Explore Australia’s sunny and vibrant buzz! Experience the stunning Sydney Harbour with a dramatic backdrop of the Opera House as well as the Harbour Bridge. Indulge in a wide-ranging cultural lifestyle, diverse foods, and a vibrant cityscape, or visit the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, and any of Sydney’s five national parks. From there, head onwards to other magical areas in Australia.

15 days | 12 nights

Format

• Self-guided tour

Trip Highlights

• Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
• Australia
• Sydney 
• Port Stephens 
• Port Macquarie 
• Byron Bay 
• Gold Coast 
• Brisbane

Inclusions

• Flight to Sydney, Australia; return from Brisbane 
• 12 nights of accommodation in a 4-star hotel or similar
• 9-day car rental (Automatic Hyundai i30 or similar with inclusive cover)
• Private airport transfer to hotel in Sydney
• Tour and admission to the Sydney Opera House
• Entry into Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and a river cruise on the way back

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 | Canada to Australia

• Board your flight to Sydney, Australia and commence your journey!

Day 3 | Arrival in Sydney

• Upon arrival in Sydney, take your private transfer to your hotel and check in, where you will spend the next three nights.
• Spend the day at leisure exploring the city and its laid-back outdoor lifestyle, stunning views, colonial architecture, restaurants, and bars.

Day 4 | Sydney

• Make your way to the Sydney Opera House on your own to experience and discover insider secrets and stories of its artists and performances. Explore the building and learn about the fascinating insight into one of the most iconic buildings in Sydney.
• After concluding your tour, continue exploring the vibrant city and its architecture, beaches, restaurants, and bars at leisure.

Day 5 | Syndey – At leisure

• Take your time exploring Sydney at your own pace on your last day.

Day 6 | Sydney – Port Stephens

• After checking out of your hotel, make your way to the car rental location to commence your drive to Port Stephens, where you will spend the next two nights.
• Enjoy the day and explore the towns along the way at a leisurely pace.

Day 7 | Port Stephens

• Spend the day at leisure exploring one of Port Stephens’ wonderful 26 golden beaches, famous for snorkeling, kayaking, and beach walks.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try quad biking or sandboarding at Stockton Beach Sand Dunes or horseback riding through the bush or surfing from Anna Bay, Williamtown, and Salt Ash.

Day 8 | Port Stephens to Port Macquarie

• Check out of your hotel and commence your drive to Port Macquarie, a fishing port where convicts were sent as punishment. There, the convicts cut cedar and built a harbour for the new town.
• Check into your hotel for two nights and continue to explore the town and all it has to offer.

Day 9 | Port Macquarie

• Spend your day exploring Port Macquarie at leisure.

Day 10 | Port Macquarie – Byron Bay

• Check out of the hotel and drive to Byron Bay, which is home to sweeping surf beaches, lush rainforests, great regional dining, and new-age retreats. Walk the Cape Byron Walking Track to its trademark lighthouse or kayak with dolphins. See the markets and indulge in a day spa if you have time.
• Drive to the Pacific Coast from Sydney or Brisbane and explore the surrounding national parks along the Rainforest Way at your own pace.
• Check into your hotel for the next two nights and enjoy your day at leisure.

Day 11 | Byron Bay

• Continue exploring the destination at leisure.

Day 12 | Byron Bay – Brisbane

• Check out of your hotel and drive to Brisbane at your own pace.
• Bisbane is the sunny, sophisticated capital city of Queensland and the gateway to many famous attractions. Combine art and outdoor adventure in Brisbane, where the South Bank's cultural institutions and restaurants meet the Riverside gardens and a lagoon. Take a paddle steamer or ferry down the Brisbane River, visit Abseil Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and bike ride through the Botanic Gardens. Day trips to Moreton Island, Noosa, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast are other possibilities.
• Check into your Brisbane hotel for two nights.

Day 13 | Brisbane - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

• Make your way to the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon for your early morning meeting up with your group to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and enjoy a river cruise on the way back.
• Enjoy the informative commentary from your captain as you glide along Brisbane’s waterfront. You’ll also have three hours to explore the world’s largest koala sanctuary and see platypuses up close.

Day 14 | Brisbane

• Enjoy your last day in the city at leisure.

Day 15 | Return to Canada

• Return your rental car at the airport and board your flight back to Canada.

Accommodations

• The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

4-Star Accommodation

•  Sydney: Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour (or similar)
•  Port Stephens: Oaks Lure (or similar)
•  Port Macquarie: Rydges Port Macquarie (or similar)
•  Byron Bay: Eco Beach Resort (or similar)
•  Brisbane: Voco Brisbane (or similar)

 Departure Dates

• Daily departures from January 2, 2024 until March 31, 2027

Not included

• Transfers (unless specified)
• Optional excursions
• Porterage fees
• Any meals/beverages (unless specified)
• Fuel, parking fees, traffic violations, additional driver fee, car upgrades, roadside assistance, insurance coverages, child car seats, luggage racks, additional rental nights, and late drop-off fees
• Airport service charges, personal accident insurance
• Gratuities
• Visa requirements

Transportation

• Private airport transfer on arrival
• Car rental
• Cruise

Important Note

•  The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.