Visit: Melbourne, Tasmania, Adelaide & Kangaroo Island

In 15 Days, experience the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, the Island state of Tasmania and its historic capital, Hobart, and the wilderness and wildlife of Adelaide & Kangaroo Island 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 your choice of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, or New York JFK (domestic US flights can be added at an additional cost)
Internal Australia flights
• 4 nights in Melbourne at the 4.5* Pan Pacific Melbourne
• Half-Day Laneways & Arcades small group walking tour
• Full Day Great Ocean Road small group tour
• Full Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade small group tour
• 2 Nights Launceston at the 4* Hotel Grand Chancellor
• Full day small group tour to Cradle Mountain
• 2 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
• 2 nights in Adelaide at the 4.5* Stamford Plaza
• Full-day small group tour to the Barossa Valley wine region
• 2 Nights Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island including breakfast, dinner, airport transfers and 1.5 days of small group touring
• Private car service transfers in Melbourne, Launceston, Hobart & Adelaide
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges

Day 1 - Depart the US
Depart from one of the many gateways with direct flights to Australia – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Chicago & New York JFK (connecting flights from other local flights available). Ask about our options with Premium Economy and Business class airfare.

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 your hotel. Enjoy 4 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 shows a new perspective of Melbourne. Guest rooms are spacious private sanctuaries. Full length windows infuse each room with light and provide stunning skyline views.

Wander through Melbourne’s labyrinth of connecting laneways and arcades, intimate spaces, and mystery, as well as home to many of Melbourne’s bar, dining, and shopping secrets. Melbourne also has a strong cultural and intellectual heritage. With a range of galleries and museums, the city provides a canvas for artistic expression – the laneways are home to constantly changing street art. Melburnians love a party, with the year-round calendar of events offering something for everyone, seeing live music, going to a football match, or joining in at a festival! Melbourne’s multicultural population contributes to the city’s unique atmosphere – and, more importantly, the city’s incredible dining scene. With vibrant energy and unique offerings, Melbourne’s lifestyle will surely find something for all visitors to enjoy.

Day 4 - Melbourne - Lanes & Arcades tour
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 unique 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 animal adventures will start with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you won't even have time to take photos as there will be fascinating Australian animals at every turn. You have up-close encounters with animals like kangaroos, wombats and echidnas. Next, we will travel to Phillip Island where we will head to Woolamai Surf Beach to catch a glimpse of the awesome waves and die-hard surfers. (Weather permitting). We then cross the island to reach the dramatic west coast and the Nobbies where you will be awestruck by the crashing waves. And finally, it is 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 be seated in the upgraded Penguins Plus viewing area, enabling you to have better viewing. As the sun fades in the sky, Little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Witness 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 one 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 & Tasmanian Devils tour and onwards to Adelaide
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

After your tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel for your transfer to Hobart Airport and your flight to Adelaide. On arrival, your driver will meet you for a car service transfer to the Stamford Plaza Adelaide hotel for your two-night stay.

ACCOMMODATION - Located in the heart of Adelaide, opposite Parliament House, and the Casino, overlooking Adelaide's beautiful churches and parklands. The Stamford Plaza Adelaide offers spacious and elegantly furnished rooms and suites, some with spas.

Day 12 - Adelaide & Taste the Barossa Valley tour
South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, is a vibrant hub buzzing with life, boasting great food and wine at more than 700 restaurants cafes and pubs, great retail therapy in Rundle Mall and the “cultural boulevard” of North Terrace. It is home to some of Australia’s best museums and the South Australian Art Gallery.

Your small group tour leaves the city and travels through the Adelaide Hills to the first winery, Château Yaldara, one of the most photographed historic buildings in South Australia. Continuing through picturesque scenery, cross the world-famous Jacobs Creek towards the heart of the Barossa Valley and the beautiful and historic township of Tanunda. Enjoy some of the Barossa’s most internationally acclaimed wines at the beautiful Peter Lehmann winery with a lunch platter of local Barossa Valley produce. Following a stop at Mengler’s Hill Lookout, head onwards to the next wine-tasting experience at Lambert Estate Wines. The final destination is Wolf Blass Wines, one of the world’s most iconic award-winning wine brands, with time to explore the state-of-the-art cellar door. The day blends historical wineries, excellent regional food, beautiful scenery, and the people that make the Barossa Valley a truly world-class region.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 13 - Kangaroo Island
This morning, you will be transferred to Adelaide Airport by private car service. Board your flight to Kangaroo Island for two nights.

On arrival on Kangaroo Island, meet the Sea Dragon representative to commence your two-night Kangaroo Island Experience.

ACCOMMODATION - Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island is a boutique retreat on a 250-acre seafront estate, a short walk from a private secluded beach near Willoughby. Perfect for couples or families with older children looking for a private retreat in a spectacular coastal setting. The property has a secluded beach, onsite walking trails, and extensive wildlife viewing. Breakfast, dinner & touring are all included.

This afternoon, enjoy a small-group tour visiting a diverse range of predominantly small businesses on Kangaroo Island - home to some of Australia’s premium Ligurian honey, beers, and spirits.

Visit a variety of venues specializing in food and drink production. The specific locations will vary depending on the time of year. However, a highlight of the day is a visit to KI Spirits, Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery, a KI Brewery for a tasting paddle of their craft beer or a visit to Emu Bay Lavender Farm, home to an estimated 7,500 plants.

Day 14 - Kangaroo Island Nature Tour
Spend the day on this small-group tour with your guide, exploring the diverse natural attractions and wildlife of Kangaroo Island. Enjoy short walks, a picnic lunch, and close-up wildlife encounters while learning about the history and nature of this amazing island.

Your day of adventure begins by traveling west across the island towards the first stop, Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to the endangered Australian sea lion. Seal Bay is the third largest colony of this species. Walk through the striking dune system and along the pristine beach with your experienced guide, learning all about these beautiful mammals.

On the way to the famous Flinders Chase National Park, watch for Rosenberg goannas lazing in the sun, where we’ll view the stunning rejuvenation of native bush. A stop at Remarkable Rocks will give you the first views of the rugged coastline in this diverse national park. The amazing rock formations and distinct red rocks are a photographer’s delight.After stopping for lunch, the afternoon will be spent at other known attractions in the park, namely Cape Du Couedic, Weirs Cove and Admirals Arch.Learn about the early maritime history of this wild environment, all the while spotting other native animal species, including long-nosed fur seals at Admirals Arch, echidnas, kangaroos, tammar wallabies, and a range of birds and reptiles.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 15 - Kangaroo Island – Adelaide - US
This morning, you will be transferred by Sea Dragon to Kangaroo Island Airport or ferry terminal for transfer back to Adelaide. Bid farewell to Australia as you depart Adelaide for your flight to the US or continue on your Australian adventure.

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• Note: Daily departures, this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)
• Single Supplement: From $2,349

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. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Specific blackout dates apply to the accommodation and tour value offers. 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 check/wire; please see terms and conditions for credit card payments. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.