Australian Icons: Rock, Reef, Harbour & Wildlife

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.

You'll be greeted on arrival at the airport before enjoying a comfortable transfer to your accommodation, The Voco Melbourne Central. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind or discover Melbourne's vibrant laneways, cafes and riverfront.

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 Hosier 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 highlights and international bites, offering a feast of ingredients that celebrate Melbourne's multicultural spirit.

From Melbourne's cosmopolitan CBD, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the natural wonders of Phillip Island.

Enhance Your Journey - Visit Philip Island In Philip Island, visit the Koala Conservation Reserve where elevated boardwalks offer the chance to observe koalas in their natural habitat, alongside native birdlife and bushland species. As evening falls, experience the world-famous Penguin Parade. From purpose-built viewing platforms, watch as hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle ashore to their burrows - a truly iconic Australian wildlife spectacle.

After breakfast, you'll depart Melbourne and board your flight to Uluru, the heart of Australia's Red Center. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your premium accommodation, Desert Gardens, and check in. The striking desert landscape sets the scene for a memorable evening.

Spend some time at leisure, perhaps taking in the serenity of your surroundings. Witness the awe-inspiring Uluru sunset from the viewing platform, as the rock glows in shades of red and gold. It's a truly magical moment not to be missed.

At sunrise, embark on a guided walk through Walpa Gorge, a natural creek bed that weaves between two towering, ancient domes. Follow the gently sloping trail past sheer rock walls, rare plant species and spearwood trees into what's known as a desert refuge for lizards and lazing red kangaroos.

Return to your resort where lunch is available at your own expense. Take the chance to cool off in the pool before the opportunity to return to the national park to embark on the popular Mala walk. On this walk, explore ancient campsites, see the kitchen caves of the Mala people and admire rock art.

Tonight, perhaps treat yourself to an evening of magic under the sparkling outback sky at the optional Sounds of Silence Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey - Sounds of Silence Dinner Experience the magic of Australia's Red Center during an enchanting Sounds of Silence Dinner under the stars, with the sacred Uluru as your backdrop. Indulge in an award-winning, three-course bush tucker dinner while looking out onto the thousands of colored bulbs that make up the Field of Light art installation.

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival, you'll head to the Sydney Harbour Marriott for check-in, perfectly positioned to take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a stroll along the famous Circular Quay, relax with a drink overlooking the Opera House, or simply unwind in the comfort of your idyllic surroundings.

Explore the best of Sydney today with a sightseeing tour that combines the city's rich culture and coastal beauty. After breakfast at your hotel, embark on an insider's tour of the incredible Sydney Opera House. Accompanied by a local guide, go ‘beneath the sails' of this legendary performance arts center to discover the story behind the incredible architecture, the famous performances and the fascinating history of this Australian masterpiece.

Afterwards, board the Manly Ferry at Circular Quay for the 30-minute trip to Manly, the charming beachside suburb famous for its stunning beaches, outdoor cafes and surf shops. The afternoon is yours to take in the spectacular views or try the local seafood at one of Manly's renowned beachfront fish and chips eateries (own expense).

Later, you'll be escorted to Darling Harbour where a super cruiser awaits to whisk you off on an unforgettable Sydney Harbour sunset dinner cruise. As your ship sails at a leisurely four knots, savor a delicious three-course dinner while passing iconic sights, including the Prime Minister residence at Kirribilli House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the world-famous Sydney Opera House.

Begin your final morning in Sydney with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Cairns.

On arrival, you'll head to Port Douglas, passing tropical landscapes along the way. Check in to Oaks Resort and spend the afternoon at leisure. Stroll along the palm‑fringed beaches, enjoy a refreshing drink by the pool, or simply immerse yourself in the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

This morning, you may wish to venture to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park for an optional tour.

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.

Enhance Your Journey - Mossman Gorge In Mossman Gorge, embark on 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.

This morning, you may choose to join a unique dining experience at the Curlew Café. Afterwards, you'll be transferred to Cairns airport for your onward flight.

Enhance Your Journey - Breakfast with the Birds At this special "Breakfast with the Birds" event, feast on delicious breakfast platters brimming with tropical antipasto, baked goods, eggs of the day and more. Enjoy the company of the local wildlife including the resident koala, and lively birds like parrots, galahs and cockatoos.