Day 1: Canada – Night on board
It’s time for an adventure down under! Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to Sydney. Night on board.

Day 2: Continue your journey to Sydney
Continue your journey to Sydney. Due to the time difference, you will lose a day on your outward journey, but will gain it back on your return. You are not in-flight for two full days.

Day 3: Sydney
Land in Sydney, pass through customs, and transfer independently to the hotel. Take the rest of the day to rest and get to know your new surroundings. Sydney is Australia’s largest city, known for the sunny disposition of its locals and its urban beaches like Bond and Manly. The stunning harbor provides a dramatic backdrop for the city’s famous icons, like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Here, you can find a wide-ranging cultural life, a dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary architecture.
Note: Basic Package will NOT include airport transfer, but can be  added separately. Please contact us for more details!

Day 4: Sydney
Wake up in Sydney. There’s no better way to discover the city than on foot, so begin the day with a walking tour of The Rocks district. Hear the city’s story as you stroll along the shoreline of sparkling Sydney Harbour with views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past Campbell’s Cove and Cadman’s Cottage. The Rocks is renowned for having the oldest streets in Sydney, which are dotted with beautifully restored nineteenth-century buildings. Wander down hidden alleyways, into shady courtyards, and along cobbled lanes. Discover the nooks and crannies and get up close and personal with the living history of Australia’s first British settlement.

The afternoon is free to spend as you please in Sydney. Why not get a closer look at one of Sydney’s major landmarks with an optional tour of the Sydney Opera House?* Overnight in Sydney.

*Optional Sydney Opera House tour: Discover insider secrets of the Opera House and step inside the iconic theaters that bring over 2000 performances to life each year. Explore the building and learn about how Jørn Utzon’s vision for the design of the Opera House came into existence against impossible odds.

Day 5: Sydney
Wake up in Sydney. Enjoy the day at your leisure, taking full advantage of your last 24 hours in the city. Sample Sydney’s famed coffeeshops, stroll along the beach, or visit museums, it’s up to you! If you aren’t sure what to do, we suggest an optional Panoramic city sights excursion* to get a full picture of what Sydney has to offer. If Australia’s nature piques your interest, you could also choose the optional excursion to the Blue Mountains National Park** outside the city. After your afternoon, head back to the hotel. Overnight in Sydney.

*Optional Panoramic city sights excursion: See the essentials of Greater Sydney in this bus tour. Start in the CBD, then marvel at 18th-century sandstone architecture such as the Parliament House. Head to Mrs. Macquaries Point to enjoy magnificent views and continue through Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Pass through areas such as Kings Cross before arriving at Watsons Bay. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach and see Aussie surfers riding the waves. Continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Paddington, a trendy district with elegant shops. End in Darling Harbour.

**Optional Blue Mountains excursion: The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts stunning scenery. Go off the beaten track with an expert guide to visit remote viewpoints and discuss the history, flora, and fauna of this magnificent region.

Important note: These optional activities take place simultaneously and cannot be combined.

Day 6: Sydney – Cairns
Wake up in Sydney, prepared for an internal flight to Cairns. Located in the far north of Queensland, Cairns is a tropical city and a center for tourism in the region’s spectacular nature. The city offers easy access to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

After landing, self-transfer to the hotel and take the rest of the day to discover this exciting city independently. Swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at a farmer’s market, shop for a summer wardrobe, or cruise around the marina. It’s up to you! Overnight in Cairns.
Note: Basic Package will NOT include airport transfer, but can be  added separately. Please contact us for more details!

Day 7: Cairns (D)
Wake up in Cairns. Today is your free day to explore–time to experience all the wonderful nature that the region offers. If you’re hoping to see one of Cairns’ most iconic sights, now is your chance–join our optional half-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef!*

Head back to the hotel and rest up before an included dinner at Ochre, a local restaurant offering Australian specialties on the boardwalk with beautiful views of the harbor. Overnight in Cairns.

Important note: The restaurant specializes in grilled Australian meats, which will be the centerpiece of the meal. Vegetarian guests are advised to let their guide know in advance so that sufficient options are made available.

*Optional Great Barrier Reef excursion: Experience one of Australia’s most significant natural landmarks, visible from space and the single largest living structure of organisms on Earth. See this Wonder of the World in a fun activity for all ages, whether you swim or not! Spend the day out along the reef on an elevated platform that offers unparalleled views. Snorkel, dive, visit the underwater observatory, cruise in a semi-sub, or just relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch.

Day 8: Cairns
Wake up in Cairns. Enjoy another day at your leisure to cross more fun activities off your list. If you’re most excited about seeing the Daintree Rainforest, you could sign up for an optional excursion led by an experienced guide* and see far more than a typical tourist. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and pack for tomorrow’s flight to Melbourne. Overnight in Cairns.

*Optional Daintree Rainforest excursion: Take the scenic route to Cape Tribulation within the Daintree National Park. Ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of rainforest merging with the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest up-close on the elevated National Park Boardwalk. Go beyond Cape Tribulation to pristine Emmagen Creek, with time for a refreshing rainforest swim. Look for exotic birds in the trees and indulge in the tropical fruit of these tranquil surroundings. After a short afternoon refreshment stop, cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and return to the hotel.

Day 9: Cairns – Melbourne
Wake up in Cairns and self-transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne! Lauded for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, Australia’s best shopping, a lively passion for fine dining, and a flourishing interest in the arts. Restored and preserved nineteenth-century architecture, built following the discovery of gold, provides a heady reminder of a prosperous age, while beautifully tended parks and gardens present a therapeutic respite from the pace of city life.

Take the rest of the day at your leisure to rest or explore. Overnight in Melbourne.

Note: Airport transfer is not included in the price, but can be added separately. Please call us for more details!

Day 10: Melbourne
Wake up in Melbourne. Today, experience an Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens are a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation. Walking with an aboriginal guide, gain insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia by identifying significant native plants within the Gardens. Learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs, and ongoing connection to the land.

You are once again free in the afternoon to explore Melbourne as you see fit. Overnight in Melbourne.

Day 11: Melbourne
Wake up in Melbourne. Today is your final full day here, so be sure to take advantage! This is your last chance to go on an excursion in Australia. Today there are two options on offer, both of which cater to those seeking one last look at the stunning Australian natural scenery. For those who want stunning views and a stop at a rock formation known as the “12 Apostles,” why not go on a coastal drive with the optional Ocean Road experience?* If you want to get to know the local wildlife, and see it up close, head to Phillip Island** and see a koala reserve and “penguin parade” before heading back to the mainland. Return to the hotel in the evening and prepare for your flight back to Canada. Overnight in Melbourne.

*Optional Ocean Road Experience: The Great Ocean Road tour is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives! Leaving Melbourne, pass Anglesea before enjoying morning tea on the beautiful beach. See the abundance of Australian wildlife, including cuddly koalas, and check out the magnificent surf spots. Walk in the ancient rainforest before arriving in the afternoon to see the gigantic limestone stacks known as the “12 Apostles” in Port Campbell National Park.

**Optional Phillip Island Experience: Stop at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve and make some new friends as you stroll on boardwalk trails. Experience views of an Australian fur seal colony and spot wild wallabies and native birds on a back-road journey to the main event. The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at Summerland Beach is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating ecotourism attractions in the world, offering the opportunity to learn about the conservation of wildlife. At sunset, witness some of the world’s tiniest penguins coming ashore as they emerge from the sea. It’s truly unforgettable!

Important note: these optional activities take place simultaneously and cannot be combined.

Day 12: Night on board
It’s time to bid farewell to Australia after an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end your trip.
Note: Airport transfer is not included in the price, but can be added separately. Please call us for more details!

Optional Tours

(Price is per person, based on double occupancy)

Day 4: Sydney Opera House Guided Tour
(There are various departures per day, and will be provided accordingly if there is an activity on the same day.)
Price: from $46
See inside one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings, learning more about the history behind the design and construction of a modern landmark.

Day 5: Half-day Panoramic Sydney Sights Excursion
Price: from $144
Cross all of Sydney and its suburbs, stopping at the highlights on this comprehensive bus tour that includes the CBD, Bondi Beach, Paddington, & more!

What’s included: Pick up and drop off to the hotel and morning tea.

Day 5: Full Day Blue Mountains Tour
(The itinerary may change slightly depending on weather conditions.)
Price: from $334
Visit the Blue Mountains National Park, enjoying stunning views over the eucalyptus forests that give the area its characteristic azure tinge.

What’s included: Hotel pick up and drop off, Calmsley Hill Admission, morning tea refreshments, 2 course lunch without drinks, national park fees, Glass of Sparkling Wine & Blue Mountains Botanic Garden visit.

Day 7: Full Day Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Price: from $325
Spend a day floating among the Great Barrier Reef, experiencing one of Australia’s most special natural wonders. Go swimming, snorkeling, or just relax with a delicious lunch.

What’s included: Snorkel set, underwater observatory, semi submarine boat tour.

Not included: Transfers, lunch and beverages.

Day 8: Full-Day Cape Tribulation & Daintree Excursion
(There is no swimming at Cape Tribulation Beach due to hazardous conditions)
Price: from $227
Meet your guide and head outside the city through lush famland and coastal cliffs towards the Daintree Rainforest. See this World Heritage Site close-up and then take a 4WD to Emmagren Creek. End with time to stroll along Cape Tribulation Beach.

What’s included: Transfers from Cairns hotel, 1 hour Daintree River Cruise, guided walk, local eco-accredited drive-guide, home-made exotic fruit ice-cream.

Not included: Lunch and travel insurance.

Day 11: Full day Phillip Island Tour
Price: from $166
Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife on Phillip Island, visiting a koala reserve, observing fur seals, and seeing penguins in their natural habitat.

Day 11: Great Ocean Road Experience
Price: from $151
Take a drive down one of the world’s great coastal highways, taking in cliffside views over the ocean. Stop and see the gigantic limestone stacks known as the “12 Apostles” in Port Campbell National Park.

 

Full Experience Upgrade Itinerary (add from $1700 more) 

Day 1: Canada – Night on board

It’s time for an adventure down under! Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to Sydney. Night on board.

Day 2: Continue your journey to Sydney

Continue your journey to Sydney. Due to the time difference, you will lose a day on your outward journey, but will gain it back on your return. You are not in-flight for two days.

Day 3: Sydney

Land in Sydney, pass through customs, and private transfer to the hotel. Take the rest of the day to rest and get to know your new surroundings. Sydney is Australia’s largest city, known for the sunny disposition of its locals that matches the best-known beaches: Bondi and Manly. The stunning harbor provides a dramatic backdrop for the city’s famous icons, like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Here, you can find a wide-ranging cultural life, a dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture.

Day 4: Sydney (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. There’s no better way to discover the city than on foot, so begin the day with a panoramic bus tour of Greater Sydney. Begin in The Rocks district and learn about the colonial history of the region. See the CBD, then marvel at 18th century sandstone architecture such as the Parliament House, Rum Hospital, and St Mary’s Cathedral. Head to Mrs. Macquaries Point to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Continue through Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Pass through areas such as Kings Cross before arriving at Watsons Bay with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sydney Harbour. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach and see bronzed Aussie surfers riding the waves. Continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Paddington, a trendy district with elegant shops. Final stop of the day is Darling Harbour.

The afternoon is free to spend as you please in Sydney. If you’d like to see more of Sydney from the water, why not sign up for the optional harbor cruise?* Overnight in Sydney.

*Optional Sydney Harbour Cruise: Sit back and relax while you discover the secrets of one of the world’s most spectacular natural harbors. See icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens, and more from this privileged vantage point. This cruise is the perfect way to spend a bit of time on the water taking in Sydney and its skyline while enjoying great company and an included hot drink.

Day 5: Sydney (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is your chance to get out of the city and experience some of the famous Australian nature. The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts stunning scenery. Go off the beaten track with an expert guide to visit remote viewpoints and discuss the history, flora, and fauna of this magnificent region. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. Spend a free evening in Sydney, preparing for tomorrow’s journey to Cairns. Overnight in Sydney.

Day 6: Sydney – Cairns (B)

Wake up in Sydney, prepared for an internal flight to Cairns after breakfast. Located in the far north of Queensland, Cairns is a tropical city and a center for tourism in the region’s spectacular nature. The city offers easy access to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

After landing, private transfer to the hotel and take the rest of the day to discover this exciting city independently. Swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at a farmer’s market, shop for a summer wardrobe, or cruise around the marina. It’s up to you! Overnight in Cairns.

Day 7: Cairns (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is your day to get out on the water and see one of Australia’s greatest treasures: the Great Barrier Reef. Experience one of Australia’s most significant natural landmarks, visible from space and the single largest living structure of organisms on Earth. Relax aboard a luxury superyacht for the day, as you cruise from Cairns to the outer reef, visiting stunning and diverse reefs such as Norman, Saxon, and Hastings on a guided snorkeling tour. These locations are chosen for their exceptional coral density and prolific marine life. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on board as you watch the world go by.

Head back to the hotel and rest up before your free evening–perhaps take a walk along the boardwalk with beautiful views of the harbor. Overnight in Cairns.

Important note: A AUD$20 reef tax is payable in-person prior to embarking on the day’s cruise.

Day 8: Cairns (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure to cross more fun activities off your list. If you’re most excited about seeing the Daintree Rainforest, you could sign up for an optional excursion led by an experienced guide* and see far more than a typical tourist. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and pack for tomorrow’s flight to Melbourne. Overnight in Cairns.

*Optional Daintree Rainforest excursion: Take the scenic route to Cape Tribulation within the Daintree National Park. Ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of rainforest merging with the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest up-close on the elevated National Park Boardwalk. Go beyond Cape Tribulation to pristine Emmagen Creek, with time for a refreshing rainforest swim. Look for exotic birds in the trees and indulge in the tropical fruit of these tranquil surroundings. After a short afternoon refreshment stop, cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and return to the hotel.

Day 9: Cairna – Melbourne (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, private transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne! Lauded for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, Australia’s best shopping, a lively passion for eating and drinking, and a flourishing interest in the arts. Restored and preserved nineteenth-century architecture, built following the discovery of gold, provides a heady reminder of a prosperous age, while beautifully tended parks and gardens present a therapeutic respite from the pace of city life.

Take the rest of the day at your leisure to rest or explore. Overnight in Melbourne.

Day 10: Melbourne (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for the Great Ocean Road tour: one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives! Leaving Melbourne, pass Anglesea before enjoying morning tea on the beautiful beach. See the abundance of Australian wildlife, including cuddly koalas, and check out the magnificent surf spots. Walk in the ancient rainforest before arriving in the afternoon to see the gigantic limestone stacks known as the “12 Apostles” in Port Campbell National Park.

Return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening to soak up Melbourne’s creative energy. Overnight in Melbourne.

Day 11: Melbourne (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is your final full day in Melbourne, so be sure to take advantage! This is also your last chance to go on an excursion in Australia. You may want to see the famous Penguin Parade that occurs on Phillip Island.* Return to the hotel in the evening and prepare for your flight back to Canada. Overnight in Melbourne.

*Optional Phillip Island Experience: Stop at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve and make some new friends with the Aussie animals as we stroll along the boardwalk trails. Experience the majestic rocky coast and views of an Australian fur seal colony and spot wild wallabies and native birds on a back-road journey to the main event. The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at Summerland Beach is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating ecotourism attractions in the world, offering guests the opportunity to learn more about penguins and the conservation of wildlife. At sunset, we will witness some of the world’s tiniest penguins coming ashore as they emerge from the sea. It’s truly an unforgettable experience!

Day 12: Melbourne – Canada (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. It’s time to bid farewell to Australia after an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end your trip.*

 

• Entry requirements
  • Valid passport with at least six months validity and a return ticket.
  • An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) must be obtained online before travelling: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit