Southern Explorer of Australia from $1,653 USD

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 11 nights’ accommodation
  • Sightseeing & tours as indicated
  • Transfers
  • Hertz group C car rental
  • Meals as indicated
Southern Explorer of Australia

A wilderness lover’s dream, this 12 day tour showcases the best of Tasmania, Australia’s island state. Also included are stops in Melbourne and Sydney, featuring a day trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains.

Diverse and historic Sydney greets visitors with its sparkling harbour, iconic Harbour Bridge, and the unforgettable Sydney Opera House. Your included ferry ticket allows you to enjoy all three, including entry to Taronga Zoo, where you can say ‘G’day’ to kangaroos, koalas and other natives as well as many international guests. Your guided tour of The Rocks area offers a fascinating insight into Australia’s convict past, while an afternoon tour takes you to the Botanical Gardens and famous Bondi Beach for a more modern slice of Sydney.

Your Tasmania adventure begins in Hobart, Australia’s second oldest capital city. A small, but thriving melting pot of history, art, culture and natural beauty, Hobart is fast rising to become one of Australia’s most exciting destinations. Spend an evening at leisure here before picking up your hire car to explore historic Tasmanian towns on your way to the picturesque fishing village of Strahan.

Rustic Cradle Mountain Lodge puts you in the heart of Tasmania’s spectacular wilderness. Enjoy a full day in the idyllic surrounds of the island state before making your way to Launceston for your flight back to the mainland.

Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne offers world class shopping, a thriving arts scene, beautiful urban parks and endless restaurant options, which combine to seduce culture vultures, foodies, and casual visitors alike. Catch a ride on its famous trams, or for a uniquely Melbourne experience, book a table at the Tramcar Restaurant. Your second day includes a city tour, plus an evening tour to Phillip Island to see the world renowned ‘Little Penguin Parade’.

Your Australian wildlife adventure ends with a guided ecotour, giving you the chance to get close to kangaroos, koalas and other native animals in the wild.

 

 

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VIEW ITINERARY

Day 1  Arrive Sydney

G’Day! You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Duration              4 Nights

Accommodation

Park Regis City Centre Sydney

 

Day 2    Sydney sightseeing

This morning enjoy a city sightseeing tour. Highlights include a guided walking tour of the historical Sydney ‘Rocks’ area, plus Bondi Beach, Darling Harbor and more. See stunning architecture, gracious waterside suburbs and trendy hotspots. End with a guided tour of the Opera House. Tonight, we recommend a Sydney Harbor Dinner Cruise (additional charge).

 

Day 3  Cruising Sydney Harbor and Taronga Zoo

Your cruise of Sydney Harbour today includes stops at the Rocks, Opera House, Watson’s Bay and Taronga Zoo. Your ticket is flexible enabling you to take any of the frequent departures, spending as long as you wish at each stop before rejoining the cruise. Entrance to the Taronga Zoo is included, where you can see many native animals including kangaroos, koalas and the adorable platypus.

 

Day 4   Blue Mountains

Depart Sydney for the Blue Mountains. Explore the Blue Mountains where you will be inspired by the breathtaking views and waterfalls, visiting the Blue Mountain is a real journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. Get off the beaten track and see and learn about the history, flora, and fauna.

Meal Plan            Breakfast and Lunch

 

Day 5  Sydney to Hobart

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hobart (flight not included). On arrival, pick up your rental car.

Duration              1 Night

Accommodation

Travelodge Hobart

 

Day 6   Hobart to Strahan 302 km (187 miles) 4.25 Hours

Along the way enjoy a stop at the historic towns of New Norfolk or Queenstown. Continue on to the fishing village of Strahan.

Duration              1 Night

Accommodation

Strahan Village

 

Day 7  Strahan to Cradle Mountain 147 km (91 miles) 2 Hours

This morning travel north to Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. Covering some of Tasmania’s highest country, the National Park, with its many lakes and mountain peaks, is famous for its magnificent alpine scenery.

Duration              2 Nights

Accommodation

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

 

Day 8  Cradle Mountain

Today is at leisure to explore Cradle Mountain, you may like to relax or do one of the many walks the area has to offer.

Meal Plan            Breakfast

 

Day 9  Cradle Mountain to Melbourne 147 km (91 miles) 2 Hours’ drive portion

Travel east to Launceston, along the way perhaps stop at Deloraine and Westbury. On arrival drop off your rental car and board your flight to Melbourne (flight not included). On arrival, transfer to your accommodation.

 

Meal Plan            Breakfast

Duration              3 Nights

Accommodation: Travelodge Southbank

 

Day  10  Touring Melbourne

On your city tour today see cathedrals, parks, gardens and historic landmarks. This afternoon and evening visit Phillip Island to see the world renowned “Little Penguin Parade”.

 

Day 11  Koalas and Kangaroos

This naturalist guided eco-tour gives you quality time to learn about wildlife and enjoy the wide open spaces of Australia. Get close to kangaroos, koalas and abundant birdlife – in the wild. This is a small group experience that will introduce you to the Australia’s unique wildlife, and learn about life in Australia.

Meal Plan            Lunch

 

Day 12 Depart Melbourne

The day is at leisure (Melbourne is great for shopping) until you are transferred to your onward travel arrangements. Stay longer if you wish.


 

 

 

Your Travel Team agent can easily add extra days or even cities to this package. Additional travel dates are available, call a Travel Team Agent at 1-800-788-0829 for details.

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Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.

Notes:
  • Land only package
  • Prices based on availability & may be subject to change
  • Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
  • We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
  • All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
  • Prices reflect cash discount
  • Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
  • Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
  • Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
  • UBI-600-307-872-WA