- Destination: Australia
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Duration: 14 days
Highlights:
From adventure in the fresh air of the great outdoors to romancing in the legendary Great Barrier Reef; Australia has it all!
Programme Overview
Melbourne, Daylesford, Coliban Park, Cairns, Lizard Island, Sydney, Blue Mountains
Duration: 14 days
Highlights
The ‘Edge’ experience at Melbourne’s Eureka Tower Skydeck 88
Lunch with the Barber family in their traditional family homestead in Coliban Park
Twilight private cruise with Champagne at Lizard Island followed by an exclusive dinner at a private island
Twilight Bridge Climb of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge
A&K Advantage
Behind the scenes tour is an exclusive tour of the Lizard Island Research Station
A private ‘behind the scenes’ visit to Taronga Zoo with your own expert senior Zoo Keeper
A private ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Sydney Opera House
Private arrival and departure airport transfers
The services of an A&K Representative
* On arrival in each country, you are welcomed by your A&K Representative who conducts a briefing on your time in the country. An A&K Representative is always at hand to provide unparalleled 24/7 support, be it local travel tips or reconfirming arrangement details, to providing recommendations for restaurants and shopping. Should you ever need help or advice, dial your A&K Representative’s mobile phone for prompt and courteous service at any time.
Day 1: ARRIVE MELBOURNE
On arrival into Melbourne you will be met by a guide and chauffeur and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, is known as the Garden, Arts and Sports capital of Australia. Its beautiful tree-lined boulevards, many parks and gardens and beautiful Victorian terrace houses, great restaurants, wonderful theatre and art galleries together with international sporting events all combine to make this elegant city one of the world’s most livable.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure in Melbourne.
Sofitel Melbourne is located at the Paris End of Collins Street offering rooms with stunning views from levels 36 to 50, contemporary furnishings, marble bathrooms and state of the art technology. The 35th Floor provides contemporary dining in Cafe La and cocktails in the Atrium Bar. Sumptuous high teas are available in Sofi’s on Level 1 and the new executive lounge on Level 35, Club Sofitel, offers private check in, evening drinks and canapés.
Overnight: Sofitel Melbourne
Meal Plan: B
Day 2: MELBOURNE
This morning meet your private driver and guide in the hotel lobby and commence your full day touring of Melbourne!
Experience Melbourne’s hidden treasures with a guided walk through the beautiful Lanes and Arcades of the city, whilst listening to tales of historical interest and marveling at its stunning architecture. Discover local designers and specialty retailers exclusive to Marvelous Melbourne!!
This afternoon enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Commence an afternoon tour of Melbourne. Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the CBD adjacent to the Yarra River at Southbank in Melbourne’s iconic Eureka Tower Skydeck 88 will change the way you look at Melbourne and maybe the world. Skydeck 88 with the world’s only ‘Edge’ Experience is an experience above all else & one not to be missed!
Travel past Victorian terrace houses, St Kilda Beach, the city’s exclusive suburbs and the Arts precinct returning to the hotel at the ‘Paris End’ of the city.
Overnight: Sofitel Melbourne
Meal Plan: B, L
Day 3: MELBOURNE – COLIBAN PARK – DAYLESFORD
This morning meet your driver & journey into the countryside travelling to one of Victoria’s oldest and most delightful country properties – Coliban Park. At this private sheep station, watch sheep being shorn and learn firsthand about one of Australia’s most important industries. Enjoy lunch with the Barber family in their traditional family homestead. A highlight will be a tour of the property, perhaps seeing kangaroos in the wild.
Your tour will conclude at your overnight accommodation.
Lake House is nestled on the shores of idyllic Lake Daylesford in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country. An eclectic mix of artists’ studios, cafes, award winning restaurants, boutique day spas and holistic healing centres – Spa Country exudes a sophisticated bohemian feel.
Popular haunt of seasoned travellers, Lake House; noted in the Conde Nast Traveller as one of the top hotels in the world; boasts one of Australia’s top restaurants, a New York Wine Spectator award winning wine list of some 10,000 bottles. The menu offers modern Australian cuisine paying homage to the region’s excellent seasonal produce & was named Australia’s Best Boutique Hotel in the Luxury Travel Gold List.
Overnight: The Lake House
Meal Plan: B, L
Day 4: DAYLESFORD – MELBOURNE – CAIRNS – LIZARD ISLAND
Today enjoy a tour of the Daylesford region en-route to Melbourne airport. Witness a charming piece of Europe at the Lavandula Swiss-Italian farm. Discover an oasis of tranquility, surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, constructed by Italians who stayed after the gold rush. Take a walk around the stone farmhouse buildings and cobbled courtyard, surrounded by a stunning garden, lavender fields, a small creek and distant hills. A fine morning tea awaits you with seasonal produce from the garden.
Time permitting; you could indulge in some pre-lunch pampering! Since 1895, the Hepburn Bathhouse has been a ‘must-do’ when visiting Australia’s premier spa destination. Relax and rejuvenate. Choose from a range of relaxing pleasures such as facials, massages and indulgent mineral bathing with rejuvenating spa product.
You’ll be filled with fond memories for the leisurely drive back to Melbourne. Your tour will conclude at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Cairns.
On arrival in Cairns, meet your chauffeur who will assist with your transfer by private vehicle to the Cairns General Aviation Airport. Depart Cairns for Lizard Island onboard your private fixed wing flight.
Imagine an island so pristine, so untouched, that when you walk one of the twenty-four secluded beaches there are no other footprints. Lizard Island is the most northerly island resort located directly on the Great Barrier Reef.
Recently voted one of the top ten island resorts in the world it is renowned for spectacular diving and fishing, particularly in marlin season. Choose from a wide choice of activities or simply take a break and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this natural environment. Ospreys’ restaurant is the ideal setting for tropical delights and local seafood. Optional water sports include catamaran sailing and scuba diving the world famous “Cod Hole”.
Overnight: Lizard Island
Meal Plan: B, D
Day 5: LIZARD ISLAND
The next few days are spent at this beautiful multi-award-winning island resort. It is the most northerly resort on the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and was discovered by Captain Cook in 1770 and named after the monitor lizards that inhabit the island.
Fine food, 24 private beaches, outstanding snorkeling and world renowned scuba diving at the Cod Hole, tennis, great walks, sailing, water skiing, wind surfing are just some of the options available. It is also renowned for its big game fishing available from September – November. Of course there is always just ‘relaxing under a palm tree’.
Overnight: Lizard Island
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 6: LIZARD ISLAND
A highlight of your time on Lizard Island will be the visit to the Lizard Island Research Station.
Lizard Island Research Centre attracts marine scientists from around the globe in their quest to conserve and manage the world’s delicate coral reef systems. The environmental source to some 800 research publications, the Research Station is the only field station operated by the Australian Museum and is internationally recognised as a leading marine research facility.
Led by either Lyle or Ann, one of the Directors of the Island’s Research Station, watch Australian and international marine scientists at work and have a firsthand look at a range of marine research projects, many of which utilise the state of the art seawater aquarium system enabling controlled experiments with living reef organisms.
This first ever behind the scenes tour is an exclusive.
Overnight: Lizard Island
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 7: LIZARD ISLAND
Day at leisure to do at your pace!
You could either take a helicopter tour of the stunning area, or indulge in some water sports or one of the fantastic spa treatments.
You could also take a boat to a secluded private beach for a picnic & open another window of luxury!
Overnight: Lizard Island
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 8: LIZARD ISLAND
Today is yours to explore this amazing Island at your pace again!
This evening, you would be taken on a twilight cruise with Champagne to witness the most romantic sunset. An exclusive dinner will be set for you on a private island & the chef will meet you before your gourmet 7 course meal. There would be minimal interruptions in service to ensure the ultimate seclusion and privacy, making it a night to remember!
Overnight: Lizard Island
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 9: LIZARD ISLAND – CAIRNS – SYDNEY
This morning an Island representative will escort you to the airstrip for your onward flight to Cairns.
Depart Lizard Island for Cairns onboard your private fixed wing flight. On arrival into Cairns General Aviation Airport you will be transferred by private vehicle to the Cairns Domestic Airport. Depart Cairns for Sydney.
On arrival into Sydney, meet your guide and transfer by private vehicle to your accommodation.
Sydney, the capital of the state of New South Wales, is Australia’s most well-known city. It’s magnificent natural harbour spanned by the ‘coat hanger’, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the man-made sails of the Sydney Opera House are just some of its most widely photographed views.
Superbly situated right on Sydney Harbour in the city’s historic Rocks area, the Four Seasons Sydney Hotel has wonderful views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It is only a short walk from Sydney’s major shopping and business districts.
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meal Plan: B
Day 10: SYDNEY
Meet your guide and chauffeur in the lobby. Today’s tour of Sydney begins with a visit to Taronga Zoo.
Enjoy a private ‘behind the scenes’ visit to Taronga Zoo with your own expert senior Zoo Keeper. This special tour has been designed to encourage interaction between visitors and Australian animals. Enjoy a close-up introduction to Australia’s unusual wildlife including excellent photographic opportunities with koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. Spend time in the Zoo’s kitchen preparing lunch for its animals before venturing into the Nightlife House to enjoy close encounters with Australia’s unique nocturnal creatures. On completion of the tour morning tea will be served at Treetops Café with your Zoo Keeper.
Continue on for lunch at one of Sydney’s finest local restaurants. After lunch, visit the world-famous Bondi Beach, Paddington and the Rocks region of Sydney.
Visit the Sydney Opera House for a private ‘behind the scenes’ tour. Situated on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour; the Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most recognisable buildings. Your tour will conclude at your accommodation.
This evening, you may like to walk around the Rocks & enjoy a meal at one of the amazing restaurants in the area!
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meal Plan: B, L
Day 11: SYDNEY
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Sydney.
This afternoon make your way up Cumberland Street to the entrance of the iconic Harbour Bridge for the twilight climb. Get familiar with the gear & drill & step on board an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime! Watch the sunset over this vibrant city & the night life come on display.
End the evening with perhaps a delicious meal at one of the famed restaurants that are located under the Bridge.
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meal Plan: B
Day 12: SYDNEY – BLUE MOUNTAINS
Meet your private driver/guide in the hotel lobby. Today you travel west across the coastal plain to the Blue Mountains. Visit outstanding lookouts; see magnificent rock formations and unusual plants and wildlife. Look over the magnificent Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters.
Enjoy a barbeque lunch at leisure. Your tour will conclude at your Blue Mountains accommodation.
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is a luxury conservation based resort in the Blue Mountains. It is located in the Wolgan Valley of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area, less than three hours’ drive from Sydney, where 4,000 acres of land has been incorporated into a conservancy reserve. Located between two national parks and spread out at the foot of towering sandstone cliffs, the resort is truly integrated into its environment.
Overnight: Wolgan Valley Resort
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 13: BLUE MOUNTAINS
Enjoy a full day at leisure at Wolgan Valley Resort to partake in included scheduled activities.
The resort is private to Wolgan guests, providing them exclusivity on all activities. Each activity has been developed with the belief that great life experiences are often personal, individual, and in some way emotionally moving.
Today, life’s luxuries are about having time, time to experience things alone or together with your loved one. Activities are offered at various skill and fitness levels as well as personal interests and adventure requirements. From enjoying a lunch in absolute solitude alongside a forest stream; to a late-night BBQ under the stars; or a social sundowner with friends after an afternoon four-wheel drive excursion, the Wolgan Valley experience is likely to remain alive in memories long after.
While staying at the resort, guests are free to do as much or as little as they like.
Overnight: Wolgan Valley Resort
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 14: BLUE MOUNTAINS – DEPART SYDNEY
A leisurely start to the day & later meet your private chauffer for your transfer to Sydney International Airport. You will be supplied with a picnic lunch for your transfer.
On arrival into Sydney, check-in for your flight home.
Meal Plan: B, L
Extension options
Option 1:
4 days Kangaroo Island
Day 1: ADELAIDE – KANGAROO ISLAND
Fly Adelaide to Kingscote.
On arrival into Kingscote, meet the Southern Ocean Lodge representative and transfer to your accommodation.
Southern Ocean Lodge aims to provide an iconic accommodation experience on Kangaroo Island and is designed to be a sanctuary of comfort, style and personal intimacy, redefining the Australian standard.
Located at Hanson bay on the Island’s south west coast, the Lodge site adjoins the Flinders Chase and Cape Bouguer / Kelly Hill National Parks. Set back from a cliff above the pounding surf the sensitive design showcases a full frontal panorama and is within easy reach of all of Kangaroo Island’s major attractions. Modern luxury and design integrity meld with Kangaroo island vernacular and an amazing coastal colour palette, creating a unique eco chic style.
Its location, stunning views, contemporary environmental design, locally sourced food and beverages, personalised interpretative activities and modern wellness spa ensures its status as a South Australian icon.
All lodge activities, food and beverages are included during your stay at Southern Ocean Lodge.
Overnight: Southern Ocean Lodge
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 2: KANGAROO ISLAND
Widely regarded as Australia’s Galapagos and brimming with diverse wildlife and natural beauty, Kangaroo Island is a place of extraordinary contrasts. With a rich heritage demanding rediscovery and a world-class food and wine culture, the Island offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Southern Ocean Lodge offers guests a complete Kangaroo Island experience. With exceptional guided adventures and experiences included, all guests will receive a personalised experiential touring itinerary of the Island’s unique natural attractions.
The Lodge activity programme allows guests to experience Kangaroo Island in a stylish and relaxed manner – the lodge is located at the heart of the Island’s major attractions and not much time is required for travelling between attractions. In order to ensure an intimate, private and personal experience, private tours operate in customised four-wheel drive vehicles with private naturalist guides. Visits to natural attractions will be carefully timed at visitor quiet times to maintain a private safari feel.
Activities include watching the sea-lions at sunrise with a morning coffee, fresh fruit or Danish before arriving back at the lodge in time for a gourmet breakfast, Kangaroo Island wildlife tours and drives, sunset sundowners and canapés, beach fishing, cliff top nature walks and koala spotting/stargazing night walks amongst other activities.
Overnight: Southern Ocean Lodge
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 3: KANGAROO ISLAND
Day at leisure to explore at your own pace
Overnight: Southern Ocean Lodge
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 4:Depart
This morning, your private chauffer will escort you to the airport for your onward flight
Meal Plan: B
Option 2:
3 DAYS BAROSSA VALLEY
Day 1:ADELAIDE – BAROSSA VALLEY
This morning depart Adelaide for your full day at the Barossa Valley with your private driver/guide.
The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine growing regions. Just a one and a half hour drive north of Adelaide. Drive through lovely countryside originally settled by English and German pioneers in the mid-19th century. Taste the excellent local wines and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. The tour includes a VIP private tasting at Peter Lehmann Wines. A selection of Super Premium and Cellar Door Exclusive wines are showcased in an intimate private room which is accompanied with a taste plate of fresh regional produce for you to indulge on during your tasting.
Enjoy a “Make Your Own Blend” Tour – the first of its kind in the Barossa Valley. An interactive and fun wine experience for anyone who has wanted to be a winemaker for a day! After a tour of the winery and cellars, you will be invited to the Winemakers Laboratory to try your hand at making your own wine from Genache, Shiraz and Mourvedre, just like Penfold’s own Bin 138. It’s a fascinating and satisfying experience, blending to suit your own personal taste. Take your wine home in a personalised bottle!
Your tour will conclude at your Barossa Valley accommodation.
Set atop a gentle hill, The Louise Barossa Valley is a luxury 5 star vineyard retreat surrounded by hundreds of acres of vines overlooking the world renowned Barossa Valley. Just fifteen suites offer absolute luxury and inspired design with private terraces, soft contemporary furnishings and spacious en suites.
The Louise Barossa Valley is Australia’s premier vineyard retreat combined with a world class destination dining experience. The acclaimed on-site restaurant at The Louise is Appellation. Appellation’s extensive wine list presents the best of the Barossa Valley, the rest of Australia and iconic wines of the world offering seasonal cuisine nightly, for casually elegant dining, under the guidance of Executive Chef Mark McNamara.
Overnight: The Louise
Meal Plan: B, L
Day 2: BAROSSA VALLEY
Wake up at the crack of dawn & join in a hot air ballooning tour over the amazing wine land!
Glide over the Barossa majestically at sunrise in the early morning breeze and immerse yourself in the tranquility as your pilot takes you higher for a breathtaking 360 degree view over the ranges – views that are truly spectacular!
Enjoy lunch in one of the renowned restaurants that dot this area & time at leisure to soak in the valley & its amazing views.
Overnight: The Louise
Meal Plan: B
Day 3: BAROSSA VALLEY – ADELAIDE
Time at leisure
Your personal chauffer will meet you & drive you through this marvelous wine region & escort you to the airport for your onward flight from Adelaide.
Meal Plan: B