Explore the wonders of Enthralling Australia, where pristine beaches and cosmopolitan cityscape meet the vast and untamed outback. Wander through eucalyptus-scented forests, savour the opulence of the wine region, and plunge into the kaleidoscopic world beneath the Great Barrier Reef. Let your senses revel in the diverse flavours that weave tales of both tradition and innovation. This curated itinerary doesn't merely offer a visit, it invites you to immerse yourself in a vibrant mosaic of cultures and lifestyles, beckoning exploration beyond the ordinary.
October to March
17 days
Adventure, Beaches, Nature & Landscape, Vibrant City Settings
Luxury hotels and beach resorts
Step out to embrace true vintage style on the charming City Circle Tram. Familiarise yourself with the city’s main sights, including the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the snazzy Central Business District and Federation Square, overflowing with cultural hotspots, chic bars, fine dining establishments and speciality stores. Venture into the delightful heritage shopping arcade, called the Block Arcade, if only to admire its mosaic-tile flooring and glass canopy. The stalls of the famous Melbourne Open Market are a great place to spend the evening.
QT Melbourne
Plan to have one of the best day trips available from Melbourne and that is to the Phillip Island. Give in to the lure of wildlife in this raw, coastal landscape. Witness a flourishing colony of seals sunning themselves on the Seal Rocks. Then partake in the famous Penguin Parade at sunset when hundreds of penguins march on the shores against the flaming skies. If luck is on your side, you might even see kangaroos and other distinctive Australian wildlife, ensuring an unforgettable day of close encounters with nature's wonders.
QT Melbourne
It’s an insta-alert for photography enthusiasts while picking favourites from the 82 rainbow-radiant wooden bathing boxes lining the shores of the famous Brighton Beach. Later visit the National Gallery of Victoria, where art comes to life in a blend of creativity, culture, and inspiration! The evening is aglow with a magical sunset at Eureka Deck, the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Dare to tread on Edge, a glass cube that slides out three meters from the building. Then linger along the Southbank Promenade, catch live entertainment or pamper yourself with a dinner at the world-class Vue de Monde at the Rialto tower.
QT Melbourne
Connect with the great outdoors on a self-drive escapade along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Feel the wind in hair as you cruise in a convertible, exploring the stunning 250-km stretch starting from Torquay, just south of Melbourne. Marvel at the jaw-dropping Twelve Apostles, colossal stone pinnacles rising majestically from the ocean. Stop at the iconic Grotto, a sinkhole formation where green waters contrast with orange cliffs. Delve into the natural wonders of the Great Otway National Park, encountering diverse flora, fauna, and adorable koalas. Here every curve holds a story, and every stop unveils a piece of nature's masterpiece.
QT Melbourne
The most popular of the Aussie cities, Sydney, is next. Accept the challenge of a vertigo-inducing, adrenaline-pumping walk over the largest steel arch bridge in the world, Sydney Harbour Bridge, as you soak in the splendour of a world-class city. Then marvel over a stunning masterpiece of modern architecture at the Sydney Opera House. Slow down the pace of an eventful day by enjoying the art installations and winding pathways of the lush Royal Botanic Gardens. Later, cruise the iconic Sydney Harbour on a Hop-On Hop-Off tour, concluding the day with an alfresco feast at a glamorous Darling Harbour restaurant.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Wine lovers can luxuriate in an excursion to the Hunter Valley Wine Region, the oldest wine- producing region in the country, just two hours drive from Sydney. Inside the fine vineyards and wine cellars of McGuigan, De luliis and Briar Ridge, sample some of the best wines in the world, including the world-famous dry white wines, made from Semillon. Next dive into the sensory journey of winemaking through guided tastings and a behind-the-scenes tour, gaining insights into the region’s rich heritage. Carry some bottles as gifts for friends and family sealing the day with the taste of Australian excellence!
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Travel west of Sydney through exotic scenery to the World Heritage site of the Blue Mountains. Bushwalk the many scenic trails scattered around the area, discover the wonders of a gum tree forest, stare out from the dozens of lookouts and feel the vastness seep into your heart. Make sure to visit the many natural wonders adorning the precious lush wilderness, especially the Bridal Veil Falls and the Three Sisters. Experience the rich indigenous culture as you hear the dreamtime story behind the iconic Three Sisters, connecting with the ancient tales of this sacred land.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Are you ready for a day of Sydney's vibrant soul and coastal charm? Experience the heartbeat of Sydney as you wander through the cobbled streets, surrounded by heritage architecture, live music, bustling bars and vibrant markets in the beloved neighbourhood of the Rocks. Encounter native wildlife at Taronga Zoo, participate in animal encounters, and then embrace the laid-back coastal vibe at Bondi Beach. Traverse the stunning 6 km coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee, relishing breathtaking views. Conclude your day in the Romanesque-style Queen Victoria Building, indulging in shopping delights amid its 200 high-end shops.
Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
Welcome to the golden sands of Surfers Paradise Beach! Immerse in the local vibe, where active souls can choose from a plethora of water sports like scooter riding, jet boating, parasailing, kayaking, and jet skiing. Watch world-famous pros ride the waves at Burleigh Heads Beach and try your hand at surfboarding. For a touch of serenity, catch a ferry to the idyllic wonderland of South Stradbroke. Explore Cavill Avenue for shopping and dining experiences, and cap off the day with a relaxing beachfront picnic as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
It’s nature’s day today! Escape to tranquility at the World Heritage-listed wilderness of Springbrook National Park, known for its soaring rock faces, abundant rainforests, gurgling waterfalls and deep gorges of the McPherson Range. Ogle at the Natural Arch Bridge where a waterfall plunges into a glow-worm cave. Feel your nerves tingle at lookout points. Travel through Numinbah Valley speckled with high cliffs and green country pastures. The sound of the Purling Brook will echo in your ears, even back in the hotel.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
You name it, Australia has it! It’s a day packed with fantasy, fun and adrenaline rush at Warner Bros Movie World. Scream your lungs out on exhilarating, world-class adventure rides. Movie buffs can go all out with a variety of movie attractions here. Then recall your inner child as you slip-slide into good times at the Wet ‘n’ Wild Theme Park. The evening hits a crescendo with the Australian Outback Spectacular, featuring live entertainment including horse-riding demonstrations, circus feats, music and a three-course dinner with drinks.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Begin the day with a romantic Hot Air Balloon Ride, kissing the skies while floating over rolling hills, witnessing a gold-red sunrise, the cityscape of Gold Coast, and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. The magic continues at O'Reilly's Grand Homestead & Boutique Vineyard, where champagne and a freshly cooked breakfast await. For a true Brisbane experience, hop on a kayak in the Brisbane River. Wander through Paddington, soaking in its chic vibe and famous ‘Queenslander’ style homes. Stroll the steep, winding streets of Given and Latrobe Terraces, and top off your day with a dose of culture at the Brisbane Jazz Club.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
While idling away the day in a beachfront hammock holds its own allure, Hamilton Island beckons with a plethora of captivating activities that extend beyond the simple pleasures of relaxation. Improve your golf swing at the Hamilton Island’s Golf Driving Range and take up the challenge to hit the balls into the drop targets on the lake. Later self-drive around the island in your golf cart and click away till you can’t find better angles. For a target of a different kind, grab a steering wheel on the outdoor track of Go Kart Racing Track and after sunset, wind down with dinner by the water at the Beach Club Restaurant.
Qualia Luxury Resort
Spoil yourself with an evening at the Hamilton Island Resort Centre’s swim-up pool bar, fine restaurants and boutique stores. A guided snorkelling tour, kayaking, catamaran rides, jet skiing and paddle-boarding, there is no end to the water sports at your resort. Ask yourself why would you move even an inch away from these mind-numbing views. For the ultimate indulgence, charter a private flight to glide over Whitehaven Beach, all the way to the world-famous Heart Reef. If that’s not a perfect day in paradise, what is?
Qualia Luxury Resort
Start offbeat with a visit to the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum that provides a compelling exploration of military history. Set off in the afternoon to cruise down the mighty Daintree River, infested with ferocious crocodiles, snakes, frogs, birds, butterflies and other indigenous Australian creatures. Walk on an elevated boardwalk at the Mossman Gorge, with the enveloping thick flora and fauna of the Daintree Rainforest. Listen to your own heartbeat as you wander along lush trails of the World Heritage-listed rainforest thought to be older than the Amazon itself. Some zip-lining, maybe?
Silky Oaks Lodge
Step aboard a high-speed luxury catamaran destined for Michaelmas Cay, and open the door to the spectacular realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Delve into the underwater marvels through thrilling snorkelling and scuba diving, witnessing the kaleidoscopic world of the planet's largest coral reef system. Later, from the comfort of a glass bottom boat, be captivated by the intricate tapestry of sea life beneath the surface. This journey promises not only a visual feast but a profound connection with the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, an experience etched in the memory of your Australian odyssey.
Silky Oaks Lodge
Reserve the last day for the Kuranda Classic Experience. Wind your way through the rainforest, glimpsing steep ravines and plunging waterfalls on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Hike around the abundant World Heritage rainforest, cruise the Barron River, hand-feed Kangaroos, observe Koalas and sample tropical fruits. Remember to stop at the famous Kuranda heritage markets for local souvenirs. Uncover the mysteries that unfold beneath the moonlit waters with an exclusive guided night tour of the Cairns aquarium, complete with a delectable three-course dinner in the aquarium.
Silky Oaks Lodge