter Valley Wine Tour
Relax and enjoy fabulous food and wine in Australia's oldest wine growing region. Located just two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley combines world renowned wines, gourmet produce and stunning countryside. The flexible itinerary gives you access to a range of boutique wineries and the opportunity to meet the wine makers. Take a behind-the-scenes tour at one of the wineries, then enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of the Hunter's best restaurants.
Day 16 - Depart Sydney
This morning you will be collected for your shuttle transfer to
Sydney airport. Depart Sydney on your Virgin Australia flight back
to Los Angeles (onward connections available to your local
airport)
Additional departure gateways & pricing
Optional Activities, Extensions or Add-Ons & pricing:
|
On Board Virgin
Australia
Virgin Australia launched over a decade ago and instantly changed
the way people fly. Today, Virgin Australia represents a new level
of style, sophistication and professionalism. With constant
innovation at the heart of everything they do, superior products
and award-winning service set them apart and lets you enjoy a
world-class experience on every flight.
International Economy Class
International Premium
'The Business'
Terms & Conditions:
Starting from pricing is valid for departures until 30 November 2016 for purchase by 31 July 2016. Prices are per person based on double occupancy departures from Los Angeles. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Certain black out dates apply on the accommodation and tour value add offers - check with your Aspire consultant. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect a discount for purchases made by cash/wire transfer/check, please see terms and conditions for credit card payments. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.
