DAY 1 ARRIVE MELBOURNE

Arrive into Melbourne ex flight from LAX. You will be met and transferred to your hotel by your driver.
Accommodation: Radisson on Flagstaff Garden 5 nights

DAY 2 MELBOURNE– HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Melbourne has compelling appeal in its gardens, its history, its character and its charm. Inhabited by cultures from across the globe, Melbourne has a fascination in the mix of its cosmopolitan people who give generously and share passionately in the richness of this most dynamic and vibrant city.
At the conclusion of the Melbourne City Tour enjoy a spectacular Yarra River cruise, which will show you Melbourne from a very different perspective.

Remainder of day at leisure.

DAY 3 MELBOURNE - MARATHON, EVENING DINNER (D)
This morning make your own way to Marathon Departure Point.

Later this evening, you will be transferred to Tramcar Restaurant for this evening’s Post Celebration Dinner.
Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience, especially aboard the fleet of historical trams that have become The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. These glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining.
As they cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne, diners can enjoy our fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines or make a selection from our fully stocked bar at a fully inclusive price. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect.
The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant officially commenced operation in August 1983 and has since become a star attraction and tourist symbol for the city of Melbourne. Dining aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is not only a culinary delight, but also a trip into a little piece of Victoria's history.

After dinner your driver will transfer you back at your hotel.


DAY 4 MELBOURNE– FULL DAY PHILLIP ISLAND TOUR (D)
This fascinating experience takes you southeast of the city through the rich Gippsland coastal region.
As we leave the city our first stop is at a working Dairy farm, Caldermeade. This gives you a glimpse of rural Victoria so close to the city, yet a world away. If you are lucky we may be in time for milking where the rotolactor comes into its own (a huge milking machine that can milk up to 400 cows at any one time).
Soon we arrive at Churchill Island. This historic settlement is where the first crops were introduced into Victoria. The sweeping views of the headland, green pastures and historic buildings make this a perfect place to have some home made afternoon tea
Leaving there we make our way to walk amongst the treetops at the Koala Conservation Center. This is one of the few areas in Victoria where you can see a protected koala colony. Walk with your guide in nature reserve bushland and wetlands as they interpret your surroundings and more often than not get to see wild Koalas within touching distance! This makes for once in a lifetime photographs.
Continuing on we head to the Nobbies. From this magnificent headland, the views stretch forever. There is spectacular coastal viewing from the boardwalks and lookout points set amongst natural sea bird gardens. One and half kilometres offshore from The Nobbies are Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest Australian Fur Seal colony. As we wander around this portion of nature’s paradise there is also every possibility to see swamp wallabys in the wild.
Finally we get to the Penguin Parade. Each evening at dusk “Little Penguins” arrive onshore from their ocean feeding grounds. The large penguin colony enters the beach in groups and "walk and talk" loudly as they work their way into the dunes where their burrow nests are situated. The boardwalks enable you to gain close contact with the penguins in the dune area. We have access to the “less populated” boardwalks, so that you can enjoy this spectacle without any hustle and bustle.
Your evening finishes with a fish and chip dinner at the Jetty Restaurant in the township of Cowes at Phillip Island, returning to Melbourne late evening.

DAY 5 MELBOURNE – GREAT OCEAN ROAD

GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Dramatic - powerful - dangerous and majestic. How can words describe some of the world's most impressive coastline? Your day extends from golden sandy beaches to the stark brutality of wave - torn cliffs backed by mountain ranges reaching skywards from the sea. This is primeval country where man pales into insignificance... The power and the majesty of nature reign supreme in this awe - inspiring sea and landscape.
No lunch


DAY 6 DEPART MELBOURNE

You will be met by your driver and transferred to airport for your flight home or onto Tasmania


OPTIONAL TASMANIA EXTENSION

DAY 1 ARRIVE LAUNCESTON

On arrival into the Launceston you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Mercure Earlington   1 night

DAY 2 CRADLE MOUNTAIN WALK (L, D)

You will meet your guides and group at Paddy Pallin outdoor gear shop in Launceston at 8:30am. Your guides will present a general briefing about the trip, conduct a thorough gear check and provide opportunity to hire or purchase any equipment that you need. They aim to depart for Cradle Mountain by about 9:30am. En route you will probably stop in the historical town of Sheffield to see the murals and have a cup of coffee. On arrival you will check in to the accommodation and have lunch before setting off on an afternoon walk. There are a number of walks and activity options and your guides will offer one most appropriate to the conditions at the time. A favourite afternoon walk is around the beautiful Dove Lake taking in the amazing prehistoric plant life and impressive views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. There will be time in the evening to sight some of Tassie’s special creatures as they graze in the dusk light.

DAY 3 CRADLE MOUNTAIN WALK (B, L, D)

Today we will set off early for a full day in the mountains. Your guides can make it as challenging or as leisurely as you wish. Conditions permitting they will offer you the opportunity to trek to the base of Cradle Mountain and climb to its summit. En route encounter the beautiful Crater Falls and Crater Lake before tackling the steep trail up to Marion’s Lookout. Our ultimate objective is to climb the sheer abrupt slopes of Cradle Mountain and take in the sweeping views of the surrounding overland mountains. If weather or other conditions prevent our summit attempt there are numerous alternatives, a popular one is the challenging Face Track which skirts beneath the well known outline of Cradle Mountain. Your guides are passionate about this wonderland and will provide a day full of highlights – blue skies or rough weather this place provides a very special experience. Your guides will provide a packed lunch and plenty of snacks to keep your energy up whilst wandering and at night retire back to your comfortable cabins and relax as they prepare a hearty evening meal.

DAY 4 CRADLE MOUNTAIN WALK (B, L)

Another wonderful day in the hills will begin with a delicious breakfast as the morning light filters through the Myrtle Beech forest around the cabins. This morning we will pack our luggage, load the bus and then don daypacks for a morning walk. Again there is a selection of spectacular trails and your guide will offer something suitable. Before lunch there will be an opportunity to check out the visitor centre and do some short walks around that area including the King Billy walk which takes in some of the oldest trees in the world including an ancient King Billy that is between 1500 and 2000 years old. Travelling back to Launceston we pass through the wonderful Tassie countryside with its rolling farmland and colonial style towns.

Accommodation: Mercure Earlington 1 night


DAY 5 LAUNCESTON TO FREYCINET NP

This morning pick up your rental car and drive to Freycinet Lodge
Depart Launceston via the Midland Highway to Campbell Town, where you join Route B34, travelling towards the coast, and then the Tasman Highway to reach Swansea. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be at the Freycinet Lodge, in the heart of Freycinet NP.

Accommodation: Freycinet Lodge  2 nights

DAY 6 FREYCINET NP

Day at leisure or optional sea kayaking activity
OPTIONAL SEA KAYAKING
Discover the secrets of Freycinet National Park – the amazing colours of its landscape, the human stories and its true essence – the feeling of freedom.
The Freycinet Paddle is the ultimate way to experience Freycinet. Paddling below its pink granite mountains and over clear blue waters, explore pristine beaches, secluded coves and peer beneath the surface to the amazing marine life below. Be inspired by tales of shipwrecked whalers, early settlers and French explorers.
Sea kayaks allow us to slowly explore the coastline, passing quietly by wildlife such as majestic sea eagles. Discover the secrets of Freycinet as you visit Honeymoon Bay, the Fisheries and the old Quarry. Enjoy morning or afternoon tea at one of the beaches that line this pristine coastline, all in the relaxed company of a small group and local guide. The beauty of the contrasting landscape combined with the area’s rich history, will allow you to feel the true essence of Freycinet.

FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK - This is one of Tasmania's many natural highlights - with abundant bird and animal life, superb scenery and excellent beaches. Freycinet is nature at its best. The pretty resort and fishing town of Coles Bay is the gateway to the National Park. From here you can walk to the white sands and azure waters of lovely Wineglass Bay, or visit one of the park's many quiet beaches.
Head out on one of Freycinet's trekking highlights - An 11 km walk up to Wineglass Bay Lookout for stunning views of the beach that has been named one of the 10 best remote beaches on earth

DAY 7 FREYCINET NP TO HOBART

Today drive to Hobart.
Accommodation: Mercure Hobart  1 night

DAY 8 DEPART HOBART

You will drop off your rental car at the airport today for your flight to Melbourne and on to US.

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