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 vacation accommodation is located within easy walking distance of Melbourne Central shopping centre, theatre district, and the famous Victoria Market. The rooms feature air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and safety deposit boxes. The hotel offers dry cleaning and laundry services, wireless Internet access, and public outdoor parking. Melbourne is the perfect launching pad for travel day tours to such places like Phillip Island and Penguins, the Great Ocean Road, or the Yarra Wineries. Make the most of your vacation by mingling with the people of Australia.

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

We invite you to experience the only accommodation that is located in the world renowned Tarkine temperate rainforest, giving access to ancient forests and wild rivers. If you are looking for a long weekend that is a long way away from your day to day life then staying at our Tarkine Longhouse at the Tarkine Rainforest Retreat is perfect for you. You’ll soak up the beauty of the rainforest on a walk to the Huskisson River, a wild and unknown rainforest flanked river.

Day One: Giant trees and ancient rainforest
Highlights: Giant eucalyptus trees, ancient rainforest, pristine creeks

Drive We depart from Launceston and drive west to Burnie. After lunch and the gear check in Burnie, we head south, through scenic rolling hills, towards the heart of the Tarkine. The journey traverses highly productive agricultural land based on the rich volcanic soils of the region. As we venture south we encounter the first of the Tarkines world class forests. The Murchison Highway creates the western boundary of Tarkine. Eventually we leave the highway and head west towards camp located in the south eastern corner of the region. We initially cross a button grass plain, a relic of glacial action that once dominated the landscape, before crossing a number of forest clad ranges. From the summit, the impressive sight of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff appear to our east. As we continue west, the forest thickens and we gain our first glimpse of the giant eucalypt forests. On approaching the rainforest lined John Lynch Creek; we park the vehicle and prepare to walk into our base camp.

Time – Approximately 40mins
Distance – 1.0km
Pack Weight – 8-10kg

Day Two: Huskisson River walk
Highlights: Ancient rainforests, giant eucalypts, the wild Huskisson River and pristine creeks

Awake to your favourite morning drink surrounded by an ancient green forest landscape. After a tasty breakfast we depart for a day walk to the Huskisson River.

Track Grading
Time – 3.5-4.5 hours of walking time
Distance – 6kms
Pack Weight – Day Pack

Description – Tagged trail walking through open under storey temperate rainforest, there are some steep sections that have steps built into them, can be slippery in points. Fallen trees to be negotiated (generally with steps cut into the tree). The forest trail meanders through a stunning landscape of giant eucalypts, sassafras, celery top pine and myrtle. The under storey is completely open in parts, lined by a soft carpet of green mosses and lichens. In other areas, ancient ferns cover the forest floor, providing a 60 million year old link to the ancient Gondwanan forests that once covered large parts of Australia and Antarctica. Birds that live in the forest include, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos, Green Rosellas, Forest Ravens, and a number of small brown birds including, the Tasmanian Thornbill and the Scrubtit. As we approach the Huskisson River, the eucalypts disappear, leaving the myrtles and sassafras to dominate. Known as callidendrous rainforest, the ancient gnarled myrtle trees stand witness to the passing of time. The atmosphere is thick with antiquity and the experience of travelling back in time to the age of the dinosaurs is ever present. On arriving at the banks of the Huskisson, lunch is prepared. Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered White Goshawk that hunts amongst the forest canopy. Those who wish can enjoy a swim in the rainforest filtered waters. After lunch, sit back and soak up the peaceful surrounds. In the afternoon, we head back to camp and prepare for another scrumptious meal followed by great conversation and fine Tasmanian wine whilst relaxing around the warm glow of our camp fire.

Day Three: Tarkine Rainforest Retreat
Highlights: Relaxing around camp, Cradle Mountain

We spend the morning relaxing around the Tarkine Rainforest Retreat in the Tarkine Longhouse. Breakfast is served on our 12 seater Tasmanian Oak dining table. We depart the camp around 10am and drive to Cradle Mountain for lunch. There is an opportunity for a short walk (weather dependant) near or around Dove Lake, or to explore “Waldheim” the old home of Gustav Weindorfer, the man whose vision was instrumental in the area becoming a National Park and then a World Heritage Area. We depart Cradle Mountain by 3pm and are back in Launceston by 6pm.

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 the heart of Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your vacation hotel is located just minutes from the bustling Darling Harbour and Sydney City. Explore the Darling Harbour area, which is a modern collection of unique Australia Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities. Travel by Monorail to the City Center is also a must, or walk to Circular Quay. Or maybe travel by ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or to the lovely tree-lined beach suburb of Manly. If plan your vacation in Sydney over a weekend, visit the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Souvenirs of Australia.
Photo Credit: Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW

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).

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