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Lifestyle & nature itinerary · by Michael Nees

14-day Australia with the Great Ocean Road itinerary

This 14 Days Holiday Package Australia is a more relaxed travel schedule. Stay 2-3 nights at each location and explore in more detail. By using domestic flights between key locations, your Australia travel schedule is far more efficient and enjoyable. This itinerary includes Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Adelaide, the Great Ocean Road and Melbourne.

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 adventure
  • Experience Adelaide and visit Kangaroo Island's incredible wildlife
  • Drive the spectacular Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles
  • Enjoy the sophistication of Melbourne's laneways, galleries, and food scene

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Sydney

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

    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 for views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Stop for lunch at Australia's premier yacht club then walk along 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 and meet Australia's adorable Kangaroos and Koalas. Stop at the Blue Mountains National Park for refreshments. Continue on to Kings Tableland to enjoy 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 you will transfer to the Port Douglas area (1 hour drive away). Your accommodation is located in 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 a sleek luxurious Catamaran. This is a dedicated snorkel-only vessel with very personalised service. Take an exhilarating ride 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 your 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 South Australia's premier nature-based destination, Kangaroo Island. 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

    Drive to Mount Gambier

    Adelaide to Mt. Gambier (inland road 418 km or coastal road 413 km — allow 5 hours). Travel southeast from Adelaide via the Murray River. Drive along the coastal scenic route via Kingston and the pretty village of Robe. Take a side trip to Cape Jaffa and the Coorong National Park. Continue to the fascinating volcanic city of Mt. Gambier.

    Stay: The Barn Accommodation

    • HighlightGreat Ocean Road Self-Drive
    • RecommendedThe Blue Lake
    • RecommendedThe Umpherston Sinkhole
  10. Day 10

    Drive to Port Fairy

    Mt Gambier to Port Fairy (271 km — allow 3.5 hours driving). Take a side trip to the boutique Coonawarra wine region. The wineries in this area are conveniently located within short travelling distances to each other. They include famous wineries such as Wynns and Yalumba. Pass through the state border between South Australia and Victoria. Arrive at the lovely riverside town of Port Fairy.

    Stay: Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel

    • RecommendedPort Fairy Maritime & Shipwreck Heritage Walk
    • RecommendedTower Hill Wildlife Reserve
    • RecommendedPort Fairy Beach
    • Optional extraGrampians National Park
  11. Day 11

    Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay

    Port Fairy to Apollo Bay (188 km — allow 3 hours). Stop at lookouts over the cliffs of the Loch Ard Gorge and the dazzling Bay of Islands. See the spectacular coastline leading to Port Campbell. Descend all 86 of the Gibson Steps to the beach for a closeup view of the Twelve Apostles. Continue along the coast to the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay.

    Stay: Apollo Bay Guest House (opens in a new tab)

    • RecommendedTwelve Apostles
    • Optional extraOtway Fly Tree Top Walk
    • RecommendedGreat Otway National Park
  12. Day 12

    Great Ocean Road to Melbourne

    Apollo Bay to Melbourne (188 km — allow 3 hours). Drive 30 minutes along the coastal road to Kennett River. Follow the 'koala walk' with your camera at the ready. Magnificent coastal views dominate the next 30 kilometres to the beach town of Lorne. Stop at nearby Anglesea and take a detour to the golf course where kangaroos graze. Continue along the coast to Melbourne.

    Stay: QT Melbourne (opens in a new tab)

  13. Day 13

    Explore Melbourne

    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)

  14. Day 14

    Departure Day

    Fly out of Melbourne to any other destination in Australia or New Zealand. You can easily combine existing sample travel itineraries on offer. We can even design a totally new travel package for you to include New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

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