11-Nights Australia Up Close: Sydney, Melbourne & Great Barrier Reef from $5,099

Goway Travel

OFFER ID 1722358

Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks, Wildlife Encounters Venture into the wonders of Australia, where cities and astonishing wildlife await. Engage with hidden gems in Melbourne, and explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Sample Group Trip Overview:

This is a sample itinerary, which offers a taste of what is possible on a group vacation with Goway Groups Only. All of our group vacations are private and fully customizable for any group of 10-or-more travelers.

Spend 12 days seeing some of the highlights of the land Downunder, from the laneways and arcades of Melbourne to the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef to the picturesque harbor of Sydney.

Your group vacation to Australia begins in Melbourne, often considered the most livable city in the world and undoubtedly one of Australia’s most comfortable and chic urban centers. A tour your first day introduces your group to some of the trendy laneway and arcade bars and cafes in and around Federation Square. Outside of the city, you’ll get up close to wild kangaroos and koalas with a wildlife tour before you head to nearby Phillip Island to see the evening little penguin parade, when hundreds of adorable little penguins waddle onto the beach at sunset. Enjoy another day at leisure back in Melbourne before you taste some fabulous Aussie wines in the Yarra Valley, home to 55 wineries and some of the country’s best produce.

Continue your group vacation to Australia with a flight to Cairns in the tropical far north of Queensland. Based out of Cairns, your group will explore the rainforest before cruising the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living reef system. Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway into the rainforest to learn about Aboriginal traditions, try your hand at playing didgeridoo, and see endemic plants and wildlife at the Rainforestation Nature Park. Then ride the famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway out of the rainforest, enjoying breathtaking views over the forested coastline. Another day, board a luxury catamaran for a cruise to the outer reefs to enjoy a safe and comfortable view of the incredible undersea life. Your group will have another day at leisure in Cairns.

Final stop is Sydney, Australia’s largest city and one of the most naturally blessed cities in the world. A walking tour will showcase the city’s indigenous heritage in the Rocks district before you go behind-the-scenes of the Sydney Opera House and enjoy the unbeatable views of the harbor. Then board a cruise vessel for an unforgettable lunch cruise, enjoying views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from the water. Outside of Sydney, head into the Blue Mountains to explore a landscape of rugged cliffs, rich forests, and abundant bird life. You’ll see the famous peaks, the Three Sisters, as well as various waterfalls and wildlife.

At the end of your stay in Sydney, it’s back to the airport for onward travels.

Highlights:

Arrive in Melbourne, touring laneways, Fitzroy Gardens, markets, and riverside icons.
Meet wild kangaroos and koalas, then witness Phillip Island’s Little Penguin Parade at dusk.
Savour Yarra Valley wines over vineyard views, exploring Victoria’s cool-climate flavours.
Snorkel the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, then ride Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail.
Cruise Sydney Harbour past the Opera House, explore The Rocks, and visit the Blue Mountains.

Included Services:

Private arrival and departure airport transfers for the group
First class hotel accommodation
Transportation by private, air-conditioned coach
Services of a English speaking guide on tour
Sightseeing, admissions as per the itinerary
Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 2 dinner (excluding drinks)
Government/Local taxes at existing rates

Excluded Services:

Travel insurance
International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
Gratuities
Optional excursions
Items of a personal nature
Visa fees, if applicable

11 nights from $5,099 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

This morning you say G’Day to the land Downunder, you will be met by a local guide and taken by private coach for a city tour.

Melbourne is Australia’s cosmopolitan and sophisticated lifestyle capital. The drive will take in the central business district with its eclectic architecture, past the 170 million dollar Victorian Arts Centre. View Captain Cook's Cottage in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens with avenues of huge English elms planted along gently contoured lawns.

Pass by the Botanical Gardens and observe the hustle and bustle of the famous Queen Victorian Markets. Continue along taking in views of the Shrine of Remembrance and St Patrick's Cathedral.

Stop for a brief walk with the guide around Melbourne famous lanes and arcades… The tour will conclude at hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: Crown Promenade Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Crown Promenade Melbourne is a top choice for the savvy traveller who seeks functionality, location and genuine service with the amenities you expect, and the extras you deserve.

Day 2: Kangaroos, Koalas and Phillip Island

After breakfast, this morning you will be collected from the hotel for your half-day tour. Walk with wild animals in their natural habitats on this half-day educational tour, led by an experienced Wildlife Guide. This brief, tour is an informative and dramatic introduction to the unique wildlife of Australia. Join wild mobs of Kangaroos on the plains and in open forests. Their natural instinct is to flee humans, but with care, we often get close enough to take photographs and observe their complex social life. Walk through natural bushland to meet wild koalas, and then learn about each one’s history and social life from your Wildlife guide and Koala Researcher. Help Make a Home for Koala Clancy by removing Boneseed (a weed) to make a difference to koala habitat. At the end of the tour, we return to Melbourne. Note: Depending on weather, season and tour timing the wildlife experiences on this tour may be reversed so that we see the koalas first and kangaroos later. This afternoon, board your private coach and travel inland to the Mornington Peninsula, across the San Remo Bridge to Phillip Island. Absorb the peace and quiet of this sleepy island paradise – a popular get-away spot for city dwellers. First, we visit the Koala Conservation Centre. Come ‘face to face’ with koalas in their natural habitat. Explore the treetop boardwalks and stroll through the woodlands, home to many animals including wallabies, echidnas, bats and birds. Continue with sightseeing until dinner at local restaurant. After dinner, experience the magic of little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia from the Penguins Plus viewing platform. Enjoy a more personal viewing experience, limited to 190 people. Every evening at dusk, the Little Penguins come from the sea at Phillip Island. From the waves-across the beach-to the sand dunes-the fairy penguins can almost be touched as they waddle to their burrows. Sunset at Summerland Beach has drawn millions of visitors to Phillip Island. It is the nightly ritual of these little flightless birds, which will enthrall you as you observe from the beach and the elevated boardwalk. Please arrive 1 hour prior to penguin arrival time. At the end of the evening, re-board your coach for the return journey back to Melbourne.

Hotel: Crown Promenade Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Crown Promenade Melbourne is a top choice for the savvy traveller who seeks functionality, location and genuine service with the amenities you expect, and the extras you deserve.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Melbourne at Leisure

A full day to do as much or as little as your wish!

Hotel: Crown Promenade Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Crown Promenade Melbourne is a top choice for the savvy traveller who seeks functionality, location and genuine service with the amenities you expect, and the extras you deserve.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4: Full Day Yarra Valley

Under an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is famous for its wine, fresh food and breath-taking scenery. The place where Victorian winegrowing started, the Yarra Valley is now home to over 55 wineries, most of which offer cellar door tastings and sales. Many are as serious about food as they are about their harvest, matching the wine they make with local produce in restaurants located in beautiful vineyards. Today, you will have an opportunity to taste some of the best produce Victoria has to offer.

Hotel: Crown Promenade Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Crown Promenade Melbourne is a top choice for the savvy traveller who seeks functionality, location and genuine service with the amenities you expect, and the extras you deserve.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Melbourne to Cairns

Today, meet your guide and transfer by private coach to Sydney Airport for your flight to Cairns (not included). On arrival in Cairns, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: Pacific Hotel Cairns (3 Star Rating)

Located on the Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour, Pacific Hotel Cairns offers stunning views from private balconies and easy access to the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal, shopping precinct and Esplanade Lagoon. The modern rooms offer comfortable accommodation for all travellers and if you’re looking for a luxurious upgrade, you can’t go past our Tropical Luxe Room Collection.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6: Full Day Kuranda Tour

This morning meet your guide and transfer by coach to Freshwater Station to join the Kuranda Scenic Railway train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Australia. Travelling slowly, it winds its way up the epic pioneer track with every turn revealing a new panorama - sugar plantations, Barron Falls, Stoney Creek Falls - until it reaches Kuranda Station.

Enjoy some free time exploring the village before meeting with the coach again for the short transfer to Rainforestation Nature Park, boasting 40 hectares of gardens and rainforest set amidst World Heritage areas. Ride the amphibious army duck through the rainforest, witness the dynamic performance of the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers in the natural amphitheater where the rainforest serves as the theatre walls and the sounds of the forest and the didgeridoo create the backing music.

Barbecue lunch will be served during the day.

Depart Rainforestation and return to Kuranda and the Skyrail terminal, where we board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. On arrival in Smithfield, re-board our coach and return to our hotel. The reminder of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: Pacific Hotel Cairns (3 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Full Day Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

After breakfast, meet your guide and walk to The Reef Fleet Terminal to check-in for your cruise.

Reef Magic Cruises new, luxury fast catamaran travels direct from Cairns to the spacious, stable Marine World activity platform in less than 90 minutes. Guests have privileged access to one of the most pristine, accessible & versatile Outer Great Barrier Reef sites available on a day trip from Cairns. Unmatched in value, Reef Magic Cruises provides the complete reef experience with 5 full hours at a private patch of reef & the smallest pontoon passenger numbers – no rush, no crowds. Guests choose from a full compliment of inclusive activities and an affordable range of optional extras in a uniquely relaxed, friendly and personalized atmosphere.

After the cruise, please make your way back to hotel.

The evening is at leisure.

Hotel: Pacific Hotel Cairns (3 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Cairns at Leisure

Today is free to relax and explore a little on your own. This evening we enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Pacific Hotel Cairns (3 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Cairns to Sydney

Today, meet your guide and transfer by coach to Cairns airport for your flight to Sydney (not included)

On arrival in Sydney, you will be met by local guide and transferred by coach to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day at own leisure.

Hotel: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney (4 Star Rating)

A beautiful hotel with a stunning 1800's sandstone facade, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is an intimate, boutique-style property. Once home to the Fairfax newspaper empire and the prestigious Bank of New South Wales, this accommodation offers a location near Sydney Opera House and major shopping precincts. There is a wide array of upscale facilities, including on-site dining at the recently refurbished restaurant and a modern health club. The staff ensures that your stay at this accommodation in Sydney is both comfortable and unforgettable.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 10: Sydney Walking Tour & Lunch Cruise

Our day starts by going walkabout through the historic Rocks area of Sydney, with our local indigenous guide who will share stories and the history of their heritage as you explore.

No visit to Sydney would be complete without a visit to the famous Opera House, where we will be guided into theatres, given a fascinating account of the history and architecture of the House and introduced to the magic of performance. With its white, sculptural 'shells' risingfrom the harbour foreshore at Bennelong Point, the Opera House is Sydney's most recognisable building and, officially, one of the seven wonders of the 20th century. Joern Utzon, the Danish architect who designed the Opera House, ascribed the inspiration for his masterpiece to the sails of yachts on the harbour. As the Opera House is first and foremost a performing arts centre, some areas may be restricted for viewing due to rehearsals and performances.

Lunch today is on the water, as we cruise the Harbor area, viewing some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions all as you enjoy a long lunch inspired by locally sourced, regionally inspired dishes, paired with wines from the wine regions of New South Wales.

After the cruise, make your way back to hotel and enjoy the rest of the day is at leisure

Hotel: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney (4 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Full Day Blue Mountains Tour

This morning After an early breakfast, board your private coach and travel through Sydney’s inner Western Suburbs to Featherdale Wildlife Park one of Australia’s largest private collections of Australian animals for a memorable and unique experience in a natural and well established bush setting. We continue the journey following the trail of Australia's early explorers as the coach ascends into the Blue Mountains National Park. Travel through the historic townships of Blaxland, Springwood, Lawson and Wentworth Falls and view the National Trust township of Leura. The Blue Mountains are aptly named because of the blue haze caused by rays of light striking dust particles and small droplets of moisture in the atmosphere. The haze is an interesting scientific phenomenon, noticeable because of the heavy timbering of Eucalypt trees in the area. Drive along Cliff Drive to Echo Point to view the world famous "Three Sisters". Learn fascinating Aboriginal legends, including The Mountain Devils, The Banksiamen, The Bunyip and The Witch Doctor while enjoying panoramic views of the Jamison Valley. Lunch is included at local restaurant (beverages at own expense). This afternoon we visit Scenic World renowned for providing the ultimate Blue Mountains Adventure – from native birds to fresh air, to breathtaking views of the World Heritage-listed region including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls & Jamison Valley (own expense). Alternatively, you guide can take you on a nature walk before returning to your coach for journey back to Sydney via the 2000 Sydney Olympic Site (time permitting).

The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Hotel: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney (4 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Depart Sydney

Today, meet your guide and transfer by coach to Sydney Airport and your journey home ….or onwards…

Meal(s): Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Sydney

Sydney

Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Kayak under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24-7 fun.

Five Sydney Experiences Not to Miss:

1. Explore the historic Rocks

Discover Sydney’s colorful convict history in the harbourside quarter where it all began. Just five minutes from Circular Quay, you can hear stories of hangings and hauntings on a ghost tour, wander the weekend markets or climb the span of the Harbour Bridge. In amongst the maze of sandstone lanes and courtyards, you’ll find historic workman’s cottages and elegant terraces, art galleries, hotels with harbour views and Sydney’s oldest pubs. See people spill out of them onto a party on the cobblestone streets when The Rocks celebrates Australia Day on January 26th, Anzac Day on April 25th and New Years Eve.

2. Hit the world-famous harbour

Sail past the Opera House on a chartered yacht or paddle from Rose Bay in a kayak. Take a scenic cruise from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, past waterfront mansions, national parks and Shark, Clark, Rodd and Goat islands. Tour historic Fort Denison or learn about the life of Sydney’s first inhabitants, the Gadigal people, on an Aboriginal cultural cruise. Watch the harbour glitter from the green parklands of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which curves around its edge. Or take in the view from a waterfront restaurant in Mosman, on the northern side of the bridge, or Watsons Bay at South Head. Walk from Rose Bay to Vaucluse or Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay, on just some of the 16 spectacular routes hugging the harbour foreshore.

3. Visit Manly on the ferry

Travel across Sydney Harbour on a ferry to Manly, which sits between beaches of ocean surf and tranquil inner harbour. Wander through native bushland on the scenic Manly to Spit Bridge walk, learn to scuba-dive at Cabbage Tree Bay or ride a bike to Fairy Bower. Picnic at Shelly Beach on the ocean and sail or kayak from Manly Wharf round the harbour. Hire a scooter and do a round trip of northern beaches such as Narrabeen and Palm Beach. Explore the shops, bars and cafes along the bustling pine tree-lined Corso and dine at world-class restaurants with water views.

4. Enjoy café culture and top shopping in Paddington

Meander through the Saturday markets, browse fashion boutiques on bustling Oxford Street or discover the antique shops and art galleries in upmarket Woollahra. Visit the 1840s Victoria Barracks Army base, open to the public once a week, and see restored Victorian terraces on wide, leafy streets. Ride or roller-blade in huge Centennial Park, then stop for coffee and lunch on Oxford St or in the mini-village of Five Ways. Catch a movie at an art-house cinema or leaf through a novel at midnight in one of the huge bookstores. Crawl between the lively, historic pubs. They hum even more after a game at the nearby stadium or a race day, when girls and guys arrive in their crumpled trackside finery.

5. Walk from Bondi to Coogee

Take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you walk the winding, sea-sculpted sandstone cliffs between Bondi and Coogee. Swim in the famous Bondi Icebergs rock pool or just watch the swimmers with a sunset cocktail from the restaurant above. See wild waves in Tamarama, nicknamed Glamarama for the beautiful people who lie on its golden sand. From mid-October to November, the stretch from here to Bondi is transformed into an outdoor gallery for the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition. You can surf, picnic on the grass or stop for a coffee at family-friendly Bronte. Or swim, snorkel or scuba dive in Clovelly and tranquil Gordon’s Bay. See the graves of poets Henry Lawson, Dorothea Mackellar and aviator Lawrence Hargrave in Waverley Cemetery, on the edge of the cliffs. Finish your tour in the scenic, backpacker haven of Coogee.

Cairns

Melbourne

Melbourne

Melbourne is a maze of hidden laneways, opulent bars, exclusive restaurants and off-the-beaten-track boutiques. Here you can soak up culture, hit the sporting grounds, taste the dynamic food and wine scene, dance til dawn or wander the parks and leafy boulevards. Visit Federation Square, the city's landmark cultural space, and enjoy a sunset beer on the St Kilda promenade. Shop till you drop on funky Brunswick Street or upmarket Chapel Street. Wander Southbank's cafes, bistros and bars and get a world tour of cuisines in Carlton, Richmond and Fitzroy. Take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and cheer with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Five Must-Have Melbourne Experiences:

1. Shop till you drop

Bag a bargain at the Rose Street Artist's Market and browse the funky boutiques on Brunswick Street. Buy designer labels such as Akira Isogawa and Zimmerman on Chapel Street in Prahran or in the historic Melbourne General Post Office, which covers an entire city block. For everything from fashion to furnishings at fantastic value, visit Bridge Road in Richmond. Melbourne is a shopper's haven, offering eclectic boutiques, high-end fashion, funky homeware stores and European style piazzas in the city's arcades and hidden laneways.

2. Bar hop and dance till dawn

Sip a cocktail in a converted sea container in Chinatown, enjoy a sunset beer in a St Kilda pub or listen to cabaret in lush retro surroundings in jazz bars in the city. Linger over exquisite tapas and exotic wine in a Little Collins Street bar and mingle in a pink parlour with fake grass in Bourke Street. You can party from dusk in the bars of Brunswick Street. Or dance till dawn in bars in the city's lantern-lit laneways, secret apart from the spill of coloured light under heavy brass doors.

3. Get into the gourmet goodness

Let the aroma of good coffee waft over you in Melbourne's gothic European laneways. The city is famous for its coffee and old-world café culture but there's so much more to explore. Once you've downed a 'short black' or taken an afternoon aperitif, try tea in a nineteenth-century hotel or salivate over your silver spoon in acclaimed restaurants like Nobu, Botanical and Becco. Pick up fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood at the Queen Victoria Market on a Saturday, known for its bustling crowds and buskers. Try out the restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars in Southbank or Federation Square. Make your way around Melbourne's multicultural cosmos of cuisines: Carlton for Italian classics, Richmond for budget-friendly Vietnamese and Fitzroy for Spanish tapas.

4. Fill up on culture

See a performance by the Australian Ballet, which is based here in Australia's cultural capital. Or enjoy a dazzling musical at the Princess Theatre. Browse the Southern Hemisphere's best collection of international art at the National Gallery of Victoria. Or visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square, a landmark cultural 'space' for Melbournians. Challenge yourself with the creative collections in the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank. To learn more about Melbourne's Aboriginal cultural heritage, see contemporary and dreamtime art or take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens.

5. Go sports mad

Cheer for an Australian Rules Football game with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over winter. Go cricket mad in summer, when the city hosts the Ashes and one day internationals. Or join the huge crowds watching the Australian Tennis Open at Melbourne Park. Rev heads head to Melbourne in March for the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Albert Park. And whether you are a racing fan or just a casual punter, you won't want to miss the Melbourne Cup - the world's richest horse race on the first Tuesday in November.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

09/23/2026 - 12/31/2028

from $5,099 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $5,099 per person

Length

11 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Pricing is dynamic and subject to change based on specific travel dates, room categories and availability. Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travelers are available on request - please inquire with your Travel Advisor.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1722358

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11-Nights Australia Up Close: Sydney, Melbourne & Great Barrier Reef from $5,099

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