After flying from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere and crossing the International Date Line, we arrive in Sydney – Australia’s largest and oldest city. Depending on how full our hotel is from the previous night and when those guests are checking out today, our rooms may not be available until this afternoon. Today is free for you to relax, get over  some of your jetlag and/or explore this exciting  metropolis.

Those members of the group who have arrived early or who have previously taken our New Zealand tour will already be staying at the hotel

Those of us enjoying our optional Tasmania tour will fly Hobart – Sydney this evening.

First of 2 nights in Sydney.  The Tank Stream Hotel or similar   No meals.

As part of our guided tour of Sydney we take a ferry ride across the spectacular natural harbour, seeing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and admiring the white sails of the Opera House gleaming in the sun. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, this is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most recognisable buildings in the entire world! It took 10 years to build and its organ has over 10,000 pipes, making it the largest mechanical organ in the world. Some 2 million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances inside the opera house, in addition to the many millions who admire and photograph it from outside.

On our ferry ride we sail past Shark Island, magnificent homes, beaches and parklands. Disembarking, we explore the historic Rocks District, dating to the arrival of British settlers in the late 1700s. We wander the narrow, cobbled laneways and stroll around the waterfront at Circular Quay, learning about early convict history.

We visit the trendy Oxford Street District and travel through elegant Paddington with its terrace houses before seeing the superb coast cliff walk around Tamarama and Bronte.

On our coach we drive to famous Bondi Beach, where we visit the beachfront promenade and enjoy Sydney’s best panoramic view at Dover Heights.

We return to Sydney via Double Bay, Kings Cross and Mrs Macquarie’s Point for a final magical viewpoint over the harbour before returning to the city centre.

Second of 2 nights in Sydney. The Tank Stream Hotel or similar.    Breakfast & Dinner.

The capital city of Australia, Canberra, is a 3-hour drive from Sydney – nearly halfway between Sydney and its historic rival, Melbourne. Founded following the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901, the site was chosen for the new, national capital in 1909. A worldwide competition was launched in 1911 to find a design for a new federal capital, and the winning plan was submitted by an American architect. Construction began in 1913 but was interrupted by World War I. On May 9, 1927, ceremonies marked the official transfer of the federal Parliament from Melbourne to the new capital. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory at the northern tip of the Australian Alps, the country’s highest mountain range. The tiny (by Australian standards) A.C.T. itself is entirely surrounded by the state of New South Wales. Today, Canberra is Australia’s largest inland city and the 8th-largest city overall, with a population of around half a million.

We start our city tour with panoramic views from the top of Mount Ainslie. On our driving tour we see Mount Stromlo Observatory (1924), the National Library of Australia (1968), the High Court of Australia (1981), the Australian National Gallery (1982) – which includes over 170,000 art works – ,    and the Australian National University (1936) among others. We also admire the city’s beautiful parks and lakes. We stop to visit the Australian War Memorial (1941) and the National Museum of Australia, located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The Museum’s stunning architecture showcases the diverse histories and cultures of Australia’s peoples.

Overnight in Canberra. Novotel or similar.   Breakfast & Dinner. 

This morning we will see the Old Parliament House, where the national legislature met between 1927 and 1988. It is now the Museum of Australian Democracy. We take a guided tour of the current Parliament House (1988) with its unique architecture before driving back past Sydney to the east coast.

Driving up the “Central Coast” of New South Wales, we experience the classic, laid-back Aussie beach lifestyle associated with surfing.

Overnight in Newcastle. The Lucky Hotel or similar.    Breakfast & Dinner.

Driving farther up the picturesque New South Wales coast with spectacular coastal views both north and south, we are reminded of the coast of California – with an Aussie twist! Today we are bound for Coffs Harbour.

Overnight in Coffs Harbour.  Coffs Harbour Sanctuary Resort or similar.   Breakfast & Dinner.

This morning we travel one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country, stopping to soak up views of Solitary Islands Marine Park. We stop at the surfers’ haven of Byron Bay, which lures visitors with its famously laid back, alternative lifestyle. This is the eastern tip of Australia,

Crossing the border into Queensland State, we discover the Gold Coast – a major tourist destination for Australians, with breathtaking beaches, located 95 kilometres/60 miles south of Brisbane. It has 60 kilometres/35 miles of coastline, year-round sunshine and a subtropical climate.

The three major beach areas are Surfers’ Paradise Beach, an excellent place for shopping with its 14 shopping centres. Along the beachfront, you will find around 120 market stalls offering everything under the sun. Main Beach is a stylish resort with outstanding dining, cafes and shopping.

Adventure through lush national parks, stunning beaches, rolling green hills, and small but vibrant towns full of charm and authentic Australian culture as we drive from Arrawarra to Byron Bay.  We stop at Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the easternmost point in the country. Cape Byron Lighthouse is 3km (1.9 mi) northeast of Byron Bay. The popular white structure emits the most powerful light of all working lighthouses in the country and it’s also located at the most easterly point of the Australian continent. Head up to the top of the tower to scan the ocean for whales (the Southern Cross University’s Whale Research Centre is located here). Pass by national parks, mountains, surfy enclaves, and endless stretches of sand bordering brilliant blue water.

First of 2 nights in Brisbane.  Mercure King George Hotel or similar.  Breakfast & Dinner.

The once sleepy town of Brisbane has emerged in recent decades as one of Australia’s fastest-growing capital cities. With a year-round sub-tropical climate, it is also the gateway to Queensland’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, two Australian vacation spots with top-notch beaches and facilities.

The Brisbane River flows through the city’s hilly topography, making a river cruise a great way to see the city.

A Brisbane highlight is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first koala sanctuary where you can cuddle a koala (legal only in Queensland and South Australia), feed the kangaroos and meet adorably grouchy Tasmanian Devils. Another essential Brisbane view is Mount Coot-tha with its spectacular lookout and excellent botanical gardens.  Our guided tour of Brisbane also includes Brisbane Koala Bushlands Walk

Second of 2 nights in Brisbane.   Mercure King George Hotel or similar.   Breakfast & LUNCH.

The capital of South Australia

Adelaide is a picturesque city with a relaxed atmosphere. As the capital of South Australia and the country’s fifth-largest city, it’s ideal for walking, with plentiful parks and historical architecture. Planned with wide boulevards and large public spaces, Adelaide is surrounded by the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Adelaide Hills and is well known for its festivals, including the world’s largest cabaret festival, and the biannual Adelaide Festival, which features opera, theatre and other types of entertainment.  Adelaide is known for its well-preserved churches and well-admired cuisine

Overnight in Adelaide.   Stamford Plaza Hotel or similar.   Breakfast & Dinner.

The Centre of Australia

We fly over dry salt lakes and red desert before your first of many mesmerizing encounters with  Alice Springs and the heart of the Outback. In Alice Springs, we learn about the Flying Doctors who service the remote communities and explore the Outback, the country’s rugged interior. Alice Springs, also known as “The Alice,” is Australia’s most famous outback town. Halfway between Adelaide and Darwin, 1500 kilometres/950 miles from the nearest major city, Alice Springs is an ideal stop to Australia vacation staples Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), along with other wonders of the Red Centre.

Established as a simple telegraph station, Alice Springs has evolved its own quirky character, with camel races and a busy festival calendar. We  learn about Australia’s first people at the Aboriginal Culture Centre

Overnight in Alice Springs.  Mercure Resort or similar.   Breakfast & Dinner.

The Red Centre

Experience the wonders of the of the Outback with visits to unique Alice Springs, the remarkable Kings Canyon and the amazing Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park, home to the unusual Olga’s and the iconic Ayers Rock. We continue through the Outback to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with a stop en route at King’s Creek Station and the Luritja Road with amazing views of Mount Connor. The drive along the Lasseter Highway provides excellent photo ops of the enormous mountain.  Later,we enter Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park and  learn about Tjukurpa people, their history, knowledge, religion, morality and law of the Aboriginals and their ancestors

First of 2 nights in Ayers Rock/Uluhu. The Outback  Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

We experience Uluru in a different light with magical sunrise. After a grand start to the day, we tour the base of Uluru  to learn about its ancient rock and art hear stories of the Anangu people, caretakers of this remote arid landscape. History and natural beauty are interwoven in this memorable morning, we will  have a bit of free time to go for a dip in the pool or browse the shops and galleries of Town Square shopping village before continuing our journey through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta.

Second of 2 nights in Ayers Rock/Uluhu. The Outback  Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Our final day in the Outback takes us to see the sunrise over the Olgas and Ayers Rock,  later  we head to the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for breakfast and an insight into the history of the local Anangu People. We enjoy a walk around the base of Ayers Rock, a very large piece of rock situated in the desert and a monolith of red sandstone rising out of the flat landscape. To the indigenous Aboriginal people, it is a very sacred place. Hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole, an important water source for the Aboriginal people and animals in the area.

First of 3 nights in Cairns.  Cairns Plaza Hotel  or similar.  Breakfast & Dinner.

Cairns, the tropical Queensland city sitting on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.

Experience the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Barrier Reef. The day begins as we board a high-speed catamaran.  Don your mask and fins (equipment provided) for an immersive look at this kaleidoscope of fishes and reef. Or, stay dry and explore the world’s largest living reef system from the comfort of a the glass bottom boat

Second of 3 nights in Cairns.  Cairns Plaza Hotel  or similar.    Breakfast & LUNCH.

We ride a train into the neighbouring mountains and rainforests, and have the opportunity to meet koalas at Rainforestation in Kuranda. 

Third of 3 nights in Cairns. Cairns Plaza Hotel   or similar.   Breakfast & Dinner.

Melbourne, the country’s coolest city and the “World’s Most Livable City.”

First of 2 nights in Melbourne. Novotel Central or similar.   Breakfast & Dinner.

Our guided tour of Melbourne includes illustrates what makes Melbourne so unique. Discover why Melbourne has justifiably earned its reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities and we delve into its Victorian history in the CBD,  Southbank’s sprawling riverfront, arts district, and natural beauty at the Botanic Gardens

Second of 2 nights in Melbourne.  Novotel Central or similar.   Breakfast & Dinner.

Today we fly home, crossing the International Date Line and arriving in North America the same day. If you wish to stay on in Melbourne after the tour, we can organise this for you.

Breakfast, if not leaving too early.

The island state of Tasmania is located 240 kilometres south of the Australian mainland.

LAND TOUR COST $ 3,500 CANADIAN  per person
includes flights:
February 5: Sydney, Australia to Hobart Tasmaina  AND 
February 9: Hobart, Tasmania to Sydney- Australia

Monday February 5:  Fly from Sydney, Australia  to Hobart, Tasmania
This afternoon we fly to the capital of Tasmania and Australia’s southernmost city.
First of 2 nights in Hobart. Best Western Hobart Hotel or similar.  Breakfast

Tuesday February 6:    Tasman Peninsula
Outside Hobart we visit the Hobart Historic Shot Tower. Built in 1870, it is the world’s tallest circular sandstone tower and offers stunning 360-degree views from the top. Originally designed to produce ammunition – a mix of lead, arsenic, and other metals was dropped from the top and formed a perfect, hardened sphere by the time it hit the water at the bottom! We can ascend the 300 wooden steps and learn the history of this building on the climb up.
Heading east, we enter the Coal River Valley – one of Tasmania’s premier wine regions – before continuing on to the historic township of Richmond. The village is famous for its elegant Georgian architecture, with beautiful heritage buildings dating to the 1820s now housing galleries, tea shops, craft boutiques and museums. Here we also see the beautiful stone arch of the Richmond Bridge, built by convicts in 1823. This is Australia’s oldest bridge still in operation. Tasman National Park boasts towering sea cliffs and a wealth of cultural history as we venture south, stopping at a beautiful lookout point over Pirates Bay. We learn about Eaglehawk Neck – the site of the infamous Dogline – as we cross onto the Tasman Peninsula for our first taste of the east coast. We then explore some of nature’s true wonders with short, scenic walks at Tasman’s Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, the Blowhole and the Totem Pole. At the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site we explore some of the original buildings as we learn about the early convicts and the role they played in Tasmania’s history, especially the Port Arthur timber industry. This is the best-preserved convict site in all of Australia.
Returning to Hobart, we see some of the highlights of “the big city.” The summit of Mt Wellington (1,270m) gives us spectacular panoramic views in every direction.

Second of 2 nights in Hobart. Best Western Hobart Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Wednesday  February 7:     Eastern & Central Tasmania
Returning to the east coast this morning, at Raspins Beach, we view the imposing Maria Island off the coast of Orford before stopping to see the unique convict-built Spikey Bridge and the captivating coastline at Spikey Beach.
Next up is Swansea – a beautiful East Coast town – and the Great Oyster Bay area. Arriving in Bicheno for our evening accommodation we will squeeze in one last feel-good activity by spotting the cute little Fairy Penguins arriving ashore right in Bicheno township.
This afternoon we leave the coast and head into the interior of the island. Launceston is Australia’s 3rd oldest city – after Sydney and Hobart.

First of 2 nights in Launceston. Grand Chancellor Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner. 

Thursday February 8:     Northern Tasmania
Launceston, on the Tamar River, is Tasmania’s ‘northern capital’ – a historic city with many well-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings. Our driving tour around town takes in some of the most iconic old buildings and structures including the Penny Royal complex, the King Bridge, the Post Office, and the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. We also include the lovely Cataract Gorge, a fantastic urban wilderness. At City Park to see the manicured gardens and the John Hart Conservatory.
North of Launceston, the Tamar Valley region is the food basket of Tasmania – the premier wine & produce region of the state. We begin with a stop at Brady’s Lookout, with sweeping views up and down the Tamar River. Next, we explore of the infamous Beaconsfield Gold Mine & Heritage Centre. Here we learn about the significance of this site in Tasmanian history and the dramatic collapse of the mine in 2006, which led to one of the most publicised rescue missions in Australian history.
We view the magnificent north coast and Bass Strait from the Low Head Historic Lighthouse site and visit George Town.

Second of 2 nights in Launceston. Grand Chancellor Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner. 

Friday February  9:   Tasmania – Sydney, Australia
This morning we drive south down the Midlands Highway, a stunning drive through rolling countryside with fields of many different and colourful crops, grazing livestock, and mountainous terrain in the background. Upon arrival in Hobart, we continue our sightseeing of Tasmania’s capital. The Hobart waterfront and Battery Point were settled as a defensive outpost in the 19^th Century and are home to many of Hobart’s oldest convict-built structures. Nowadays, this historic area is home to trendy art galleries, cafes and boutiques. We wander the cobbled streets of Salamanca Place and gaze over the sailboats at Constitution Dock. This is where yachts finish when competing in the annual Sydney to Hobart race.

This afternoon we transfer to Hobart Airport for our flight to Sydney to join our tour of Australia

First of  nights in Sydney.  Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.