8-Nights Great Aussie Triangle: Melbourne, Sydney & Cairns - Classics from $2,960

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne

Transfer: Melbourne Airportto Melbourne - City Centre

Hotel: Crown Promenade Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Crown Promenade Melbourne is a top choice for the savvy traveller who seeks functionality, location and genuine service with the amenities you expect, and the extras you deserve.

Be dazzled by the wonderous sights of Australia’s most vibrant city and learn about Melbourne’s fascinating history with your expert Guide. Take a stroll in the gardens, see some of our world famous attractions like Albert Park Lake (Formula 1 track), Federation Square and Brighton Bathing Boxes. Known as Naarm by the local Wurundjeri people, Melbourne is a young city full of rich history, from John Batman and the first settlers, the gold rush, bush rangers and the birth place of Australia as a country. Today, Melbourne is the largest city in Australia. Known for sports, arts, fashion and food, this tour is a must for visitors to get a good idea of all the places to see and experience in Melbourne.

Your animal adventures will start with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park with fascinating Australian animals at every turn. You have up-close encounters with animals like kangaroos, wombats and echidnas. Next, we will head to the island (Phillip Island) where will head to Woolamai Surf Beach to catch a glimpse of the awesome waves and die-hard surfers (weather permitting). We then cross the island to reach the dramatic west coast and the Nobbies where you will be awe-struck by the crashing waves.

And finally, it's time for the main event, the Penguin Parade. There is a reason that this is one of Australia's top attractions and the little penguins will not disappoint! You will sit on the protective platform to see possibly hundreds of little penguins waddling onto the beach. This fabulous natural spectacular is run by a non-for-profit organization where all profits are directly reinvested in conservation efforts to protect the little penguins.

Transfer: Melbourne - City Centre to Melbourne Airport

Transfer: Cairns Airportto Port Douglas

Transfer: Cairns - City Centre to Cairns Airport

Hotel: Shantara Resort and Spa Port Douglas (4 Star Rating)

Shantara is an Adults only retreat… The perfect getaway where you will find an oasis of style and seclusion.

Shantara Resort Port Douglas is situated in one of Tropical North Queensland’s most desirable holiday destinations.

Shantara Resort combines beautifully appointed apartment accommodation, and luxury facilities with easy access to the magical Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The perfect holiday base.

Join your coach transfer to the wharf this morning and board the vessel to enjoy a full day reef and island cruise to Low Isles. Sail to and explore this protected coral cay, with white sandy beaches and coconut palms, surrounded by coral gardens and the Coral Sea. Sailaway moors in the sheltered blue lagoon for five hours. Just relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour, take a trip on the glass bottom boat or laze on the deck after a buffet lunch. Later, enjoy sailing back to the mainland.

This morning the driver will greet you and issue your Kuranda Boarding Pass. We will then transfer you to Freshwater Station. There is no need to queue as your pre-allocated Train tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, enjoying breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns, to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda.

Upon arrival in Kuranda, it’s time to explore this fascinating village. The Heritage Markets operate 7 days a week and are full of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. You might also like to visit Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens [at own expense]. Your Kuranda Boarding Pass also offers discounted entry into selected Kuranda attractions.

At the scheduled time, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway boarding line – there is no need to queue as your tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, be amazed as you journey over and through World Heritage protected Rainforest. Your Boarding Pass is your ticket for this iconic rainforest experience that includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with spectacular lookouts. Or visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Complimentary guided boardwalk tours are offered throughout the day at Red Peak Station.

After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail, make yourself known to our Hostess and they will direct you to your coach for the transfer to your accommodation.

Transfer: Port Douglas to Cairns Airport

Transfer: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airportto Sydney - City Centre

Hotel: Paradox Sydney (5 Star Rating)

Set within a beautifully restored 169-year-old sandstone building in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Paradox Sydney blends timeless elegance with bold individuality. More than a luxury hotel, it’s a destination where heritage meets modern design, and every detail reflects the city’s vibrant spirit. Whether you're here for business or discovery, Paradox Sydney invites you to rest, connect, and return transformed.

Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. We continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 19th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. We will continue to Mrs Macquaries Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

We then continue through Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the worlds most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay, passengers will have the option a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.

Travel on to famous Bondi Beach where we enjoy a short stop of approximately 30 minutes. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi

Re-board your bus and continue on to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Final stop of the day is Darling Harbour. Your tour will end at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. You will need to make your way back to your hotel.

There is no better way to get up close and personal with the living history and heritage of Sydney than on foot with Sydney’s foremost team of friendly and enthusiastic guides at The Rocks Walking Tours.

Join Sydney’s most experienced tour guides on a 90-minute leisurely walk around Sydney’s historic Rocks district.

Hear the story of Sydney from the beginning as you stroll along the shoreline of sparkling Sydney Harbour with views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past Campbell’s Cove and Cadman’s Cottage.

Wander down hidden alleyways, into shady courtyards, and along cobbled lanes. Discover the nooks and crannies and get up close and personal with the living history and heritage of Australia’s first British settlement.

Be amazed by stories of the First Fleet 1788, Nurses Walk, the Rum Rebellion 1808, Suez Canal, the Argyle Cut 1840, the plague 1900, the Sydney Harbour Bridge 1920s, the diabolical 1970s plan to demolish The Rocks and the green bans that saved it. And of course, hear of the characters and rogues who called it home.

Today, The Rocks is renowned for having the oldest streets in Sydney which are dotted with beautifully restored nineteenth-century buildings.

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region.

7:00 - 7:30 AM Depart from the hotel with AEA Luxury Tours. Our first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill a working farm also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure.

From Calmsley Hill we continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. We will visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus our guests will enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by their guide.

Continuing on we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can't help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos.

We then make our way around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Hydro Majestic. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. We enjoy a 2-course lunch with One NON Alcoholic Beverage Per person. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Additional Beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you'll know why it's one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you're not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you'll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. We then stop at the delightful Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, where we enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road and its fruit orchard industry. We arrive back at your hotel approximately 4.30 - 5.00pm.

Transfer: Sydney - City Centre to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport