Welcome to Australia. After arriving at Sydney International Airport and completing immigration and customs formalities, you will be met in the arrivals hall and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the heart of Sydney.

Spend the remainder of the day settling in and beginning to explore the city at your own pace.

Step beyond the city and into the storied landscapes of the Hunter Valley on a private, all-inclusive day journey from Sydney. One of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, the Hunter Valley is rich in history and natural beauty, where rolling vineyards and sandstone villages create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and inviting.

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Sydney, where your local driver-guide will welcome you for a scenic drive into the countryside. Along the way, the bustle of the city gives way to peaceful farmland and vineyard-draped hills.

With nearly two centuries of winemaking heritage, the Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region. Today, more than 150 wineries, acclaimed restaurants, boutique breweries, and artisan producers continue to shape its vibrant food and wine culture.

Your exploration begins at Audrey Wilkinson Winery, perched high above the valley with sweeping vineyard views. Here, enjoy a premium tasting of regional wines paired with a selection of locally produced cheeses, a perfect introduction to the Hunter’s celebrated flavors. From here, continue to another boutique winery, where you’ll sample a range of distinctive wines.

Midday brings you to Café Enzo, a charming restaurant set within a Tuscan-inspired village of sandstone buildings in the heart of the valley. In its enchanting courtyard, settle in for a leisurely lunch featuring Italian-inspired dishes crafted from seasonal and locally grown ingredients.

Your final experience of the day is a wine & chocolate pairing at a local winery. Here, artisan chocolates made in the Hunter Valley are thoughtfully matched with wines selected to enhance their flavors, an indulgent introduction to the art of tasting and pairing.

You’ll arrive back at your hotel in the early evening.

Step inside one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks and learn the stories behind the sails. This reimagined Sydney Opera House tour introduces the history, design, and cultural importance of the building, while sharing some of the lesser-known stories that have shaped it.

During the tour, you’ll experience an immersive digital presentation featuring memorable moments from past Concert Hall performances and learn about the history and future of this renowned performance space.

You’ll also visit a newly designed venue that blends heritage-inspired interiors with modern technology, including 270-degree visuals and surround sound that bring the Opera House’s artistic legacy to life. The tour also includes access to several of the Opera House’s theatres and performance spaces. As this is an active performing arts center, venues visited may vary depending on rehearsals and performances scheduled at the time of your tour.

The afternoon is yours to explore the city as you please. Here are some suggestions:

• Sydney Harbor Bridge: Climb or walk across the bridge to enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the city and its harbor.
• The Rocks: Wander through this historic area with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, lively markets, and
  excellent dining options.
• Royal Botanic Garden: Stroll through these lush gardens, perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying the scenic waterfront.
• Art Gallery of New South Wales: Immerse yourself in art and culture with an impressive collection of
  Aboriginal, Australian, and international pieces.

The day is yours to explore the city as you please. Some additional options for exploring:

• Bondi Beach: Relax on the famous sandy shores, surf the waves, and soak up the sun at one of Australia’s most beloved beaches.
• The Rocks: Wander through this historic area with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, lively markets, and excellent dining options.
• Taronga Zoo: Get up close with Australia’s diverse wildlife and enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour from this renowned zoo.
• Royal Botanic Garden: Stroll through these lush gardens, perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying the scenic waterfront.
• Darling Harbour: Experience entertainment, shopping, dining, and family-friendly attractions like the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney Zoo.
• Art Gallery of New South Wales: Immerse yourself in art and culture with an impressive collection of Australian and international works.
• Sydney Tower Eye: Take in 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck of this tall landmark skyscraper.
• Manly Beach: Catch a ferry to Manly and explore this vibrant beachside town known for its surf culture.

Today, your adventure takes you to the state of Tasmania. From Sydney, fly to Hobart, where your guide will greet you. The journey begins at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will see Tasmanian Devils, wombats, wallabies, quolls, and other Australian wildlife. The Tasmanian kangaroos at Bonorong are incredibly gentle, so take part in the opportunity to hand-feed them. The dedicated team of wildlife experts provides invaluable support for research and protection of native wildlife in Tasmania.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the Tasman Peninsula, where you will visit Port Arthur and hear the story of Tasmania’s famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict settlement. Set in tranquil gardens, Tasmania’s famous convict settlement harbors a dark history that your experienced guide will bring to life. The Tasman Peninsula offers stunning scenery as well as many interesting geological features, such as Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch.

Then, you’ll relax and enjoy a scenic drive along Tasmania’s East Coast to the Freycinet Peninsula with its exceptional beauty, pristine white sandy beaches, and granite coastline before retiring for the evening.

Today, there will be time to explore the unsurpassed beauty of the Freycinet Peninsula. Walk the track up to the world-famous Wineglass Bay lookout for some amazing photo opportunities, with views across the Freycinet National Park. Visit Cape Tourville lighthouse with its stunning coastal views, and stroll along the pristine Friendly Beaches.

After breakfast, leave the Freycinet and travel towards the stunning Mole Creek Karst National Park. Explore some of nature’s unique phenomena on an underground river and a glow-worm tour within the Marakoopa Cave system. Continue your journey through lush rolling farm pastures before reaching the alpine bush and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park.

On a clear day, the rugged grandeur of Cradle Mountain is reflected in the tranquil waters of Dove Lake, or you may experience the drama of its craggy peaks through swirling mist. This morning’s activity is a bush walk in the national park on the Dove Lake Circuit (2.5 hrs), where you will immerse yourself in the beauty of this majestic setting (weather-dependent). Learn about native flora and fauna along the way, with highlights including the ballroom forest and lakeside beaches.

After lunch, you’ll continue to Launceston, where your guide will introduce you to a short city tour and the Cataract Gorge. Your tour ends at approximately 3.30 pm at Launceston airport for your afternoon flight to Melbourne.

Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Discover Melbourne with a private tour and make the most of your time by visiting the places you really want to see. With this tour, we can accommodate your personal interests, whether it be history, architecture, people, sports, shops, or cafes. Let your guide know before the start of the tour, what you want to see, or if you prefer, just sit back and relax while your expert guide shows you the best Melbourne has to offer.

Some of the places to consider visiting:

• Collins Street
• Docklands
• Chinatown
• Queen Victoria Market
• Carlton
• Fitzroy
• East Melbourne
• Sports Precinct (Tennis Center, MCG),
• Federation Square, Southbank
• St. Kilda Road
• South Yarra
• Toorak
• Albert Park
• St. Kilda & more

In the evening, head to Phillip Island in plenty of time to get in a good position for the nightly penguin parade. Your unforgettable day will commence with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, where you are guaranteed plenty of close encounters with an array of Australian native animals like kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas. Traveling further west to the Nobbies, you will stroll along the boardwalk to experience the waves crashing along this dramatic coastline and perhaps spot a few seals and some penguin nests. Then you will enjoy the famous Penguin Parade, where you will see the little penguins come ashore, decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows. Your qualified ranger will provide detailed commentary about the penguins via headset.

Sightseeing can be adjusted based on your flight schedule and preferences.

Return to your hotel in Melbourne in the late evening.

The  Great Ocean Road is often described as the world’s most breathtaking coastal drive. Experience this majestic coastal drive in style and enjoy time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous route. Stay on the lookout for some very special animals, including whales, dolphins, echidnas, and bandicoots. You will have time to stroll along the wild beaches or stop for a coffee at the striking Split Point Lighthouse and take in the scenery. You will stop at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town set amongst the soft rolling hills, offering a great selection of cafes and restaurants where you can stop for lunch (not included). Following this, you will enjoy a walk in the forest in the Otway Ranges. A truly unique day out capped off by a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Alas, your Australian adventure has come to an end. Today you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home.

If you’re not ready to go home, consider connecting to Brisbane and on to Fraser Island—the largest sand island in the world—for a very different island experience. Or ask an Adventure Specialist about other trip extension options.