Treasures of Australia: Reef & Culture

This morning, touch down in Cairns, a laid-back beachside city called the gateway to Queensland's tropical north. Cradled between two World Heritage-listed wonders - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest - Cairns is the ideal launchpad for a Far North Queensland adventure.

En route to your luxurious accommodation in Port Douglas, you'll stop at the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, where you will board the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition over the Daintree Rainforest's ancient canopy. Known as the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest, this 130-million-year-old ecosystem is a testament to the resilience of nature.

Continue further north to Port Douglas where you can experience the flavors of Far North Queensland during a two-course dinner this evening at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Oaks Port Douglas Resort (D)

Venture to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park for a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk led by a local Indigenous Australian guide. Follow the well-worn trails of the gorge, passing waterfalls, moss-covered trees and rare plant species towards culturally significant sites while your guide demonstrates traditional plant use, identifies bush food and shares Dreamtime stories.

In the afternoon, embark on a tour of the Great Barrier Reef to the Low Isles. This four-acre coral cay is surrounded by 55 acres of vibrant reef, which you can admire from your glass-bottom boat. Explore the island at your leisure, take a guided snorkeling tour with a marine biologist, swim with turtles, and marvel at the colorful coral gardens. Back on board, enjoy an informative reef talk from your skipper before indulging in a fresh, light lunch. (B/L)

Start your day with a unique dining experience at the Curlew Café. At this special Breakfast with the Birds event, savour delicious breakfast platters brimming with tropical antipasto, baked goods, eggs of the day and more, while enjoying the company of the local wildlife including the resident koala, and colourful birds like parrots, galahs and cockatoos. Afterwards, be transferred to Cairns's airport for your onward flight to Melbourne (flight not included).

Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, bids you 'Wominjeka' (meaning ‘welcome' in the language of the Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Owners of the Melbourne area). From its founding in 1835, Melbourne has grown into one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, celebrated for its rich history, vibrant arts scene and buzzing nightlife. Upon arrival at the airport, be greeted and transferred to the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, a five-star, heritage-listed luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

After unpacking and settling in, round off your day with a delicious dinner at the celebrated Alluvial restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto (B/D)

After breakfast, join a local guide for a city walking tour - the perfect way to experience Melbourne. As your guide shares insights into the city's history and culture, visit iconic spots like Flinders Street Station, Chinatown, and ACDC Lane.

Afterwards, embark on a guided tour of Queen Victoria Market, a Melbourne landmark with over 145 years of history. Once the city's wholesale hub, the "Queen Vic" has evolved into a vibrant food lover's paradise, brimming with fresh produce, gourmet treats, artisanal products, and street food from around the world. Your guide will lead the way through the bustling food halls, uncovering local gems and international bites, offering a feast of flavors that highlight Melbourne's multicultural spirit.

From the cosmopolitan city center, set off on a trip to the spectacular natural wonders of Phillip Island. Your first stop is the Koala Conservation Reserve. Wander along tree-top boardwalks and take an up-close look at koalas in their natural habitat and explore the surrounding bushland, where local species of wallabies, echidnas, and birdlife thrive.

Next, you'll enjoy a memorable family-style Australian grill dinner at the Shearwater restaurant inside the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre. As night falls, Phillip Islands' world-famous Penguin Parade begins. From specially designed viewing platforms, marvel as hundreds of little penguins - the world's smallest penguin species - waddle ashore to their protected burrows. This is a true Aussie wildlife encounter that's not to be missed. (B/D)

Following breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)