10 DAYS COASTAL DRIVE IN AUSTRALIA

Continue to Australia on your overnight flight. Take advantage of the onboard amenities and cuisine.

Flight During the Night

Greetings from Australia! At the Sydney International Airport, you will pick up your vehicle today to start your self-drive trip. After leaving Sydney, you will travel south down the coast, via the Royal National Park, and onto the Grand Pacific Drive, admiring the stunning coastal vistas. To get to Wollongong, cross the Sea Cliff Bridge, pass through stunning rainforests, and then stroll through quaint coastal communities. Take the exit toward Jervis Bay and Huskisson. The whitest sand in the world may be found at Hyams Beach, which is close by. The dolphin population that lives in Jervis Bay is likewise well-known.

Jervis Bay overnight

You will make your way to Batemans Bay today in the south. You will get stunning views of the beach to your east and the National Park to your west for the majority of the drive. Driving, hiking, or leisurely strolls in the Clyde Valley and the nearby mountainous National Parks are all easily accessible from "The Bay." In addition, the lovely beaches and restaurant-lined coastal promenade make this the ideal vacation spot. You can engage in a variety of water sports here, including surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Batemans Bay hotel overnight

As you travel down the Princes Highway toward the state line separating New South Wales and Victoria, you will pass through a number of towns and gorgeous woods. Pass through the tiny heritage town of Tilba Tilba, which is tucked away off the Princes Highway, and continue driving along the breathtaking Sapphire Coast to Merimbula, where lakes, lagoons, and the ocean are separated by white sand, and the city is surrounded by undeveloped bushlands that reach as high as the mountains. Excellent surfing beaches and whale-watching locations can be found in this coastal hamlet in New South Whales. The Potoroo Palace, a wildlife refuge, is located along the promenade that surrounds the Merimbula Lake shoreline.

Merimbula overnight

CAPTAIN SPONGES' MAGICAL OYSTER TOUR IS OPTIONAL.

Meet at Pambula Lake to embark on a punt ride in the stunning Pambula River Estuary (with an oyster farmer). Discover the history, current practises, and biology of the local oyster farming industry. After receiving a special tutorial from your farming captain, try the renowned Sydney Rock Oyster from the stunning waters of Pambula Lake. Then, try shucking your own oysters. Learn about the local Angasi species of oysters, which are also farmed on the farm, and take a crash course in oyster management. From there, you'll go downstream while tasting along the way to the stunning Pambula River, where prehistoric Native American middens dot the steep, tree-lined banks and white-bellied sea eagles soar above. Another amazing aspect of this region is its geology! Before returning to the jetty, there will be one more stop farther downstream to witness how oysters are caught and where the river meets the spectacular Pacific Ocean.

Tour starts at 9:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Tour lasts around two hours.

Oyster sampling, a guide's services, and an oyster shucking demonstration are all included in the tour.

OPTIONAL: WHALE WATCH CRUISE EXPRESS

Whale watching in Merimbula is fantastic! Whales can be viewed at Merimbula Bay, which is about an 8-minute cruise away. The gorgeous shoreline makes for a stunning photo backdrop. The 75-passenger boats are strong catamarans designed specifically for whale watching!
They provide viewing places and sitting both inside and outside. There will be plenty of room for you to wander around, and the platform is really sturdy and presents a fantastic chance to watch whales and snap pictures.

Tours leave every day from August through November.

Tour lasts about 2.5 hours and includes tea in the morning or the afternoon with a live commentary.

You will take the Cann River today as you go south on the Princes Highway. Leave the roadway close to Cabbage Tree Creek to explore Cape Conran Coastal Park and see the Marlo settlement. In Orbost, which is located beside the Snowy River, re-join the roadway. Drive a short distance to Lakes Entrance, where rivers, lakes, and lagoons connect to 90 Mile Beach. The Gippsland Lakes, a huge network of interior waterways, are located in this region. Kangaroos and dolphins are among the local animals, which you might see near the beaches.

Lakes Entrance, overnight

Continue on the Princes Highway across the spectacular Victorian wilderness after leaving Lakes Entrance. Before entering the Gippsland region, head to Holey Plains State Park, which is located southeast of Sale. Here, you may witness a vast range of natural Australian plants and animals. To reach the magnificent Wilsons Promontory in the southeast, continue south via Yarram and Foster. This region is dotted with numerous lush forests and gardens, stunning mountains, rocky rivers, charming villages, and, to a significant extent, is characterized by its long sandy beaches. Wilsons Promontory National Park, one of Australia's most well-liked parks, will win your heart if you enjoy quiet white-sand beaches and natural scenery. It used to be a component of a land bridge that allowed people to trek to Tasmania because it is the southernmost point of continental Australia.

Wilsons Promontory overnight

A one-day tour of Wilsons Promontory National Park is optional.

One of Victoria's most beloved natural attractions is "The Prom," as it is affectionately nicknamed by many. Even the most experienced tourists will fall in love with this wildlife paradise, which is situated in the southernmost part of mainland Australia! Beautiful white-sand beaches, lush coastal woods, cool-climate rainforests, and well-maintained walking trails are all things you'll find here. Many marsupials, including kangaroos and wombats, as well as native birds and other fascinating species, like emus, may be seen in The Prom; with any luck, you'll be able to get a close-up look at some of them. You can surely enjoy your stroll along some of the most breathtaking paths and be captivated by the pristine white quartz "singing sands" at Squeaky Beach since walking is the greatest way to experience The Prom.

On Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, the tour leaves between 6:45 and 7:45.

14 hours or so on the tour

All park entrance costs and the tour guide are included.

Beautiful vistas of Victoria's southern coast can be seen on the trip from Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island. Numerous tiny communities with charming rural air can be found along the route. Before reaching Phillip Island, the habitat of Australia's renowned Little Penguins, you will first arrive at the Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park near Cape Paterson, where you may explore the fascinating world of the marine environment along some of Victoria's most stunning coasts. Every evening at sunset, the famous "Penguin Parade" takes place, and it is unquestionably worth seeing!

Phillip Island overnight

Optional: Standard viewing of the penguin parade

Join the Phillip Island Nature Park Penguin Parade Tour.

The Little Penguins, the tiniest penguins in the world, come ashore at dusk every night to make their way to their sand dune tunnels. This will be a wildlife encounter that you will never forget! After a day of fishing at sea, marvel at the Little Penguins as they waddle ashore. You can see the penguins' behavior without disturbing them or their burrow homes thanks to the elevated boardwalks and observation platforms!

Tour leaves each day after dusk (arrive 1-2 hours before sunset)

Tour lasts around one hour. Included in the tour are entrance fees and tier seats.

You have a two-hour trip to Melbourne today. Make sure to check into your accommodation when you arrive in this wonderful city. Explore the rest of the day by yourself.

Melbourne's nighttime

Magnificent is optional. BRISBANE MORNING CITY TOUR

The starting point of your journey is Federation Square, at the intersection of Flinders and Russell Street. With stops at St. Paul's Cathedral, the Princess and Regent Theatres, and other notable Melbourne landmarks, this trip will showcase the best of Melbourne's architectural styles. Wander around Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens and explore Federation Square and the Royal Exhibition Buildings. Check out Captain Cook's Cottage and Fitzroy Gardens (entry at your own expense).

Discover Albert Park, the site of the Australian Grand Prix, while exploring Queen Victoria Market. You can also stop by the Shrine of Remembrance and the Southbank waterfront area. Finally, go across the Bolte Bridge to enjoy the breathtaking views!

Every day at 8:15, the tour begins.

Tour lasts about 3.5 hours.

MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL IS OPTIONAL.

You're invited to experience Melbourne through the eyes of Melbourne Star! Get a fresh perspective on the city with all its color, culture, and idiosyncrasies, providing tourists and residents with a new way to interact with Melbourne's dynamic urban environment. With a free in-cabin audio tour and map, you will fly for one 30-minute flight.

Tours leave every day between 11:00 and 22:00.

Tour lasts around 30 minutes.

Entrance fees and in-cabin audio with a map are included in the tour.

Today, you will travel independently to Melbourne International Airport, drop off your car, and then check-in for your subsequent flight home.