Highlights of Australia

Highlights of Australia

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Highlights of Australia

17 Days Starting in Sydney NSW, Australia and ending in Melbourne VIC, Australia

Visiting: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Brisbane, Cairns, Kuranda, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Puffing Billy Railway, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

AS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 50

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

9-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

What comes to mind when somebody mentions Australia? Beautiful beaches, bustling cities, endless sunshine and a laid-back lifestyle? Well, you won'??t be disappointed. This diverse, continent-sized country is a perfect mix of cities, natural beauty and vast open spaces, and you can experience it for yourself on this tour of Australia.

Take in the highlights of modern Sydney, with its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then escape to the nearby Blue Mountains; explore chic Melbourne'??s winding alleys and cosy cafes, then drive the epic Great Ocean Road; escape to sunny Brisbane and meet some local wildlife; travel north to remote city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

This tour is ideal for travel-enthusiasts looking for a taster of Australia that includes a little bit of everything that the Land Down Under has to offer. 

Highlights

  • Stay in some of Australia’s greatest cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and Melbourne 

  • Experience the country’s natural beauty in the Blue Mountains, on the Great Ocean Road coastal drive and on the Puffing Billy steam train 

  • Get up close with local wildlife with a visit to a koala sanctuary, and to Phillip Island to watch the famous penguin parade 

  • Discover the amazing rainforests around Cairns on the Karunda Scenic Railway 

  • Enjoy a full day catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef 

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Overnight Flight

Your adventure begins with an overnight flight from the UK to Sydney, which will include a change of plane and a chance to stretch your legs.

Day 2

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Royal Darling Harbour

Your flight may arrive in Sydney quite late, so we'll transfer you directly to the hotel where you can check in and enjoy a rest after a day of travelling. Try to get a good night’s sleep, as tomorrow you have a free day to get to know Sydney.

Day 3

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Royal Darling Harbour

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a completely free day for you to relax and adjust to your new time zone. You can either rise early to get the most of your time or enjoy a leisurely start to the first proper day of your holiday.

Either way, once you’ve had a spot of breakfast, Sydney is your oyster. You can choose to join your Tour Manager on an orientation tour of the local area. They will point out places of interest, restaurants, and museums which you can visit in your own time.

Alternatively, there are plenty of options if you’re happy to explore alone - you may choose to take a Sydney Harbour cruise, enjoy a cocktail overlooking the water, venture out to one of Sydney’s many beaches, or – if you’re feeling especially adventurous – book in to brave the heights of the famous Harbour Bridge where you’ll get a unique view of the city.

This evening is the perfect opportunity to delve into Sydney’s gastronomic scene. Whether it’s cheap and cheerful (but delicious) dumplings in Chinatown, a Micheli-star tasting menu in the city, or fresh seafood with a nice glass of wine overlooking the water of Sydney Harbour, you’re in for a treat. 

Day 4

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Royal Darling Harbour

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel, your day begins in earnest with a visit to The Rocks. This historic area is where the First Fleet – made up of 11 ships from Great Britain - landed in 1788. The people onboard these ships made up Australia's first European colonies, and their arrival shaped the future of the country.

Your day of exploration also includes a visit to Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic beaches – and for good reason! This long crescent of sand is popular with early-rising surfers and active families, as well as tourists and locals looking for a sunny spot to rest. We’ll have some free time here to enjoy the beautiful scenery that has made this stretch of coast so popular, and to buy some lunch.

Next, we’ll return to Sydney CBD – Central Business District - and stop for a great photo opportunity at Mrs Macquaries Chair, a carved sandstone rock, where you’ll be in the perfect position to see the spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. 

Our final visit for the day is to the Sydney Opera House. We’ll get the opportunity to join a guided tour that takes us beyond the famous white exterior, to really get to know this iconic building that was built over 60 years ago by Danish architect Jorn Utzon.

Day 5

Location: Blue Mountains, Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Royal Darling Harbour

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we’ll leave behind the bright lights of Sydney and head out to discover the beauty of the Blue Mountains.

Although just 40 miles from central Sydney, the Blue Mountains feel a million miles away from city life. With gentle, green peaks giving way to the seemingly endless Jamison Valley, you can get a moment of serenity as you look out over the pristine landscape that’s full of eucalyptus trees. These trees create the blue haze which gives the mountains their name.  Be sure to stop to view the famous Three Sisters rock formation!

Next, we’ll visit nearby Scenic World, where we’ll take a ride on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway. Descend 415 metres down at a gradient of 52 degrees, travelling through the tunnel and ancient rainforest, before disembarking to walk the 300-metre rainforest boardwalk to connect with the Flyway platform. The return trip is just as beautiful, as you ride the cable car 545 metres up through the World Heritage Listed rainforest of the Jamison Valley. 

Our final adventure at Scenic World is on the Scenic Skyway cable car – here you’ll take a journey 270 metres above ancient ravines and dazzling waterfalls, which can be admired thanks to the state-of-the-art Electro-Scenic Glass Floor. If you’re nervous about heights, it’s time to brace yourself - at the flip of a switch, breathtaking views are revealed through the cabin floor directly below. The 360-degree birds’ eye view takes in the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Mount Solitary and the seemingly never-ending Jamison Valley. 

Day 6

Location: Brisbane

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Brisbane King George Square

Meals Included: Breakfast


After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to Sydney as you transfer to Sydney airport for a direct flight to Brisbane, which only takes around 90 minutes.



From Brisbane airport, we’ll make our way to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. The sanctuary was opened in 1927 by a local resident who recognised that something had to be done to help protect one of Australia’s most-loved species. Their mission is to protect, respect and conserve their environment, by education and connecting people with nature.  



While at the sanctuary, you will have the opportunity to see some of the animals they care for. From birds and amphibians to reptiles and farm animals, you’ll get to see a diverse range of animals and learn how they’re cared for. Wildlife highlights include their endemic species like Tasmanian devils and dingos, as well as the cuddlier looking wombats, koalas and - Australia’s national animal – kangaroos. 


This afternoon, enjoy a change of pace as we hop onboard a relaxing cruise on the Brisbane river. This is a great way to get your bearings in this petite city, as you’ll see its iconic sights including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the city centre and Story Bridge.

Day 7

Location: Brisbane

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Brisbane King George Square

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is yours to spend as you please. You’ll have the entire day to explore Brisbane at your own pace. The city is pretty compact but incredibly friendly and laid back, so you can see most of it in one day. We recommend meandering along the city’s South Bank which is made up of parkland, galleries, cafes and restaurants. You’ll find a nice mix of people here, from families with tiny tots to rollerbladers with ice creams in hands.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to get out of the city, book a visit to Australia Zoo - home to the late Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter” - where you can see even more Aussie wildlife.

Day 8

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pacific Hotel Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast


Today we’ll take a flight from Brisbane to Cairns, a small city on Australia’s north-east coast. 


After the two-and-a-half-hour flight, there will be a short transfer to your hotel. After you’ve checked in, we’ll have a free afternoon to either rest and relax at the hotel – perhaps take a dip in the pool to cool off - or get out and see this colourful city. In stark contrast to Sydney, there’s no glitz and glamour in Cairns. Instead, head to one of the local pubs and get chatting with the friendly locals over a schooner or two of Aussie beer.

Day 9

Location: Kuranda

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pacific Hotel Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we will visit Kurunda, a mountain village on the outskirts of Cairns.

We’ll start with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which has gondolas that travel four-and-a-half-miles across the rainforest canopy. The cable car gives you a unique perspective of Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, which has survived against all odds to become the home of the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. Glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy, before descending deep into the rainforest to see it closeup.

After your cable car experience, we’ll stop off to visit a rainforest interpretative centre. Then we will have some time to explore charming Kuranda village.

The next experience of the day is on board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Settle into your vintage timber carriage and get your camera at the ready. This spectacular train ride will take us through the magnificent, World Heritage-listed Barron Falls National Park. 

From the comfort of your seat, relax and watch picturesque valleys, jungles, railway bridges and tunnels built over a century ago pass by, and be sure to keep an eye out for the Barron Falls themselves, of course! Listen to the steady rumbling of the heritage-style locomotive journeying through the one of the world's oldest rainforests. The train ride itself is a treat for any rail enthusiasts! 

Day 10

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pacific Hotel Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Although we’ve all heard of the Great Barrier Reef, and it’s on top of many people’s bucket lists, there’s nothing you have read or seen that can prepare you for the reality of this astounding natural beauty. This is the largest and most complex expanse of living coral on earth. Extending from north of Cape York to south of the Tropic of Capricorn, its underwater coral gardens, cays and islands and the huge variety of fish, marine mammals, turtles and birds can’t fail to ‘wow’ even the best-travelled nature lover. 

Today we’ll sail by catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by coral gardens that are teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life, including over 20,000 migratory seabirds, as the Cay is a protected seabird sanctuary. The surrounding outer reef is a spectacular garden of exotic marine life, magnificent coral and giant clams, boasting more varieties of tropical fish than the entire Atlantic Ocean! You’ll have time to enjoy some snorkelling or take a ride on a glass bottom boat, all topped off with an included buffet lunch.

Day 11

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pacific Hotel Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is all yours to spend as you wish. If you’re feeling tired and in need of rest, enjoy a guilt-free day relaxing at the hotel. Alternatively, you can use your time to stroll around Cairns, visiting the Botanical Gardens, museums, Josephine Falls swimming hole, Rusty's market and more - our Tour Manager can help you choose where to visit - or book a day trip out of the city. We can recommend a tour to Cape Tribulation which is a remote coastal area within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Daintree National Park, offering a combination of rainforest and beaches.

Day 12

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pan Pacific Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

After some free time this morning to relax or take one last stroll along Cairns’ Esplanade, we’ll make our way to the airport for our flight to Melbourne.  

Melbourne – which has been voted most liveable city in the world no less than seven times! - is a diverse city that’s often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital. It is a thriving arts hub with a world-class food scene, and this afternoon and evening are the perfect opportunity to try it for yourself. 

Brunch in Melbourne isn’t just a meal, it’s an event, and the café culture goes way beyond good coffee (although that’s a given) and it’s a must-do to fully immerse yourself into Melburnian life.

Alternatively, make the most of the Asian influence that can be found across Australia with a visit to Chinatown for delectable dumplings and to Richmond for Vietnamese restaurants serving up hearty Pho.

In between amazing meals, there’s a wide selection of museums, art galleries and theatres, as well as sports events and festivals happening all year round.  

Day 13

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pan Pacific Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we’ll have an introductory tour of the vibrant city of Melbourne and its surrounding parks and attractions. While the rectangular city centre is full of high-rise buildings, stately old buildings and boutique-filled alleyways, just a short journey out of the city you’ll find parks and gardens and many classic buildings, such as the Old Treasury Building and the Exhibition Building, built for the Great Exhibition of 1880.  

On this tour, we’ll also take a drive past the MCG - the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground - and Rod Laver Arena, where the Australian Open Tennis is played each year. We’ll also see the parklands and the War Memorial, and the city’s meeting point - Federation Square.

This afternoon is free for you to explore Melbourne for yourself. Why not take a stroll along the Southbank promenade, which follows along the Yarra river? Or find a little nook for a coffee and cake? Or even dip into one of the city’s galleries to see local, national and international artworks.   

Day 14

Location: Melbourne, Great Ocean Road

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pan Pacific Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s an early start this morning as we set off early from the hotel to drive to the Great Ocean Road. Often hailed as Australia’s most spectacular coastal highway, it has been listed as an Australian National Heritage site. The 150-mile stretch of road has some of the best coastal scenery this country has to offer.  

The coastal route is popular with tourists and Melburnians alike. The road hugs the Surf Coast between Torquay and Cape Otway, and, a little further west, the Shipwreck Coast, providing views of the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. The road traverses rainforests and beaches, as well as sandstone and limestone cliffs, and there are lots of quaint towns and villages to along the way.

We will stop for some great photos of the famous Twelve Apostles, huge limestone pillars which just out of the surf or sand, carved over time by the Southern Ocean.  

We will have some free time for lunch before returning to Melbourne for the evening, where you’ll have some free time to relax.  

Day 15

Location: Puffing Billy Railway

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pan Pacific Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we’ll travel through Melbourne eastern suburbs to The Dandenong Ranges. Arguably one of the best ways to explore these rolling hills is on Puffing Billy – a traditional steam train that chugs its way through lush mountainside from Belgrave. We’ll disembark at Lakeside Visitor Centre & Museum, where our coach will be waiting for us.  

From here, we’ll make our way to Phillip Island, where we’ll visit the Phillip Island Koala Centre, where you can wander tree-top boardwalks to watch koalas up close in their natural habitat. Next is the Nobbies Centre. Overlooking the waters of Bass Strait, the Nobbies Centre showcases marine life of the southern oceans, including Australian fur seals.  

After this, we’ll have the privilege to witness the Penguin Parade! This unique experience takes part in the Phillip Island Nature Park, an area is a reserve designed to protect and promote awareness of the Little Penguin species. 

Once we’re settled at environmentally friendly observation boardwalks and viewing stands, it’s time for the magic to begin. As the sun sets, you’ll be waiting in silent anticipation to see one penguin emerge from the water, followed by another, until dozens of Little Penguins have emerged from the ocean to take their daily journey back to their sand-dune burrows. To see them come out of the surf in small groups and waddle up the beach is a fascinating experience that is cute enough to warm even the hardiest heart. 

This is our last experience of the day, and afterwards we’ll make our way back to the hotel. It will be quite late by the time we return to Melbourne, but the day will have been worth it.

Day 16

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Overnight Flight

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll head to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 17

Location: United Kingdom

Arrive back in the UK after an incredible once-in-a-lifetime tour.

What's Included

  • 14 nights in 3- to 4-star accommodation;

  • Daily breakfast and 1 Lunch on the Great Barrier Reef cruise

  • Flights to Sydney, returning from Melbourne;

  • All tours and transfers mentioned;

  • All local accommodation and airport/flight taxes;

  • The services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager;

  • Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person;

  • Your included excursions are:;

  • Sightseeing tours in Sydney and Melbourne;

  • The Blue Mountains;

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What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • Tipping and Gratuity

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Flights to Sydney, returning from Melbourne

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    We are unable to accommodate children under 9 years old at the date of departure..

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Dawn Curzons (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from my first...

18-Oct-2024

Just returned from my first Riviera tour ,Valencia and the orange grove coast for solo travellers an̈d despite challenges due to two public holidays and things closing, it was managed excellently by the tour manager. Would not hesitate to use Riviera again. Pleased to find a replacement after very bad service from Titan in the past.

Julie Berry (Google Reviewer)  

What a fantastic holiday to...

29-May-2024

What a fantastic holiday to Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise. If you are thinking of booking this do it right now. From start to finish everything was great. The hotels, the transport and the cruise. The rep was absolutely fabulous. If you have ‘B’ as your rep you will make a friend. She is so full of knowledge. We went on this trip with strangers and left it as friends.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

Jean Libaert (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic small boat cruise from...

29-Sep-2024

Fantastic small boat cruise from Split to Porec and then by catamaran to Venice. Well done Riviera for another wonderful holiday. Would recommend this company and all their small boat cruises (just completed our 3rd!).

Paul Carpenter (Google Reviewer)  

First River Cruise and the...

25-Aug-2024

First River Cruise and the first time with Riviera but it won't be the last. The holiday exceeded our expectations. From the reps we spoke to when booking, to the staff and crew on board, they were all very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything was well organised and made for a very enjoyable holiday. The boat was very clean, plenty of space in the cabin and on deck and the food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Plenty to see along the Rhine, with castles, towns passing by at a nice sedate pace and watching the other craft using the Rhine. Highly recommend.

Jeff Aliño-Abbott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a wonderful time...

17-Sep-2024

We had a wonderful time in a beautiful area. The tour was so well organised and supported by charming and knowledgable Riviera guides. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Really excellent and will definitely book again.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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