12 Days: Freycinet Experience [ST-Walk3]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Sydney (2 Nights), Hobart (1), Freycinet National Park (3), Hobart (2), Melbourne (2)
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney, Melbourne to Los Angeles (Not included, but may be added on request)
  • US Domestic Flights - not included (as per your own arrangements)
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Hobart, Hobart to Melbourne
  • Day Tours - Sydney: Opera House Tour, Harbour Cruise Express
  • Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return), Melbourne Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Sydney (Check quote for inclusion)

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 Sydney, Australia. (You lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don’t worry you catch it up again on your return flight to the USA)

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

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodation

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

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

(Days 2 to 4) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

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

Just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, your accommodation is conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD.

The friendly staff at your accommodation can attend to your every need with 24 hour guest reception. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at their signature restaurant.

Relax in a stylish and comfortable haven whilst being in close proximity to shopping at Westfield’s Pitt St Mall and Darling Harbour. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Pitt St towards Circular Quay to take in more of Sydney’s world famous sites- like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Insider's Tip: Hop on the Sydney Explorer bus to explore the city

Experience all the excitement of Sydney, Australia’s famous harbour city, and the capital of NSW with the Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Explorer – Sydney’s only Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus service.

The Sydney and Bondi Tours are included with this pass. The Sydney tour features 23 stops and the Bondi tour features 11 stops.

As well as Sydney’s glorious harbour and stunning beaches the city offers a multi cultural lifestyle, exuberant festivals and events, a dynamic food scene and a striking cityscape of modern and colonial architecture.

Don’t miss a thing aboard this open-top double-decker bus tours with 34 stops in Sydney and Bondi Beach. Plan your own itinerary and visit the landmarks and attractions at your own pace. Buses run frequently so rejoining the tour is easy! Plus, you’ll receive a booklet with travel information, detailed maps, discount vouchers and much more!

Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the excitement!

Operates
Daily
9:00am to 4:00pm

Includes
– Hop on Hop off tour
– Sydney & Bondi Beach routes
– 1-day validity
– Up to 34 stops
– Digital commentary
– Free earphones onboard
– Free wifi

Need to Know
Fully flexible tour. Please bring money for lunch.

Upgrades
2-Day Explorer w/Cruise

Insider's Tip: Australian Opals

Altmann & Cherny is a family owned jewellery business in Sydney with an international reputation for excellence in opals and is one of the World’s foremost Australian Opal authorities.

Australia is known as the country of origin for this splendid stone with 95% of the world’s precious gem opal found exclusively in Australia. The Australian opal displays all the colors of the rainbow; holding a spectrum of colors found in nature. It is these contrasts that make opals a truly fascinating and unique gemstone, with no two opals appearing exactly the same. In the Middle Ages the Romans considered opal a stone that could provide great luck, as it was believed to possess all the virtues of Emeralds, Sapphires and Rubies.

Established in 1948 in hopes of sharing this unique gemstone with the world, they have built a reputation of providing the highest level of quality, service and value for three generations. Their mantra has always been and will continue to be – “Excellence in service, quality and value.” So come share in this unique experience to learn more about Australian Opals at Altmann & Cherny!

Altman + Cherny
18 Pitt St., Sydney, NSW 2000 / Ph: 61 (02) 9251 9477

Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm / Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm

(Day 3) - Day Tour, Sydney Opera House Tour (1 Hr)

On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.

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 Theater 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.

Operates
Daily, Hourly 9am to 5pm
Does not operate Good Friday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day 2024

Includes
One hour guided experience.

Need to Know
This tour has 300+ stairs – Low Impact. It is strongly encouraged that you leave bags at your hotel and avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an 8×10″ sheet of paper). No luggage or large bags accepted. Videoing is not allowed. There are plenty of photo opportunities — your tour guide will advise you if photos are not to be taken at any point.

Upgrades
-Add a lunch, dinner or performance to your tour.
-Upgrade your experience with a private, backstage, or architectural tour.

(Day 3) - Day Tour, Sydney Harbour Cruise Express Pass

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).

(Day 4) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 4) - Australian Domestic Flight, Sydney to Hobart

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to Hobart, Tasmania.

(Day 4) - Taxi from Hobart Airport to Hotel (pay as go)

Travel by taxi or ride share from the airport to your vacation accommodation (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

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

(Days 4 to 5) - 1 Night Accommodation in Hobart

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

Your vacation accommodation is located in the city centre, only two blocks from the main shopping mall. The hotel features a bar and restaurant and local artwork in a contemporary setting, while the rooms have recently been redecorated to create a modern fresh feel and offer either city or mountain views and WiFi wireless Internet access. Hobart offers a variety of vacation activity. You can travel to Cradle Mountain-St.Clair National Park, a mecca for bush walkers and nature lovers. Magnificent cliffs line the South Ask River. Only a short walk away is Salamanca Place, an 1830 sandstone warehouse converted to galleries, shops, and restaurants which offers many diversions from your travels. For the more adventurous, take a jet boat ride on the Derwent River.
Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Stuart Crossett

(Days 5 to 8) - 4 Day/3 Night Guided Walk within Freycinet National Park

On this hike you will feel like you are the only person on the planet. Your four-day guided walk will cover the Freycinet Peninsula and the wonderful Wineglass Bay.

Day One:
Depart the Old Woolstore in Hobart for a journey from Hobart to Coles Bay, taking in wide panoramas of the Freycinet Peninsula across Great Oyster Bay. There will be a morning tea break at the historic Spiky Bridge. Once you arrive on Coles Bay you board the Naturaliste for a spectacular sea cruise down the western length of the Peninsula. After a picnic lunch, there is a walk up Bear Hill for magnificent views, or fishing for flathead in Schouten Passage with our coxswain Shep. You will return to Coles Bay and be transferred to your lodge to relax and enjoy a dinner of fresh fish and fine wine, all to the rhythm of the waves on the beach.

Day Two:
Rise with the sun and after breakfast you will be transferred to Coles Bay for another boat trip down the Peninsula. There will be choice of walks: A peaceful walk from Bryan’s Beach through sclerophyll forests and along beaches to the renowned Wineglass Bay or, the more challenging walk from Cook’s Beach to the top of Mt Graham (579m above sea level) descending to Wineglass Bay via spectacular Quartzite Ridge. When you arrive at Wineglass Bay late in the afternoon, you may take that time for a swim in the Bay’s crystalline waters. Refreshed, you make the climb to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for spectacular views, and then descend to be transported back to the lodge. Once back, you may relax a little before drinks and dinner.

Day Three:
Today you will travel by vehicle which will take you to the secluded Bluestone Bay. You will have time to explore the fascinating geology of White Water Wall and little Bluestone Bay before climbing to the Bluestone Bay cliff tops. You will walk back to the lodge through pristine bushland following a track used by the Oyster Bay Tribe. This headland is home to a stunning array of native plants including the giant Xanthorea (Grass Trees). You continue along the dazzling white sands of the beaches and arrive at the lodge where cool drinks and homemade afternoon tea await. Savour a well-deserved meal and then relax with a glass of wine by the roaring fire.

Day Four:
Your last day will allow you time to head to the beach or sleep in and relax. After breakfast you have the option to walk along a fossil-rich ridgeline. After brunch, you can take another walk to the beach which will be the meeting place for the bus pick-up to return you to Hobart.

(Days 8 to 10) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Hobart

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

Your vacation accommodation is located in the city centre, only two blocks from the main shopping mall. The hotel features a bar and restaurant and local artwork in a contemporary setting, while the rooms have recently been redecorated to create a modern fresh feel and offer either city or mountain views and WiFi wireless Internet access. Hobart is a pretty city located on the Derwent River with many waterfront restaurants and cafes. In Salamanca Place, stroll around the 1830’s era sandstone warehouses now converted to galleries, shops, and restaurants. Every Saturday this area is a bustling outdoor market featuring live music, stalls with locally made crafts, artisinal cheese, honey, lavender products and more. Take a drive to the summit of Mt Wellington for unsurpassed views over Hobart and enjoy one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks in the Mt Wellington Reserve.
Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Stuart Crossett

(Day 9) - Free Day to Explore Hobart

Free time to rest, relax or explore.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included), Port Arthur & Tasmanian Devils

Join this small group tour for a fun and educational day out! Explore, discover and learn with knowledgeable guides with a variety of activities, walks, sightseeing, history, Tassie Devil Feeding, chocolate tasting and much more!

Start the day with spectacular views from a local Hobart lookout followed by a stroll through Tassie’s prettiest historic village, Richmond. Enjoy the short drive to the Tasman Peninsula to see the highest sea cliffs in Australia, Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch & Remarkable Cave.

Arrive at Port Arthur Historic Site where you have time to join the guided walking tour and a short harbor cruise around the Isle of the Dead. Then it is off to the Devil Conservation Park, where you can witness the Devils feeding, followed by the excellent “Kings of the Wind” Falconry Show.

Operates

Sunday – Friday.

Need to Know

Food and drinks are not included in the tour. You may bring your own lunch with you or there is a plenty of opportunity to purchase food and drinks from the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, weatherproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, lunch (or buy it on the day), camera, and a sense of adventure!

Times

Departs at 7:30am and returns at 6:00pm.

Inclusions

– Small group tour
– Round trip transfers from Hobart accommodation
– Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park (2 hours)
– Tasmanian devil feeding & falcon show
– Port Arthur Historic Site (2 hours)
– Richmond Historic Village (1 hour)
– Devils Kitchen
– Tasman Arch
– Remarkable Cave
– Hobart City Lookout

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Russell Falls with Lunch

Immerse yourself in wilderness, waterfalls and wildlife on this amazing tour to the pristine rainforest of Mt Field National Park.

Heading north-west from Hobart along the beautiful Derwent Valley, enjoy sights of native birds and quaint towns. Travel through dense rainforest fern glades and experience the stunning Russell Falls located in the Mt Field National Park. Take a stroll beneath the huge fronds of the forest canopy before time for lunch (own expense) at the Waterfalls Cafe and return journey to Hobart.

Located in the Central Highlands within Mt Field National Park, Russell Falls is a delightful walk that will take you through mixed forest of towering swamp gums, dogwood and myrtle trees. The falls themselves are a tiered cascade waterfall and are framed by striking tree ferns. Established boardwalks and walking trails allow for easy access to the beautiful falls.

Operates
Tuesdays through Thursdays year round
Departs 9:15am and Returns 4:00pm (approx.)

Includes
– Admission to Salmon Ponds
– Morning tea
– Entry Mt Field National Park

Need to Know
You will have great photo opportunities on this fun filled day. There is an option to purchase fresh raspberries from roadside stalls. Please bring money for meals (lunch is not included) and souvenirs.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Port Arthur Ghost Tour w/ Tasman Arch & Devils Kitchen

Enjoy Port Arthur by day and be terrified by the spine chilling ghost tour at night!

Travel by coach from Hobart to Port Arthur. Start your day by visiting Richmond Historic Village then continue on to Australia’s oldest bridge. Travel the Dunalley Sea Canal, visit Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen. Among other stops you will visit more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored houses.

Highlights
– Richmond historic village (1hr)
– Australia’s oldest bridge
– Dunalley Sea Canal
– Pirates Bay Lookout
– Eaglehawk Neck
– Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen walk
– Famous Doo Town
– Port Arthur 2hrs 45min visiting time (day)
– 1hr 45min Port Arthur ghost tour (night)
– Access to over 30 buildings, ruins and restored houses
– Visit interpretation gallery & museum

Operates

Saturdays, expect Christmas Day (December 25)

Need to Know

– Pick up/drop off at your accommodation in the greater Hobart area including private addresses
– Pick up at Salamanca Market available
– Lunch/dinner can be purchased along the way or at the Port Arthur Café
– No umbrellas allowed on ghost tour

Times

Full Day Tour from Hobart
Summer Approx. 1:00pm – 11:00pm
Fall-Spring Approx. 11:00am – 9:00pm

Inclusions

– Port Arthur entry fee (day)
– Ghost tour ticket (night)
– Air conditioned 14 seat bus to/from hotel
– Exciting new convict DVD presentation on bus

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Bruny Island Full Day with Lunch

Untouched wilderness and ocean coast wildlife. The spectacle of massive stark cliffs shaped by the forces of nature. Have it all on this award-winning tour that will take your breath away!

Embrace the power of the ocean at Bruny Island and experience Tasmanian wilderness at its best. Join in the search for the abundant coastal wildlife such as the beautiful migrating whales and dolphins that usually choose to swim alongside your boat! Stay on the lookout and you will undoubtedly spot seals and birds, for there are over a thousand Australian Fur Seals and sea birds nesting in the area.

You will also see the Monument, Nature’s Cathedral stark 300-meter-high Jurassic dolerite cliffs, Breathing Rock – an explosive blow hole and Triassic sandstone cliffs, and pristine untouched rainforests and beaches.

Come and experience the stunning sea caves and rock formations for this once in a lifetime tour.

Operates:
Daily, except Christmas Day. Departs 7:45am, Returns 5:30pm

Includes:
– Transfer from Hobart Franklin Wharf to Ferry Crossing
– Bruny Island ferry crossing
– Morning tea
– 3 Hour wilderness cruise
– Lunch: premium fish & chips, or delicious homemade pumpkin soup and a gourmet salad roll with your choice of Tasmanian Salmon or local ham
– Sightseeing on Bruny Island by bus
– Hobart Hotel drop-off

Need to Know:
Please wear warm, comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring a jacket, scarf, gloves and camera. Dietary requirements must be advised at booking.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Port Arthur with Tasman Island Cruise

Experience the spectacular wildlife and scenery of Tasmania’s southern coastline with a full day cruise along the Tasman Peninsula and visit the Port Arthur Historic Site where Australia’s convict history comes alive!

Towering cliff walls, cascading waterfalls, frolicking dolphins, playful seals and sunbathing Tasmanian devils – this is not your regular sightseeing tour. This is a tour of Tasmania’s incredible natural beauty and wildlife.

Your full day tour will begin with a bus ride from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula, so sit back and relax as your friendly bus driver shares their warm disposition and expert knowledge of the region along the way. Enjoy morning tea on the Tasman Peninsula and prepare for a three-hour cruise wilderness cruise on our safe, fast and comfortable boats.

Marvel at the high cliff walls, spot dolphins and seals and if you’re lucky, you might spot a migrating whale! Be sure to bring a camera – you’ll want to capture these magnificent sights to look back on.

After your cruise you’ll enjoy lunch at Port Arthur, and once you’ve had your hearty fill prepare for Australia’s best-known symbol of its convict past.

Over its long history, Port Arthur has been a place of hardship and punishment, a place of opportunity, and a place of leisure. Now it is one of Australia’s most important heritage destinations, where the story of Australia’s colonial history is written in stone and brick.

Meet some of the people who have passed through this place, walk where their stories unfolded, and learn about Port Arthur’s evolution from a feared convict settlement to a World Heritage-listed Historic Site and world-class tourist destination.

Operates:
Daily, except Christmas Day
Departs 7:30am, Returns 6:00pm

Includes:
– Morning tea
– Lunch
– Three-hour wilderness cruise
– Entry to the Port Arthur Historical Site
– Return transfers from central Hobart to Port Arthur

Need to Know:
Please wear warm, comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring a jacket, scarf, gloves and camera.

(Day 10) - Taxi from Hobart Hotel to Airport (pay as you go)

Travel by taxi or ride share from your vacation accommodation to the airport (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

(Day 10) - Australian Domestic Flight, Hobart to Melbourne

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Hobart to Melbourne.

(Day 10) - Shuttle Transfer, Melbourne Airport to Accommodation

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

(Days 10 to 12) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Melbourne

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.

(Day 11) - Free Day to Explore Melbourne

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.

Photo Credit: Tourism Victoria

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Puffing Billy Steam Train and Winery Tour

This morning you are going to enjoy some good old fashioned fun and the most beautiful rainforest in Victoria. You will then be spoiled with some great Aussie food and wine for lunch and go on to taste wines from some of Victoria’s leading wineries. We’ll get your day started with a journey through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and views of the Dandenong Ranges in the distance.

The Dandenong Ranges, also known as the Dandenongs, are beautiful mountain ranges just 35kms east of Melbourne. At their peak, they rise to more than 630 metres and are wrapped in lush rainforests of Mountain Ash trees (the tallest flowering plant in the world), waterfalls, rolling hills and steep valleys.

Right in the heart of the Dandenongs is Grant’s Reserve – a gorgeous spot to take a break. On arrival you will be greeted by the surrounding mountain hue and crisp clear air. While here you will enjoy a traditional Aussie billy tea with vegemite, crackers & lamingtons.

The Dandenongs is a haven for bird life and while at Grant’s Reserve you can handfeed some of the most striking Australian birds such as the colourful Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Pink-chested Galah. You will also be entertained by the wonderful bird song that fills the valley.

Next you head to Belgrave, home of the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train, where you are in for some fun! This century-old steam train is maintained in its original glory and runs to this day on its own mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook. Here you’ll go back in time as you get on board for a 30 minute ride through the heart of the rainforest. You’ll head through the gorgeous Sherbrooke Forest and ride over the old Trestle Bridge. Just before Menzies Creek you can see stunning views of Port Phillip Bay before heading through Paradise Valley and on to the townships of Emerald and Gembrook. You’re going to love it!

The scenery en route to the Yarra Valley is just spectacular with the Great Dividing Range as the backdrop. When you arrive in Victoria’s premium wine growing region, you’ll visit Fergusson Winery and another two leading wineries for wine tasting, appreciation and education. Of the many wineries in the area, you may visit estates such as Rochford Wines, Dominique Portet, or Domaine Chandon. Each has earned an international reputation for excellence and offer cellar-door tastings of their awardwinning selections of Australian wine.

Departs: 8:20am; Returns: 5:30pm

Optional Day Tour (Not Included)- Phillip Island & Penguin Parade - Afternoon/Evening

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.

Get up close and personal with the friendly residents of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you learn about the conservation of these loveable native animals. The eco certified sanctuary also showcases some lesser known but equally adorable endangered species including the Southern Bettong, Eastern Quolls and rare Fluffy Gliders. From there travel to Phillip Island where you see the Nobbies, and Seal Rocks before travelling on to Summerland beach for the nightly penguin parade. Home to Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins, Summerland beach provides a spectacular backdrop to the world famous penguin parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins make their way across the beach and go home for the night. Come and enjoy the beauty and native wildlife and make this a journey to remember. Tour conclusion depends on time of year and ranges from 10pm during the winter months to midnight during summer as the penguins arrive at sunset.

Upgrade Available to Exclusive Viewing Platform (pricing available upon request)

Operates Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday only.
Image Credit: Visit Victoria

Insider's Tip: Queen Victoria Market

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.)

Photo Credit: Queen Victoria Market

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Great Ocean Road with Lunch (Full Day)

The spectacular Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Experience views of uninterrupted beaches, dramatic coastlines and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges with this small group eco-tour.

Travel west to the start of the Great Ocean Road and pass the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Arrive at the iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views over the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.

Discover the Shipwreck Coast, stroll along the historic beaches and see Loch Ard Gorge. Arrive at the famous 12 Apostles and descend the Gibson’s Steps, where you will be dwarfed by the high cliff line and these enormous offshore stacks. With this small tour group, there is plenty of time to get out and explore nature at its very best.

The highlights of this Great Ocean Road adventure include a visit to Bells Beach, where you’ll see one of Australia’s famous surfing beaches, world renowned for the Rip Curl Surfing Pro.

Enjoy the breathtaking view from iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse and learn about the fascinating history of the Aboriginal owners of the Gadabanud Peoples’ Cultural Centre. You will be afforded stops where you’ll see wildlife like Eastern grey kangaroos, koalas and native birds in the wild.

Pass through coastal towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. Enjoy a rainforest experience in the luscious surrounds of the Otway Rainforest and marvel at some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia.

Operates
Daily except Christmas
Departs 7:00am – 8:00am and Returns 9:00pm (approx.)
April – October Departs 10:00am to 11:00am and Returns 9:00pm to Midnight (approx.)

Includes
– Return deluxe coach transfers from accomodations
– Morning tea, coffee, & cake
– Gorgeous views
– Complimentary onboard wifi
– Expert commentary

Need to Know
Request infant seats (0-3 years) or a child booster seats (4-8 years) free of charge. Please bring money for lunch. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Insider's Tip: Melbourne City Circle Tram

The Melbourne City Circle Tram travels a rectangular route along Flinders, Spring, LaTrobe and Spencer Streets right around the Melbourne city centre.

Not only is travel completely free on the City Circle Tram but you get a running commentary on the places of interest along its route. You can get off the tram at any of its stops, so you can visit particular attractions at close hand, and catch the next one.

Trams run in both directions every 12 minutes, seven days a week between 10am and 6pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday), and during daylight-saving extended hours, 10am to 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Alternatively, there is a Free Tram Zone for all trams operating in Melbourne’s CBD. These free trams do not offer on-board commentary but are a convenient way to get around the city.

(Day 12) - Shuttle Transfer, Melbourne Accommodation to Airport

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

(Day 12) - International Flight, Melbourne to Los Angeles

Your International Flight arrives in Los Angeles on the same day of departure from Australia, due to your crossing of the International Dateline.

  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.