Time is Money

Tour Length: 10 Days

Starts From: Melbourne

Ends in: Sydney

For those with limited time, and wanting to see Australia’s East Coast only. With 3 night stays in each of Melbourne, Port Douglas and Sydney, we’ve included enough time to see all the highlights each region has to offer. Explore the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, arguably the food, fashion and sports capital of Australia; visit Cairns and Port Douglas, gateway to the world famous Great Barrier Reef; cruise on the spectacular harbour and tour the Opera House in Sydney.

Day 01 Melbourne/Narrm

Arrive in Melbourne/Narrm and spend the remainder of the day at leisure or exploring the city. There is a lot to love about it – just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks, and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own individual character. Melbourne is less than 200 years old and never sits still. Modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing (3 nights at Park Hyatt Melbourne).

Day 02 Melbourne/Narrm

Today, experience a delightful escape from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. With the scenic Yarra Ranges as a backdrop, enjoy a private tasting paired with local produce at a boutique vineyard. Visit acclaimed wineries like Yarra Yering, Coldstream Hills, Pimpernel, and Yering Farm, meeting local winemakers, and avoiding crowded venues. The tour is tailored to your preferences—perhaps sampling gin at a local distillery or artisan cheese at Yarra Valley Dairy. A visit would not be complete without a leisurely lunch at a picturesque vineyard restaurant, such as TarraWarra Estate or Oakridge Wines.

Day 03 Melbourne/Narrm

Have you ever visited a city and wondered what the hype was about? Or spent too long searching for a recommended café, only to miss everything else? This 3-hour Hidden Secrets walking tour through Melbourne’s charming back streets helps you get oriented and discover the city locals truly love. Explore hidden laneways filled with quirky cafés, independent designers, street art, and fascinating architecture. Uncover unique local retailers and creative spaces you will not find anywhere else. Hear stories from Melbourne’s rich history and see over 30 stores along the way. It is a relaxed, engaging introduction—perfect for finding spots to revisit later this afternoon.

Day 04 Port Douglas (via Cairns/Gimuy)

Today, fly from Melbourne to Cairns, then enjoy a scenic one-hour drive north along the coast to the tropical paradise of Port Douglas. Port Douglas offers a relaxed yet sophisticated tropical escape, perfect for travellers seeking a laid-back atmosphere without pretension. Stroll through boutique clothing stores, enjoy exquisite alfresco dining, and explore the nearby Great Barrier Reef’s stunning islands and coral cays. A visit to iconic Four Mile Beach is a must—ideal for unwinding on its pristine sands. Beyond the coast, Port Douglas serves as a gateway to the lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics, including the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. With its blend of natural beauty and stylish charm, Port Douglas is the perfect base for both adventure and relaxation (3 nights at Peninsula Boutique Hotel).

Day 05 Port Douglas

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina aboard a beautiful yacht. Relax as you sail toward the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs, enjoying stunning coastal views and the Daintree mountains. Enjoy guided snorkelling with a marine biologist or explore vibrant coral gardens and marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour. Spot turtles, giant clams, and colourful fish in these pristine reef sites. Relax on white sandy cays, swim in turquoise waters, and soak up the serenity. Throughout the day, indulge in a tropical buffet lunch, and morning and afternoon teas, made from local plantation products.

Day 06 Port Douglas

Today offers an immersive cultural experience with a local Aboriginal guide from the Kuku Yalanji people. Discover the deep connection they maintain with their land as you explore culturally significant areas and learn about their history, traditions, and way of life. Enjoy a guided walk through rainforest and coastal habitats, where you will learn about bush foods, natural medicines, and traditional survival skills. Sample bush tucker, collect shellfish, and try your hand at spear throwing—perhaps even catch a mud crab. To finish the day, relax and cool off in a pristine freshwater stream surrounded by nature.

Day 07 Sydney/Warrane

Today, fly from Cairns to Sydney/Warrane, a vibrant, world-class city known for its iconic Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and stunning beaches like Bondi and Manly. With a lively arts scene, diverse dining, and beautiful coastal walks, Sydney blends natural beauty with urban sophistication—offering unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller.

This afternoon, as the sun begins to set, embark on an unforgettable twilight climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. After a detailed safety briefing, your BridgeClimb Leader will guide you along catwalks and ladders up the iconic arch to the summit, 134 metres above the harbour. The gradual ascent offers time to take in breathtaking 360-degree views—from the Sydney Opera House to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the sparkling harbour all around (3 nights at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney).

Day 08 Sydney/Warrane

Discover the magic of the Sydney Opera House on a captivating 1-hour tour. Designed over 60 years ago by Jorn Utzon, this architectural masterpiece is celebrated worldwide. Your guide will share Utzon’s inspiring story, revealing how he overcame intense political and public criticism to create the youngest World Heritage-listed building. Learn why Utzon was more than an architect—he was an architect of change. Experience the drama and creativity inside one of the working venues, home to extraordinary opera, ballet, symphony, and theatrical performances, bringing to life the building’s unique cultural significance and enduring legacy.

Another must-do experience is a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour, cruising past the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Begin with an entrée at Watsons Bay, then explore Middle Head and Middle Harbour. Stop for lunch at a famous harbour-side restaurant in Balmoral. On the return, cruise past Spit Bridge while enjoying dessert, cheese, and matched wines. If time and weather allow, take a refreshing swim before returning to the main harbour for a memorable day on the water.

Day 09 Sydney/Warrane

Today, you will uncover the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Begin at Calmsley Hill, a working farm home to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas, with morning tea and free time to explore. Visit stunning lookouts over the Jamison Valley and the remote Eaglehawk Lookout for spectacular views of the changing colours of the Three Sisters.

Enjoy lunch at Echoes Restaurant, perched on the cliff edge with panoramic mountain views. Afterwards, visit Govetts Leap and finish with a stroll through the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, featuring the ancient Wollemi Pine, before returning to Sydney.

Day 10 Sydney/Warrane

Depart Sydney/Warrane

Arrive in Melbourne/Narrm and spend the remainder of the day at leisure or exploring the city. There is a lot to love about it – just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks, and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own individual character. Melbourne is less than 200 years old and never sits still. Modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing (3 nights at Park Hyatt Melbourne).

Today, experience a delightful escape from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. With the scenic Yarra Ranges as a backdrop, enjoy a private tasting paired with local produce at a boutique vineyard. Visit acclaimed wineries like Yarra Yering, Coldstream Hills, Pimpernel, and Yering Farm, meeting local winemakers, and avoiding crowded venues. The tour is tailored to your preferences—perhaps sampling gin at a local distillery or artisan cheese at Yarra Valley Dairy. A visit would not be complete without a leisurely lunch at a picturesque vineyard restaurant, such as TarraWarra Estate or Oakridge Wines.

Have you ever visited a city and wondered what the hype was about? Or spent too long searching for a recommended café, only to miss everything else? This 3-hour Hidden Secrets walking tour through Melbourne’s charming back streets helps you get oriented and discover the city locals truly love. Explore hidden laneways filled with quirky cafés, independent designers, street art, and fascinating architecture. Uncover unique local retailers and creative spaces you will not find anywhere else. Hear stories from Melbourne’s rich history and see over 30 stores along the way. It is a relaxed, engaging introduction—perfect for finding spots to revisit later this afternoon.

Today, fly from Melbourne to Cairns, then enjoy a scenic one-hour drive north along the coast to the tropical paradise of Port Douglas. Port Douglas offers a relaxed yet sophisticated tropical escape, perfect for travellers seeking a laid-back atmosphere without pretension. Stroll through boutique clothing stores, enjoy exquisite alfresco dining, and explore the nearby Great Barrier Reef’s stunning islands and coral cays. A visit to iconic Four Mile Beach is a must—ideal for unwinding on its pristine sands. Beyond the coast, Port Douglas serves as a gateway to the lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics, including the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. With its blend of natural beauty and stylish charm, Port Douglas is the perfect base for both adventure and relaxation (3 nights at Peninsula Boutique Hotel).

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina aboard a beautiful yacht. Relax as you sail toward the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs, enjoying stunning coastal views and the Daintree mountains. Enjoy guided snorkelling with a marine biologist or explore vibrant coral gardens and marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour. Spot turtles, giant clams, and colourful fish in these pristine reef sites. Relax on white sandy cays, swim in turquoise waters, and soak up the serenity. Throughout the day, indulge in a tropical buffet lunch, and morning and afternoon teas, made from local plantation products.

Today offers an immersive cultural experience with a local Aboriginal guide from the Kuku Yalanji people. Discover the deep connection they maintain with their land as you explore culturally significant areas and learn about their history, traditions, and way of life. Enjoy a guided walk through rainforest and coastal habitats, where you will learn about bush foods, natural medicines, and traditional survival skills. Sample bush tucker, collect shellfish, and try your hand at spear throwing—perhaps even catch a mud crab. To finish the day, relax and cool off in a pristine freshwater stream surrounded by nature.

Today, fly from Cairns to Sydney/Warrane, a vibrant, world-class city known for its iconic Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and stunning beaches like Bondi and Manly. With a lively arts scene, diverse dining, and beautiful coastal walks, Sydney blends natural beauty with urban sophistication—offering unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller.

This afternoon, as the sun begins to set, embark on an unforgettable twilight climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. After a detailed safety briefing, your BridgeClimb Leader will guide you along catwalks and ladders up the iconic arch to the summit, 134 metres above the harbour. The gradual ascent offers time to take in breathtaking 360-degree views—from the Sydney Opera House to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the sparkling harbour all around (3 nights at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney).

Discover the magic of the Sydney Opera House on a captivating 1-hour tour. Designed over 60 years ago by Jorn Utzon, this architectural masterpiece is celebrated worldwide. Your guide will share Utzon’s inspiring story, revealing how he overcame intense political and public criticism to create the youngest World Heritage-listed building. Learn why Utzon was more than an architect—he was an architect of change. Experience the drama and creativity inside one of the working venues, home to extraordinary opera, ballet, symphony, and theatrical performances, bringing to life the building’s unique cultural significance and enduring legacy.

Another must-do experience is a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour, cruising past the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Begin with an entrée at Watsons Bay, then explore Middle Head and Middle Harbour. Stop for lunch at a famous harbour-side restaurant in Balmoral. On the return, cruise past Spit Bridge while enjoying dessert, cheese, and matched wines. If time and weather allow, take a refreshing swim before returning to the main harbour for a memorable day on the water.

Today, you will uncover the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Begin at Calmsley Hill, a working farm home to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas, with morning tea and free time to explore. Visit stunning lookouts over the Jamison Valley and the remote Eaglehawk Lookout for spectacular views of the changing colours of the Three Sisters.

Enjoy lunch at Echoes Restaurant, perched on the cliff edge with panoramic mountain views. Afterwards, visit Govetts Leap and finish with a stroll through the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, featuring the ancient Wollemi Pine, before returning to Sydney.

Depart Sydney/Warrane