Australia Family Vacation: Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne and Sydney Highlights
Discover stunning beaches on Hamilton Island, Melbourne’s hidden gems, swim with sea dragons and then head to spectacular Sydney for some unique local experiences.
This Australia Family Vacation: Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne and Sydney Highlights was designed for a family of six from Los Angeles. They only had two weeks for their trip and wanted to visit the two largest cities in Australia: Melbourne and Sydney and include some unique experiences and the Great Barrier Reef. This vacation package gave them plenty of excitement in both of these beautiful cities, including wildlife and snorkeling.
First on their Australia Family Vacation: Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne and Sydney Highlights, they flew to the beautiful resort island of Hamilton Island. They stayed in a hotel with views overlooking the Coral Sea. While on the island, they visited the Wildlife Habitat and did a private koala experience. They also enjoyed wandering around the cute town on the island. And then ended with a snorkeling adventure to the one and only Great Barrier Reef.
They continued their journey to Melbourne. The next day, they traveled to Phillip Island to see the cute but very noisy Blue Fairy Penguins. The family was in a hide on the beach and got to see hundreds of them as they came back to the nests. From there, they traveled on a private tour to Mornington Peninsula, where they stayed for three days. They did two days of private touring on the peninsula covering the quaint town of Sorrento and wineries. They even got to swim with sea dragons.
Continuing their Australia Family Vacation: Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne and Sydney Highlights, the family flew to Adelaide in South Australia and then on to Port Lincoln. For two days, the enjoyed private wildlife touring in the area. They did a 4WD drive through massive sand dune systems, took a coastal hike and stepped onto untouched pristine beaches. They ended the first day on a private reserve watching koalas, kangaroos and emus. They spent the other day swimming with sea lions and Great White Sharks.
Ending their Australia Vacation package, they made their way to Sydney, Australia’s largest city, and spent an evening taking in iconic sights like the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and Royal Botanical Gardens. The next day, they explored the city on a private half-day bicycle tour to see iconic and historical structures while receiving fascinating information from their expert guide. And then they ended their trip with a private tour of Sydney and in their final evening in Sydney, they were free to indulge in the city’s world-class dining and wine.
At last, after experiencing the highlights of Melbourne and Sydney, their Australia Vacation came to an end. They were transferred to the airport to begin their journey home.
Accommodations
- 3 Nights Reef View Hotel
- 1 Night Phillip Island Towers
- 2 Nights Carmel at Sorrento
- 1 Night Parkroyal Melbourne Airport
- 3 Nights Port Lincoln Hotel
- 1 Night Mayfair
- 3 Nights Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney
Transportation
- All private airport transfers
Touring
- VIP Koala Experience Hamilton Island
- Private charter to Great Barrier Reef
- Private Tour to Phillip Island
- 2 Days Private Touring Mornington Peninsula
- 2 Days Private Touring Port Lincoln
- Private Bike Tour Sydney
- Private Tour of Sydney
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Today you arrive into Australia and immediately fly off to Hamilton Island, a picturesque tropical paradise in the heart of the Whitsundays, renowned for its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. You will be transferred to your hotel with sweeping views of the Coral Sea.
Reef View Hotel
Day 2
Today is yours to enjoy relaxing at the pool and/or to take a wander around town. During the day, your family will go to the Wildlife Habitat where you will have a private koala experience and get pictures with these adorable creatures.
Reef View Hotel
Day 3
Today you are off to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef. Your family will sail on a private charter boat, offering an exclusive and personalized adventure. The luxurious charter gives you amenities such as gourmet meals, snorkeling gear, and expert guides to ensure a memorable experience. Your family can choose your journey for the day, whether it’s diving among the coral gardens, fishing in secluded spots, or simply relaxing on the pristine waters.
Reef View Hotel
Day 4
Welcome to Melbourne! After a short flight, you will be transferred to Phillip Island. After settling into your hotel for the evening, your family will enjoy a private experience, an underground viewing hide that offers a unique and intimate experience to observe the nightly penguin parade from a hidden vantage point. This exclusive perspective allows for an up-close encounter with the adorable little penguins as they waddle ashore, all while ensuring minimal disturbance to their natural behavior.
Phillip Island Towers
Day 5
After breakfast you will be transferred to Sorrento, a charming coastal town on the Mornington Peninsula, known for its historic limestone buildings, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture.
Carmel at Sorrento
Days 6-7
Today your family will start your two day private tour of the Mornington Peninsula. You will take a lovely morning walk about Sorrento seeing the Millionaire’s Walk, London Bridge Lookout and Point Nepean National Park. Your day will include a bathing package at the Hot Springs, plus you will have wine tasting and have a gorgeous lunch at a local winery. The next days you will snorkel with sea dragons and after a local lunch, you will take the Cape Schanck Lighthouse walk. You will be transferred at the end of the day to a hotel in Melbourne for an overnight.
Carmel at Sorrento/Parkroyal Melbourne Airport
Day 8
Today, you move onto South Australia. After a flight to Adelaide, take a quick hop to Port Lincoln. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel in town with views to the water.
Port Lincoln Hotel
Days 9-10
You will spend these days on a Wildlife Encounters Tour in the Port Lincoln area. This will be an intimate adventure with opportunities to explore Lincoln National Park, spotting native wildlife like kangaroos and emus. The tour includes a sunset cruise for dolphin watching and a private boat charter for activities such as swimming with sea lions and cage diving with great white sharks. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights into local ecology, ensuring a memorable and educational journey for the entire family.
Port Lincoln Hotel
Day 11
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport and head back to Adelaide. Your family will spend the day enjoying some leisure time in the city. You can explore the vibrant Central Market, stroll through the picturesque Botanic Garden, and enjoy the cultural richness of its museums and galleries.
Mayfair
Day 12
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your accommodations in Sydney. Visit the major attractions within walking distance of your hotel, including Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney
Day 12
Explore Sydney in the best way possible: on a bicycle! On this private bike tour, your expert guide will provide you with loads of information and the best sights. Make sure to bring your camera and snap some photos of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour and Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, Anzac War Memorial, and Sydney Tower—the list goes on and on! In the afternoon, enjoy a tour inside the famous Sydney Opera House.
Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney
Day 13
Your family will enjoy a private tour from Sydney today. From exploring the vibrant coastal charms of Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour to discovering the tranquil beauty of the nearby countryside. This customized journey ensures a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, catering to all ages and interests.
Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney
Day 14
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare
Based on
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