100% customisable travel idea
Southern Australia Melbourne, Sydney and wild Tasmania
Australia - Melbourne - Tasmania - Sydney
100% customisable travel idea
Australia - Melbourne - Tasmania - Sydney
100% customisable for you
Night on board, arrival the following day.
Upon arrival, private transfer to the iconic Flinders Lane, right in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. Stay for three nights in a property that reflects the spirit of the city: trendy, colourful, and slightly carefree. Graffiti and other whimsical elements brighten the walls, from the rooms to the common areas. The view grows more impressive as you climb each floor. The restaurant, a favourite with locals, serves South Asian inspired cuisine with a skilful twist. It stands proudly next to the bar on the 28th floor of the glass tower. On the rooftop, there's an indoor pool where you can swim a few laps with views of the skyline. You get the sense you haven’t quite landed yet.
Home to the Wurundjeri people, site of an early European colonial settlement, once the largest city in Australia and even the federal capital before Sydney and Canberra took over: Melbourne has a rich and distinctly condensed history. Flinders Station (right next to your accommodation), Federation Square and the Shrine of Remembrance are just some of the city’s many treasures waiting to be discovered.
On your schedule - Melbourne with a local. Cultural, sporty and dynamic, the metropolis often ranks as one of the top "most liveable cities in the world". To understand why, there's nothing like spending a few hours with a Melburnian, . For this half-day, there is no set programme. Your guide will decide on the route based on your interests and wishes, and what's going on locally. A tour that adapts to suit you, not the other way round.
Things to do and experience - Lose yourself in the covered arcades in search of trendy cafes and boutiques; take a seat on a hidden terrace to watch the city buzz by; stretch out on the lawns of the Royal Botanic Gardens at an outdoor cinema; soak up the bohemian atmosphere of Fitzroy along Brunswick and Gertrude Streets; marvel at the scale of the Ian Potter Centre and the layout of the city library; watch the little penguins waddling at St. Kilda’s Pier.
Private transfer to the airport and flight to Tasmania (1 hour). Land in Launceston, the island’s second largest city, collect your rental car, and stay for two nights in the city centre. Enter the pretty 19th-century building through an entrance door adorned with colourful stained glass. Beyond the lobby, an elegant staircase with a polished wooden handrail glides beneath your fingers. This one leads to several floors of rooms where light pours in freely. In the centre of the rooms stand locally made comfortable beds, topped with bespoke headboards. The botanical theme runs through every room, a design that echoes the plants and trees in City Park across the street. On the ground floor, the dining room and lounge area are surrounded by large picture windows. It’s a lovely spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Founded in 1805, Launceston retains the charm of a small town, despite its significance. Get to know all about it while strolling along its winding pedestrian street lined with pastel-coloured Victorian buildings. For a country walk, head to the hills of the suburbs, dotted with beautiful Victorian cottages. From their summits, you can enjoy sweeping views over the river and mountains.
Our suggestion - The Tamar Valley wineries. Tasmania has not one but four wine regions. In the south, wine is naturally produced around the capital, Hobart, which keeps it well supplied. To the east, on the Pacific coast, is the region’s newest wine country. Finally, to the north lies the Tamar Valley, where the first vines were planted in the early 19th century. The names of the estates we recommend you visit will be added to your travel booklet.
Drive to Cradle Mountain National Park. National Highway 1 runs through a valley before it reaches Lake Barrington. Your arrival is marked by one of Tasmania’s most beautiful natural sights: the outlines of Cradle Mountain reflected in the still waters of the many lakes scattered at its base.
Optional extra on your way - Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Stay for two nights on the edge of the national park. Forty or so cottages await patiently in a lush green setting. Each spacious cottage has a balcony, perfect for observing wildlife, and a small kitchen, so you can be fully independent. And if you feel like being waited on, the restaurant’s restaurant serves good quality food. In the evening, head to the shared lounge, complete with a library and a fireplace. Everything you need for a cosy night by the fire.
World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a place of superlatives. It's the most visited park in Tasmania, home to the most popular hike (the Overland Track, with its 65 km (40 miles) of trails), and the deepest lake (Lake St Clair). Its ancient glacial valleys, dotted with sharp peaks and crystal-clear lakes, unfold with fascinating landscapes and endless possibilities. It's a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with trails of all levels. Along the way, you encounter exceptional wildlife, often endemic, like the platypus or Tasmanian devil.
Drive to the west coast to reach Strahan. The magic of Cradle Mountain lingers along a breathtaking descent, where each turn reveals a new, enchanting viewpoint. Midway through the route, the impressive Lake Rosebery and Lake Mackintosh surprise you with their beauty. As you draw closer the vast, majestic Macquarie Harbour heralds your arrival.
Stay for two nights on the waterfront. The room is deliberately simple, with a touch of rustic charm that sits well with the surroundings. In any case, the guests are more interested in what is happening outside, especially when the sun sets over the bay after a wonderful adventure filled day. To top it all off, the hotel restaurant is by far the best in Strahan, and the small port where cruises to the Gordon River depart is just a few minutes’ walk away.
On your itinerary - A catamaran cruise on the Gordon River. Spend several hours on the water. Before reaching the peaceful surface of the Gordon River, you’ll pass through Hell's Gate, the mouth of the river and the only route available for fishing boats (don't worry: the name is more intimidating than the passage itself). The river is a World Heritage Site and is surrounded by fabulous landscapes, including a superb rainforest that can be explored from Heritage Landing. The walk among the trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old, is a highlight. You should also stop at Sarah Island, a former early 19th-century convict settlement where 300 prisoners were set to work as shipbuilders.
From one coast to another, head to the southern tip of Tasmania. The road winds through a tangle of waterfalls, lakes and mountains. Your destination, Hobart, is the capital of Tasmania. It also has the distinction of hosting the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race, and serving as a departure point for polar expeditions.
Stay for two nights in the city centre, not far from the seafront. The architects responsible for renovating these two 19th-century warehouses took care to preserve the integrity of the property. Elements of the original building can be found throughout with the sandstone walls, wood and beams. All of this is wrapped in green, with the plants placed here and there (including on the walls of some rooms) and the vibrant colour of the tiles in the bathrooms. All in all, it’s original, beautifully crafted and comfortable. For meals, you can choose from the numerous cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area.
On your schedule - Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (you already have your tickets). Founded in 1981, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary rescues injured and orphaned animals as part of its mission to educate, rehabilitate and release native wildlife. The owner often gives talks in schools to raise awareness from an early age. He has also raised many animals himself, such as Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, tawny frogmouths and eastern barred bandicoots. No doubt about it, you’ll encounter the local wildlife with the respect it deserves.
Our suggestion for the afternoon - Mount Field National Park. Tasmania’s oldest national park is also its most diverse with a wide range of contrasting landscapes for nature lovers. As you gain altitude, the dense, humid forest gives way to a drier forest. Then, suddenly, you emerge onto an alpine panorama, with sparse vegetation and trees bent and twisted by strong winds. A trail winds among the giant eucalyptus trees which can grow as tall as 79 metres (259 feet) here.
Drive to the Freycinet Peninsula (2.5 hours). The route crosses the calm waters of Pitt Water before heading north, skirting Mount Morrison Forest Reserve and cutting through rolling landscapes. After returning to the coast at Orford, the Tasman Sea stays by your side for the final few miles. Stay for two nights just minutes from the famous Wineglass Bay, not far from the national park, in a property that strives to blend in respectfully with its surroundings. There are ten modern and comfortable studios. The best thing is their setting looking out over the water. The panoramic views take in Great Oyster Bay, Saltwater Lagoon, Friendly Beaches and the Tasman Sea. Your days are spent relaxing on the beach, walking along Wineglass Bay, kayaking or diving. At mealtimes, head to the restaurant which serves a fusion of Japanese dishes cooked using the finest Tasmanian produce.
On your schedule - Sea kayaking in Freycinet National Park. The park's landscapes, with their unique colours, draw visitors in like a magnet. The pink of the granite mountains and the blue of the water are particularly alluring. Kayaks are easy to handle and the best way to reach wild beaches and secluded coves. Their silence also encourages unexpected encounters with the local wildlife, with sea eagles topping the list. During the excursion, the guide leads the kayaks to a bay where fisheries and an old quarry lie hidden. Further on, tea is served on one of the beaches that line the coast. Surrounded by water, the moment feels suspended in time.
Head up the coast to reach the lovely fishing port of Bicheno. Views of the east coast are your constant companion during this short journey (1 hour). Upon arrival, stay for the night in a small apartment with a simple, modern design. As you would expect in Australia, there’s a barbecue on the terrace. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this pleasant seaside town and admire the largest dry sclerophyll forest in Tasmania, in Douglas-Apsley National Park.
Things to see and do>on the east coast - Be amazed by the Bicheno Blowhole, an underwater cave where waves rush in and shoot back up to the surface like a geyser; hike to St Columba Falls; weave your way among the massive Eucalyptus regnans on the Blue Tier Giant Walk trail.
Drive to Launceston Airport, return the rental car and flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, take a private transfer and stay for three nights at your modern accommodation in the Darling Harbour district, 30 minutes walk from Circular Quay. The design of the rooms exudes urban chic, a style that continues into the bathrooms with their rain showers. The rooftop bar-restaurant, perched above the city, is one of the best in the city. Its heated lap pool with views of the city is a standout feature, perfect for cooling off during the summer months or relaxing in the warmth when the weather turns cool. For a change of view, the other restaurant, just as elegant and relaxed, tempts you in for coffee or lunch.
Two days to discover the beautiful, vibrant city of Sydney. You might start by getting some fresh air at the Royal Botanic Gardens or experiencing a dose of culture (mainstream or Aboriginal) at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. You’ll then be drawn to the bay - you won’t be able to resist it for very long. The bay is peaceful, unique and neither too big nor too small. An abundance of ferries moor at Circular Quay and release a stream of workers into the CBD, the central business district. This is the daily boat (or bicycle)-office-pub commute for many Sydneysiders. You can embark and travel against the flow of traffic to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the Harbour Bridge and, of course, the Opera House. If you opt for a private cruise, you can explore the coves at your leisure aboard a small trimaran. Stop for a spot of lunch at the Bathers Pavilion on Balmoral Beach, or at Doyles on the beach at Watson’s Bay, where you can eat with your feet dipped in the water. Back on land, there are several options for the evening, including the renovated docks of Woolloomooloo, the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Potts Point, or the stylish Surry Hills. There, among the old red-brick warehouses, bars and restaurants, young designers’ showrooms and trendy boutiques are springing up on Crown Street.
Optional - Visit the Opera House and dine with a view.
Our suggestion - The beaches of Manly. Are you looking for a beautiful stretch of sand where you can relax for a few hours during your stay? The iconic Bondi Beach is very popular, but perhaps a little too trendy. Manly Beach is a less showy alternative to Bondi. To reach this 2 mile (3 km) stretch of golden sand, take a ferry from Circular Quay. After a delightful 30-minute boat ride across the bay, Manly Wharf comes into view. With its pretty row of pine trees, the neighbourhood already exudes a relaxed lifestyle. The main beach is famous for hosting the first international surfing competition in 1974. Manly Beach and its neighbour, Freshwater Beach, are both renowned surfing spots. In terms of facilities, it has everything. An array of shops and restaurants line the Corso. You can enjoy delicious fish and chips between swims under the watchful eye of the lifeguards.
Private transfer to the airport and return flight. Night on board, arrival the next day.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
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