17-Nights Aussie Adventure from $5,805

Swain Destinations: Aussie Adventure

Day 1 Arrive in Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne. Collect your luggage and clear Customs & Immigration and then proceed outside the Customs hall where you will find your driver who will be waiting with a sign. Your driver will take you directly to your accommodation.

Crown Promenade Melbourne

Day 2 Phillip Island and Moonlit Sanctuary
This Phillip Island Tour is full of new experiences and dramatic views. The attractions visited have a particular focus on the protection of wildlife and conservation, local history and breathtaking scenery. Your day will commence with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you are guaranteed plenty of close encounters with an array of Australian native animals like kangaroos, wombats and echidnas. Then head to Churchill Island to visit the historic working farm that gives a glimpse into a day in the lives of the first settlers on this remote island. A visit to the Koala Conservation Centre guarantees a close-up encounter with these furry little fellas in their natural habitat. Wallabies and echidnas are often seen in the wild at the center as well. A stop is made at the boardwalk to view The Nobbies and you can appreciate the full force of the ocean and maybe spot a few penguin nests. In the summer months only, a stop is also made in Cowes for a stroll along the pier with time allowed for dinner (own expense - not included). Arrive at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre with time to shop, have a coffee and meander down to the viewing platform to see the amusing arrival of the little penguins coming in on the surf to make their way across the beach to their sand-dune burrows. The 'Penguin Plus' exclusive viewing platform is limited to 300 people per day. Photos and videos of the little penguins are not permitted. Park entry fees are included, but dinner and refreshments are at your own expense.

Crown Promenade Melbourne

Day 3 Lanes & Arcades Walking Tour & Melbourne At Leisure
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. Morning tea is included as well as lunch with a glass of wine.

Melbourne is Australia's second largest city (after Sydney), but it is second to none when it comes to fashion, festivals and sport. Set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay, the city itself is laid out in a large rectangle. She boasts a lively, cosmopolitan pulse, sitting on the northern banks of the Yarra River, about three miles from the bay. Visitors come for its shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Residents stay for its cultural diversity, passion for the arts and enviable sports calendar. Melbourne is renowned for playing host to a number of nationally- and internationally-recognized events each year, including the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the ever-impressive two-mile horse race, The Melbourne Cup. This is a major event that spreads an addictive buzz through the city streets. You can be sure that locals and visitors alike will embrace the energy surrounding it.

Explore the famous lane-ways and arcades of the city, catch a tram to trendy Southgate, rub shoulders with locals at the Queen Victoria Market or take in a show at the ornate Princess Theatre. For a break from the hustle and bustle, cruise along the Yarra River, or head out to one of the many beautiful beaches just outside of the city. Go in search of the unique Australian animals like Koalas, Kangaroos and the Little Penguins, and see them in the wild just an hour or two outside Melbourne. Explore one of the premier wine regions in Australia exporting wines to the U.S. to find your Yarra Valley blend. It is the closest wine region to any major Australian city, just an hour out of the city, but worlds away from the bustling streets of Melbourne.

Crown Promenade Melbourne
Meals: L

Day 4 Travel to Adelaide
Takeoff to Adelaide and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

Day 5 Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, Island Life Shared Day Tour
This morning you fly to Kangaroo Island where you are met on arrival by the tour guide to go straight into the first day touring.

Get an introduction to Island life - where things take time. Where drivers wave as they go by - or even stop you for a chat. Have a 'cuppa' with home-made cakes before taking a walk down a country track through tall Eucalyptus trees where koalas snooze overhead, or perhaps wake briefly for a feed. Travel through some of the Island's best farming country to the North Coast and Lathami Conservation Park. Walk quietly through the bush with your guide - what makes that noise, whose tracks are those, and who left THAT little pile there? Look for wallabies which are almost extinct on the mainland, and a kangaroo found only on Kangaroo Island. Break for lunch and enjoy a delicious meal featuring local seafood, fresh salads and fine South Australian wines at a private bush location.

At Seal Bay Conservation Park walk with your guide among Australian sea lions on a beautiful sandy beach. Watch pups nursing, or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology. The remainder of the afternoon is spent exploring more of the southeast region of the Island before you are dropped off to your accommodation.

Kangaroo Island Lodge
Meals: L

Day 6 Flinders Chase Shared Day Tour, Kangaroo Island to Adelaide
Another full day of touring, this one takes you to Flinders Chase National Park - a vast wilderness covering the entire west end of the Island, and home to kangaroos, wallabies, possums, goannas, echidnas, koalas, platypus and many birds including rare Cape Barren Geese. Visit Rocky River, site of an impressive visitor center interpreting many facets of the park and its history. At Cape du Couedic, visit a fur seal colony which now number over 20,000 after being decimated by hunting in the early 1800's. These animals may be observed at rest on the rocks or frolicking in the surf under Admirals Arch - a spectacular coastal grotto. Another impressive stone structure had a different architect. The Remarkable Rocks, huge natural granite sculptures, have been carved by relentless winds, rain and salt from the Southern Ocean.

Good wines and local produce features highly in a picnic lunch which is enjoyed out in the bush before exploring more of the Island. Depending upon the day the afternoon might include a visit to Grassdale in the heart of Kelly Hill Conservation Park, the secluded pools of the Rocky River or a rugged South Coast cove. You will be dropped off after the tour at Kingscote airport for your flight back to Adelaide.

Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
Meals: B, L

Day 7 Taste the Barossa tour
This small group wine tasting tour offers you the perfect opportunity to experience the exquisite and stunning wineries in the Barossa Valley region. The day starts off at Château Yaldara: home to what is undoubtedly some of the finest shirazes as well as magnificent and well-preserved period architecture.
From Chateau Yaldara, drive through the picturesque vineyards of the Barossa Valley, to the historic township of Tanunda for free time to wander up the high street and explore the quaint little shops or enjoy a coffee. The next stop is the renowned Peter Lehmann winery, to enjoy an exclusive structured wine tasting hosted in the beautiful Eight Songs room within their cellar door. Peter Lehmann’s is also the venue for lunch, where you will be treated to an exquisite Weighbridge platter of cheeses, olives, the region’s finest meats and assorted vegetables accompanied by freshly baked bread.

After lunch, head to the final wine-tasting experience for the day, Lindsay Wines. On the way, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Barossa from Mengler’s Hill Lookout. At Lindsay Wines you will be treated to a beautiful experience with the fusion of art, wine and music. The day is completed with a stop at the lovely Seppeltsfield region and another perfect photo opportunity before heading back to Adelaide.

Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
Meals: L

Day 8 Travel to Ayers Rock & Uluru & Sunset Tour
Takeoff to Ayers Rock and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Departing your accommodation at Yulara resort, today's excursion will travel through the landscape to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. From this point, it is only a matter of minutes before the spectre of Uluru rises from the sand dunes to demonstrate its enormity and presence - the first stop allows you a photographic opportunity of this amazing icon. With Uluru looming in front, walk with your guide to a place of tranquility at the base. The closer you wander, the more you surrender to the realization of the sheer size of this monolith. Driving around the base, immerse yourself in the area. Stops are made for a short walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole. There, you will visit rock-art sites and the local waterhole with your guide to learn of Uluru's significance to the Anangu (local Aboriginal people). As you continue the drive around the rest of the base, experience the Mala walk before adjourning to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area where you will observe a sunset from a different perspective over Uluru with Kata Tjuta in the distance. Enjoy sparkling wine and light refreshments. You will return to your accommodations at Yulara Resort. The tour duration is around 5 hours, and you will be travelling in a small group of up to just 12 people. It is recommended you wear covered shoes and bring bottled water, fly nets, sunscreen and a brimmed hat.

Desert Gardens

Day 9 Kata Tjuta Sunrise Tour
Revel in the early morning serenity of a truly spiritual place as the sunrise colors change on Kata Tjuta. Enjoy an outback picnic breakfast. Learn about this diverse environment while walking between the mighty conglomerate rock walls and into Walpa Gorge. Hear how the many domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here.

Desert Gardens
Meals: B

Day 10 Ayers Rock to Cairns
Takeoff to Cairns and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas

Day 11 Quicksilver Outer Reef Full Day Excursion
The Quicksilver vessel departs from Reef Marina for a fabulous full-day tour out to the Agincourt Reef, which is part of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Agincourt is the most southerly link in the chain of ribbon- like outer reefs on the extreme edge of continental Australia. Here, you will view some of the most beautiful reef life in Australia. The air-conditioned 30-meter Quicksilver cruises at 27 knots and can reach Agincourt in just 90 minutes. Once at the pontoon, you have the opportunity to snorkel, swim or scuba dive (extra expense) among the reef. You may also view the reef from glass-bottom boats and semi-submersible subs - a fantastic experience!

Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas
Meals: B, L

Day 12 Walkabout Adventures - Ngana Julaymba Dungay
Start your tour with a pick up from your accommodation spending the day with a local Aboriginal tour guide, learning about culturally significant areas and the relationships the Kuku Yalanji still have with their land. Learn the history, culture and traditions of the local Aboriginal people and the area. Enjoy a walk through the rainforest and coastal habitats learning about the environment, different foods and medicines utilized from nature, sample some bush tucker, collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab. Complete the adventure by cooling off in a pristine freshwater stream.

Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas
Meals: B, L

Day 13 Hot Air - Classic Balloon Flight - Dawn Experience & Day at Leisure in Port Douglas
Watch the crew prepare your balloon as the sun gently rises to unveil the surrounding beauty. Then, experience the fun and unique sensation of being in a hot air balloon, flying gently over the Atherton Tablelands. During this 40-minute ride, enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn and breathe in the wide open spaces.

Enjoy time at leisure in Port Douglas, a Cinderella city located just over a 1-hour drive from Cairns. Once a sleepy, seaside hamlet, today Port(as it's called by locals)has transformed into a trendy, tropical resort. In a town where the building code dictates that nothing is taller than the palm trees, sleek resorts, sparkling white marina toys, and chic restaurants line the streets, while celebrities stretch out on the golden sand of Four Mile Beach, tending to their tans. Although it is easy to get star struck by the Port's shiny veneer, the town still has remnants of its humble beginnings, and colonial buildings can be found lazing in the shadows of 5-star hotels. It is almost symbolic how the road into town passes through stoic sugar-cane fields before widening into streets lined by prim palm trees - imported no less.

Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas
Meals: B

Day 14 Travel to Sydney
Takeoff to Sydney and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Parkroyal Darling Harbour
Meals: B

Day 15 The Sydney Classic Bicycle Tour & BridgeClimb Summit - Day Climb
The Sydney Classic is Bonza Bike Tour's most popular tour. You are taken to all of the iconic sights, and tons of the other sights you may miss on your own. Expert guides give you the information you need to get the most out of your trip to Sydney. You will be taken to see the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour (right next to the yachts themselves), the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens (including the Flying Foxes), Hyde Park, the Anzac War Memorial, China Town, Sydney Tower, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Building, Museum of Contemporary Art, The Art Gallery of NSW and over 30 more great attractions! There's even a stop to take in a warm, friendly pub as a half-way point!

BridgeClimb is a 3.5 hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 400 feet above Sydney Harbour. In climb groups of up to 14 people, you'll be led by a professional BridgeClimb leader on an adventure of the world's most recognizable bridge. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities to witness 360-degree views of Sydney, including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour city surrounds. When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over! The professional Climb Leaders will take pictures of you on the climb and at the end you will receive a commemorative Climber Certificate, a complimentary Climber Cap and group photograph, with all climbers in the group receiving an identical photo.

Parkroyal Darling Harbour

Day 16 Sydney At Leisure
It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the endless and beckoning bays of Sydney Harbour.

It is Sydney's man-made wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbour Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb as you climb to the top. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere, or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

There are many ways to enjoy the harbor: on a small luxury motor cruiser or sailing yacht, or ferries that take you to Taronga Park Zoo or Manly and the harbor suburbs. Take the Darling Harbour Rocket that connects Circular Quay to Darling Harbour where there are many restaurants and attractions such as The Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, The IMAX Theater and the Naval Museum. For a more leisurely afternoon, take a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park, or learn about Australia's National Gemstone, the Opal, at Altmann; Cherny or The National Opal Collection, right in the heart of the city on Pitt Street.

Parkroyal Darling Harbour

Day 17 Depart Sydney
Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodation to Sydney International Airport.