Riviera Travel Highlights Of Australia

Explore Vibrant Cities
Immerse yourself in the culture of Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and Melbourne, four of Australia’s most dynamic cities.

Natural Wonders
Witness the breathtaking natural beauty of the Blue Mountains, the Great Ocean Road coastal drive, and the enchanting Puffing Billy steam train ride.

Wildlife Encounters
Get up close with Australia’s unique wildlife through visits to a koala sanctuary and the renowned Phillip Island for the captivating penguin parade.

Rainforest Adventure
Discover the lush rainforests surrounding Cairns aboard the Karunda Scenic Railway, a journey into the heart of nature.

Great Barrier Reef
Embark on a full-day catamaran cruise to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, an unforgettable adventure exploring this natural wonder.

• 14 nights in three & four-star accommodation
• Nine visits & tours
• Daily breakfast & one lunch.
• The services of our experienced Tour Manager
• Return flights & transfers.
• Checked luggage.

Day 1 – Overnight flight to Sydney
Take an overnight flight from the UK to Sydney, including a change of plane and time to stretch your legs.

Day 2 – Sydney
Arrive in Sydney and transfer to your hotel. After you’ve checked into your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3 – Sydney
Today is your free day to relax and adjust to the new time zone in Sydney. You can choose to start early or take it easy. After breakfast, you can join a guided orientation tour with your Tour Manager to discover interesting places, restaurants, and museums for independent exploration.

Alternatively, explore on your own, considering options like a Sydney Harbour cruise, waterfront cocktails, beach visits, or ascending the iconic Harbour Bridge for a unique city view. In the evening, savour Sydney’s diverse cuisine, whether it’s affordable dumplings in Chinatown, a Michelin-starred city dining experience, or fresh seafood with wine overlooking scenic Sydney Harbour.

Day 4 – Sydney
After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to The Rocks, the historic landing site of the First Fleet in 1788, which marked the beginning of Australia’s first European colonies. The exploration continues with a visit to Bondi Beach, renowned for its scenic beauty and popularity among surfers, families, and tourists. Enjoy some free time here.

Returning to Sydney’s Central Business District, stop at Mrs Macquaries Chair for a perfect photo opportunity, offering breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Fort Denison. The day concludes with a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon over 60 years ago.

Day 5 – Blue Mountains
Today, you’ll leave Sydney to explore the Blue Mountains, a serene escape just 40 miles away. The landscape boasts gentle green peaks, the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, and a distinctive blue haze from eucalyptus trees.

Your visit includes Scenic World, featuring the world’s steepest incline railway, a rainforest boardwalk, and a cable car offering breathtaking views of ancient ravines and waterfalls, all on display through an Electro-Scenic Glass Floor.

Day 6 – Brisbane
After breakfast, fly directly from Sydney to Brisbane. Upon arrival, visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, established in 1927, to encounter diverse wildlife, including iconic species like wombats, koalas, and kangaroos. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic Brisbane River cruise, passing key landmarks like Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Story Bridge.

Day 7 – Brisbane
Today is yours to explore Brisbane at your leisure. The city, known for its compact size and friendly, relaxed atmosphere, can be easily explored in a day. Perhaps spend some time strolling along South Bank, a vibrant area with parks, galleries, cafes, and restaurants, where you will encounter a diverse mix of people, from families to rollerbladers enjoying ice creams.

Alternatively, for a wildlife experience, consider visiting Australia Zoo, once home to the late Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” where you can encounter a variety of Australian wildlife.

Day 8 – Cairns
Today, fly from Brisbane to Cairns, a small city on Australia’s northeastern coast.

Upon arrival, a brief transfer will take you to your hotel. Upon check-in, you will have a free afternoon to unwind at the hotel, or you can explore this vibrant city.

Day 9 – Kuranda Scenic Railway
Today, explore Kuranda, a mountain village near Cairns.

Our journey begins with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, offering a unique perspective as gondolas travel four-and-a-half miles above the ancient rainforest canopy of Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Afterward, visit a rainforest interpretative centre and explore charming Kuranda village.

Next, board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, traveling through World Heritage-listed Barron Falls National Park. Enjoy the picturesque scenery, including valleys, jungles, and century-old railway bridges and tunnels, while keeping an eye out for Barron Falls. This train ride is a delight for rail enthusiasts.

Day 10 – Great Barrier Reef
Today, sail by catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a reef sand island surrounded by vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. This Great Barrier Reef sanctuary is home to over 20,000 migratory seabirds and boasts an array of exotic marine species, magnificent coral formations, and giant clams. You can snorkel, take a glass bottom boat ride, and enjoy an inclusive buffet lunch in this breathtaking natural wonder.

Day 11 – Cairns
Today is entirely at your disposal. If you crave relaxation, unwind at the hotel with no worries. Alternatively, explore Cairns by visiting the Botanical Gardens, museums, Josephine Falls swimming hole, Rusty’s market, and more. Our Tour Manager can assist in planning your activities. You might also consider booking a day trip, like the recommended tour to Cape Tribulation, a remote coastal area in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Daintree National Park, where rainforest and beaches converge.

Day 12 – Melbourne
After a morning of leisure in Cairns, you will fly to Melbourne. This city, often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital, boasts a thriving arts scene and top-tier dining. This afternoon and evening, explore Melbourne’s renowned café culture, offering more than just coffee.

You can also embrace the Asian influence across Australia by dining in Chinatown for dumplings or Richmond for Vietnamese Pho. Melbourne offers an array of museums, galleries, theatres, sports events, and year-round festivals for your enjoyment.

Day 13 – Melbourne
Today, you will tour Melbourne’s city centre with its high-rises, historic buildings, and boutique-lined alleyways. Just beyond the city, you will discover parks, gardens, and landmarks like the Old Treasury Building and the 1880 Great Exhibition’s Exhibition Building.

The tour includes driving past iconic sites such as the MCG and Rod Laver Arena, host to the Australian Open Tennis. You will also see parklands, the War Memorial, and Federation Square, the city’s focal point.

In the afternoon, explore Melbourne at your leisure. Walk along the Southbank promenade by the Yarra River, enjoy coffee and cake, or visit local galleries featuring diverse artworks.

Day 14 – Great Ocean Road
Today, depart early to drive along the Great Ocean Road, renowned as Australia’s most scenic coastal highway. This 150-mile route is an Australian National Heritage site, offering breathtaking coastal scenery, including the iconic Twelve Apostles limestone pillars sculpted by the Southern Ocean.

After exploring the coastal route, return to Melbourne in the evening, where you will have leisure time.

Day 15 – Puffing Billy and Philip Island
This morning, travel to the Dandenong Ranges, exploring the hills on the Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave to Lakeside Visitor Centre & Museum.

Next, visit Phillip Island, starting at the Koala Centre to see koalas in their natural habitat on tree-top boardwalks. Then, head to the Nobbies Centre, offering views of marine life like Australian fur seals in Bass Strait.

The highlight of the day is the Penguin Parade in the Phillip Island Nature Park, where Little Penguins emerge from the ocean at sunset and waddle to their sand-dune burrows. After this unique experience, return to Melbourne late in the evening.

Day 16 – Depart Melbourne
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 17 – Arrive home
Arrive back in the UK.

Park Royal Darling Harbour, Sydney
Park Royal Harbour is a modern hotel with a restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, elevator access, and a fitness centre. The hotel offers spacious rooms with ergonomic work desks, high-speed internet, LCD TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and private marble en suite bathrooms. Located near Darling Harbour, it is within walking distance of major attractions, including Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House. Nearby bars, restaurants, and Chinatown offer additional dining and entertainment options.

Mercure King George Square, Brisbane
This centrally located Brisbane hotel boasts a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, elevator access, fitness centre, swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace with a bar. The Goldfinch restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Espresso Bar, KG Bar, and Sixteen Antlers rooftop bar provide ideal relaxation spots. Modern and comfortable rooms come equipped with a safe, fridge, tea/coffee facilities, LCD TV, en suite bathroom, and hairdryer. Situated opposite King George Square and Brisbane City Hall, the hotel offers easy access to botanical gardens and major public transportation hubs, including train stations, buses, and ferry terminals. Guests can also explore the nearby Queen Street Mall for shopping and dining options.

Pacific Hotel, Cairns
The Pacific Hotel in Cairns offers a prime location and a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, elevator access, fitness centre, and a swimming pool. The spacious rooms feature contemporary furnishings, king-sized beds (twin available upon request), a desk, TV, mini fridge, ironing board, iron safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, and an en suite bathroom. Guests can enjoy private balconies with views of the Esplanade or the city. Situated on the Cairns Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour, the hotel provides easy access to the Reef Fleet Terminal, shopping areas, the casino, and the Esplanade Lagoon. Nearby attractions include the Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Cairns Night Market, Cairns Marlin Marina, and Cairns Golf Club, but the highlight is the beautiful seafront location.

Pan Pacific, Melbourne
The Pan Pacific Melbourne offers a luxurious stay with a restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, elevator access, and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy stylish decor and panoramic city, Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay views. Rooms feature king-sized beds (twin beds available upon request), a safe, desk, minibar, tea/coffee facilities, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private en suite bathroom. Located in the prime city area near South Wharf, the hotel provides easy access to various unique restaurants and bars, as well as popular attractions like Eureka Skydeck and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Fact File

• Currency: Australian Dollar
• Country: Australia
• Language: English
• Time zone: GMT+11

Visa Information

All British passport holders need to obtain an Australian eVisitor visa prior to departure.

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic