Australian Family Adventure (11 days)

This 11-day itinerary features an extraordinarily wide range of activities and experiences which will not only be fun for the whole family, but which will also expose you to much of what Australia has to offer the traveler in a relatively short time!

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

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Arrive in Melbourne

Transfer: Private drive to hotel

Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne

Arrive at Melbourne Domestic Airport. You will be met by your private driver and transferred to Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne.

Day 2

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Melbourne:

  • Private city and helicopter tour

Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne

Meals: B

Today you will embark on a private city tour. This tour will show you the attractions of Marvelous Melbourne in a relaxed and entertaining way. Learn about the rich history, architecture and culture of this city. Enjoy a walk in the park, visit the Cathedral, have morning tea, just like if you were in your own city.

Then, discover Melbourne from a bird’s perspective during your helicopter flight over the city!

Day 3

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Melbourne:

  • Private Great Ocean Road Tour

Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne

Meals: B, L

Travel on one of the world’s most scenic roads through the Great Ocean Road region which covers south-west Victoria and is home to the famous 12 Apostles. Stop for morning tea in the charming seaside town of Lorne. Enjoy a short walk at Cape Ottway where you might spot a Koala, and have lunch in Apollo Bay. Take in breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean and the coastal cliffs from the numerous viewing platforms along the way.

Day 4

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Transfers: Private drive to airport, fly to Cairns

Accommodation: Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments

Your private driver will take you to the airport for your departure to Cairns. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments.

Day 5

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Cairns:

  • Daintree Rainforest Exploration Tour with Zip Line

Accommodation: Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments

Meals: B, L

Departing your hotel, we travel through the rich farming areas toward the World Heritage Listed forest region of the Daintree National Park. We step aboard our own personalized craft for a cruise on the mirrored smooth waters of the Daintree River. We cruise close to riverbanks and under the overhead canopy of the rainforest seeking out the vivid Ulysses Butterfly, Kingfishers and various other wildlife. The cruise takes us through silent backwaters where crocodiles can normally be seen basking on the muddy banks. Arriving on the northern side of the river we now enter the Daintree section of the Wet Tropics World Heritage protected rainforest.

Our journey takes up the beautiful Alexandra Range passing through rainforest and on to our first stop for home style morning tea deep in the rainforest at the Jindalba boardwalk. Jindalba (the aboriginal name for this place) is also where we literally immerse you inside our protected forests and take you on a guided walk where we view plants of ancient linage right through to examples of our more recent (relatively speaking of course) species of flowering plants. The sounds of various birdlife sing along as we stroll. You may even hear the Wompoo fruit doves with their distinctive “Womp pooooo” call.

To tease you more, there is the possibility of seeing the elusive and brightly coloured Southern Cassowary (A primitive and sadly, endangered species of flightless bird, standing up to an impressive 1.8m/5ft high). Fallen fruit and fruit on low branches is the mainstay of its diet. Continuing along we then stop at the magical Thornton Beach. Here our guides will highlight the amazing wildlife and ecosystems unique to this part of the world – “where the rainforest meets the sea”. Usually we are one the only people on this stretch of wilderness beach if not the only people. Many who have travelled remark how they feel like Robinson Cruso.

Lunch is a special treat today, deep under the Rainforest canopy. We enjoy a delicious lunch of tropical rainforest-inspired local produce. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy quality food, whilst bathed in the serenity of the Tropical Rainforests. We have the chance for a private rainforest walk here as well, and may possibly spot rainforest lizards, birds, butterflies and perhaps even marsupials! This is also your opportunity to immerse yourself in the fresh, clear, rainforest creek. Surely this is a once in a lifetime experience.

After lunch we leave the ground for the air as we embark on a flying fox adventure. You be your own guide as you move through the rainforest canopy and gain a bird’s eye view of the rainforest that few get to see. Otherwise know as jungle surfing, this is one of the most unbelievable activities you will ever do. As the afternoon roles along we get to see unusual, exotic fruit originating from all over the globe’s tropical regions. Along with the fruit trees, the orchid is also a host to beautiful species of tropical flowering plants, both native and introduced. The sole purpose for the fruit grown at this orchard is to make pure, fresh ice cream which is made on the property and sold no where else on the globe. For all those ice cream lovers this is your chance to add to your list of flavours.

Our last stop and final lasting impression will be at the outstanding panoramic picture postcard view at Alexandra Range Lookout. From here you’ll have a spectacular view of the mouth of the Daintree River, Snapper Island and on a clear day Port Douglas. One final treat for the day is the crossing on the Daintree River Ferry – the iconic vehicle punt which transfers you out of the world heritage rainforest and on to your home-ward road. You will be back at your accommodation early in the evening.

Day 6

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Port Douglas: 

  • Day trip to the Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation: Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments

Meals: B, L, D

A yacht man’s dream, Synergy II is a visually exciting, high performance vessel located in the tropical seaside village of Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland, just one hour drive north of Cairns International Airport. This exclusive, luxury boat carries a maximum of twelve people to the Outer Great Barrier Reef on day trips. We will whisk you off to a dynamic reef ecosystem bursting with a huge variety of exciting marine life including over 1500 species of fish and 460 varieties of coral. Meals are a gourmet affair like nothing else seen on the Outer Reef because they’re freshly cooked on board, served al fresco on the split level rear deck. A fine selection of champagne, wine, beer spirits and cocktails are also available from their extensively stocked bar.

Day 7

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Transfers:  Private drive to Cairns airport, fly to Sydney

Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney

Your private driver will take you to the airport for your departure to Sydney. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney.

Day 8

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Sydney:

  • City tour
  • Bridge Climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney

Meals: B

Departing this morning from your hotel we will take you on a tour of the Sydney. First you cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and travel through picturesque Northern Suburbs, down the Wakehurst Parkway to Narrabeen Lakes and on to join the coast at Mona Vale Beach. From here we turn south and follow the amazing sandstone coast pausing at Warriewood Headland for stunning views. Driving on you see Narrabeen and Collaroy Beaches, Long Reef with its great links golf course and onto Dee Why Beach where you pause above the rock pool and observe the surfers and swimmers in the ocean and pool. Driving over Curl Curl Headland with beautiful views looking down to the beach and out to North Head. Stop at Manly Beach to see the surfers and beach volley ball and on up to North Head. We have morning tea, coffee or hot chocolate with Tim Tams with this awesome back drop. Down to Manly Cove and back to the city via Spit Bridge, Balmoral Beach and the back roads through Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay. Crossing the bridge we start to see the more expected city aspects of Macquarie St and the historic buildings. Next is Bondi Beach and heading back to the city we divert around the back of Paddington to see the beautifully restored semi-detached homes with ornate cast iron balustrades. Back in the city we see the gay and lesbian Oxford St, the Spanish Quarter, China Town and pause at Darling Harbour. Guests can have a stroll from one end to the other and we collect them at the Aquarium. We drive past the finger wharves and under the Harbour Bridge with great views of the harbour and Opera House.The Rocks is next with a detailed description of the early settlement, historic buildings and stories of rascals and convicts.

In the afternoon we will do the Bridge Climb, the ultimate Sydney experience. It’s a 3 ½ hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. In groups of up to 14 people, you’ll be led by one of Bridge Climb’s professional Climb Leaders on an adventure of the world’s most recognizable Bridge. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities to witness 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour city surrounds. When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever – you’ve conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over!

Day 9

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Sydney: 

  • Small group tour in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Region

Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney

Meals: B, L

Your informative and knowledgeable guide will collect you from your Sydney hotel as you commence a small group eco tour into the heart of the unique Blue Mountains World Heritage Region. The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and the world’s steepest railway. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region.

Your first stop this morning is at Featherdale Wildlife Park where you will arrive before any other tourists to meet the native Australian animals here – guests can actually get up close and personal, stroke a koala and hand feed kangaroos, wallabies & emus…a great experience! Continuing on, you will head up through the northern section of the Blue Mountains National Park, stopping for morning tea/coffee and apple pie at Bilpin. Stop at the top of the mountains for a short walk to enjoy the stunning views of these remote regions and learn about the flora. Last stop before lunch is at Govetts Leap to see the views and waterfall.

Arrive at your lunch venue, the Katoomba Golf Club, which is nestled above the picturesque Jamison Valley and has great views of the golf course and beyond. On completion of lunch, continue to enjoy magnificent valley and waterfall views. Next stop is at the new Koomurri Aboriginal Cultural Centre where you have plenty of time to see a corroboree, look around the art and artefacts shop and maybe try painting with ochre on their painting wall. Then drive to Scenic World, home of the worlds steepest incline railway (own expense). Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Three Sisters and a walk through the rainforest.

Day 10

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Sydney:

  • Day at leisure

Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney

Meals: B

Enjoy a day at leisure in Sydney.

Day 11

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Transfers: Private drive to airport, fly home

Meals: B

Transfer to Sydney Domestic Airport for your departure.

Accommodation

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne, Australia 

Make the sophisticated ambiance of Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne your base to explore one of the world’s most liveable cities. With its ideal central CBD location, Adina grants you a passport to all that this great city offers. From cosmopolitan cafes, chic boutiques, bars, galleries and clubs, Melbourne is a food lover’s paradise. There is every imaginable cuisine and world class fine-dining on offer, both in the Grand’s locality and at the nearby precincts of Docklands and Crown Casino. Melbourne’s incredible Botanical Gardens, the Yarra River, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the arts hub of the National Gallery and Fed Square, are all also with walking distance.


Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments, Cairns, Australia 

For the perfect Port Douglas luxury beachfront accommodation, Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments offer a unique foreshore location with all the facilities and services you expect on your tropical holiday. Located in quiet seclusion, the cool apartments of Mandalay Port Douglas are nestled amongst lush tropical vibrant gardens. Access to the seemingly endless stretch of Port Douglas beach is through an easy walkway framed by tropical beach flora. Mandalay Port Douglas luxurious and comfortable apartments exemplify the beach style and relaxed elegance which makes Port Douglas one of the most sought after destinations in the world.


Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Australia 

Superbly located in the CBD, surrounded by cosmopolitan cafes, bistros & restaurants, gyms & shopping. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney is your ideal base. Step out for a leisurely stroll through the specialty stores of the Queen Victoria Building or Pitt Street Mall, enjoy easy access to premier tourist spots such as Sydney Centrepoint Tower, Chinatown, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre & Hyde Park, enjoy the nightlife at Darling Harbour, or take the train or bus to Circular Quay and The Rocks. Enjoy Sydney, knowing the relaxing ambiance of your Sydney Apartment Hotel awaits. Wind down in the sauna, take a dip in our heated swimming pool or work out in our fully equipped gym, then relax in the comfort of your apartment with in-room movies, cable TV or get online with broadband access.

Australian Family Adventure (11 days)