Travel to Australia on your vacation. After departing from Los Angeles you will be provided with an evening meal. You can relax, have a drink, watch a movie, review your itinerary or just rest. You will be given breakfast before landing in Melbourne, Australia (you lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don’t worry you’ll catch it up again on your return flight to the USA).

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to Australia can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.

Please confirm with the airlines at Check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record.

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Melbourne, Australia.

Travel to your accommodation in Melbourne, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. Its suites are equipped with kitchenettes, air conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms. Most are facing on to the hotel’s private European style courtyard. The vacation accommodation is close to Chinatown. Or perhaps stroll to the Southern Cross Station and travel by tram throughout the city. For the less adventurous, Melbourne is the perfect launching pad for day tours to such places like Phillip Island and Penguins, or perhaps the Great Ocean Road.

Today you’ll have the day free to Explore Melbourne City’s vast shopping centres, markets and boutiques, maybe do some souvenir shopping.

Melbourne is a Multicultural City boasting many boutique cafes, wineries and extensive shopping. You’ll also find it very easy to get around on the trains and trams, especially within the inners of Melbourne.

Puffing Billy, Yarra Valley Wineries and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary – Wine Lovers Alternative

Ride the Puffing Billy Steam Train through lush forests before sampling traditional Australian billy tea and lamington cakes. In the Yarra Valley enjoy wine tasting and the company of local winemakers at Fergusson’s Winery. After lunch (including lunch, vegetarian available) continue on to visit two more vineyards, Domaine Chandon and Rockford’s Eyton for further wine-tastings and a winery tour.

Operates daily.

Phillip Island is home to an astounding array of wildlife, including Australia’s largest fur seal colony, the little penguins and cuddly koalas. Enjoy getting close to koalas and kangaroos before joining the little penguins at dusk, as they emerge from the surf and waddle to their burrows.

In the afternoon visit Warrook Farm, a working cattle property, and enjoy the opportunity to feed kangaroos and other farm animals. At Phillip Island visit the Koala Conservation Centre and observe cuddly koalas. View the Nobbies, home to one of Australia’s largest seal population. See the seaside town of Cowes and the Visitors Information Centre. At dusk, enjoy the ‘little penguin parade’ and see penguins make their way to their dune burrows (no flash cameras allowed during the parade).

Upgrade Available to Private Viewing Platform (pricing available upon request)
Departs at 1:15 PM
Returns at 11:30 PM

The Queen Victoria Market is an historic Melbourne landmark and a Melbourne institution dating back to more than 120 years ago.

Queen Victoria Market hasn’t been just a market. At different times in the past it has been a cemetery, a livestock market and a place to sell fruit and veggies (vegetables) wholesale. It is said to be the southern hemisphere’s largest open-air market offering a variety of fresh farm produce and, on Sundays, a wider range of merchant items which turn the market into a modern Arabian Nights bazaar. This is the place to buy your souvenirs.

Aside from the variety of wares offered at the Queen Victoria Market, buskers and street entertainment are a market feature, particularly on Sundays when Queen St is closed and becomes a place of cafes, carnival rides and other activities. And there’s always the sound of spruikers cajoling visitors into buying their goods, and you can haggle for the best prices you’re able to get.

The Queen Victoria Market trading hours are 6am to 2pm on Tuesday and Thursday; 6am to 6pm (with the general merchandise section closing at 4pm) on Friday; 6am to 3pm on Saturday; and 9am to 4pm on Sunday. The market is closed on Monday and Wednesday, and on Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. (Please double check times before you go.)

Enjoy one of the world’s great coastal drives, with its dramatic scenery of striking contrasts. The region boasts powerful seas, golden beaches, peaceful townships, giant cliffs and lush forests.

Travel by the city of Geelong and Corio Bay and pass world famous Bells Beach, home to World Surfing Championships. View the popular coastal townships of Torquay and Lorne – a surfer’s haven and retreat. See many fern filled gullies and river inlets on your journey, and tour the length of the Great Ocean Road passing towering limestone cliffs (including the Twelve Apostles), sweeping white beaches and stunning forest scenery. Visit Port Campbell, a charming fishing village and summer holiday resort and continue to the remnants of London Bridge. Don’t forget extra camera batteries as you visit natural spectacles called Razorback and Island Arch. Upon returning, see the spectacular night lights of Melbourne as you cross the West Gate Bridge after having an unforgettable day.

Departs Melbourne at 8:00 AM
Returns to Melbourne at approximately 7:30 PM

As you cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne, you will enjoy fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant officially commenced operation in August 1983. These glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining. Dining aboard the Tramcar is not only a culinary delight, but also a trip into a little piece of Victoria’s history. The tram is air-conditioned for total comfort and piped music helps to create a unique mood on wheels.
Smart casual, suit or similar dress is appropriate when dining.

Early Dinner 5.45-7.15pm (Daily)

Also available:
Weekday Dinner 8.35-11.30pm (Sunday-Thursday)
Weekend Dinner 8.35-11.30pm (Friday & Saturday)
Lunch 1.00-3.00pm (On Request)
(Please note that a surcharge will apply for Christmas Day Luncheon and New Years Eve Late dinner.)

Mingle with visitors and locals alike at the centre of the city know as Melbourne’s meeting place, Federation Square! Showcasing a creative mix of attractions it boasts 15 restaurants, cafes and bars and over 2000 events annually making this a must see in Melbourne!

Winner of the 2006 and 2007 Victorian Tourism Awards, Federation Square embraces some of the world’s most stunning architecture with a wide array of attractions. Situated on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation the Square supports the nation’s contemporary expression and values the heritage and traditions of the indigenous people of this area. Be sure to check out the Atrium, a major challenge made of glass, steel and zinc. Flanked by Zinc, this centre provides access to The Square which features the paved sandstone cobbles from Western Australia and spectacular views of the City, Southbank and the Yarra River. Don’t forget to make a stop off at the Wharf which offers up the Riverland Bar and Cafe, Hire-A-Bike, Ferry Boat Drop off and Pick Up Service.

If you just happen to be in Melbourne on a Thursday night be sure to take advantage of the late night program! Open until 9pm, the Ian Potter Centre is the world’s first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art which showcases a spectacular array of over 20 galleries housed within this landmark architectural complex. Also open until 9pm, don’t miss the Australian Centre for the Moving Image which is the first centre of its kind in the world with its dedication to the moving image in all its forms – from early cinema to the latest digital media – it certainly offers a unique experience for visitors from around the globe.

Tours can be booked via the Melbourne Visitors Centre onsite at Federation Square:
Tours Operate Monday – Saturday at 11am and 2pm
Guided Walking Tours: AUD$12- adults, AUD$10 concession
Guided Walking Tour and Lunch: AUD$35 per person

Photo Credit: Tourism Victoria

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation to the Airport in Melbourne, Australia.

Travel within Australia by Domestic Air from Melbourne to Launceston Tasmania.

Travel by taxi from the airport to your vacation accommodation. (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go).

Make your way from the Airport Baggage Claim area to the Taxi Stand. Taxi’s are available on demand. Pay as you go.

Travel to your accommodation in Launceston, Tasmania where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Spend time in Launceston sipping fine wine and nibbling on smooth crumbling cheese or relaxing amongst the luxurious surrounds of your room watching the tranquil Tamar River and its abundance of wildlife.

The surrounding precinct has become a new and vibrant centre of Launceston, Tasmania with a wide range of cafes and restaurants to experience and the opportunity to be pampered at the Mud Urban Day Spa. Adventures further afield include the impressive Cataract Gorge, the famous James Boag brewery and if you’re a wine lover, Launceston’s Tamar Valley, home to one of Australia’s major cool-climate wine growing regions.

Discover Launceston’s intriguing stories.

Take a coach tour of Launceston city or enjoy a Tamar River cruise on the luxury ‘Tamar Odyssey’ or ‘Lady Launceston’. Explore Launceston by night with a Ghost Tour at dusk through the city’s history with a professional theatrical guide.

Take a Heritage Walk to explore the city’s history, colonial churches and fine buildings (self-guided walk brochure and details of guided historic walks are available. Browse George Street’s crafts and gift shops and the Inveresk Cultural Precinct with it’s Sunday market, art & craft. Visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery housed at Inveresk and at Royal Park. Don’t miss the Planetarium at Royal Park and Aurora Stadium (Tasmania’s home of AFL).

See Tasmanian devils and other wildlife at nearby Launceston Lakes or visit Launceston’s colony of Japanese macaque monkeys in their home in City Park.

Follow the ‘Tamar Valley Wine Route from Legana to sample award-winning wines and cheeses, or visit the Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers for tours and tastings of Tasmania’s ‘other sparkling’. get high in the Cataract Gorge and join a guided rock-climbing and abseiling group, or be challenged by cable hang gliding at Trevallyn. then, be pampered with an indulgent dip in the hot pools and spas at the Aquarius Roman Baths.

Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania

During this guided walk you will be able to raft across the Arthur River. Walk through the jungle and experience the wildlife and peacefulness. You will even get to camp alongside the pristine Mystery Creek while enjoying a nice glass of wine.

Day One: We pick you up at your accommodation and drive to Burnie for lunch and a gear check. We then head south to the track head. We arrive at around 2pm alongside the banks of the gorgeous Arthur River running wild and free, ahhhh how’s the serenity! We cross the Arthur River in a small raft, a wonderful way to begin our walk. Starting our walk along an old forestry trail, we head up to a ridge from where we descend into a valley toward camp. We follow a moss covered, overgrown trail down into the valley for 1.5 hours before disappearing into the lush old-growth rain forest. Camp is located on the banks of Mystery Creek.

Day Two: After breakfast, we continue deeper into the forest, meandering alongside Mystery Creek. The small tagged trail snakes its way through an energising green landscape. We make our way up a ridge, surrounded by giant Eucalyptus Oblique, or Stringy Barks. These sentinels of the forest are amongst the tallest hardwood trees in the world, simply awesome. After lunch, the forest changes and we meet groves of musk trees under a canopy of ancient Myrtles and Sassafras. The ridge gradually ascends to a soil rich plateau that provides the necessary fertility for the exceptional forest we experience over the following three days. It is at the beginning of this plateau that we make camp and you kick back and relax while your guides prepare a fabulous feast.

Day Three: We walk through to Tarkine Falls camp. On route, we pass through a forest we’ve called the Octopuses garden. The Myrtles here lift up beyond the soil and stand on their roots, giving them the appearance of octopuses walking the land. After crossing a number of pristine streams, we come across the Shrine. The Shrine is a Zen-like waterfall that cascades off the edge of a plateau, creating an energising and invigorating place to stop for lunch. Before arriving at camp, we strike a patch of the infamous Horizontal forest of Tasmania. These horizontal trees have evolved to maximize light exposure by growing horizontally along the forest floor. On arrival at camp, you can take a quick dip under the refreshing waters of Tarkine Falls. Tarkine Falls is a gorgeous 15m waterfall that cascades over columns of black basalt rock.

Day Four: Today, you choose, laze around camp and bathe beneath Tarkine Falls, or join us for a day walk to a button grass peak for panoramic forest views. From camp the walk ascends through gorgeous open rainforest. Walking with just a day pack means we stop regularly to admire the small details in the forest, the fungi, the lichens and the bird life. It also means there’s time to play, walking across fallen logs and climbing old tree stumps is a lot of fun. From atop the peak we get a 360 degree view of the Tarkine. To the North, valley after valley of pristine rain forest rolls out to the horizon, to the south lays the great expanse of rainforest that has made the Tarkine internationally significant as a remnant, Gondwanan forest sanctuary. After lunch, we head back to camp for another night at Tarkine Falls.

Day Five: We depart Tarkine Falls and make our way through the forest toward our final camp. Today’s walk is another fine example of stunning open forest, pristine creeks and hidden forest treasures. The route follows Waterfall Creek, before arriving at Heaven for lunch. Heaven is a pristine swimming hole surrounded by cascading waterfalls. This beautiful natural monument provides a remarkable backdrop for lunch and an opportunity for basking around the natural pool. The bank on the side of the pool is perfectly north facing meaning that heaven is bathed in sun for the entire time we’re there. This northerly aspect also means that heaven has its own unique ecosystem, including the beautiful bird orchid that grows along the banks of the waterhole. Heaven’s just great, and the best part is there’s no test or anything like that to get in! From heaven, we walk another hour to our last camp.

Day Six: Our tour of Tasmania’s Tarkine forest concludes as we make our way out of the old growth and toward an old forestry trail. Once on this trail, we walk until we cross the Lyons and then the Arthur River. The Arthur River is the perfect place to finish the walk. It’s forested banks and shallow waters mean that a refreshing swim is definitely on the cards for those bold enough. On a sunny day, it’s proven to be irresistible, even the faint hearted jump in. On the other side of the river, we are greeted by a Barbeque lunch of sausages, veggie burgers, fresh breads, cheeses, fruit and condiments… mmm! We depart the Tarkine at approximately 3.00pm and say goodbye to one of the world’s great natural treasures.

Travel to your accommodation in Launceston, Tasmania where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Spend time in Launceston sipping fine wine and nibbling on smooth crumbling cheese or relaxing amongst the luxurious surrounds of your room watching the tranquil Tamar River and its abundance of wildlife.

The surrounding precinct has become a new and vibrant centre of Launceston, Tasmania with a wide range of cafes and restaurants to experience and the opportunity to be pampered at the Mud Urban Day Spa. Adventures further afield include the impressive Cataract Gorge, the famous James Boag brewery and if you’re a wine lover, Launceston’s Tamar Valley, home to one of Australia’s major cool-climate wine growing regions.

Travel by taxi from your vacation accommodation to the airport (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go).

Fly from Launceston to Sydney this afternoon.

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Embrace Sydney’s best location with this four star vacation accommodation ideally nestled in the heart of the city. Overlooking Wynyard Park you will enjoy this icon of time-honored tradition, warm hospitality and friendly personal service. Just a short stroll away from many famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanical Gardens and more. You will love the luxury of the close accessibility to public transportation including light rail access, train station, the bus system and nearby Circular Quay which will allow you to see much more of Sydney and surrounds. Featuring: 446 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 4 bars, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa, and gymnasium. Amenities: air conditioning, daily maid service, fridge, iron & board, radio channels, shower, coffee & tea, ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, shaving adaptor, sprinklers, smoke detectors, television, telephone, internet access (broadband), data port, wake up calls, mini bar, and 24 hour room service. With all this and more take time out to experience the wonders of Sydney while enjoying all your accommodation has to offer.

Upgrade Available (Upon Request): Stunning 5 Star Property

On your vacation participate in an inspiring tour of the opera house in Sydney, Australia.

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theatre as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour – a perfect photo opportunity.

Upgrade to Opera House Tour & Tasting Plate Available

On your vacation explore Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia with this unlimited full day pass, or take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

Hop On and Hop Off at up to seven famous harbour attractions with this unlimited full day pass, or simply take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

The Harbour Express stops at the following tourist attractions:
Fort Denison: The historic island and cafe in the middle of Sydney Harbour.
Taronga Zoo: Discover Australia’s amazing wildlife including koalas, platypus and kangaroos.
Shark Island: This island national park is the perfect destination for a BYO picnic lunch, complete with a small beach area for swimming.
Watson’s Bay: Home of Doyle’s famous seafood restaurant and only a short walk to beautiful harbour swimming beaches, HMAS Watson and headland parks.
Luna Park: Sydney’s famous fun park with rides and games, or walk across the Harbour Bridge from Milsons Point station.
Darling Harbour: Aquarium & Wildlife World, Australian Maritime Museum, shops, restaurants and only a short stroll or Monorail to Sydney Tower, Star City Casino, Powerhouse Museum and China Town.
Circular Quay: The Rocks historic precinct, weekend markets, Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Harbour Bridge pylon.
(Additional Fees apply for Park Entry to Fort Denison, Shark Island & Taronga Zoo).

With Sydney at your fingertips, take the chance to explore the Darling Harbour area at your leisure, which is a modern collection of Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities.

The Monorail connection to the City Center provides quick transit, or walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or to the lovely tree-lined beach suburb of Manly. If visiting on a weekend then go to the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Australian Souvenirs.

On your vacation explore and capture downtown Sydney, Bondi and Kings Cross.

Your afternoon tour captures the essence of Sydney. Discover the major Sydney highlights including the Botanic Gardens before wandering along Bondi Beach. See the city’s downtown precincts, the historic Rocks area, vibrant Kings Cross, sandy white eastern beaches and affluent harbourside suburbs in just one afternoon.

For an additional cost, you can add on a luncheon cruise of Sydney Harbour. From the harbour enjoy views of Sydney’s renowned sights – including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Taronga Zoo is the nation’s leading zoological garden, featuring Australia’s finest collection of native animals and a diverse collection of exotic species.

What makes Taronga something special is its location. It is situated on elevated land along the waterfront, in one of the most beautiful vantage points on Sydney Harbour overlooking Sydney Cove, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Taronga Zoo is approximately 12 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay and the CBD. (Ferries depart Circular Quay, every quarter past and quarter to the hour).

As you zigzag your way along the paths among the animal enclosures, you are able to enjoy magnificent harbour views. The Taronga Zoo has its own jetty and you are able step off the boat and walk directly into the zoo. It is always best to start your tour of the Zoo from the top entrance. That way you’ll be walking downhill facing the harbour. You’ll then be continually surprised as you turn a corner and catch a different vista of the horizon. Then, when you reach the bottom you can catch the Zoo Sky Safari chair lift to take you to the top again and begin your downhill trek along a different path.

Sky Safari cable car operates between the Zoo wharf and the Top Entrance from 9.30am to 5.00pm daily. Taronga Zoo is open every day of the year from 9am to 5pm (including Christmas Day).

Regular Admission prices are as follows (all prices in AUD): Adults $39.00; Children (4-15 years) $19.00; Children under 4 Free

Winery Tour in the Hunter Valley.

Departs Wednesday, Friday & Sunday in the morning (Full Day Tour). Credited with being one of the premier wine regions in the world, let us tempt your taste buds as we showcase 3 of the regions best wineries. We meander through the majestic Hunter Valley and include wine tasting at Wyndham Estate, McGuigans and McWilliams Mt Pleasant winery. Take the time to refresh your palette with local cheeses (own expense) or browse the quaint little gift shops of Wollombi. A delicious steak and vegetables lunch with damper (aussie bread) is included whilst you sit back and enjoy learning the “tricks of the trade”. Partake in a tour of the wine making process. (Vegetarian meals available). Return to Sydney late afternoon. Evening Free.

Operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

On your vacation climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney.

Achieve exhilaration and personal satisfaction as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For approximately two hours you, along with 11 other eager climbers and a climb guide, weave through catwalks, climb up ladders and then arrive at the most spectacular point of all – the upper arch climb. The steady incline to the upper arch leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbour city surrounds. It is at this point that you not only have a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the city, but have the exhilaration of the truly rewarding experience of reaching the top to the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia. When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you’ll remember forever – you’ve conquered an Australian icon recognised the world over! No other Sydney tourist attraction can give you this feeling of standing at the top of the world, with the Harbour spread before you. All climbers will be issued a complimentary photograph of their climb group.

On your vacation, discover the spectacular Blue Mountains and see native wildlife Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, located outside of Sydney, Australia.

This rugged and beautiful region forms part of the Great Dividing Range, linking tropical north to temperate south, while dividing coastal cities from the vast Outback. Pass by Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Olympics. Discover Leura village, a delightful blend of groomed gardens and quaint shops, enjoy free time to wander the streets of Leura. Next we stop at Echo Point and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Travel through Katoomba, heart of the resort region within the Blue Mountains National Park and discover the remarkable beauty of Blue Mountains National Park, enjoy an easy walk or Visit Echo Point Lookout, see the Three Sisters and hear the ancient Aboriginal legends of this impressive rock formation, hear traditional Aboriginal Dreamtime tales interpreting the creation of local landmarks. Enjoy 2 course hot lunch with tea, coffee or soft drink. Join the optional Blue Mountain rides – Scenic Railway, Cableway or Skyway (own expense). These are great ways to see the steep valleys, canyons and Three Sisters rock formation. Enjoy a short stop at Cahills Lookout for impressive mountain scenery. Next we enjoy an afternoon encounter at Koala Park and have your photo taken with a cuddly koala, see kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and cute little fairy penguins. Full Day Tour.

Depart approximately 8:15 AM, return at approximately 5:45 PM.

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

Depart Sydney from the International Airport and fly to Los Angeles. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

Your flight home will give you the opportunity to reflect on your Australian vacation. Please tell your friends if you have enjoyed the experience and direct them to “ABOUT AUSTRALIA ” for information via our website at www.aboutaustralia.com