After arriving in Melbourne, a local representative will meet you and escort you to your city hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. Ease into Melbourne’s rhythm—wander the riverfront, settle into a café, or sample the city’s celebrated dining scene.
Arrive Melbourne
Your Accommodation
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne is one of Australia’s finest historic hotels. Located on Flinders Street a three-minute walk from Flinders Street Station overlooking the scenic Yarra River, this Melbourne city centre hotel boasts a prime location in the heart of the central business district that’s well suited for both business and leisure.
Today, discover why Melbourne consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable cities. Travel by private charter with a local guide through the heart of the city, passing architectural icons, leafy gardens, and cultural landmarks including Fitzroy Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Lunch is served at The Meat & Wine Co, Southbank, where you’ll enjoy a relaxed two-course meal overlooking the Yarra River. In the afternoon, step off the main streets and into Melbourne’s soul on a guided Lanes & Arcades Walking Tour. Explore hidden laneways, historic arcades, street art, and secret corners that define the city’s creative edge. Afterwards, enjoy free time to continue exploring.
Melbourne City & Hidden Lanes
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch
This afternoon, leave the city behind and travel toward the coast and the natural beauty of Phillip Island. En route, visit Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, and its iconic Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and native birdlife in a natural bushland setting. As evening falls, enjoy dinner at Phillip Island Nature Parks before the highlight of the journey—the world-famous Penguin Parade. From the exclusive Penguins Plus viewing platform, watch hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach to their burrows. Return to your Melbourne hotel late evening, with memories that last long after sunset.
Phillip Island & Penguin Parade
Meal
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the airport, in time for your flight to Cairns (not included). On arrival transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy tropical North Queensland.
Depart Melbourne to Cairns
Meal
Breakfast
Your Accommodation
Pacific Hotel Cairns
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.
Today, a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise to Michaelmas Cay. Snorkel vibrant reefs, explore from a semi-submersible, watch marine biology presentations, and relax on the deck or beach. Buffet lunch.
Great Barrier Reef & Michaelmas Cay
Meal
Breakfast
Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, crossing the Daintree River by cable ferry. Walk the Dreamtime Gorge with an Indigenous guide, learn about bush foods and traditional culture, and enjoy bush tea and damper. Cruise the Daintree River, spotting crocodiles, birds, and tropical wildlife, before returning to Cairns.
Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch
A day at leisure to explore Cairns on your own—relax at the Esplanade Lagoon, visit local markets.
Cairns Free Day
Meal
Breakfast
Another flexible day in tropical North Queensland. Optional experiences include a wildlife sanctuary visit or a scenic drive to the Atherton Tablelands (not included). Enjoy a final evening dinner in Cairns’ vibrant dining scene.
Cairns Leisure & Optional Excursions
Meal
Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer from your hotel to Cairns Airport in time for your onward flight.
Departure
Meal
Breakfast
Prices are from per person based on twin/double share accommodation, subject to availability and current exchange rates, based on a minimum of 15 paying passengers, pricing reflects departure date of Seasonal surcharges and black-out dates may apply. Please enquire about airfare, single supplements, extensions/changes to itinerary or upgrades.
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