New South Wales and Victoria Tour: Australia’s Beating Heartland
Rich in both urban and outdoor delights, this 9D8N journey brings you the best of Oz’s Southeast, a survey of mainland Australia’s smallest (yet by far the most populous) pair of states. Whisked by car and by yacht (and, on request, via private helicopter rides), the voyage will explore in luxurious style both Sydney’s iconic harbour and Melbourne’s lane ways, both cutting-edge, cosmopolitan cities with world-class restaurants and bars. From plush lodgings, you’ll then set out on a handful of outdoor excursions to some of the world’s most treasured natural sites, among them Victoria’s Great Ocean Road and New South Wales’ Blue Mountains.
This journey outline is by no means fixed. As the traveller takes centre stage in our planning – from the type of lodging to daily activities – your journey will be crafted to suit you.
Day by Day Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Sydney/Tasting Excursion
A representative of Blue Sky Escapes will meet you upon arrival at Sydney International Airport, transferring you to your waterfront lodgings before you set out on a gourmet, all-Australian tasting excursion of the city. Stops include some of downtown’s most swanky bistros, including one in the sail of the Sydney Opera House.
Day 2: Sydney Harbour Yacht Cruise
You’ll head to the eastern shore of Sydney Cove to board a luxurious, 46-foot motor yacht, your vantage point for taking in the most picturesque parts of the harbour while sipping fine wines and enjoying a progressive dinner that culminates in a fresh produce feast at ritzy Balmoral. Afterwards, you’ll cruise even deeper into Middle Harbour while tucking into dessert and cheese platters.
Day 3: Blue Mountains
A private guide will pick you up at your lodgings to lead you on a full-day 4WD adventure in Blue Mountains National Park, where among the day’s sightings will be kangaroos, forested canyons, stunning escarpments and ancient Aboriginal rock art. En route, enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush amid scenic surrounds.
Day 4: Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula
Today, you’ll be transferred by private car to the airport for your flight over theAustralian Alps to arty Melbourne, where you’ll collect your fully-insured AWD vehicle to reach the chic Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula, a pleasant 2-hour drive around the eastern edge of the bay (Port Phillip).
Day 5: Mornington Peninsula Art & Wine Journey
You’ll be met at the hotel by a private guide and vehicle to begin your Art and Wine journey, taking in the area’s wonders of outdoor sculpture and sipping sparkling wines on a visit to no less than four of the scenic peninsula’s world-class vineyards, including the Willow Creek Vineyard, set just beside your own lodgings at the Jackalope Hotel.
Day 6: Alba Hot Springs & Fish Creek
Today, you’ll indulge in numerous and various dips at a brand new, designer thermal spa before starting the roughly two-hour drive to your accommodation. Beautifully set in the rolling country within easy reach of Wilsons Promontory, the charming Church House at Fish Creek will host the night’s gourmet retreat as you watch the sun slide behind the hills.
Day 7: Melbourne
Arriving in Melbourne by car, you’ll begin a three-night stay at the boutique QT Melbourne, put up in a King Vineyard Room with easy access to its swanky rooftop bar. Set within steps of the city’s famous laneways and bursting with charm, the hotel also hosts the dazzlingly elegant Pascale Bar & Grill.
Day 8: The Twelve Apostles
After breakfast at the hotel, set off to the west for a full-day trip to the spectacular Great Ocean Road, where crashing waves have eroded the majestic cliffs and beach-set spires. Make the journey by road or opt for an aerial perspective with a scenic helicopter flight.
Day 9: Melbourne
A private guide will meet you at the hotel for another full-day excursion, this time to explore the city’s revivified boroughs, having experienced a renaissance of late. Savour the bohemian charms of Fitzroy and the mouth-watering tastes of Little Italy and Little Saigon, trying cheesecake in coastal St. Kilda, just one of a bevy of the city’s eclectic delights. Accompanied by a true local, you’ll tuck into galleries, markets, bakeries, cafes, and designer boutiques.
Sydney, Blue Mountains National Park, Mornington Peninsula, Fish Creek, Twelve Apostles, Melbourne.
Recommended months to travel
March (21°C-24°C) to May (12°C-18°C).
Altitude range
Maximum 1,112m.
Level of difficulty
Easy to Moderate. No difficult hikes involved.
Indicative price
Pricing upon request.
As we’ll customise your journey based on your preferences and needs, please note that this indicative price is just a rough estimate. Prices can fluctuate depending on season, type of accommodation and activities/experiences chosen (private vs. shared) etc.
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
