Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Australia – Melbourne – Tasmania – Sydney
100% customisable for you
Your 20-day Australian adventure begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle into the lounge, squeezing in a celebratory toast to your trip (may as well). Your flight to Melbourne has a stopover in southeast Asia, so the whole journey takes just over a day, giving you plenty of time to lean back, slip on an eye mask and start counting sheep (or should we say kangaroos?).
When you land, a private driver will be waiting to take you to Melbourne, where you’ll stay for the next three nights in a centrally located hotel. If you have the energy, step out for a gentle stroll this evening. But if not, don't worry. You’ll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow. While you’re shaking off your jet lag, why not leave dinner plans in the trusty hands of your local Concierge?
The ‘most pleasant city in the world’ (what an endorsement), Melbourne has a lot to shout about. From great restaurants and spectacular shopping to gorgeous green spaces and a lively art scene, there’s something for everyone in this coastal capital.
This morning, hit the ground running – well, walking – and explore on foot, guided by a friendly local (also known as a Melburnian). You’ll have the freedom to take the tour wherever your heart desires, chatting about daily life in the city as you go and picking up tips for the rest of your trip.
For the rest of the day, Melbourne is your oyster. Fancy a spot of retail therapy? Dip in and out of the shops along Acland Street. Travelling with a history buff? Visit Flinders Station, Federation Square and the Shrine of Remembrance. Keen to sample the region’s legendary wines? Take a swift trip to the Yarra Valley vineyards on the outskirts of the city – the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are standouts.
After a hearty breakfast this morning, head out to make the most of your final day in Melbourne. There are so many things to do and see here, from serious sightseeing to laid-back leisure. You could enjoy an open-air cinema experience on the lawn of the Royal Botanic Gardens; soak up the bohemian atmosphere of the Fitzroy neighbourhood with strolls along Brunswick and Gertrude Street; find your art fix at the Ian Potter Center; gawk at the layout of the State Library Victoria; or spot the penguins perched on the end of St. Kilda's Pier.
For dinner tonight, why not sample the fruits of the barbie (the charming Aussie term for barbecue)? If you’re swamped with options, your Concierge will be sure to steer you in the right direction.
Wave goodbye to Melbourne today before your private transfer to the airport for your speedy one-hour flight to Tasmania (no post-flight stretching necessary this time). You’ll touchdown in Launceston, where you’ll collect your rental car, pop on a driving playlist and celebrate the start of your rugged island road trip.
You’re staying in Launceston for the next two nights, so this evening, settle in, freshen up and scope out the city centre – if you’re a seafood lover, this is the place to try it.
Despite its status as the second-largest city in Tasmania, Launceston still feels like a small town. Bursting with provincial charm, it’s best discovered through scenic strolls along its winding streets, which are lined with pretty pastel-coloured Victorian buildings. And don’t miss a country walk, heading for the hills of the suburbs to see an array of cosy cottages. From the top of these hills, you can also enjoy plunging views of the river and the mountains.
Once you’ve soaked up the scenery, visit the Tamar Valley vineyards. Tasmania has not one but four wine regions (lucky you). Two are near the capital of Hobart, one is on the edge of the Pacific, and one – of course – is the Tamar Valley itself. The largest of the lot, these vineyards have been in use since the beginning of the 19th century, when the first vines were planted. Spend the rest of the day here sampling grape varieties, soaking up the sun and taking the task of discovering your next favourite wine very seriously.
This morning, put Launceston in the rearview as you set off on the two-hour drive to Cradle Mountain National Park. Fancy squeezing in an animal encounter along the way? Stop off at the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can have your long-awaited introduction to the island’s famous namesake: the Tasmanian Devil (they’re not as bad as they sound, promise). Nearby, make another stop at beautiful Barrington Lake, before passing through the contours of Cradle Mountain to arrive at your hotel on the edge of the national park.
You’ll be staying here for the next two nights, so stow the car away (for now) and settle in with a delicious dinner this evening, fuelling up for more adventures tomorrow.
Despite holding a coveted place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Cradle Mountain (rather greedily) boasts an array of other accolades. It’s the most visited park in Tasmania, it has the most popular hike (the 40-mile Overland Track) and it’s home to the deepest lake (Saint Clair). Safe to say, it’s a must-see site.
Today, lace up your hiking boots – or, failing that, a well-worn pair of trainers – and head out to explore these ancient glacial valleys on foot. The trails here are a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts, offering a wide range of paths suitable for various levels of expertise. To sweeten your experience, at various bends in the path, you’ll likely encounter a platypus or (if you’re lucky) the Tasmanian Devil itself.
After the adventures of yesterday, you might want to treat yourself to a lie-in this morning (you’ve certainly earned one). So, after a slow start, take one last look at the incredible landscapes of Cradle Mountain before bundling back into the hire car for the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Strahan. You won’t be going cold turkey on the scenery, though, because the route to the west coast has a dizzying descent and an enchanting series of vantage points. Be sure to take a peek at Lake Rosebery and Lake Mackintosh along the way.
When you arrive in Strahan, you’ll be greeted by Macquarie Harbour, a shallow fjord overlooking the Indian Ocean. You’ll be staying here for two nights, in a cosy hotel by the water, meaning not one but two chances to snap the perfect photo of the bay at sunset (just a little something to make friends and family back home jealous).
Push off the banks of Strahan this morning for a catamaran cruise on the Gordon River. Along the way, pass through Hell's Gate, the mouth of the river and the only path for fishing boats (don't worry, it’s far more pleasant than its name suggests). Another UNESCO World Heritage site – we're spoiling you with them on this trip – Gordon River is surrounded by lush landscapes, including a superb rainforest that can be explored from Heritage Landing. Here, the walk among the trees (each more than 2,000 years old) is bound to be a highlight. Another worthy draw to the shore is Sarah Island, a former penitentiary from the early 19th century where 300 prisoners were employed to build boats.
Another day, another coast. This morning, trade the serene shores of Strahan for the coastal capital of Hobart, perched on the southern tip of Tasmania. This stretch of road is chock full of more spectacular scenery, including waterfalls, lakes and mountains, so the four-and-a-half-hour journey is sure to fly by.
When you arrive, you’ll be in the beating heart of Tasmania, in a city whose credits include hosting the annual Sydney-Hobart Sailing Race and serving as the starting point for polar expeditions. For dinner tonight, you’ll have plenty of choice, thanks to the many (many) options that dot the surrounding area.
Craving some more animal encounters? You’re in luck. Today, visit the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a site which takes in injured and orphaned animals as part of a program focused on education and rehabilitation. Bursting with curious creatures, the sanctuary also breeds a number of species itself, including Tasmanian Devils, eastern quolls, wild frogs and eastern bandicots.
This afternoon, see a different side of nature at Mount Field National Park, the oldest national park in Tasmania and a playground for eager explorers. With a catalogue of contrasting scenery – from dense, humid forests to alpine panoramas – every corner turned leads to something new and exciting. The highlight? Winding along a path lined with 560ft-tall eucalyptus trees.
Today, hop back in the car, pump up the driving tunes (check out our Sounds of Australasia playlist if you’re in need of a refresh) and set off on the two-and-a-half-hour drive to the Freycinet Peninsula. En route, cross the calm expanse of Pitt Water – a large body of tidal salt water – before heading north, bypassing the Mount Morriston reserve to cut through the hilly landscape. After reaching the coast in Orford, follow the Tasman Sea until you reach Freycinet Park, your base for the next two nights. You’ll explore tomorrow, so this evening, stretch your legs, indulge in a delicious dinner and sink into bed.
The best way to experience Freycinet National Park? By sea kayak. Glide out onto the water this morning to see this spectacular landscape in all its glory, taking in the pink granite mountains and turquoise blue waters. As you cruise along, you’ll reach a series of wild beaches and isolated coves, the silence of the kayak allowing for even more animal encounters (including sea eagles). During the trip, your guide will also lead you to the bay where the fisheries and old quarry are hidden. Afterwards, settle down on one of the beaches along the coast to enjoy a warming cup of tea – the perfect boost after your kayaking efforts.
Buckle up, because today marks the penultimate drive of the trip: a swift one-hour journey up the coast to the fishing port of Bicheno. This pleasant seaside town is known for its stellar seafood, so make sure you work up a healthy (and curious) appetite on your way over. When you arrive, freshen up, settle in and head out in search of a delicious dinner.
This afternoon, why not soak up the last of Tasmania’s incredible nature with a visit to Douglas-Apsley National Park? The largest dry sclerophyll forest on the island, it’s full of tranquil waterholes and deep river gorges. I f you’re still craving a nature fix later on, head to the Bicheno Blowhole, an underwater cave where the waves rush to the surface like a geyser – cameras at the ready. And to squeeze in another spot of hiking (because you’ll be pros by now), walk to St Columba Falls or weave between the eucalyptus trees on the Blue Tier Giant Walk.
It’s time to say your goodbyes to Tasmania this morning. But don’t dismay, you’ll be finishing with three nights in Sydney to soften the blow. After a hearty breakfast overlooking the Pacific, drive to Launceston Airport, return your rental car (phew) and board the two-hour flight to Sydney.
Touchdown this afternoon, ready to meet your private driver (no more navigating for you) and head straight to your centrally located hotel. When you arrive, unpack, wind down and grab a drink at the bar – here’s to the final epic portion of your Aussie adventure.
Vast and vibrant, Sydney is bursting with things to do and places to visit. Start at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a pretty pocket of green along the water’s edge, before heading to the Art Gallery of NSW, full of classical and Aboriginal pieces. Once you’ve done a bit more exploring inland, set your sights on Circular Quay, where ferries dock after taking workers to the CBD (Central Business District). Travelling against the current (sorry), follow in their footsteps for panoramic views of the city, the Harbour Bridge and – of course – the Sydney Opera House. For a tasty lunch break later on, visit either the Bathers Pavilion on Balmoral Beach or Watsons Bay at the Doyles.
This afternoon, you could wander the renovated docks of the vowel-heavy Wooloomooloo, peruse the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Potts Point or venture into the stylish streets of Surry Hills – which are a world away from their British namesake. Between their old red brick warehouses, bars, restaurants, designer showrooms and trendy boutiques await.
Having explored the city yesterday, it’s time to hit the beach. Since you’re in Sydney, you might be thinking of Bondi Beach, but we have something a little different (and far less hectic) in mind. Just ten miles north of the CBD lies Manly, an upscale beachside suburb renowned for its two-mile-long stretch of sand. To reach this golden expanse, board the ferry at Circular Quay for the 30-minute cruise to Manly Wharf where you’ll be greeted by a pretty line of pine trees, which set the scene for this delightful district. The main beach here is famous for hosting the world's first surfing competition in 1974 – a tradition which clearly stuck. Together with its neighbour, Freshwater Beach, the pair now form a renowned surfing spot. When you’re not riding the waves, chilling on the sand or cultivating an envy-inducing tan, venture inland for fish and chips along the Corso (a picturesque promenade bursting with shops and restaurants).
Sadly, your Aussie adventure draws to a close today. Tuck into one last sumptuous Sydney breakfast (avocado on toast, anyone?) before your private transfer to the airport. The flight back also has a stopover in southeast Asia, so the journey takes just over a day, giving you plenty of time to rest, sort through your photos and start reminiscing about your trip. You’ll arrive in the UK the following day, ready to regale friends and family with tales of life down under – and the land under down under.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
