Fast-Paced Australia & New Zealand Tour: Queenstown, Sydney, Tasmania & Perth - 10 Days

Highlights

• Marvel at the beauty of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi from the air and water
• Snap photos as you walk along Sydney's Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
• Explore bushland and waterfalls with a deluxe trip to the Blue Mountains
• Taste oysters and hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout in Freycinet National Park
• Cycle around Rottnest Island and meet the famous local quokkas

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown, Spirit of Queenstown Dinner Cruise

Kia ora! Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps, this ruggedly beautiful region offers hair-raising thrills, beautiful vineyards, and historic gold-mining towns. On arrival, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and then consider a ride on the Skyline Gondola, one of the steepest cable cars in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll climb over 1,400 feet (450 m) to Bob's Peak for top views of the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Lake Wakatipu.

This evening, simply sit back and relax on board the Spirit of Queenstown. On this epic voyage of discovery, you'll float along Lake Wakatipu, going farther than other cruises to explore secluded bays, historic landmarks, and mountain views. While aboard this purpose-built panoramic catamaran, you'll tuck into a seasonally-inspired set menu featuring local New Zealand beef and lamb, fresh salads, and vegetables. Take your glass of local wine or craft beer out to the scenic deck, breathe in the fresh air, and make a toast to your first night on vacation.

Day 2: Full-Day Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Adventure

Today you'll experience the world-famous Milford Sound / Piopiotahi from the air and the water. But first, you'll see it from your glass-roofed bus, where you can gaze up at the rocky mountains as you travel along Milford Road. Be mesmerized by the reflective Mirror Lakes, and quench your thirst with pristine glacial water at Monkey Creek. Travel through Homer Tunnel, carved out of solid rock. Marvel at The Chasm, a series of uniquely shaped rocks and potholes formed by the Cleddau River rushing into a dark narrow abyss. Finally, descend through the Cleddau Valley.

Next, board a small boutique boat to enjoy views of Mitre Peak and towering cliffs. Cruise past rugged cliffs covered in magnificent native rainforest, with powerful waterfalls that tumble down into the fjord. Keep a look out for seals, dolphins, and penguins in the waters below. The return journey to Queenstown is equally rewarding. Board a 45-minute scenic flight and soar over the glacially carved valleys of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and Fiordland National Park. Closer to Queenstown, enjoy a bird's-eye view of the rugged Central Otago region.

Day 3: Fly to Sydney (Australia), Explore

It's time to say goodbye to New Zealand and hello to Australia. A driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport in time for your three-hour flight to Sydney. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. Use the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Start with a visit to Sydney's iconic harbor and soak up views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge over a drink at a waterfront bar, or go for a gentle stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens to stretch your legs after your flight.

As evening falls, prepare to see Sydney turn from day to night atop the famous "coathanger"—the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Strap on a harness and let a BridgeClimb leader take you 439 feet (134 m) above sea level for an adrenaline-pumping journey that provides stunning 360-degree views of the city. At the summit, enjoy the sunset over the harbor and then descend amid the bright lights of Sydney's buildings and skyscrapers lit up at night. After your descent, head to Circular Quay and Darling Harbour to take your pick of some of the city's best restaurants.

Day 4: Guided Bike Tour, Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Ferry to the Taronga Zoo

Climb into the saddle of a bike this morning and pedal across Sydney. Tick off all of the city's iconic sights with a guide, including the Opera House, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, Chinatown, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Building, and more. Then go off the beaten path to discover hidden gems. Your local guide will share stories and facts as you pedal. Keep active as you hit the famous cliff-top walk from Bondi to Coogee, a 3.7-mile (6 km) coastal walk with dazzling views. It usually takes two to three hours to complete, depending on how often you stop for a swim!

Start at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach and pass the Art Deco Bondi Icebergs swimming club, admire 2,000-year-old traditional Indigenous rock carvings at Marks Park, grab a coffee at Tamarama Beach, walk past the heritage-listed Waverly Cemetery, see Gordons Bay and finish at Coogee Beach. Take your time, then return to the city to board the Zoo Express, a rapid ferry destined for Taronga Zoo. This 52-acre (21 ha) zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including tigers, gorillas, and (of course) koalas. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the wildlife park, and don't miss the free keeper talks.

Day 5: Full-Day Blue Mountains Tour

Set off on a full-day adventure to the Blue Mountains. Your day begins with a visit to the working farm of Calmsley Hill, where you can enjoy some morning tea and wander the tranquil surroundings—keep an eye out for the resident kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas! The journey continues to one of the Jamison Valley lookouts, where you can take in breathtaking vistas. Next, visit the remote Eaglehawk Lookout to witness the Three Sisters in all their glory. Watch as the sunlight brings out magnificent colors that change throughout the day.

Pause for a delicious two-course lunch at Blackheath, then continue to Govetts Leap and its mighty waterfall. Stop briefly to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you'll enjoy sweeping views. Then, travel down the scenic Bells Line of Road back to the city, where you'll have the evening free to explore Sydney on your own. 

Day 6: Fly to Hobart, Free Time, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Night Tour

After breakfast, a shared transfer will drop you at Sydney airport for your domestic flight to Tasmania, the triangular island state at the bottom of Australia. On arrival in Hobart / nipaluna, a private driver will take you to your hotel. Tasmania is a place steeped in history, with wild and beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and a temperate climate. Its capital, Hobart/nipaluna, sits at the foothills of Mount Wellington/kunanyi and combines heritage charm with a relaxed modern lifestyle. Drop your bags and head to Salamanca Place to soak up Hobart's historical, creative, and cultural heart.

Day 7: Full-Day Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park Tour, Evening Pub Tour

Today's full-day adventure takes you east from the city, following the coastline north to Freycinet National Park. Pause at Freycinet Marine Farm to taste local oysters, mussels, or crayfish; then, it's time to explore nature. Your local guide will lead your group to Wineglass Bay Lookout, one of the Great Short Walks of Tasmania. From the top, you'll be rewarded with Wineglass Bay and the stunning Freycinet National Park. From here, you have a choice: hike down to Wineglass Bay Beach, take a 2.5-hour return trip, or explore other sights in Freycinet National Park.

If you venture down to the beach, enjoy your picnic lunch here on the pristine white sands, and jump in the clear (albeit chilly!) waters for a swim. If you prefer less walking, your guide will tour you around Honeymoon Bay, Cape Tourville Lighthouse, and Sleepy Bay Lookout. After, you'll regroup and return to Hobart, making one final stop for ice cream en route.

Day 8: Fly to Perth, Free Time, Swan River Dinner Cruise

Today you'll switch the southeast for the west. A driver will collect you from the lobby for your five-hour flight to Perth. On arrival, another driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. As Australia's largest state, Western Australia is famous for long days of sunshine and diverse landscapes and climates. Downtown Perth is home to cool laneways and arcades, so join a 2.5-hour walking tour and discover the malls, ornate arcades, trendy laneways, back streets, and dirty alleys. End at a hip local bar where the first drink is on your guide.

Day 9: Full-Day Rottnest Island Tour with Bike

Day 10: Morning Coffee Culture & Art Tour, Depart

Kickstart your final day Down Under with a caffeine-fueled adventure. This lively two-hour tour blends Perth's coffee culture with art and history. Wander down Wolf Lane to see the best street art and murals, then explore the city's art, sculpture, and architecture. Hear quirky tales from Perth's past as you pass by Cathedral Square, the old General Post Office, Land Titles Office, and Treasury buildings. Uncover hidden gems in Hibernian Place, Stirling Gardens, and Government House, and traverse the old theater district, home to His Majesty's Theatre and the Cultural Centre.

Then, it's time to say goodbye to Perth. A private transfer will collect you for a transfer to the airport in time for your flight home or to an onward destination. Safe travels!

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