In 16 Days, experience the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, the Island state of Tasmania and historic capital Hobart, and the stunning harbor city of Sydney on this independent trip, fully inclusive of flights, accommodations, transfers, and small group tours. Experiences abound with incredible cities, wildlife encounters, natural wonders, and stunning architecture delivered by Australia’s best guides. Itinerary customization and Air Upgrade options for Premium & business class are available

• Roundtrip International Economy Class Flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dallas (domestic US flights can be added at an additional cost)
• Internal Australia flights
• Four nights in Melbourne at the 4.5* Pan Pacific Hotel
• Half-Day Laneways & Arcades Walking Tour
• Full-Day Great Ocean Road Tour
• Full-Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
• 2 Nights Launceston at the 4* Hotel Grand Chancellor
• Full day small group tour to Cradle Mountain
• 3 Nights Hobart at the 4* Vibe Hobart
• Full Day small group tour to Freycinet National Park & Hobart
• Guided Walking tour of Hobart
• Full day small group tour to Port Arthur & the Tasman Peninsula
• Four nights in Sydney at the 4.5* Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
• Half-day small group city sights of Sydney
• Sydney Harbour cruise
• Sydney Opera House tour
• Full day small group tour to the Blue Mountains
• Private car service transfers in Melbourne & Sydney
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges

Day 1 - Depart the US to Melbourne
Non-stop flights are available from LA, San Francisco, and Dallas to Melbourne, with connections from all US airports.

Ask about our upgrade options to Premium Economy and Business class.

Day 2 - Cross International Dateline

Day 3 - Arrive Melbourne
Welcome to Australia! On arrival in Melbourne, you will be met in the arrivals hall by your driver and transferred by car service to the Pan Pacific Melbourne. Enjoy 3 nights in exciting Melbourne – named the world’s most livable city for the sixth consecutive year.

Image: Tourism Australia

ACCOMMODATION - Shouldered by the Yarra River and in the heart of the South Wharf precinct, Pan Pacific Melbourne provides a riverside experience and a new perspective of Melbourne. Guest rooms are spacious private sanctuaries. Full-length windows infuse each room with light and provide stunning skyline views. Oversized bathrooms are calming and luxurious.

There is a lot to love about Melbourne - just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the southeast corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks, and village-like inner suburbs, each with its unique character. Melbourne is less than 200 years old and never sits still. Modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing.

Day 4 - Melbourne - Lanes & Arcades tour
This morning Indulge with a small casual group guided walking tour through Melbourne's lanes and arcades in small groups to engage in the life of this city, which many miss. Discover local designers and specialty retailers, tiny cafes, and more. A little history and attention to amazing architecture will inspire locals and visitors alike. Get orientated and return to those places you like best in the afternoon, at your leisure.

Day 5 - Melbourne - Explore The Great Ocean Road
This 11-hour tour allows you to experience this majestic coastal drive with plenty of stops along the way and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous route. There will be opportunities to spot some Australian fauna, so stay on the lookout for some very special animals, including whales, dolphins, echidnas, and bandicoots. Enjoy the breathtaking views over the Southern Ocean and stop for a little rainforest walk to appreciate the cool climate and heavy rain that this region enjoys. Free time for lunch in the town of Apollo Bay, and later in the day, head towards the limestone rock formations otherwise known as the 12 Apostles. Nearby you will discover another ancient natural attraction, Loch Ard Gorge, where you will hear the story of the shipwreck and its survivors. Dip your feet in the water at the Gorge’s quaint beach; you will never want to leave. Return to Melbourne after a full day exploring Australia’s most stunning coastal routes.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 6 - Melbourne - Phillip Island
Your 8-hour animal adventure will start with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, where you will have time to take photos and have close encounters with animals like kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas. Head to Phillip Island and Woolamai Surf Beach to glimpse the awesome waves and die-hard surfers. Cross the island to reach the dramatic west coast and the Nobbies, where you will be awe-struck by the crashing waves. Finally, it’s time for the main event, the Penguin Parade. There is a reason that this is one of Australia’s top attractions, and the little penguins will not disappoint! You will sit on the protective platform to see possibly hundreds of little penguins waddling onto the beach. Be a witness to this magical procession – it is a treat never forgotten.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 7 - Fly Melbourne to Launceston
This morning you will be transferred to Melbourne airport by private car service. Board your flight to the Island state of Tasmania and city of Launceston for two nights.

Launceston is known as the 'garden city' because of its abundance of well-established beautiful public and private gardens. Tasmania's “northern capital” was established in 1806 by free settlers. It has fine Victorian buildings from the 1870s and 1880s and elegant contemporary architecture. The unique attraction of Cataract Gorge is a natural wonder only a 15-minute walk from the city center and close to the J Boag and Son brewery. Cool climate wines and fine dining are the essences of the new Launceston experience, and the city is a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding region.

ACCOMMODATION - Centrally located, Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston is a short walk to Cataract Gorge, City Park, Old Launceston Seaport, Boags Brewery, National Automobile Museum of Tasmania and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.

Day 8 - Cradle Mountain National Park Day Tour
Enjoy an 11-hour tour to Cradle Mountain National Park, including a stop in Sheffield – The Town of Murals. Sheffield is a small and quirky village where the history of the Cradle Mountain region is depicted in artworks across the buildings throughout the town, including the chance to see the famous Eason’s Mural. Continue your journey into the mountains and arrive at Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake with around 5 hours of possible walking time. You will begin with short walks to Rainforest City and Pencil Pine Falls. From here, you can choose from the gentle and iconic Dove Lake Circuit with amazing mountain views. For the more active, there is the opportunity to climb to the loftier heights of Marion’s Lookout. Learn local history as you visit Weindorfer’s Chalet and see ancient King Billy Pines. On your return to Launceston, you will stop and sample some tasty local products at the award-winning Ashgrove Cheese Factory.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 9 - Launceston to Freycinet National Park & Hobart
Travel from Launceston to Hobart in 1 day via Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park. An action packed day tour, with sensational scenery, Great Short Walks and many scenic stops along the way.

Once inside Freycinet National Park begin a series of walks and exploration of the area. Wineglass Bay Lookout, - this is a moderate uphill walk of around 45 minutes. Once at the top you are rewarded with that world – famous view of Wineglass Bay and the stunning Freycinet National Park. Enjoy the moment, take in the views and let our guides help you with those sought-after photographs.

From the Lookout you have the option to return to the start of the walk or for the keen walkers you can choose to spend the rest of your time completing the walk down to Wineglass beach.

Wineglass Bay Beach Walk – This is a 2.5 hr return walk and adequate fitness is required. The tour has ample time for you to do the full walk to Wineglass Bay Beach and return. Once on the beach you can enjoy your lunch in this stunning setting, jump in the pristine waters for a swim, or wander along the white sands. This is one of the most rewarding walks in Tasmania to a stunning location. Continue to Hobart where you will be dropped at your hotel for your 3 nights stay

ACCOMMODATION - Of all the hotels in Hobart, none is better placed to deliver an ‘eat’, ‘play’ and ‘stay’ experience than Vibe. Situated in the heart of historical Hobart, this hotel embraces the Australian lifestyle to the full. The architecturally-designed facade - with its trademark colored feature fins – has transformed Hobart’s skyline.

Hobart and the surrounding area offer a fantastic contrast. Cruise the Derwent river, sip coffee under the sun umbrellas of Salamanca Square or soak up the seafaring vibe of Hobart’s first suburb, Battery Point. Just 20 minutes from Hobart’s 19th century sandstone warehouses lies windswept Mount Wellington. A little further to the south-east, wind past the Coal Valley’s cool-climate wineries to the historic towns of Huonville and Richmond. In the coastal hamlet of Kettering, you can take a car ferry to Bruny Island or a wildlife cruise past crags, caves and sea cliffs. From crescent-shaped Cockle Creek, you can sense the World Heritage-listed wilderness of Southwest National Park even if you never step beyond the beach. Learn about life as a mid-19th century prisoner at the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula.

Day 10 - Walking tour of Hobart
Discover Hobart by foot and hear the fascinating stories of how Tasmania's capital city was established and how it became the vibrant waterfront city it now is. Your local guide will identify the heritage listed buildings and tell the stories of the many characters and issues that were major influences in the early days of Hobart. Tour concludes at Hobart Travel Centre, approximately 1.5 hour after departure.

This afternoon continue your exploration of Hobart. Consider taking the ferry to MONA (additional cost) - The Museum of Old and New Art is Australia's largest privately owned gallery and museum. Showcasing the diverse collection of its owner, Tasmanian gambler and maths nerd David Walsh, Mona exhibits everything from ancient Egyptian funerary objects to modernist masterpieces. The Mona site, perched on the banks of the River Derwent is also home to the Moorilla winery and vineyard.

Day 11 - Port Arthur Historic Site and Tasmanian Devils
Enjoy a fun and action-packed day out on the Tasman Peninsula. Explore, discover and learn as you enjoy a variety of activities, walks, sightseeing, history, Tassie Devil Feeding, chocolate tasting and much more!

After a short drive to the Tasman Peninsula, visit some of the highest sea cliffs in Australia, with stops at the Tasman Arch, the Devils Kitchen and the amazing Waterfall Bay. Continue down the Devil Conservation Park, where you can witness the Devils feeding, followed by the excellent Kings of the Wind free flight bird show. The afternoon is spent at Port Arthur Historic Site. Explore the site, feel the isolation of the convicts, discover the grim and violent history. Enjoy an afternoon of discovery with plenty of time to explore ruins and spooky corners. The afternoon includes a guided walking tour and a short harbor cruise. Finish the day with spectacular views from a local Hobart lookout and a stroll through Tassie's prettiest historic village Richmond; with Australia's oldest bridge, hand built by convicts.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 12 - Depart Hobart - Sydney
Board your flight to Sydney. On arrival you will be met by your driver for a car service transfer to the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Blessed with a temperate climate, Sydney is Australia's favorite city with the world's most beautiful harbor. The harbor provides a playground for jet boating, sailing, swimming, harbor scenic flights, dining, fishing, climbing the harbor bridge, and sightseeing at the Opera House.

Image: Tourism Australia

ACCOMMODATION - Stay four nights in the Heart of Sydney; The Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney features stylish accommodations, along with a contemporary restaurant & bar, day spa, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. An easy walk to Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Queen Victoria Building, and only a few minutes from Wynyard train station make Amora one of Sydney's most desired locations.

Day 13 - Sydney - Half Day City Sights tour
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for your small group Panoramic Sydney tour. Visit the historic Rocks area and hear about early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. See the city's shopping heart, Queen Victoria Building, and Sydney Tower. Visit Sydney's trendy Oxford Street district and travel through Paddington with its terrace houses before arriving at the Pacific Ocean. See the magnificent coast cliff walk around Tamarama and Bronte. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach and visit the beachfront promenade with time to enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at your own cost). See Aussie lifesavers and Sydney's best panoramic view at Dover Heights. Return to Sydney via Double Bay, Kings Cross, and Mrs. Macquarie's Point for a final magical viewpoint over the harbour before returning to the city center. Tour concludes at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.

Day 14 - Explore Sydney
This morning enjoy a two-hour small boat cruise of Sydney Harbour Commence a morning Harbour Highlights cruise. Enjoy the company of a small group aboard a 52 foot motor yacht. Your captain and host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbour and its foreshore as you take in the sights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour.

This afternoon enjoy a one hour guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, and this is your chance to truly get up close. Run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, take a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs, and marvel at the vaulted ceilings. Next, visit areas off-limits to the public and capture photographs from rare vantage points. Finally, explore theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas, and ballets occur each year.

Day 15 – Sydney – Visit the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for your small group full-day tour of the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a real journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. First stop is Calmsley Hill, a working farm based attraction involved in animal rehabilitation offering fabulous bush surrounds located near the heart of Sydney. Get up close to a range of native and farmyard animals including Kangaroos and Koalas while enjoying a light morning tea. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley with beautiful vistas, where possible away from the crowds. Continue on to Eaglehawk Lookout for views of the famous Three Sisters and to learn of the legends behind this famous rock formation. The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of scenic lookouts. The view from Govett's Leap is one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. Here the magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. The last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens to enjoy the sweeping views and a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice before travelling back to your hotel.

Day 16 - Depart Sydney
This morning you will be transferred by private car service to Sydney International airport. Bid farewell to Australia as you depart Sydney for your flight to the US, arriving the same day.

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• Note: Daily departures, this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)
• Single Supplement: From $1,660

Before committing to a trip, please ensure you have a valid passport. Australia welcomes US travelers with an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.

Read More about the Australian entry requirements

Add on airfares are available from most major airports – please ask an Aspire consultant for a quote

• Upgrade to premium economy from $1,100 per person each way*
• Upgrade to business class from $4,000 per person each way*
Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket

* Upgrade from pricing based on Sunday through Wednesday departures from Los Angeles - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee from other departure points and travel Thursday through Saturday.

Terms & Conditions:

The package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) for low-season stays for travel Sundays through Wednesdays from Los Angeles. A $50 air supplement applies each way for international travel from Thursday to Saturday. A $75 per person supplement applies for a Saturday night stay in Melbourne. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Specific blackout dates apply to the accommodation and tour value add offers. Seats are limited and may only be available on some flights. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect discounts for purchases made by check/wire; please see the terms and conditions for credit card payments. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.

To guarantee the package price & purchase the airline tickets, full payment is due at the time of booking. The purchase of travel Insurance is highly recommended for travel to Australia. Aspire Down Under partners with CSA Travel Protection. Travel insurance covers cancellation penalties under the cancellation benefit should you test positive for COVID-19 immediately before traveling to Australia. In the unlikely event your scheduled travel date is impacted by Australian government entry restrictions, Aspire Down Under will permit a change of travel dates within 12 months from your original booking date without any fees or penalties (the applicable price of the new trip itinerary will apply).