Australia embodies luxury from the emerald-like rainforest draping northeast Queensland to the crowning jewel of New South Wales at the Sydney Opera House. Your custom-tailored luxury tour will immerse you in the charm and wonderment in highlighting the undeniable pleasures found in the confluence of cultures. Dive deep into the shallow waters of the Coral Sea to discover the iridescence of the Great Barrier Reef and then wander the walkways of Phillip Island to find waddling Little Penguins returning...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Melbourne – Land in Australia’s Cultural Capital
Melbourne is often referred to as Australia’s “Cultural Capital,” located on the banks of the Yarra River edging the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. The dynamic and cosmopolitan streets showcase the evolution of the city from its booming population in the 1850s Gold Rush to the multicultural street art that now drapes the walls of celebrated alleyways. Visitors and locals tour alike tour the city with just as much interest as visitors, always stopping to appreciate the central neighborhoods set between Fitzroy and St. Kilda. Your flight will land at Melbourne Airport where your private transfer will meet you upon your arrival.
Your hotel is situated in a spacious structure that brings a grand elegance to the atmosphere. You can see the House of Parliament from your window, a lavish 19th-century edifice decorated with graceful gold leaf, remarkable chandeliers, and a stunning mosaic floor. Your guide will meet you in your lobby ready to take you on an introductory tour of the expansive city. Locals refer to the end of Collins Street as the “Paris End,” due to tree-lined streets and marvelous buildings full of lavish displays in the boutique windows.
The Block Arcade connects Collins and Elizabeth Streets and was erected in the late 19th century. Glass ceilings allow light to pour over the mosaic floors as the aroma of rich melting chocolate emanates from the nearby chocolate cafe. Restaurants set out small tables to allow patrons to watch passersby as they sip their cappuccinos or afternoon teas. You will quickly find the luxury in Melbourne’s café scene, and the joy in watching the city move around you.
What's Included:
Day 2
Melbourne – Enjoy a Wine and Wildlife Excursion to Phillip Island
Day 3
Uluru – Australia’s Famous Red Center
Day 4
Uluru – Find Culture and Grandeur at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park
Day 5
Daintree – Fly to Cairns and Transfer to a Resort in Daintree Rainforest
Day 6
Daintree – Relish a Half-Day Guided Tour with Remaining Day at Leisure
Day 7
Lizard Island – Savor the Scenic Kuranda Skyrail and Fly to Lizard Island
Day 8
Lizard Island – Explore the Stunning Coral Reef Systems at your Leisure
Day 9
Lizard Island – Delight in Activities and Relaxation at your Preferred Pace
Day 10
Sydney – Fly to the Bustling Cosmopolitan Districts of Sydney
Day 11
Sydney – Enjoy a Half-Day City Exploration and Private Opera House Tour
Day 12
Sydney – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Dive into the luxuries of a secluded island resort in proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, allowing you to explore the waters and coral as you desire
- Traverse the flora of Daintree Rainforest with a guide for a cultural and naturalistic tour that expounds on the region’s ecological and spiritual importance
- Witness the stunning changing colors of Uluru at sunrise and sunset in the heart of Australia’s Red Center
- Search for vibrant avifauna during your exploration of Daintree and Cape Tribulation, coming in contact with the elusive Cassowary
- Relish northeast Queensland during a scenic gondola ride into the jungle with a 360-degree view of the undulating landscape spreading to the sea
- Traverse the coastline, woodlands, and grasslands of Phillip Island in search of captivating wildlife, from fur seals to Little Penguins
- Learn the tales of Dreamtime during a trek through Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park after discovering an ancient waterhole hidden by boulders
- Delight in the golden sand of Bondi Beach and the opulent décor of the Sydney Opera House during your private tour of Sydney’s iconic sites
Detailed Description
Luxurious discovery defines Australia, making each minute of your 12-day tour an unforgettable experience shaped by architectural marvels, inspiring landscapes, welcoming locals, and vibrant aquatic worlds. Your tour begins with your arrival in Melbourne, the Cultural Capital of Australia. Your private transfer will meet you at the airport and escort you to the comforts of your centrally located hotel. Meet your guide in the lobby for a private introductory tour of the city, bringing you to the banks of the Yarra River and the trendy neighborhoods of Fitzroy and St. Kilda. Wake the next morning and cross the bridge that connects mainland Australia to Phillip Island for a full day of exploration. Visit the small towns and farms at the heart of the island before taking in the rugged coastline in search of fur seals, little penguins, and naturally shaped artistic boulders.
The next day you will take a private transfer to Melbourne Airport to board your flight to Ayers Rock, located in the Red Center. The open sky and red soil overtake the desert landscape as you make your way to a secluded resort that offers a pristine view of the famous, spiritual monolith of Uluru from which you can watch the sunset change the colors of the rocky surface. Continue the next morning for a full day excursion to Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, taking a base walk around the monolith before visiting the colorful domes of the Olgas. Find cave art and waterholes before visiting the nearby sand dunes, and then enjoy an elegant dinner under the stars while listening to the hypnotic sounds of the didgeridoo.
The next day, you will fly to Cairns, located in northeast Queensland. Your private transfer will lead you north to a stunning eco-friendly property located in the Daintree Rainforest. Trails around the property take you to the riverbanks and offer insight into the local birdlife. Discover the treasures Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation the following day with a half-day tour guided by a naturalist. In the afternoon, you can relax on the resort property or take a canoeing excursion down the river. Venture next to the Kuranda Skyrail for a magnificent ride above the trees and into the mountains. Stroll around the laidback town of Kuranda and visit Australia Butterfly Sanctuary before reaching the Cairns airport for your scenic flight to Lizard Island. A private transfer will collect you at the airstrip and lead you to the wonders of the secluded island resort.
The next two days are yours to enjoy island life as you prefer. Walk along the trails to reach the highest peak on the island or kayak along the pristine waters that surround the shoreline. Take a full day cruise to various dive and snorkeling sites around the Great Barrier Reef, or learn to sail on a half-day sailboat excursion. The next day, your scenic flight will bring you back to Cairns with plenty of time to board your connecting flight to Sydney. After an easy ride to your centrally located hotel in view of the Sydney Opera House, you will have the remainder of the day to enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods of the city.
Meet your guide the next morning in the lobby to begin your immersive half-day tour of Sydney, bringing you to the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Rocks, along with Bondi Beach. Your exploration of the city continues with a private tour of the opulence in and around the Sydney Opera House. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to visit the enticing city. Partake in a surf lesson or stroll along the beautiful Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Conclude as your private transfer will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and escort you to Sydney Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$15,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.86 stars based on 1686 reviews.
Reviewed By Ingrid F.
Reviewed By Jill K.
Reviewed By Steve Y.
Reviewed By Loren H.
Reviewed By Cheri W.
Reviewed By David N.