13 Day Best of Melbourne, Sydney and Surrounds Tour

Embark on a 13-day self-driven or privately guided tour of Victoria and New South Wales. Explore vibrant Melbourne, indulge in the renowned wineries of Yarra Valley, and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Blue Mountains. From mountains to beaches and rolling hill country, discover diverse landscapes and immerse yourself in the culture of Australia’s largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney. Customize your tour, relax, and experience the authentic side of Australia with the guidance of an expert local driver. Welcome to The Road Trip, where your unforgettable journey begins.

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Here is an example of a Melbourne, Sydney and Surrounds Tour:

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Day 1 Melbourne Arrival + Drive to Yarra Valley (66km- 1 hour 15 minutes driving time approx)

Welcome to Australia. You will be met at Melbourne Airport by your private driver guide for the tour. From here it is a short drive to the fabulous Yarra Valley, known for its cool climate wines, boutique cheese and chocolate shops and stunning natural surrounds. The afternoon is free to explore the area’s natural surrounds at leisure, visit one of the many cellar doors in the region or simply relax and unwind. Perhaps enjoy a spectacular hot air balloon ride taking in the area’s sweeping vistas. Tonight enjoy a meal in one of the area’s fantastic restaurants. 

Day 2 Yarra Valley Winery and Food Tour

Today is a full day to explore the Yarra Valley with your own exclusive private tour guide and indulge in some of the area’s fantastic wineries, breweries, chocolate and cheese shops and gin distilleries (or all of the above!). Enjoy a gourmet lunch at one the stops accompanied by a glass of Yarra Valley Wine. For those that want an extra touch of luxury today, there is the option to travel by classic Chevrolet. After your tour enjoy another night in the region.

Day 3 Yarra Valley – Phillip Island via Dandenong (195km- 2 hours 50 minutes’ drive time + 3 hour return steam train journey)

This morning after departing your accommodation you take the scenic drive through to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close and personal with Australian Wildlife in their natural habitat. See Platypus, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Tasmanian Devils and Koalas. You will also get the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary’s Health Centre which is responsible for treating over 1,500 injured or sick wild animals every year. Your next stop is Australia’s favourite steam train ‘Puffing Billy Railway.’ Enjoy a splendid journey through the Dandenong Ranges on this turn of the century locomotive as you pass by lush fern gullies and admiring the tall mountain gums and rolling green hills of the Dandenong Ranges. There is also an option to enjoy lunch on the train’s first-class dining carriage. Following this, for those who are feeling active, there is the possibility to enjoy a nature walk in the Dandenong National Park. Your destination for the evening is Phillip Island, one of the premier spots in Victoria for wildlife and coastal views. 

Day 4 Phillip Island

Today is a full day to explore Phillip Island and immerse yourself in one of Victoria’s wildlife meccas. This morning make a visit to the island’s Koala Wildlife Sanctuary and come face to face with Koalas in their natural habitat. The rest of the day is free to explore – perhaps visit Churchill Heritage Island Farm, take one of the area’s fantastic scenic walks on the peninsula, visit and take a tour of one of the sheep and beef farms in the area or join a seal watching cruise on board a wildlife coastal cruise. This evening, enjoy one of the island’s fantastic highlights with a twilight tour to view little penguins on parade at sunset.

Day 5 Phillip Island – Melbourne (141km- 2 hours driving time approx.)

This morning before departing Phillip Island, you’ll visit the Nobbies Conservation Centre on the tip of the peninsula for a walk along the spectacular board walks – keep a look out for the Silver Gulls! Following this head into Melbourne City, Australia’s second-largest metropolitan centre and one of the cultural hubs of the country. This afternoon take a guided tour of the City’s MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and learn all about some of Australia’s best sporting victories as well as viewing and learning all about the venue itself. This also includes a visit to the museum and hall of fame. Tonight enjoy a meal in one of the city’s fantastic culinary hot spots. 

Day 6 Melbourne

Today is a full day to explore Melbourne – you will be taken on a fantastic walking tour of the inner city to discover the area by foot. Sites include Federation Square, Melbourne’s Street Art, Chinatown and Princess Theatre as well as discovering some of the city’s best cafes and local bars. We also suggest a visit to Eureka Tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city centre and its surrounds. In addition, we will recommend some fantastic areas in the city for shopping. Tonight serves up a further opportunity to dine in the city.

Day 7 Melbourne- Sydney (1 hour 30 minutes flying time)

This morning you will be transferred by shuttle to Melbourne Airport and catch a domestic flight to Sydney.

Upon arrival, you will spend the day exploring Australia’s largest city. We will start your visit with a stroll along picturesque Darling Harbour including a visit to some of the area’s charming cafes and of course the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. For those that want the up close and personal experience, we can arrange a guided Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb to learn all about one of Australia’s most iconic sites. Tonight you take a starlight dinner cruise and enjoying the breath-taking lights of Sydney Harbour and surrounds.

Day 8 Sydney

Today is a further day to explore Sydney. This morning take a guided tour of Sydney Opera House and learn all about the history of Australia’s iconic building. This afternoon we will take a walking tour and discover some of Sydney’s most intriguing aspects of the Rocks area as well as learning all about the history of its resident sailors, convicts and others that used to inhabit the area. Later this afternoon we suggest a visit to the Sydney Aquarium to learn all about Australia’s vast variety of marine life. Tonight you have the opportunity to further enjoy some of Sydney’s fantastic culinary host spots. Your guide will be able to recommend some fantastic options.

Day 9 Sydney and Surrounds

Today we will explore some of Sydney’s majestic surrounds including a visit to the famous Bondi Beach. If you are feeling active take one of the area’s coastal nature walks along the cliffs for great views of the Pacific Ocean. This afternoon upon returning to the city perhaps check out Sydney’s Botanic Gardens or one of the many Art Galleries. (your guide will have suggestions for you). 

Day 10 Sydney- Katoomba 119km (2 hours driving time)

This morning you will depart Sydney City and head west toward the Blue Mountains, one of Australia’s most picturesque gems featuring breath-taking vistas and cascades. On arrival into the region, your guide will be able to accompany you on some nature walks including stunning Wentworth Falls with its grand valley views and picturesque waterfall (45 minutes-1 hour return). From here head through to Scenic World for superior views of the region. Experience a breath-taking journey on the scenic skyway with views of the Three Sisters and Jamieson Valley, ride Australia’s steepest passenger railway on the World with its glass-roofed carriages through ancient rainforest and enjoy a trip on the Scenic Cableway for views of Orphan Rock, Mt Solitary and the Katoomba Falls. There is also the opportunity to take a scenic walk through Jurassic Forest at the bottom station. Tonight stay in the village of Katoomba in the heart of the national park.

Day 11 Katoomba- Hunter Valley via Wollombi (279km- 4 hours driving time approx)

Today be prepared for some spectacular scenery and one of the highlights of the region with a drive through the Grose Valley with its canyons, lookout spots and stunning cascades. First up, visit Govetts Leap lookout and enjoy the panoramic views and vistas that await you. There is the opportunity here to take a scenic bushwalk and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Keep a lookout for Bridal Veil Falls, the highest falls in the Blue Mountains at 180 metres. From here, take the scenic drive through Mount Tomah and enjoy a stop at its heritage-listed Botanic Gardens. Further up the road heading through Wollombi is Kurang-Gai National Park. There are more than 350 Aboriginal sites are recorded in this protected area of coastal bush and beaches. Spend some time taking scenic photos of this spectacular national park. Your destination for the next 2 nights is the spectacular Hunter Valley Wine Country where you will stay in an idyllic setting in among the vines.

Day 12 Hunter Valley Full Day Wine Tour

Today you will enjoy a full-day guided culinary and wine tour of the Hunter Valley, including a visit to several of the area’s renowned winemakers. Also included is the opportunity to try a selection of the delectable local cheeses, craft beers and other local delicacies. This tour includes a generous lunch overlooking the vines as well as an opportunity to see wildlife along the way and experience the typical Australian scene with kangaroos hopping through the vines. Tonight after a full day of touring, enjoy a relaxing evening at the retreat.

Day 13 Hunter Valley- Sydney Via Gosford (168km- 2 hours 12 minutes driving time)

Today after further exploring the Hunter Valley region, take the drive through to Sydney, where you will be transferred to your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you have had a memorable Road Trip with us.

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Everything we do is custom and bespoke to your needs and desires. Enquire about your custom Melbourne, Sydney and Surrounds Tour today.