Grand Tour Australia

About the destination: Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Hawkesbury River, Sydney is considered one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities in the world. It has an iconic skyline, some wonderful museums, delicious restaurants, a lively atmosphere and tons of natural beauty. As with any large city there are many attractions, but the most important are the Sydney Opera House, set on the Sydney harbor, it is one of the world's most recognized landmarks, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney's main catholic cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral, the Royal Botanic Gardens and a vast array of beautiful beaches. Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi Beach has a lively promenade and it is a famous spot amongst surfers. Just outside of Sydney, we have the Blue Mountains, an unspoiled mountain range filled with Eucalyptus trees. Sydney is a city of immense vitality and it is an amazing and fascinating destination. There is something for every visitor, history, art, culture, nature, fashion, gastronomy, architecture and above all, Sydney is a city that knows how to have fun.

About the destination: Cairns is a regional city, founded in 1876, encompassing smaller townships in the far north of Queensland, Australia. It is a popular travel destination for foreign tourists because of its tropical climate. It serves as a starting point for people wanting to visit the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Centenary Lakes. Collins Ave/Edge Hill, opposite the Botanic Gardens. Rainforest boardwalk that goes directly through the forest and ends at several small lakes and creeks. There is also a little park with picnic areas. Caution: The lakes are crocodile habitat. • City Botanic Gardens. • Lake Placid. • Mount Whitfield Conservation Park. • Northern Beaches There is no beach in Central Cairns, but there are several beaches in the north that can easily be reached by bus. They are all beautiful and tropical, and ideal places to relax and walk. These beaches include Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Palm Cove, Holloways Beach, Kewarra Beach and Clifton Beach. • Smithfield Conservation Park, McGregor Road, close to James Cook University, north of the city centre. A large area of rainforest with several walking tracks. • Many natural Cairns attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, Copperlode Dam, Atherton Tablelands and Daintree Rainforest • Cairns Regional Gallery. • Cairns Museum.

About the destination: Located on Port Phillip Bay, astride the Yarra River, Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. With a trendy and lively atmosphere, it is considered the cultural, gastronomic, sporting, fashion and shopping capital of Australia. There're lots of beautiful examples of architecture throughout the city such as its modern and vibrant skyline. Some of Melbourne’s main attractions are the stunning Botanical Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Building, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the magnificent Anglican cathedral of Saint Paul's and one of Melbourne’s most famous landmarks, the Shrine of Remembrance. St Kilda is Melbourne's bohemian neighborhood. Here you’ll find sunny beaches and a great restaurant, bars and nightlife scene. Just outside of Melbourne, we have the spectacular Twelve Apostles, a unique rock formations by the shore. Dynamic and cosmopolitan, Melbourne is Australia’s proud cultural capital. Considered one of the world's most livable cities, the capital of the south-eastern state of Victoria is a pleasant visit and a perfect base to explore the surrounding region.

About the destination: Apollo Bay is located between Wye River and Cape Otway on Victoria's scenic coastal route, the Great Ocean Road. As a popular tourist destination, Apollo Bay offers both swimming and surf beaches, as well as a large boat harbour and marina which is home to a major fishing fleet. The town's commercial centre, which features a good selection of restaurants and cafes, is situated along one side of the Great Ocean Road, overlooking a wide, grassy foreshore which fronts the main swimming beach. Another popular beach is located at the mouth of the Barham River in Mounts Bay. Overlooking Apollo Bay are rolling green hills, which create quite a scenic backdrop when viewed from the beach, foreshore and shops. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from the Marriners Lookout, located at the northern end of town off Marriners Lookout Road. It's a short walk from the car park along a scenic mountainside pathway to the lookout where there are views of Apollo Bay's town centre, the harbour and beaches up and down the coast. Under certain weather conditions the silhouette of the SS Casino, a steamship which sank in 1932 while trying to dock at Apollo Bay, can be seen in the waters close to the shore when looking eastwards over the caravan park. A couple of museums are worth exploring in Apollo Bay. There is the Bass Strait Shell Museum, at the golf course end of town, offering a good collection of local and overseas shells, coral and preserved sea life specimens. The Old Cable Station Museum, on the Great Ocean Road at the northern edge of Apollo Bay, features collections of local memorabilia housed in the former cable station which was used for communications between Tasmania and the Australian mainland. A popular scenic drive is along the Barham River Road which follows the Barham River inland from the coast through the lush rainforest of the Barham Valley, eventually ending up at the Marriners Falls. The small seaside community of Marengo is located just south of Apollo Bay on the other side of the Barham River and it offers quiet, sandy beaches. A 5 kilometre drive north of Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road takes you to Skenes Creek, which is another small and scenic seaside community. Fantastic views of the coast can be enjoyed at Evans Lookout, a couple of kilometres inland from Skenes Creek on the main road to Forrest and Colac. The rugged and bushy Great Otway National Park, which includes a lighthouse at Cape Otway, is easily accessible, making Apollo Bay a great place to enjoy the coast and the bushy hinterland of the Otway Ranges.

About the destination: Port Fairy is a coastal town in south-western Victoria, Australia. It lies on the Princes Highway in the Shire of Moyne, 28 kilometres (17 mi) west of Warrnambool and 290 kilometres (180 mi) west of Melbourne, at the point where the Moyne River enters the Southern Ocean. Port Fairy has many surfing spots for all skill levels including the Old Passage, a right hand rocky break at the old entrance to the Moyne river; the Lighthouse, a right-hand point break off Griffiths island; and the East Beach with many right and left beach breaks.

About the destination: Lorne, nestled along the iconic Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is a charming coastal town known for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Lorne offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town hospitality. Stroll along the sandy shores of Lorne Beach, swim in the turquoise waters, or catch some waves at one of the region’s popular surf spots. Nature lovers will delight in exploring the nearby Great Otway National Park, home to cascading waterfalls like Erskine Falls, ancient fern gullies, and scenic hiking trails. The area is also ideal for spotting native wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and a variety of birdlife. Don’t miss a walk along the Lorne Pier, especially at sunrise or sunset, for panoramic views of the coastline. Lorne’s bustling main street boasts an array of boutique shops, cozy cafés, and award-winning restaurants serving fresh local produce and seafood. Throughout the year, the town hosts lively festivals and events, such as the Lorne Sculpture Biennale and the Falls Music & Arts Festival, drawing visitors from across Australia. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a road trip with friends, Lorne promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking scenery at every turn. With its laid-back vibe and wealth of attractions, it’s no wonder Lorne is a beloved destination on Australia’s southern coast.

About the destination: Located on Port Phillip Bay, astride the Yarra River, Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. With a trendy and lively atmosphere, it is considered the cultural, gastronomic, sporting, fashion and shopping capital of Australia. There're lots of beautiful examples of architecture throughout the city such as its modern and vibrant skyline. Some of Melbourne’s main attractions are the stunning Botanical Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Building, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the magnificent Anglican cathedral of Saint Paul's and one of Melbourne’s most famous landmarks, the Shrine of Remembrance. St Kilda is Melbourne's bohemian neighborhood. Here you’ll find sunny beaches and a great restaurant, bars and nightlife scene. Just outside of Melbourne, we have the spectacular Twelve Apostles, a unique rock formations by the shore. Dynamic and cosmopolitan, Melbourne is Australia’s proud cultural capital. Considered one of the world's most livable cities, the capital of the south-eastern state of Victoria is a pleasant visit and a perfect base to explore the surrounding region.