Australia: ultimate east coast experience

Melbourne

Day 1: Welcome to Australia!

On arrival at Melbourne's airport, a transfer will be waiting to drive you to your accommodation. Today is at leisure to enjoy however you want and we recommend heading out to explore the city. If you do a bit of sightseeing, bookmark Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Markets and the Royal Botanical Gardens, to start. Since Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, expect funky street art and bohemian coffee shops tucked in many corners of the city. For dinner, enjoy the lively atmosphere on the banks of the Southbank and visit Federation Square, where art and coffee culture merge.

Melbourne

Day 2: Magnificent Melbourne

Get your Melbourne adventure rolling with a relaxing bicycle ride, exploring key landmarks and hidden gems. A local guide will reveal Melbourne's history, from its Aboriginal roots to Eureka Stockade and its deep connection to sports.

After ticking off must-sees like Queen Victoria Markets, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Shrine of Remembrance, delve deeper into Melbourne. Stroll along the picturesque Yarra River, home to attractions like Melbourne Aquarium and Federation Square.

Next, satisfy your appetite in Higher Ground, an architectural wonder doubling as a dining destination. Walk down Bourke Street or explore the vibrant Chinatown. Both offer a mouth-watering array of culinary delights, catering to your taste for Asian or Western cuisine.

Melbourne - Great Ocean Road - Melbourne

Day 3: Only road and ocean

Embark on an epic day away from the crowds along Australia's iconic Great Ocean Road.

Start by heading inland to the Shipwreck Coast and marvel at the breathtaking 12 Apostles and the extraordinary Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell.

Explore ancient rainforests during a guided walk at Maits Rest or Melba Gully in the Great Otway National Park, home to the world's tallest trees. As you continue along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll discover why it's such a celebrated coastal route.

Spot wild koalas, behold awe-inspiring views and stop at the iconic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, one of the most photographed spots. Your day concludes with a relaxed drive back to Melbourne.

Melbourne - Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Day 4: Hello Sunshine!

Hop on a flight this morning over to the Sunshine Coast and pick up your rental car on arrival. Now it’s time to hit the road and explore the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland region.

View the mesmerising Gardners Falls in Maleny and Kondalilla Falls in Montville, nestled in rainforest. These falls offer the perfect cooling off spot, so dive right in!

After, visit the incredible Maleny botanic gardens. The hinterland is covered with beautiful rainforests, farms and reserves but the privately-owned Maleny Botanic Gardens are sprawled over four lush acres and are home to amazing views of the Glass House Mountains, a sight not to be missed. Follow the Blackall Range from Mapleton to Maleny and make sure to take plenty of photo stops to capture the stunning vistas along the way.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Day 5: A sip to remember

KIckstart the day at some of the excellent artisan coffee shops in Montville. If you find yourself in the mood for a tipple, continue your day exploring the variety of Australian wine at a tasting at Flame Hill Winery. Sip on classics such as cab sav or chardonnay, but be sure to try the more unusual grape varieties like tempranillo and barbera.

After a morning of wine, treat yourself to a delicious lunch in their elegant dining room for an unforgettable meal.

If you’re more of a beer lover, pull up a stool at Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny and enjoy a few frothy beers. Brewed in-house, Brouhaha’s range includes their award-winning Strawberry Rhubarb Sour and so many more. There's also a restaurant onsite for tasty local dishes. 

Sunshine Coast Hinterland - Noosa

Day 6: Hit the open road

Hit the glorious ocean-lined road this morning as you make your way to Noosa. Make a stop at Mapleton Falls and stand in awe at its sheer 120m drop. Be sure to take to the viewing platform, which opens up a magnificent vista of the Mary Valley.

Arrive at Noosa in the afternoon: this highly sought after town shares the area with subtropical rainforests and brilliant blue waters. For spectacular coastal scenery and to see an abundance of native Australian wildlife, head straight to Noosa National Park. The coast walk is breathtaking and offers great photo opportunities. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for wild koalas who call the park home!

In the evening, head out on Hastings Street to explore Noosa's thriving bar and restaurant scene. 

Noosa

Day 7: Enchanting Everglades

Water, wilderness and wonder are on today’s agenda as you explore the Noosa Everglades. One of only two everglades systems on Earth and the only one you can safely swim in (the other one has alligators!), this 60km stretch of pristine waters is a sight to behold. The unique environment is relatively untouched and is one of Australia’s most diverse ecosystems. A paradise for photographers, bird watchers, and nature lovers!

After a day of exploration on the water, head back to the resort to relax or discover more of the area's chic nightlife. 

Noosa - Hervey Bay - Fraser Island

Day 8: Welcome to paradise (literally)

When you're ready, head north this morning on the drive to Hervey Bay. Board the ferry, then sit back and enjoy the ride to famous Fraser Island, as the world’s largest sand island appears from the sparkling blue sea.

Known as K’gari (meaning paradise) by the traditional owners, the Butchulla people, it’s time to relax and unwind as soon as your feet touch the sand.

Once you've checked into your accommodation, unwind for the rest of the day and enjoy drinks at the resort's Sunset Bar. 

Fraser Island

Day 9: Adventure awaits

Join an adventure-packed day exploring K'Gari this morning. Dive into the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, wander through ancient subtropical rainforests and marvel at the ruins of the Maheno shipwreck. Cruise the 75-Mile Beach highway, the world's largest sand island. An expert guide will lead the way, sharing the island's rich history and introducing you to its unique wildlife. Immerse yourself in this UNESCO World Heritage paradise.

After the day's exploration, head back to the resort for another evening of relaxation and reflection.

Fraser Island - Hervey Bay - Lady Elliot Island

Day 10: Beauty from above

View beauty from above this morning as you take a scenic flight to your next stop: Lady Elliot Island. The only coral cay island on the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot is the glittering crown that arches around Australia’s north-eastern coastline. Settle straight into the laid-back lifestyle of the island, where the days pass by in a typical schedule of eat, sleep, snorkel, repeat! This dazzling eco-experience strips it right back to simply enjoying the vast beauty of nature.

Once you've settled into your accommodation, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and see for yourself why Lady Elliot Island is regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Walk around the entire emerald green-edged island in 45 minutes, then go diving or snorkelling to see giant manta rays, colourful corals, fish, turtles and dolphins.

Lady Elliot Island

Day 11: Sensational snorkelling

It’s time to explore the underwater haven that is Lady Elliot Island today. Snorkel the Southern Great Barrier Reef straight off the beaches or head out to one of the 20 incredible dive sites around the island, which are easily accessible by boat dives. All dives are lead by experienced staff, with a minimum of two dives per day and potentially even a night dive if you’d like to try something a little different.

If you’re more of a land dweller, rest assured this island is just as good on foot. Discover the island’s unique history, flora and fauna on a discovery walking trail or chat to the dedicated activities team to discover more about your surroundings.

Lady Elliot Island

Day 12: ... And relax

No holiday is complete without taking time out to just relax. The wealth of exciting attractions and leisure activities on Lady Elliot Island ensure that there is plenty to see and do for the young or young at heart. Or you could just decide to just kick back and do nothing but absorb the beauty of this exquisite ecosystem. 

Lady Elliot Island - Hervey Bay - Sydney

Day 13: Onwards to Sydney

THis morning, it’s time to bid farewell to this island paradise and replace it with Australia’s captivating capital, Sydney.

After a day of travelling and a rest and refresh in your accommodation, the evening is at leisure to stroll through the streets of this vibrant city, with its iconic natural harbour, beachside walks, and incredible dining scene, where there is an array of dazzling choices for dinner tonight.

Sydney

Day 14: Captivating capital

Fall in love with Sydney today, as you delve deep into the bustling city on a captivating walking tour. From the iconic sites to the local hot spots – feel like you’ve uncovered the best of this beautiful capital with your knowledgable local guide.

As the sun slowly sets and twilight creeps over the city, it’s time to ascend to the summit of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Watch from the best seat in the house as the city is bathed in a magical dusky glow. This truly is a moment that will stay with you forever.

Sydney

Day 15: Set sail around the harbour

Today you'll set sail from Circular Quay on a luxurious 16m yacht for a four-hour cruise around Sydney's iconic harbour.

Indulge in five-star service, relishing a delectable Australian-style barbecue lunch paired with local wines and beers. Your private vessel invites you to dive into activities like swimming, fishing or kayaking or just basking on the sunbed. There's nothing like feeling the thrill of swimming with the Opera House in view.

Afterwards, explore Bondi Beach, the epitome of Sydney's beach lifestyle. Discover historic sites like the Bondi Icebergs and meander through Gould Street's boutique shops, pausing at trendy cafes for a leisurely moment. In the evening, grab a drink in in the bubbling bar scene or choose a gourmet destination for your farewell dinner.

Sydney

Day 16: Goodbye Australia!

Enjoy this morning by unwinding and reflecting on your trip to Australia before transferring to the airport for your departure flight home.