- 4.9/5 505 Latest reviews
- Destination: Australia
- Duration: 13 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Adventure
About This Trip
Embark on a 13-day Nature and Wildlife adventure that is as thrilling as it is revealing of Australia’s fine natural scenery. The itinerary covers everything from remarkable coastlines and old growth rainforests to wildlife encounters not soon to be forgotten. Put yourself to the test with an ascent of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for some commanding views of the city. In Port Douglas one can delve into the Great Barrier Reef’s lively underwater realm or make for the Daintree Rainforest in its more remote reaches. A trip to Geelong puts you in Port Phillip Bay to snorkel with seals and dolphins of a friendly disposition and sample mussels fresh from the harvest. Then head to Melbourne to put a period on your Nature and Wildlife tour with a sunset viewing of the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Sydney
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Sydney Opera House Insider Tour, Observatory Hill Park
4 - 6
Port Douglas
Agincourt Reef, Mossman Gorge Walk, Daintree River Safari
7 - 9
Geelong
Dolphin & Seal Swim Tour, Classic Mussel Tour, Q Train Gourmet Tour
10 - 13
Melbourne
Koala Conservation Centre, Penguin Parade, Melbourne City Sightseeing
Itinerary
- Day 1: Welcome to Sydney
There is no better place to start an Australian adventure than in the vibrant city of Sydney, with its mix of lively ambience and the harbor’s fine scenery. A private transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel for a smooth check-in once you have arrived. You are then free to make of the rest of the day what you will: put in some time exploring well-known quarters or the waterfront, or just relax and let the character of this iconic spot sink in.
- Sydney
- Day 2: Exploring Sydney’s Icons
The day is set in motion at Circular Quay, the centre of all the harbor’s doings in Sydney and a place of vivid energy. A guided ascent to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is next; this memorable climb will put you atop “The Coat Hanger.” At 134 meters up the views are panoramic, taking in the city skyline, the harbor and other landmarks for your perusal.
Once lunch has been had in the city, there is an hour-long guided tour of the Sydney Opera House to be had behind the scenes where its particular design and history can be appreciated. The afternoon is then spent in the pleasant seaside atmosphere of Watsons Bay. When evening draws in, head up to Observatory Hill Park over historic Millers Point for a fine view of the sun going down on Sydney Harbour.
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- Sydney
- Day 3: Sydney at Your Own Pace
Spend a leisurely day in Sydney and have the freedom to see what you like. A quiet stroll through Hyde Park is one option, or put in an appearance at the well known shops on Pitt Street Mall. One can also put in some time at a harbor side café for a coffee in good company with the view.
Then there is the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) for those who want a bit of history and style. The QVB is an imposing 19th-century edifice that has been well kept over the years. With its fine architecture and historic clocks not to mention the tea rooms and boutiques, it is a fine spot to while away a couple of hours.
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- Sydney
- Day 4: From Sydney to Tropical Port Douglas
Say farewell to bustling Sydney as you board a flight to Cairns, a laid-back tropical gateway set between two UNESCO-listed natural treasures—the Great Barrier Reef and the verdant Wet Tropics Rainforest.
On arrival, meet your private driver and enjoy a picturesque drive along the Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind—take a cooling swim, relax by the pool, or enjoy a peaceful sunset stroll along the palm-fringed beach.
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- Port Douglas
- Day 5: Agincourt Reef Adventure by Quicksilver
Board Quicksilver’s state-of-the-art wave-piercing catamaran today and sail out to the breathtaking Agincourt Reef, one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most impressive outer reef sites. This region is close to the Continental Shelf, and is known for its unique ribbon reefs, colorful coral gardens and extraordinarily clear waters, full of colorful marine life. Snorkel, dive below the surface, see the reef from a semi-submersible or just soak up the sun on deck, you’ll be surrounded by unforgettable underwater beauty.
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- Port Douglas
- Day 6: Mossman Gorge & Daintree Rainforest Exploration
Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on an eco-adventure through the pristine and ancient landscapes of the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge, two of Australia’s most amazing natural wonders.
Learn about the cultural heritage of the Kuku Yalanji people and take a guided walk through Mossman Gorge to discover the diverse plant and animal life. Make sure you take lots of pictures on your travels. Continue onto Daintree River for a wildlife cruise where you will be on the look out for crocs, rare birds and other native species. Cross the river and ascend to Alexandra Lookout for sweeping views from the river mouth to the Coral Sea. Complete your tour with a calming cup of tea beneath the rainforest canopy where reef and rainforest meet in this unique World Heritage site.
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- Port Douglas
- Day 7: Travel to Geelong & Vineyard Dinner
Have a hearty breakfast, then transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to Melbourne.
Relax on the scenic drive to the picturesque coastal town of Geelong, on arrival. Upon checking in and getting settled at your hotel, enjoy a memorable dinner at the renowned Jack Rabbit Vineyard with views over Port Phillip Bay.
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- Geelong
- Day 8: Marine Adventure – Dolphin & Seal Swim
Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed morning before heading out on an unforgettable Dolphin & Seal Swim tour (join-in, October–May, 3.5 hours).
Departing from Queenscliff, cruise to the best spots in Port Phillip Bay, famous for its crystal clear waters and teeming marine life. Led by experienced crew, don the wetsuits provided and snorkel with the playful Australian fur seals, keeping a lookout for wild dolphins in their natural environment. No experience required, just curiosity and a love of the ocean, this is a family friendly experience suitable for all ages.
After the marine adventure, tuck into dinner at 1915, an impressive restaurant in a converted heritage-listed boiler house in Geelong’s historic Federal Mills. Enjoy modern cuisine in an industrial-chic space, complete with exposed brick and vaulted ceilings.
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- Geelong
- Day 9: Port Phillip Mussel Experience
Enjoy a delightful and leisurely 3-hour small-group cruise today on Port Phillip Bay. Depart from Portarlington Pier and glide across the sparkling waters to visit a working mussel farm. Sip a glass of local Bellarine wine while discovering the mussel farming process firsthand—from ropes to harvest. Witness live cooking demonstrations and taste freshly prepared mussels infused with local flavors. The spacious vessel ensures plenty of room to relax on deck or in the saloon while taking in the coastal scenery.
After returning to your hotel, the remainder of the day is free for personal exploration and sightseeing at your own pace.
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- Geelong
- Day 10: Q Train Culinary Journey – Geelong to Melbourne
Check out of your Geelong accommodation and board the famous Q Train, Australia’s premier dining train for an experience of a lifetime on wheels. Explore the beautiful Bellarine countryside in vintage carriages, enjoy local dishes with local wines and swap stories of the day’s adventure.
After this amazing experience, you will be transferred privately to your Melbourne hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
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- Melbourne
- Day 11: Phillip Island Wildlife Adventure
Phillip Island is a wildlife lover’s paradise and a nature lover’s delight, just two hours drive from Melbourne. Start your journey at the Koala Conservation Center, where you can wander at your leisure along tree-top walkways and spy sleepy koalas tucked away in eucalyptus branches. The 6-hectare reserve is also home to wallabies, echidnas and a range of native bird species. Then enjoy an eco-cruise along the rugged coastline to watch Australia’s largest fur seal colony in action, basking and frolicking in their natural habitat.
Finish your day with the famous Penguin Parade. As you stroll along the underground viewing platform, see little penguins waddling ashore from the ocean, across the sand and into their burrows under the golden evening sky.
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- Melbourne
- Day 12: Explore Melbourne’s Icons
Start the day with a tour of the highlights of Melbourne. Begin your adventure at Federation Square, the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant cultural scene, then step inside the breathtaking St Paul’s Cathedral to admire its stunning architecture. Then check out the world-class art at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and take a stroll through Queen Victoria Market for local food and a lively scene.
Later, enjoy a leisurely walk through the verdant Royal Botanic Gardens, followed by a visit to the Shrine of Remembrance for sweeping city views. Conclude your sightseeing with a stop at the impressive Parliament House, a fine example of Victorian-era architecture perfect for photos.
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- Melbourne
- Day 13: Farewell from Melbourne
At the scheduled time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel for a smooth transfer to Melbourne Airport. Bid farewell to Australia and embark on your international flight home, taking with you cherished memories of an unforgettable journey.
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