Australia Essentials

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9 Days / 8 Nights
For the Independent Traveler
Departures: Daily
from $3799 per person, double occupancy

Nights at Destination: Sydney (3), Melbourne (3), Cradle Mountain (2)

Package Overview

Park Hyatt Sydney

Park Hyatt Sydney is a sanctuary for discerning business and leisure travelers and international celebrities. Having won prestigious travel, hotel and food awards, it is one of a select brand of Park Hyatt hotels renowned worldwide for exceptional design and elegant style, catering to guests seeking privacy and personal service. Located in the famous Rocks district on the foreshores of Sydney Harbor, Park Hyatt Sydney is close to Sydney’s business and shopping districts and 25 minutes from the airport.

All 158 guestrooms are large and luxurious, most with private balconies. Park Hyatt Sydney is the only hotel in Australia that provides full-time personal butler service to its guests. The hotel has an elegant spa, rooftop pool and terrace, plus two private dining rooms and the “harbourkitchen&bar.”

Perhaps Australia’s most notable landmark, the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House is home to performances throughout the year, from opera to symphonies, ballet and theater. Enjoy a private guided tour of this famed icon before spending an evening at your choice of performance, followed by a fine dining 3-course dinner including wine at one of the award winning restaurants.

Park Hyatt Melbourne
Luxurious Art Deco style dominates Park Hyatt Melbourne. The lobby is beautifully ornamented with Italian glass sculptures and hand-crafted furniture. Century-old elm trees and historic buildings frame this uniquely designed hotel. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the city skyline and surrounding scenic parklands.

Conveniently situated in one of Melbourne’s most historic areas, Park Hyatt Melbourne offers 240 oversized rooms including 23 suites and the opulent Presidential Suite. Some rooms include their own terrace, open fireplace or spa. All bathrooms feature Italian marble sunken baths with inset television, and most rooms make use of the abundant natural light.

For an unforgettable dining experience, visit the hotel’s chic radii restaurant and bar— with an eclectic blend of club atmosphere, bar energy and bistro bustle set over five levels. The Park Club Health & Day Spa offers the ultimate escape, combining ancient methodology with modern techniques and facilities including an aquamarine pool offset by a striking Grecian mural.

Phillip Island
Outside Melbourne, Phillip Island reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife including wombats, koalas, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and kangaroos. Most well-known are the Little Fairy Penguins, the world’s smallest penguins and found only in the southern hemisphere. Watch as they make their daily journey from the surf to their home in the sand dunes.

Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge
Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge is a wilderness experience set on the edge of the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania. Each of the 90 private timber cabins has a cozy log fireplace.

Included

8 nights accommodation
Private car transfers and car hire
Luxury flightseeing of Phillip Island wildlife and penguins
Deluxe Sydney touring
Sydney Opera House experience
8 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Not Included:
Note: International and domestic airfare not included.

Note: All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change. Please call for our current prices.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Sydney
Arrive in Sydney and travel by private car to the exquisite Park Hyatt Sydney. Walk to the Opera House or stroll along exciting Darling Harbor. Overnight: Park Hyatt Sydney, Opera Room for 3 nights

Day 2: Sydney City Sights
Spend the morning discovering Sydney. Travel to the historic Rocks area and Kings Cross. Stop in beautiful Sydney Harbor National Park for morning tea, then to Bondi Beach and Centennial Park. The tour ends on the waterfront at Circular Quay at noon. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps climb the iconic Harbor Bridge, take a behind-the-scenes tour at the Taronga Zoo or enjoy some time to shop (activities own expense). (B)

Day 3: Sydney Opera House Tour, Dinner and Performance
Today is at leisure to explore Sydney. Tonight, your evening commences with a guided tour of the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House. Then indulge in a 3-course dinner at one of the Opera House restaurants, overlooking Sydney Harbor and Circular Quay. After dinner enjoy a performance of your choice. Relax with an interval drink at one of the theater bars. Definitely a night to remember! (B,D)

Day 4: Sydney – Melbourne
Travel by private car to Sydney Airport and fly to Melbourne (airfare not included). The day is at leisure. Explore Southgate, a riverside promenade featuring eclectic dining, shopping and views of the Yarra River and fabulous city skyline. Overnight: Park Hyatt Melbourne, Spa King Room for 3 nights (B)

Day 5: Luxurious Scenic Flight to the Penguins
In the late afternoon, depart by limousine. Fly to Phillip Island, a 30-minute flight southeast of Melbourne. Drive to Phillip Island nature reserve to experience an up-close experience of Australian native animals. Watch the “Penguin Parade,” a daily migration of little penguins crossing Summerland Beach as they return to their burrows after a day of fishing. Enjoy dinner on the island before flying back to Melbourne (flight included). (B,D)

Day 6: Explore Melbourne
Spend today as you wish, enjoying all that Melbourne has to offer. Perhaps go shopping at Queen Victoria Market or visit one of the city’s many gardens. (B)

Day 7: Melbourne – Tasmania
Depart Melbourne and fly to Devonport (airfare not included). Pick up your vehicle and drive 11⁄2 hours to Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge, set in a pristine wilderness area with cozy cabins and the Waldheim Alpine Spa. Overnight: Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge, Spa Suite for 2 nights (B)

Day 8: Cradle Mountain at leisure
Plenty of options to keep you as busy or as relaxed as you like. Sit by the fireplace, visit the spa, join a nocturnal wildlife spotting tour (own expense) or walk the trails of this amazing wilderness retreat. (B)

Day 9: Depart Tasmania
Enjoy a leisurely morning at rustic Cradle Mountain before driving to the airport for your onward flight.(B)

Accommodation

Day	City - Area	Hotel
1, 2, 3	Sydney	Park Hyatt Sydney
4, 5, 6	Melbourne	Park Hyatt Melbourne
7, 8	Cradle Mountain Lodge	Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge