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Lifestyle & nature itinerary · by Michael Nees

12-day Sydney, Reef & South Australia itinerary

This 12 Days Australia Travel Package will get you the main highlights in Australia. From cruising Sydney Harbour and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to exploring Adelaide's wine regions and watching the Penguin Parade in Melbourne, this itinerary covers Australia's best destinations.

Highlights

  • Explore Sydney with a private guided tour, visit Bondi Beach, and discover the Blue Mountains
  • Sail to the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel with green turtles and colourful marine life
  • Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation on a 4WD tour
  • Experience Adelaide's cosmopolitan culture and visit Kangaroo Island
  • Enjoy the sophistication of Melbourne and see the famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Sydney

    Meet your transfer driver at Sydney Airport's arrival gate. Stay three nights in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Enjoy the stunning harbour views and golden beaches of Sydney.

    Stay: The Grace Sydney (opens in a new tab)

  2. Day 2

    Sydney City Tour & Bondi Beach

    Take a relaxing half-day city tour with a local guide. See Sydney's stunning Botanical Gardens and historical buildings. Stroll along the harbour — enjoy the views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Stop for lunch at Australia's premier yacht club then walk along the famous Bondi Beach.

    Stay: The Grace Sydney (opens in a new tab)

  3. Day 3

    Blue Mountains Day Tour

    Head west to the Blue Mountains. This area is famous for dramatic scenery and bush walking trails. Begin with a drive past the historical Rocks precinct and convict cottages. See Australia's first church and other remnants of the past. Visit the Featherdale Wildlife Park — meet Australia's adorable Kangaroos and Koalas. Stop at the Blue Mountains National Park for refreshments. Continue on to Kings Tableland to witness the magnificent Wentworth Falls.

    Stay: The Grace Sydney (opens in a new tab)

  4. Day 4

    Fly to Tropical Port Douglas

    Return to Sydney Airport and fly direct to Cairns (3 hours and 15 mins). At Cairns, transfer to the Port Douglas area (1 hour drive away). You will be staying at the tropical holiday town of Port Douglas.

    Stay: Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel (opens in a new tab)

  5. Day 5

    Great Barrier Reef Sailing & Snorkelling

    The Great Barrier Reef is a kaleidoscope of colourful marine life. Sail off in the sleek catamaran yacht — relax in a dedicated snorkel-only vessel with very personalised service. Cruise to the Low Isles, a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef. Swim and snorkel in the playground of green turtles and parrot fish. Enjoy gourmet seafood and join an informal island tour walk.

    Stay: Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel (opens in a new tab)

  6. Day 6

    Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

    Travel to the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park. Step aboard a personalised craft for a cruise on the mirrored waters of the Daintree River. Listen to an interesting commentary by a knowledgeable guide. Cruise close to riverbanks and under the overhead canopy of the rainforest. Seek out the vivid Ulysses Butterfly, Kingfishers and other wildlife.

    Stay: Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel (opens in a new tab)

  7. Day 7

    Fly to Adelaide

    Meet your driver at the hotel for transfer to Cairns Airport. Fly to Adelaide in Southern Australia. Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city renowned for its museums, art galleries and the beautiful Barossa wine area. The Barossa lifestyle combines European heritage with Australia's fresh vitality.

    Stay: The Playford Adelaide (opens in a new tab)

    • RecommendedAdelaide Planetarium
    • RecommendedAdelaide Central Market
    • RecommendedAdelaide Central Gallery
    • RecommendedAdelaide Botanic Garden
  8. Day 8

    Kangaroo Island Day Tour

    Take a day tour of Kangaroo Island, South Australia's premier nature destination. Pick-up at your hotel at 6:45am for transfer to the Cape Jervis ferry terminal. Take a 45 minute ferry trip to Penneshaw to visit the Seal Bay Conservation Park. Enjoy a beach walk to see Australian Sea-lions. Visit the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Flinders Chase National Park.

    Stay: The Playford Adelaide (opens in a new tab)

  9. Day 9

    Explore Adelaide & Wine Regions

    You have another enjoyable day to explore Adelaide. Take the opportunity to do a day trip into the Barossa or McLaren Vale wine regions.

    Stay: The Playford Adelaide (opens in a new tab)

  10. Day 10

    Fly to Melbourne

    Transfer to Adelaide Airport and take a domestic flight to Melbourne. After your hotel transfer start exploring Melbourne's famous lanes and foodie places.

    Stay: QT Melbourne (opens in a new tab)

  11. Day 11

    Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife

    Melbourne is the fashion capital of Australia and is known for its sophisticated style and shopping. Explore with local transport or guided tours. Get a close encounter with Australian wildlife in their natural habitat — see the Penguin Parade, join a Wild Ocean Eco-Boat Tour, visit the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Nobbies Centre.

    Stay: QT Melbourne (opens in a new tab)

  12. Day 12

    Departure Day

    Fly to Sydney to connect with your international flight or any other destination in Australia or New Zealand. You can easily combine existing sample travel itineraries on offer, or we can design a totally new travel package for you to include New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

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