9-Day Melbourne & Sydney Discovery Tour
Overview
Discover the best of Australia on this 9-day Melbourne and Sydney tour, starting with your arrival in Melbourne, where you'll explore the city's iconic landmarks, including the Royal Botanic Gardens and Phillip Island's famous Penguin Parade. Immerse yourself in wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary and enjoy a scenic ride on the Puffing Billy steam train. Savor Melbourne's culinary scene with a guided foodie walking tour before flying to Sydney. There, you'll embark on a panoramic city tour, cruise Sydney Harbour, and explore the stunning Blue Mountains and Sydney Zoo. With a free day in Sydney to explore at your own pace or take an optional excursion to Canberra or the Hunter Valley, this tour offers the perfect mix of urban exploration, cultural highlights, and natural beauty.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, including the Royal Botanic Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance
- Witness the enchanting Penguin Parade on Phillip Island as little penguins return to their nests at sunset
- Encounter native Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary and ride the scenic Puffing Billy steam train
- Savor Melbourne’s diverse culinary offerings on a guided foodie walking tour
- Take a panoramic Sydney city tour, including visits to the historic Rocks area and Bondi Beach
- Cruise Sydney Harbour with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge during a 2-hour lunch cruise
- Discover the breathtaking Blue Mountains, ride the world’s steepest railway at Scenic World, and visit the Sydney Zoo
What’s Included
- 4 nights in a Standard room at Hyatt Centric Melbourne
- 4 nights in a Standard room at The Tank Stream Hotel Sydney
- Daily breakfast
- Shared Melbourne City tour and Philip Island Tour
- Shared Healesville Sanctuary with Puffing Billy Train ride
- Shared Foodies Bucket List of Melbourne Walking Tour
- Shared Sydney Panoramic Tours and Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
- Shared full-day Blue Mountains tour with scenic world and Sydney Zoo
- Private transfers between the airport and the hotel
- Hotel taxes and service charges
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Gratuities, porterage and travel insurance
- Visa fees, meals, and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Itinerary
Today, we will arrive at Tullamarine Airport, where we will meet our driver for our transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hyatt Centric Melbourne (Standard Room)
Explore the charming city of Melbourne, known for its beautiful gardens, diverse dining options, vibrant arcades, and thriving arts scene. Experience the city’s sophisticated charm and laid-back vibe as you visit some iconic landmarks. Enjoy photo opportunities at the MCG forecourt, Luna Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. After taking in Melbourne’s dynamic atmosphere, we’ll travel to Phillip Island to enjoy nature. Stroll along the coastal boardwalks at The Nobbies and watch for the resident fur seals. As the sun sets, experience the enchanting Penguin Parade, where you can watch the adorable little penguins make their way from the sea to their nests.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hyatt Centric Melbourne (Standard Room)
Begin your day with a visit to the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary, where you can experience the beauty of Australia’s native wildlife. Next, head to the scenic Emerald Lake, where you can purchase your lunch. Afterward, board the iconic Puffing Billy steam train for a picturesque journey through the stunning Dandenong Ranges.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hyatt Centric Melbourne (Standard Room)
Embark on our ‘Bucket List’ Food Tour, featuring up to 10 delicious tastings interwoven with cultural and historical insights. Your local guide, a passionate advocate for Melbourne’s rich culinary and cultural scene, will introduce you to the concept of ‘Melbourne-style.’ Delight in unforgettable flavors from some of Melbourne’s finest and award-winning restaurants. The city’s diverse cuisine showcases indigenous, European, and Asian influences, offering a unique fusion of Modern Chinese, Peruvian, Spanish, Asian Fusion, and contemporary Australian dishes. This tour is a perfect way to discover Melbourne’s hidden culinary treasures.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hyatt Centric Melbourne (Standard Room)
After breakfast, we will meet our guide and be transferred to the airport for our flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Tank Stream Hotel Sydney (Standard room)
We embark on an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half-day city tour. Explore the historic Rocks area, delving into early convict history before journeying through the financial hub of the Central Business District (CBD) and Macquarie Street. Admire the 18th-century sandstone architecture of NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks, and St Mary’s Cathedral. Pause at Mrs Macquaries Point for breathtaking Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge views. Traverse Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, known for their opulence, take in stunning harbor views with photo stops along the way. Opt for a short coastal walk at Watsons Bay to soak in the South Pacific Ocean vistas and Sydney Harbour entrance. Then, visit the iconic Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop, where you can stroll along the promenade, feel the sand between your toes, and enjoy refreshments (at your own cost). Continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches, passing through Centennial Park and Paddington’s trendy boutiques, before arriving at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Departing from the Eastern Pontoon at noon, enjoy a 2-hour cruise, marveling at landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, with insightful commentary from a live commentator. The cruise concludes at 2:15 pm at Circular Quay, allowing you to return to your hotel at your own pace, enriched by the sights and experiences of Sydney.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Tank Stream Hotel Sydney (Standard room)
Embark on a small group guided trip to the Blue Mountains on a full-day minivan tour from Sydney, a Maximum of 21 people. Visit multiple lookouts and take in the views of Jamison Valley. Ride the world’s steepest railway and visit Sydney Zoo. First, after pickup, stop off at Echo Point, where you will have the closest and best view of the Three Sisters. Witness the blue haze and the vast expanse of the Jamison Valley, and experience the Blue Mountains’ beauty. Next, visit Scenic World and dare yourself to ride the steepest railway in the world. The railway has a 52 to 64-degree incline, with views from the top of the Three Sisters and the Valley. Ride the Skyway with a See-Through Glass Bottom and enjoy the Cableway and a walk through the Rainforest. After, visit a quaint village in the Blue Mountains. Explore the boutique stores and enjoy lunch (at your own expense) at one of the cafes or restaurants. Then, on the way back to Sydney, venture to the Western Plains to visit Sydney Zoo — Sydney’s ultimate wildlife experience. You can see a koala or a wallaby in an amazing nocturnal enclosure of Australian mammals, reptiles, and other animals from around the globe. Conclude your day with a ferry ride on the Parramatta River to Circular Quay. Travel under the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House before disembarking at Circular Quay at approximately 5 pm, where the tour concludes.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Tank Stream Hotel Sydney (Standard room)
Spend a leisurely day exploring Sydney at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax, enjoy the city, or embark on an adventure, the day is yours to design. You can opt for a free day to discover Sydney’s vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and stunning waterfronts on your own.
Alternatively, consider joining one of our optional excursions. (A minimum of 2 participants is required)
Canberra Day Trip: Explore Australia’s capital city, Canberra, on a guided tour that includes visits to key sites such as Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia - $189 per person.
Hunter Valley Winery Tour: Indulge in a wine-tasting experience in the beautiful Hunter Valley, renowned for its wineries and gourmet cuisine. This tour offers a delightful blend of scenic views and exquisite flavors - $215 per person.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Tank Stream Hotel Sydney (Standard room)
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your journey home. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
Departure Dates | Tour Cost | More Info | |
---|---|---|---|
20 Dec 24 - 28 Dec 24 | USD $3199 | 9-Day Melbourne & Sydney Discovery Tour | BOOK NOW |
24 Jan 25 - 01 Feb 25 | USD $2999 | 9-Day Melbourne & Sydney Discovery Tour | BOOK NOW |
07 Feb 25 - 15 Feb 25 | USD $2999 | 9-Day Melbourne & Sydney Discovery Tour | BOOK NOW |
21 Feb 25 - 01 Mar 25 | USD $2999 | 9-Day Melbourne & Sydney Discovery Tour | BOOK NOW |
14 Mar 25 - 22 Mar 25 | USD $2999 | 9-Day Melbourne & Sydney Discovery Tour | BOOK NOW |
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