South Australia & the East Coast
Duration: 23 days
Begins: Adelaide
Ends: Sydney
Trip Code: OAAS
From
£5,529 per person
or Call 01273 099433
Overview
Australia is over 7 million sq km (4.35 sq mi) of sand, reef, rock, wildlife, wine, sailing, ocean, city, culture, Dreamtime, and so much more than we could possibly list here. It would take several lifetimes to explore it all. This sprawling 23-day adventure comes pretty close, though. Kick things off in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia discovering the city’s famed churches and gardens. Then head to the Grampians National Park in Halls Gap to explore this ancient landscape. Travel along the Great Ocean Road on the way to the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne. Next, meet the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation, cruise the glorious Whitsundays, learn to surf, and explore Sydney. Exhausted yet? Just wait ’till you’re actually here!
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style
Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level
Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating
2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type
Small Group
Small Group experience; Max 16, avg 12.
Age requirement
12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Melbourne laneways walk
- Brighton bathing boxes visit
- Rainforest walk in Great Otway NP
- 12 Apostles visit
- Loch Ard Gorge Visit
- Hike at Grampians NP
- Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve Visit
- Explore Cape Schanck lighthouse
- Guided Daintree Rainforest walk
- Whitsunday Islands boating excursion
- Blue Mountains stay with hikes
- Scenic Railway
- Orientation walk in Sydney
- Free time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels/motels (20 nts), rainforest cabin (2 nts).
Meals
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Allow USD1155-1505 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private vehicle, ferry, boat, plane, walking.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 : Adelaide
Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Acommodation
The Terrace Hotel Adelaide
Acommodation
The Terrace Hotel Adelaide
Day 2 : Adelaide/Halls Gap
Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range.
Private Vehicle
Adelaide - Halls Gap 6h30m 499km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Grampians National Park - Halls Gap 0h30m - 1h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Grampians Motel Halls Gap
Acommodation
Grampians Motel Halls Gap
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 3 : Halls Gap
Trek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Visit the culturally significant MacKenzie Falls for a short hike. Walk to the stunning Balconies, then spend the afternoon relaxing with the locals - our resident wild kangaroos and emus.
MacKenzie Falls Visit
Grampians National Park 0h30m - 1h
MacKenzie Falls is the only waterway in the region that flows year-round and it is also the most visited waterfall in the Grampians; take a short walk and check out the falls out from a viewing platform. In Spring, see wonderful wildflowers in bloom along the path.
The Balconies (Jaws of Death) Visit
Grampians National Park 1h 2km
Set off from the Reed Lookout overlooking Victoria Valley, and enjoy a short walk with beautiful scenery to the Balconies, formerly called the Jaws of Death. Check out the gorgeous view, but be careful not to lean too far over the edge!
Free time:
Halls Gap
Spend this afternoon exploring the local area.
Acommodation
Grampians Motel Halls Gap
Acommodation
Grampians Motel Halls Gap
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 4 : Halls Gap/Port Campbell
Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater of Tower Hill, with the opportunity to spot some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road as far as the township of Port Campbell.
Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve Visit
Tower Hill 0h15m - 0h30m
Visit Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve west of Warrnambool for a chance to see animals endemic to Australia such as koalas, emus and kangaroos. Learn more about this large volcanic crater and wetland and the role it plays in Indigenous history.
Private Vehicle
Halls Gap - Port Campbell 3h 205km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Loch Ard Motel
Acommodation
Loch Ard Motel
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 5 : Port Campbell
Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surrounding natural attractions. Opt for a walk along any number of short paths available to immerse yourself in nature. If the luck of weather is on your side, round out the day by watching the light become golden over the Twelve Apostles on the drive to Port Campbell.
Great Ocean Road Day excursion
Great Ocean Road 12h - 13h
Enjoy an excursion along the Great Ocean Road showcasing some of Australia's most scenic coastal views.
Loch Ard Gorge Visit
Port Campbell National Park 0h15m - 0h30m
Located along the Great Ocean Road, beautiful Loch Ard Gorge shows the process of erosion in action. See offshore stacks and blowholes, and watch short tailed shearwaters soar over the nearby island. This location is a perfect backdrop for a group photo. Get snapping!
Twelve Apostles Visit
Port Campbell National Park 0h45m - 1h
Stop at a scenic lookout point along the Great Ocean Road and capture the beautiful views over the ocean and the 12 Apostles. Now with only seven formations still standing, these iconic attractions were once limestone caves which eroded to become arches and eventually stacks up to 45m (147 ft) in height.
Acommodation
Loch Ard Motel
Acommodation
Loch Ard Motel
Day 6 : Port Campbell/Mornington Peninsula
Spend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park. Travel by ferry across Port Phillip to the Mornington Peninsula.
Private Vehicle
Port Campbell - Mornington Peninsula 4h30m 301km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Rainforest Walk
Great Otway National Park 0h30m 1km
Take in the beautiful greenery of the Great Otway National Park on a leisurely walk with your CEO.
Day 7 : Mornington Peninsula
Spend the morning exploring the Mornington Peninsula, including a visit to Cape Schanck. In the afternoon, opt to visit a winery or relax and enjoy yourself at one of the many incredible beaches in the area.
Although fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.
Cape Schanck Visit
Cape Schanck
Cape Schanck is located at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. Visit the rugged coastline with its cliff faces and rocky outcrops. This area provides visitors with an insight into the area's maritime history and plenty of scenic walks featuring ocean views. The lighthouse was built in 1859 and stands as the second coastal lighthouse in the Australian state of Victoria.
Free time:
Mornington Peninsula Full day
Get out and explore the stunning Mornington Peninsula.
Day 8 : Mornington Peninsula/Melbourne
Continue on to Melbourne but first make a few stops along the way. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.
Private Vehicle
Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne 1h30m 74km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bathing Boxes Visit
Brighton
Stop to check out some of the famous bathing boxes that Port Phillip Bay is known for. These one-room "mini-cabins" are owned by families to store belongings on their favourite beach. Snap some photos of these brightly coloured boxes and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
Acommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
Acommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
Day 9 : Melbourne
Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration.
Free time:
Melbourne
There's lots to see and do - get out there and explore!
Melbourne Laneways Walk
Melbourne 1h30m - 2h
Discover the small laneways packed with shops, cafés and restaurants that make Melbourne so unique. Grab a delicious barista coffee to-go (which no trip to Melbourne would be complete without!), and set out to experience Melbourne's laneways with an expert local host. Journey through this 'secret city,' seeing local hotspots and incredible street art while learning about the city's history.
Acommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
Acommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
Day 10 : Melbourne/Cairns
Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Plane
Melbourne - Cairns 3h30m - 5h
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Acommodation
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Acommodation
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Day 11 : Cairns/Cape Tribulation
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Private Vehicle
Cairns - Cape Tribulation 3h30m 140km
Travel 1.5 hrs to Mossman Gorge. Later, continue 2 hrs to Cape Tribulation.
Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk
Mossman Gorge 2h
Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.
Acommodation
Cape Tribulation Beach House
Acommodation
Cape Tribulation Beach House
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 12 : Cape Tribulation
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Free time:
Cape Tribulation Full day
Head out and start exploring.
Acommodation
Cape Tribulation Beach House
Optional Activities - Day 12
Great Barrier Reef Visit
Cape Tribulation
Hop on a boat and head out to sea to reach the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Don a mask and opt to snorkel the largest coral reef in the world. Say g'day to Nemo, the clown fish, and some of the 1,500 other species of tropical fish that thrive in the warm waters off Australia's east coast.
Daintree National Park Visit
Cape Tribulation
Step back in time in this lush tropical rainforest, reported to be more than 110 million years old! Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 430 species of birds, including the buff-breasted paradise kingfisher and flightless cassowary. On the ground, look for possums, bandicoots, echidna and musky rat kangaroo. Discover why the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people consider this a spiritual and cultural significant place.
Daintree Rainforest Night Walk
Cape Tribulation 2h
Once the sun goes down, grab a torch and head out into the jungle for a guided night walk. With your guide you'll spot various critters who call this region home. Keep your eyes peeled for sleeping bats, birds, lizards and spiders as you listen to the sounds of the rainforest at night.
Acommodation
Cape Tribulation Beach House
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 13 : Cape Tribulation/Cairns
Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.
Private Vehicle
Cape Tribulation - Cairns 3h30m Afternoon
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free time:
Cairns Afternoon
Make the most of a few hours in this city.
Acommodation
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Acommodation
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 14 : Cairns/Airlie Beach
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Private Vehicle
Cairns - Airlie Beach 9h - 10h 623km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Acommodation
Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 15 : Airlie Beach
Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion
Whitsunday Island 8h 08:00 17:30
Enjoy a day out on the water amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Barrier Reef Visit
Whitsunday Island
The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day out on a boat cruising through the waters around the islands. Then, when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters.
Acommodation
Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Optional Activities - Day 15
Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling
Whitsunday Islands 0h30m - 1h
Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef. (Note that fins are not provided in order to adhere with local coral conservation efforts.)
Acommodation
Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Meals Included:
Lunch
Day 16 : Airlie Beach/Byron Bay
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Plane
Airlie Beach - Brisbane 2h30m
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Brisbane - Byron Bay 2h - 2h30m 200km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Byron Beachcomber
Acommodation
Byron Beachcomber
Day 17 : Byron Bay
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
Surfing Lesson
Byron Bay 3h
Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.
Acommodation
Byron Beachcomber
Optional Activities - Day 17
Skydiving
Byron Bay 2h - 5h
Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Byron Bay from an eagle's perspective this morning. Suit up, get briefed, and board the prop plane to soar high about the land and sea. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath, and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like!
Please note: There is a $35.00 AUD fee paid locally (Australian Parachute Federation Levy)
Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit
Cape Byron 0h30m - 2h
Cape Byron Lighthouse is 3km (1.9 mi) northeast of Byron Bay. The popular white structure emits the most powerful light of all working lighthouses in the country, and it's also located at the most easterly point of the Australian continent. Head up to the top of the tower to scan the ocean for whales (the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre is located here).
Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking
Byron Bay
Slice through the waters of the iconic Byron Bay in the morning on this half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle past the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, see the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, and ride the waves into shore. On top of it all, keep a close eye for dolphins and whales (in season) who call these waters home. Epic? Definitely. This activity is in the ocean and conditions can sometimes be rough due to weather. This is a very fun activity but first time kayakers may find this challenging.
Acommodation
Byron Beachcomber
Day 18 : Byron Bay/Port Macquarie
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Free time:
Byron Bay Morning
Get out and explore this lazy beach town.
Private Vehicle
Byron Bay - Port Macquarie 5h 397km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
El Motor Inn Port Macquarie
Acommodation
El Motor Inn Port Macquarie
Day 19 : Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains
Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.
Private Vehicle
Port Macquarie - Blue Mountains 6h - 7h 500km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Leisure Inn Spires
Acommodation
Leisure Inn Spires
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 20 : Blue Mountains
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Blue Mountains Excursion
Blue Mountains
With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafés and more.
Jamison Valley Walk
Blue Mountains 1h - 2h30m 1km
Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world — The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you're keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.
Scenic Railway
Blue Mountains
This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor's centre.
Acommodation
Leisure Inn Spires
Acommodation
Leisure Inn Spires
Day 21 : Blue Mountains/Sydney
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Private Vehicle
Blue Mountains - Sydney 2h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk
Sydney 2h30m - 3h
Discover the highlights of Sydney on an orientation walk with the CEO. They will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free time:
Sydney Evening
Get out and explore.
Acommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Optional Activities - Day 21
Sydney Opera House Visit
Sydney 2h
Stroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney's most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more. Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.
Acommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Day 22 : Sydney
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Free time:
Sydney Full day
Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.
Acommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Optional Activities - Day 22
Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk
Coogee Beach - Bondi Beach 2h
Go for a walk along one of the most iconic trails in Australia. Pass by secluded beaches, massive cliffs, and more breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean than imaginable – all before arriving at the world-famous Bondi Beach. From May to December, keep a keen eye on the ocean to try and spot migrating humpback whales.
Jet Boat Ride
Sydney 0h30m
Want an adrenaline rush? A jet boat is the way to go. Hold on and get ready for a white-water thrill while gorgeous scenery whizzes past. Explore Sydney Harbour, jetting by the Opera House, Harbour Islands and more!
Sydney Opera House Visit
Sydney 2h
Stroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney's most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more. Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.
Acommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Day 23 : Sydney
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Departure Dates
| dates start-End | Availability remaining spaces | Price Per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | |||
| Tue, 13 May - Wed, 04 Jun | 4 Request | £5,529 | Request a quote |
