Quintessential Coastal Classic Tour

Melbourne is the cool, artsy capital of the state of Victoria. Renowned for its laneway art, cafes, bars, restaurants and museums, there is no shortage of things to do, see, eat and drink. Grab a coffee on Degraves Street, see the murals on Hosier Lane or Blender Lane, pop over to St Kilda and stroll along the promenade or visit one of the many museums. For a spot of retail therapy, catch the 86 or 96 tram from the CBD to the bohemian Brunswick Street shopping district for an eclectic mix of second-hand vintage and high-end boutique stores. On the opposite side of the city, the Docklands open-air entertainment precinct boasts a myriad of public artwork, family fun activities such as glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and a variety of dining options lining the marina. Get there easily on the free City Circle tram, or wander over the Bourke Street footbridge. To make the most of your time in Melbourne, we recommend taking a city tour to get true local insight into this vibrant city.

Find your Melbourne hidden bars bar guru (look for their blue umbrella) at Gordon Reserve. After meeting your guide, you’ll get to know your fellow guests who will serve as your new drinking buddies for the new 3 hours (or more!). Your guide will provide all you need to get the best out of the tour and even after you leave. Everything from what makes Melbourne’s bars so unique, where to find our best venues, and what to order. You won’t dally too long though as you have four bars to get to! The venues are all walking distance 5-15 minutes from each other (so comfortable walking shoes are advised) but occasionally the guides will make use of the free trams within the CBD/ city grid.  As your guide traverses you through the famous laneways, you will be shown more points of interest that make Melbourne such a fascinating city and encounter more venues to visit on other occasions (or straight after the tour has ended).

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.
Please note, a one-way fee may apply

Departing Melbourne on the M1, travel through the south-eastern suburbs past Dandenong. When you reach Narre Warren, you may wish to take a detour south and visit the stunning Australian Garden celebrating the beauty of Australian landscapes, located within the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. This is also a lovely place to have a coffee at the onsite cafe, and take a walk along one of the beautiful bush track loops. Continuing south-east, you will pass Western Port Bay which houses French Island, home to boutique wineries, national park walking tracks, and an abundance of wildlife such as echidnas and koalas. Pass through towns of Leongatha and Meeniyan before reaching your destination of Foster - gateway to Wilson's Promontory National Park.

Today's drive is a short 35 minutes to the entrance of Wilson's Promontory National Park. Be sure to fuel up in town before heading south on Foster-Promontory Road. At the entry, you may wish to park the car and step out to explore the wild sand dunes of the Big Drift. Back in the car, it is another 30 minutes to the main hub of the national park, Tidal River. Here you can stop in at the visitor centre to plan your day.

Wilsons Promontory National Park, affectionately called Wilson's Prom, is the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland. The area encompasses stunning landscapes, ranging from pristine sandy beaches adjacent towering granite cliffs to low lying bush stretching along rivers. The park offers something for everyone, including easy short walks, moderate summit treks and even overnight hikes. For those who just want to soak up the peaceful surrounds there are numerous secluded beaches to laze upon and snorkel their calm waters, such as at Picnic Bay. Alternatively you can also jump on a guided cruise to experience the beautiful coastline and islands from a different vantage point. The park is home to many species of Australian wildlife, so don't be surprised to cross paths with a wombat on a bush walk or kangaroos lazing about in the grass. Tidal River is the main visitor hub for the Prom, located half an hours drive into the park. Here you will find the visitor centre, a great place to plan your day with a chat to the rangers, and stock up on snacks and essentials at the general store.

Discover the breathtaking granite coastline and untouched wilderness of Wilsons Promontory National Park with the exhilarating Wilsons Promontory Cruises. Embark on an extraordinary journey aboard our state-of-the-art amphibious boats, designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Seamlessly transitioning from the beach to the marine national park, you'll be immersed in the natural splendor of this stunning region. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Skull Rock, stroll along the pristine Norman Beach and encounter a diverse array of wildlife in their natural habitat. Knowledgeable local guides will enrich your adventure with fascinating insights, making the experience both educational and thrilling.  Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike, this tour offers an ideal blend of excitement and serenity. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of one of Australia's most remarkable coastal landscapes.

Head north out of the national park and, if you have time, stop to check out the Little Drift track to the sand dunes. Drive along Meeniyan-Promontory Road, and turn right onto Foster-Promontory Road until you arrive at your destination of Foster.

Head east out of Foster today on the South Gippsland Highway. After passing Toora, keep an eye out for the Dog Tree on the left - an old tree stump carved into a beautiful depiction of some playful dogs. Further along, you may wish to stop and check out the heritage architecture and beautiful street art in the town of Yarram. From here you will travel through the lush farming landscapes of the Gippsland Lakes. Sale is a lovely country town to stop for a rest and some lunch before continuing on through Bairnsdale and crossing the Tambo River. Here, you can take a detour to visit the town of Metung, a charming picture-book village known for its excellent fishing spots and of course, restaurants boasting fresh seafood. This side trip is an extra 10 minutes driving each way. Once back on the Princes Highway, it is another 20 minutes to the popular holiday town of Lakes Entrance - where the Gippsland Lakes enter the Southern Ocean, and home to Australia's largest network of inland waterways.

Lakes Entrance is a popular holiday spot on the coast of the Gippsland region. It is situated on the pristine Ninety Mile Beach which is popular for surfing, and has a large network of inland waterways for kayaking and other calm water activities. There are also beautiful campgrounds in the area showcasing the wild beauty and native fauna of the Gippsland coast. Lakes Entrance is renowned as a quality seafood hotspot that you can enjoy at a number of restaurants throughout town, or try your hand at catching your own on a fishing charter. If relaxation is high on your agenda, this quaint seaside village also offers cycling trails, guided nature walks, helicopter rides, wineries, a day spa and even mystery tours.

If you haven't ventured across the footbridge to the popular Ninety Mile Beach to watch for surfers yet, this morning is a great opportunity to do so with a hot coffee in hand. It is a good idea to depart Lakes Entrance early to ensure plenty of time to stop and see the many sights along the way today. When you reach Nowa Nowa on the Princes Highway, you may choose to take a detour to visit the Buchan Caves which is a highly significant area to the Gunaikurnai Traditional owners of Krauatungalung Country. This will be an extra 25 minutes driving time each way, but also allow time to enjoy the guided cave tour.
Continue along the Princes Highway and take a right onto Marlo Road just after crossing the Snowy River, which you will follow down through Marlo, where you may wish to stop for lunch, and on to Cape Conran. The Cape Conran Coastal Park is teeming with heathlands, wild beaches and banksia woodlands that are perfect for an abundance of water activities, including swimming, diving, boating and rock pooling. Experience the park by foot on the self-guided Nature Trail or Dock Inlet and Pearl Point day walks.
Head north out of Cape Conran on Cabbage Tree-Conran Road until you return to the Princes Highway and continue on through Cann River and Genoa before crossing the border into New South Wales. Wind your way along the beautifully scenic roads of the Sapphire Coast region, through Eden, home of the Killer Whale Museum and a popular place for spotting the thousands of whales travelling along the Humpback Highway between September and November. Heading north, continue on to Pambula where you will find award-winning oysters, and cross the bridge over Boggy Creek to your destination of Merimbula.

This highly significant area on Krauatungalung Country has remarkable cultural heritage and is Victoria's largest cave system. The spectacular limestone formations were carved by an underground river nearly 400 million years ago. Today, they can only be seen on a guided tour. Following this ancient watercourse, you can descend into the Fairy Cave and Royal Cave to witness the breathtaking caverns and calcite-rimmed pools. Bookings are essential and must be made at least 24 hours in advance. After seeing the caves, take some time to explore the reserve, which is home to a number of walking trails through the gorgeous, temperate rainforest. Keep an eye out for the King Parrots and Currawongs which call the area home, and listen for the Bellbirds and Lyrebirds near the entrance to the Fairy Cave!
Note: Visitors must arrive 30-45 minutes prior to their tour commencing to check in and collect tickets.

Kayaking and oysters, enjoy the two best experiences on Yuin Country in this four hour guided tour on the Pambula river. Kayak through Beowa National Park from Pambula and float past wildlife and natural features before a stop at Broadwater Oysters. Here you will learn how to shuck the Sydney Rock Oyster followed by an oyster tasting. This tour provides a great opportunity to learn about the ecology, history and culture of the region with a professional kayaking guide.

Depart Merimbula to the north on Sapphire Coast Drive for a stunning journey through the Bournda National Park. At the road end, take a right into the town of Tathra. Here you can also visit the heritage-listed Tathra Wharf, which is prime whale-spotting location in the spring months. This is also a good opportunity to have a look around the Tathra Wharf Museum, and grab a delicious coffee from the cafe next door. Back on Tathra-Bermagui Road, continue north over the Bega River as you enter into the stunning Mimosa Rocks National Park full old growth trees, rocky coves and crystal clear lagoons.
Pass the stunning Cuttagee surf beach before arriving in the small village of Bermagui. Well worth a stop is the Blue Pool, where you can swim in a man-made pool next to the ocean that fills with fresh sea water. The waters are crystal clear and are perfect for snorkelling to look for marine life that has made itself at home. Grab a fish and chip lunch on the Bermagui Wharf before returning to the road, and continuing on past the Bermagui River. As you reach the Wallaga Lake township, you may wish to stop at the Camel Rock Beach Carpark and take the walk down to the shore to see the striking, photographer's dream rock formation 'Horse Head Rock' which, as you may have guessed, looks like a towering horse head over the ocean. Continue over the Wallaga Lake causeway and keep an eye out for the black swans dancing on the water. Turn onto the Princes Highway at the road end until you reach the turnoff to Central Tilba, where you may wish to take a detour to visit a gourmet cheese factory, and walk up to the start of the Bellbrook Loop Track for an awe-inspiring view of Gualaga, the Mother Mountain (Mt Dromedary), an important ceremonial site for the women of the Yuin people.
20 minutes on from Tilba, you will come to the town of Narooma on the Wagonga Inlet. Here you can jump on a wildlife watching cruise that takes you over to Montague Island conservation area 11 kilometres offshore, or simply take a stroll along the Mill Bay Boardwalk to look out over Bar Beach.
Finally, continue north through Bodalla State Forest, crossing the Moruya River, through the small artsy settlement of Mogo, and on to the beach resort town of Bateman's Bay.

Mogo boasts Australia’s largest private collection of exotic animals and primates. Located just 10 minutes south of stunning Batemans Bay. You will get a close-up look at animals including tigers, lions, and meerkats. Also, for an additional cost there is the opportunity to feed Giraffe, which is interactive and fun.  Free, informative keeper talks are held throughout the day.

Your drive to Canberra today is a short 2 hour journey, so you may like to have a slow start to the day with a coffee and walk along the waterfront of the Clyde River. If you are in town on the first or third Sunday of the month, here you'll find the Bateman's Bay Sunday Market. The first part of your drive takes you up into the Southern Tablelands through several national parks and state forests, bursting with lush flora and trickling creeks. The town of Braidwood marks a great half way point for a rest stop and some cafe treats. Braidwood is a National Trust-classified town with charming colonial buildings, rustic streetscapes and perhaps most notably, incredible antique stores. If you prefer to get some fresh air amongst nature, Deua National Park has picnic tables and bushwalks through beautiful forest, limestone caves and waterfalls. Cross the Great Dividing Range and between Bungendore and Queanbeyan, you will find yourself amongst an abundance of cool climate wineries boasting fantastic restaurants and cellar doors. Cross the border into the Australian Capital Territory and keep an eye out for Parliament House before crossing the bridge over Lake Burley Griffin into the CBD.

With museums and galleries for all tastes, it's easy to spend the day exploring Australian culture and history in Canberra. A fantastic place to start is the National Museum of Australia, which has interactive exhibits covering the history of Australia from its Indigenous peoples through to the present day.
Also highly recommended are the National Gallery, Old Parliament House, New Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. If you'd like to head outdoors, you can take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, or up to Red Hill or Mount Ainslie lookout for a Birdseye view over the city.

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. It is widely recognised as one of the most significant museums in the world. Not just for its architectural magnificence or the millions of visitors it attracts, but because it is the soul of the nation and reveals the character of the Australian people. It is a place which will enhance your understanding of what it means to be Australian.
Within the galleries, the Memorial tells the stories of the men and women who serve and have served in Australia’s military forces and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in war, warlike operations, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, connecting our visitors to Australia’s history and cultural identity.

As the new day dawns, you will ascend into the sky in a colourful balloon, admiring the amazing views. Your balloon will float with the gentle breeze and whilst in the basket you will feel secure with very little sensation of movement. During the flight, you may be drifting above the treetops, then moments later ascending effortlessly to heights of 3000 feet or more. Take in the incredible views of the Australian Capital city before descending back to the ground. Upon arrive at the landing site, enjoy a glass of champagne with your fellow passengers and pilot, as you celebrate this beautiful experience just had. After your flight, delight in a delicious buffet breakfast at the Park Hyatt's Promenade Cafe.

Your journey to Sydney is a scenic and smooth transition from the capital to the coast. You'll head north out of Canberra on the M23, soon passing the massive, often-dry bed of Lake George on your right. Merge onto the main Hume Motorway (M31) and enjoy the rolling countryside views. We recommend pausing for a break in the historic town of Goulburn, famous for The Big Merino, or for a charming coffee stop in the quaint villages of the Southern Highlands (such as Bowral). Continue on as the motorway becomes the M5, then the M1 near Sydney Airport, leading you directly back into the city centre. Please allow 3.5 to 4 hours for this drive, factoring in potential traffic on your arrival into Sydney.

Step aboard a modern 78ft cruiser to begin your stunning Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise. Designed with luxury and superb comfort in mind and with plenty of room on board, expansive main, upper, and sun decks offer 360-degree views of all the harbour’s iconic attractions as you sail past. The Sydney Harbour is photogenic at any time, but sunset is particularly special, and once the sun goes down, the gleaming cityscape comes alive in glittering lights. This dinner cruise allows you to experience the harbour from both beautiful perspectives.
This dinner experience is a long, lavish affair, with generous meals showcasing locally sourced and regionally influenced delicacies, paired with an expansive collection of beers, wine, soft drinks, tea, or coffee.

Often mistaken as Australia's capital city, Sydney is a vibrant coastal city with plenty to see and do. Starting in Circular Quay you will catch your first views of the two big icons, Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From here you can catch one of the quintessential harbour ferries over to Manly Beach or Taronga Zoo, catching a glimpse of Kirribilli House, the Prime Minister's official Sydney residence, on the way over. Kirribilli is also home to one of Sydney's oldest markets at the Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre twice a month. It is known for its stalls of vintage clothing, arts, delicious street food and its lively community atmosphere - so if you are in town on a market day, you can't miss it. For a relaxing end to your day of exploration, your dinner options are aplenty. From high-end restaurants around Circular Quay that offer amazing views, to the Chinatown food courts and a broad range of eateries at Barangaroo, you will be spoiled for choice.

Experience the excitement of Australia’s famous Harbour City aboard the Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Beach open-top double-decker buses. This tour is the perfect introduction to Sydney, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge, the magnificent Sydney Opera House, and the sparkling waters of Sydney and Darling Harbour. Along the way, you’ll pass vibrant shops, restaurants, and attractions nestled among Colonial, Victorian, and modern architecture.

Step inside one of the world’s most iconic architectural wonders with the Sydney Opera House Tour. Discover the rich history, breathtaking design, and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site as you explore its striking interiors. Led by an expert guide, the tour takes you through the Opera House's stunning performance spaces, including the famous Concert Hall and Drama Theatre, offering a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes. Learn about the creative vision behind its construction, from its innovative design to its engineering challenges, and hear captivating stories of performances that have taken place over the decades. Whether you’re a lover of architecture, history, or the arts, this guided tour offers a unique and insightful experience, giving you a deeper connection to one of Sydney's most celebrated landmarks. The Sydney Opera House Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Sydney.

Experience the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney at Twilight, whilst scaling the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on Bridge Climb’s original Climb experience. Feel on top of the world as you journey along the upper arch to the peak of an Australian icon, soaking in the stories from your expert Climb Leader and the sights of the Harbour and the City skyline that surround you while the sun sets.

Indulge in the ultimate escape to the Hunter Valley with this expertly crafted day tour by Boutique Tours Australia. Departing from Sydney, this small-group experience takes you to a curated selection of boutique wineries, where you’ll taste premium wines and gain fascinating insights from winemakers. From full-bodied reds to crisp whites, enjoy the unique flavours of this world-renowned wine region.
Savour a delicious light lunch at a local restaurant, surrounded by stunning scenery. The menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients, accompanied by a glass of wine or soft drink.  In addition to wine, learn about local cheese making in an exclusive cheese
tasting experience. With plenty of time to relax, explore, and enjoy, this tour offers the perfect balance of indulgence, culture, and breathtaking views.

Explore more of Sydney before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Sydney today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!