DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney

Arrive in Sydney, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Days 2 & 3: Explore Sydney

The next few days are free for you to explore Sydney independently. This beautiful city has an iconic skyline that is instantly recognisable, with its famous Harbour Bridge and the ‘sails’ of the Sydney Opera House. Attending a performance here is memorable (you can even get tickets to go behind the scenes).

A Darling Harbour cruise, to view the city skyline from the water, is highly recommended. Another option is to take a scenic ferry ride to the relaxed beachside suburb of Manly, or to Cockatoo Island.

The historic Rocks district is known for its markets, cobblestone streets and great views of Harbour Bridge. If you are intrepid, you can climb to the top of the bridge. Alternatively ascend Sydney Tower in the city centre, which is twice the height of the bridge, for incredible views and the opportunity to walk along a glass-bottomed sky walk.

Other must-do experiences include people watching at famous Bondi Beach, and swimming in the landmark Bondi Icebergs rock pool. Afterwards you can meander along the 3.7 mile oceanfront walk from Bondi to Coogee, with its beaches, cliffs, parks and cafes, and treat yourself to a drink in the rooftop bar at the Coogee Pavilion.

At Sydney Zoo you will be able to view indigenous Australian wildlife such as the kangaroo, koala, dingo, wallaby, wombat, platypus, echidna (spiny anteater) and nocturnal Tasmanian devil. You can also see emu and an incredible array of colourful birds.

Other attractions include Paddy’s, the biggest market in the city, Sydney Fish Market and vibrant Chinatown. Circular Quay is known for its excellent gourmet dining and stunning harbour views. The Royal Botanic Gardens are the oldest in Australia, and you may also wish to visit the serene Chinese Garden of Friendship. The city has several world-class museums, including the Australia Museum which has a great natural history collection. Sports lovers can take in a game of cricket or rugby.

Outside the city you can take day trips to the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, or the stunning Blue Mountains with their indigenous wildlife and dramatic rock formations, including the Three Sisters (both less than 2 hours from Sydney).

Day 4: Fly to Hobart

Transfer to Sydney airport for your flight to Hobart, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Australia’s island state of Tasmania (‘Tassie’) is mix of old and new, with some pristine and untouched landscapes. The capital city of Hobart is situated on the banks of the Derwent River. For art lovers, taking the short ferry trip up river to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is a must, as it houses one of the world’s largest and most controversial private collections of art and antiquities.

Other attractions include the vibrant Salamanca Market, held every Saturday morning, and Salamanca Place, which is packed with galleries, craft shops and restaurants, all housed in 18th century warehouses.

Outside Hobart make sure you take time to discover the Port Arthur Historic Site, a memorable journey through the island’s convict past. For those with strong sea legs, an eco-cruise around Eaglehawk Neck is also wonderful. The sea cliffs here are enormous and in addition to sea life such as seals, dolphins and penguins, you will see the striking rock formations of the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman’s Arch and Devil’s Kitchen.

Days 5 & 6: Strahan

Collect your hire car this morning and head for Strahan on the west coast - the gateway to Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness Area. The region has a rich and varied history, with historic mining towns and a harsh convict past.

A wilderness cruise on the Gordon River is highly recommended, with onboard guides and two walking tours included.

Days 7 & 8: Cradle Mountain

Drive inland to Cradle Mountain today. Situated at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, it is a diverse wilderness area that provides a rich habitat for wildlife including the platypus, echidna and Tasmanian devil.

You’ll spend 2 nights here, allowing plenty of time to explore at your own pace. There are numerous walking trails to enjoy, including the Dove Lake Circuit in the shadow of Cradle Mountain.

Day 9: Launceston

Head further north today to the riverside city of Launceton, Tasmania’s second largest city.

Famous Cataract Gorge is just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the city offering panoramic views, walking trails, sculpted gardens and a chairlift. The Queen Victoria Museum, situated in a 19th century railway workshop, has exhibitions on Tasmanian history and the Art Gallery lies across the river, next to sprawling Royal Park.

The vineyards of the Tamar Valley stretch northwest along the Tamar River and Narawntapu National Park is also close by.

Days 10 & 11: Freycinet National Park

The next two days will be spent on the Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast, where glorious white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are set against the pink granite backdrop of The Hazards mountain range.

Bush walks, beachcombing and water-based experiences are the order of the day here.

You can also enjoy a guided walk to Wineglass Bay, one of the most photographed beaches in the state.

Day 12: Melbourne

Today drive to Hobart airport to drop off your hire car and connect with your flight to Melbourne.

Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and is regularly voted as one of the most liveable cities on earth, surrounded by a breathtaking coastline, soaring mountain ranges and wonderful wine regions.

Days 13 & 14: Explore Melbourne

The next few days are free to explore Melbourne independently.

With its tangle of hidden laneways, tree-lined promenades and grand Victorian buildings funded during the early Gold Rush, the city has a distinctly European feel. There is superb shopping, an eclectic arts scene, and foodies will find plenty to love with many chic cafes. Famous Aussie chefs flaunt their talents here, and you can feast on everything - from Greek, Italian and Indian cuisine to Spanish and Vietnamese fare.

Located opposite Flinders Street Station, a major public transport hub, ultra-modern Federation Square contrasts sharply with its surrounding Victorian architecture. With more than 2,000 events annually, you can always find entertainment here. Wandering the labyrinth of lanes and alleyways around Flinders, Collins and Bourke Streets is a must as here you will discover elegant, interesting, and quirky Melbourne at its best. The jewel in the crown is the magnificent Block Arcade in Collins Street. With its mosaic floor, period details and interesting shops, this is the place where late 19th-century gentry promenaded, coining the phrase, "doing the block." It's worth queueing for a morning or afternoon tea at the Hopetoun Tearooms, a Melbourne icon that dates back to 1892 and the only remaining original shop.

A short stroll away, on the banks of the Tarra River, you will find the Arts Centre with its prominent spire and the Southbank Promenade, which is filled with indoor/outdoor cafés and restaurants. An arts and crafts market is held here every Sunday. The skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower offers superb views.

Docklands is Melbourne's newest waterfront entertainment precinct filled with cafés, restaurants, tourist attractions and parklands. The views from the giant observation wheel, the Melbourne Star, are spectacular. Here you will also find the Junior Wonderland amusement park, the Icehouse ice sports venue and Etihad Stadium. An art and vintage market is held along the waterfront every Sunday.

You can use the City Circle tram network to explore local neighbourhoods, take a boat ride along the Yarra River, stroll through beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, visit the Queen Victoria Market or head out to the beach at St Kilda, where you will find the National Gallery of Victoria. The Melbourne Museum is a short tram ride from the city centre and Captain Cook’s Cottage (brought from Yorkshire) can be seen in Fitzroy Gardens. This city also has many famous sporting venues, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Melbourne Cup horse race, held on the first Tuesday in November, brings the entire nation to a standstill.

Outside the city, you can take scenic day trips along the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula, where you can combine seaside villages with boutique wineries and art galleries. The Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs is where you’ll find many food and wine producers, and perhaps encounter the elusive platypus at Healesville Sanctuary. You can also take an early morning hot air balloon flight over the vineyards.

The Gippsland region offers gold rush history in Walhalla, whilst the Grampians is a region of stunning mountains, valleys and lakes with many mountain biking and hiking trails, as well as superb wineries and art galleries.

Day 15: Fly Home

Transfer to Melbourne airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a room only basis, including Sydney and Melbourne airport transfers and standard car hire in Tasmania. International and domestic flights are not included and will be quoted separately.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended route and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. The FCO should also be consulted.