Sydney, New South Wales

Day 1 - Sydney is a vibrant, sophisticated city, built around one of the world's most beautiful harbors. Enjoy the museums and the many art galleries, admire the stunning Opera House and take a guided backstage tour. The Rocks is the site of first settlement -- a charming blend of past and present, where restored warehouses have been converted into shops, cafes and restaurants. Sample the nightlife of this cosmopolitan city - enjoy theatre, dance, concerts and the casino.

Day 2 - Visit Sydney Tower, over 984 feet tall, providing 360-degree wonderful views over the city. Cruise the beautiful bays of Sydney Harbour and enjoy the sight of exclusive harbor side suburbs featuring parks and lush gardens. There's something for everyone - choose a trip on a paddle steamer, cruiser or yacht, a day tour or evening cruise complete.

Day 3 - Darling Harbour and its many attractions, such as the Aquarium, National Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum, the Chinese Gardens, and IMAX and enjoy fantastic shopping. King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay offer a selection of restaurants and entertainment options. Walk across or climb world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. The view over the city and surrounds from its arch high above water is spectacular. Relax on Bondi Beach.

Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Day 4 - Only 90 minutes of coach travel west of Sydney are the dramatic Blue Mountains - a wilderness of eucalyptus forests, deep canyons and roaring waterfalls. A World Heritage-listed national park, it offers many excursion options - sightseeing of magnificent scenery or, for the more energetic, bush walking, horse riding, abseiling, rock climbing, caving and other adventure activities.

Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Day 5 - The rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley are just two hours north from Sydney. This is Australia's oldest wine-producing area, where more than 100 wineries produce some excellent drops under world-renowned labels. Visit some of the many wineries, where you can taste and buy wine at the cellar-door. The local shops and craft markets and sample fresh local produce. The area also offers sporting and recreational facilities such as golf, horse riding and hot air ballooning.

Melbourne, Victoria

Day 1 - The city of Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia. Enjoy its art, food, fine wine and thriving café culture, sporting events and unsurpassed shopping. Don't miss the Queen Victoria Market, scene of boisterous trading. A unique dining option is aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, combining fine dining with sightseeing.

Day 2 - Visit Federation Square in the heart of the city. Melbourne Observation Deck on top of Rialto Tower offers unforgettable views over the city and suburbs. Southbank across the river features the Art Centre, and the Crown Entertainment Complex, excellent shopping, restaurants, cafes and galleries.

Day 3 - Walk the elegant gardens, go for a cruise on the Yarra River, check out the latest fashion in one of the elegant suburbs or catch the tram to the lively seaside suburb of St Kilda.

Phillip Island, Victoria

Day 4 - Take a day tour to Phillip Island, famous for its fairy penguins, koalas and Australian fur seals. There's also great diving and spectacular coastal scenery. Phillip Island Nature Park is home to one of Australia's best wildlife attractions, the Penguin Parade. Each night at sunset, hundreds of little penguins return from the sea to their burrows.

Yarra Valley, Victoria

Day 5 - Explore the hills and vineyards of the beautiful Yarra Valley. Tour its quality wineries, taste fine wines and lunch at a winery or local restaurant. Healesville Sanctuary is home to unique Australian wildlife, where visitors can get close to koalas, dingos, kangaroos, wombats and the shy platypus. Australia's oldest steam train, Puffing Billy winds its way through the lush forests of the Dandenongs.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Day 6 - Torquay, Australia's surf capital, just one hour from Melbourne, is the beginning of a spectacular coastal drive. The Great Ocean Road winds past quiet bays, surf beaches, historic shipwreck sites and the magnificent rock sculptures of the Twelve Apostles. These awe-inspiring massive rock stacks pounded by ocean swells dominate stunning Port Campbell National Park. Boardwalks, viewing platforms, and an interpretive centre make it easy to see and understand the scenery.

Day 7 - The route leaves the coast at Port Fairy and winds its way north, to the Grampians National Park, and Halls Gap. Along the way enjoy the rural scenery. The Grampians are rugged ranges where visitors can see lakes, waterfalls, valley, history and wildlife. The Grampians also have great cultural significance - 80 percent of Aboriginal sites in Victoria can be seen here and Aboriginal people continue their strong association with the area. Call in the Brambuk Living Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an insight into the local history.

Cairns, North Queensland

Day 1 - Cairns -- the heart of the tropical north east -- offers great access to the Great Barrier Reef and islands, and is a perfect base for exploring. Just north are lovely beaches including Yorkeys Knob, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach. One of the most scenic coastal drives in Australia connects Cairns with Port Douglas, a lovely holiday town. Enjoy the golden sand and warm waters of Four Mile Beach, superb shopping, cafes and restaurants. Feast on the fresh tropical fruits and delicious seafood available all year in Queensland. Experience Aboriginal culture at Tjapukai Cultural Park.

Day 2 - Just 15 minutes from Cairns, the breath-taking Skyrail Cableway carries you over Queensland's amazing tropical rainforest to the bustling Kuranda township. the local food, arts and clothing markets, and walk through the rainforest. Return to town on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and enjoy the sight of the Barron Falls.

Day 3 - Take a day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef and swim, snorkel or scuba-dive in a dazzling underwater world. There are many options with departures from either Cairns or Port Douglas. Those who choose to stay dry can view the reef through a glass-bottomed or semi-submersible boat.

Daintree Rainforest, North Queensland

Day 4 - Just a short drive from Cairns you can enjoy the exotic flora and fauna and superb scenery of Queensland's tropical rainforest -- a vast wonderland of creeks, waterfalls and deserted beaches. This lush tropical coastal strip, the Daintree/Cape Tribulation area, is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world. Day or evening bushwalks, short and extended ranger-guided 4WD safaris are available.

Great Barrier Reef & Whitsunday Islands

Day 5-6 - Halfway between Cairns and Brisbane are the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands, situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia's most famous natural wonder. The Great Barrier Reef will stun visitors with its magnificence. It's 214,400 square miles and has more than 1,000 islands, from sandy cays to rainforest isles. There are around 400 hard and soft coral types in Queensland -- see fan-like plates, delicate vase-like formations, branching corals, which can be easily broken and large brain corals. Scuba-diving courses start in the pool and classroom -- then you'll cruise to the fantastically beautiful Great Barrier Reef, slip beneath the waves and discover a kaleidoscope of color and life.

Brisbane, South East Queensland

Day 1 - The Queensland capital of Brisbane enjoys great weather and a relaxed pace of life combined with all the cosmopolitan bustle you could wish for. Enjoy the excellent food, wine and shopping at your leisure.

Gold Coast, South East Queensland

Day 2 - Visit the Gold Coast known for its mile long golden sand beaches, water sports, theme parks, shopping and entertainment. Return to Brisbane via the hinterland and Lamington National, which features more than 100 miles of rainforest walks, beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, especially birds, ancient trees, plunging ravines and majestic mountains.

Sunshine Coast, South East Queensland

Day 3 - North of Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast offering beaches, lush hinterland and elegant resorts. The seaside resort towns of Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum and cosmopolitan Noosa. The Glass House Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to endless, breathtaking beaches. Further north is the world's largest sand island, World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. The island is a natural wilderness featuring 75 miles of beach, freshwater lakes and abundant wildlife.

Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Day 1 - The charming, sun-baked town of Alice Springs is within easy reach of colorful outback culture, ancient Dreamtime lore and fabulous nature. The pace of life is relaxed and the locals friendly. Unique attractions include the School of the Air, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Desert Park, Telegraph Station and Todd Mall with its Aboriginal galleries.

Day 2 - Alice Springs offers many touring options. Visit the MacDonnell Ranges, Rainbow Valley, Ormiston Gorge, Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm. Hot air ballooning and a range of authentic outback dining options are available. No trip to Australia is complete without a visit to one of our famous outback 'watering holes' - a pub. Relax in good company and enjoy a drop of the amber nectar.

Uluru (Ayers Rock), Northern Territory

Day 3 - Watch the sun set on the fabulous Uluru (Ayers Rock), and its nearby 'little sister', Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Uluru, the world's largest monolith, is 5.8 miles in circumference, and the surrounding vegetation offers a refuge for wildlife. A truly unique outback dining experience is Sounds of Silence -- taste Australian delicacies such as kangaroo, crocodile, emu and barramundi (fish).

Day 4 - Experience central Australian Aboriginal culture on one of the tours around the base of Uluru. Other tour options include camel rides, Harley Davidson motorcycle tours, scenic flights, 4WD adventure tours and bushwalking. About 20 miles west of Uluru, Kata Tjuta with its 36 steep-sided domes is a spectacular sight and offers great photo opportunities.

Day 5 - Travel back to Alice Springs via Watarrka National Park and the dramatic crags and peaceful waterholes of Kings Canyon.

The Ghan Train Journey, Northern Territory

Day 6 - Board the Ghan in Alice Springs for this legendary rail journey to Darwin. Travel through the spectacular outback, the saltpans and the outback town of Katherine, in the south of Australia's Top End. The hub of the vast almost untouched Katherine region, it offers driving, camping, treks through rugged landscape, and Aboriginal sites.

Darwin, Northern Territory

Day 7 - This vibrant, multi-cultural city sits on a harbor twice the size of Sydney's. It offers superb dining, cruising and wreck diving. It is also the gateway to key Top End natural and cultural attractions. South of Darwin is Litchfield National Park (NP) a beautiful area of waterfalls and tropical greenery.

Day 8 - Darwin offers many touring options to the Top End's national parks. Visit Kakadu, famous for its crocodiles and bird life, tidal rivers, tranquil billabongs and lush vegetation. Covering almost 5 million acres, Kakadu National Park is one of Australia's most significant national parks. Further south east is Nitmiluk National Park, famous for Katherine Gorge, rugged scenery and unique vegetation

Adelaide, South Australia

Day 1 - Enjoy the lifestyle of this elegant city, famous for its galleries, museums, sidewalk cafes, cozy pubs and excellent restaurants. Shop in the unique Central Market, which celebrates different cultures and offers a large selection of fresh produce. Visit the interesting and lively seaside suburbs of Glenelg, Port Adelaide, Semaphore and Henley Beach offering cafes, restaurants and water sports

Day 2 - Admire the stately buildings along North Terrace; visit the Botanic Gardens, the National Wine Centre, the Casino and Festival Centre. Just a 20-minute drive east of the city, Adelaide Hills is known for wineries, orchards, gardens, charming villages and unique wildlife. For dining options, North Adelaide is perfect with its pubs, restaurants, cafes and interesting shops.

Barossa Valley, South Australia

Day 3 - Take a trip to the Barossa Valley, famous for its excellent wines, fine local cuisine and fun-filled local festivals. The Barossa is one of the world's greatest wine producing regions, with over 50 wineries ranging from Australia's top wine makers to small boutique cellar doors. Tasting is available as well as many fun activities such as horse riding, cycling, hot air ballooning. They valley is also rich in European culture with small German and English style villages dotting the countryside.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Day 4 - Kangaroo Island, Australia's third largest island lies near the tip of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. Renowned for its wild, untouched beauty, it is home to rare sea lions, penguins, dolphins, koalas and kangaroos that visitors can observe up close in their natural habitat. Kangaroo Island is a nature lover's paradise, with over 30 percent of its area declared national park and so many species extinct on the mainland have been preserved here.

Day 5 - Marvel at the interesting rock formations of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, go swimming or scuba diving and the wonders of the clear blue Southern Ocean. Enjoy local delicacies - sample fresh seafood, cheese, honey and free-range poultry.

Perth, Western Australia

Day 1 - This sophisticated, scenic city is known for its plentiful restaurants and fine wine. Visit the Perth Mint, watch the hourly gold pours then stroll along elegant St. Georges Terrace, the city's main boulevard. Enjoy water sports on the Swan River, central Kings Park or relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Take a scenic cruise along the river; visit the famous wineries and marvel at the twelve ancient bells of The Swan Bells Tower, dating from 13^th-century England. For dinner options, try lively Northbridge or take in a spectacular sunset from a Cottesloe restaurant.

Day 2 - Visit Rottnest Island, a short ferry or plane trip from Perth. The island boasts sugar-white beaches, emerald bays and quokkas -- small marsupials common to the island. Surf, dive, snorkel, or enjoy a swim in sheltered coves.

Day 3 - Just south of Perth, Fremantle was built by early settlers and convict labor. Take a guided tour of the famous old prison, the Round House, Fremantle Markets and the Western Australian Maritime Museum. Visit the Sail and Anchor Pub Brewery and the Fremantle Arts Centre. Lunch on the Esplanade.

Monkey Mia, Western Australia

Day 4 - Fly north and hand-feed the dolphins at Monkey Mia, located in Shark Bay, a World Heritage-listed area, renowned for its friendly bottlenose dolphins that have been swimming to shore each day since the early 1960s. Visit the dolphin information center for an interpretation of dolphin biology and behavioral patterns, and grab more information on the area's activities and attractions. Slow the pace and while away the afternoon beachside, where you can soak up the sun, relax and recoup.

Day 5 - Visit the remarkable Hamelin Bay stromatolites - the oldest and largest living fossils in the world and Shell Beach. Keep an eye out for Shark Bay's unique wildlife including dugongs, loggerhead turtles and rare birds before returning to Carnarvon.

Kimberley

Day 6-10 - Discover the wonders of the Kimberley, one of the world's last great wilderness areas. North east of Broome, Derby sits on the edge of King Sound with the vastness of the Kimberley at its doorstep. It is a gateway to the ranges, gorges and the Buccaneer Archipelago.

Spectacular national parks such as Tunnel Creek, Windjana and Geikie Gorge are a must-visit. At Halls Creek take a spectacular helicopter flight over the amazing rock formations of the Bungle Bungle Ranges. Recently inscribed on the World Heritage list for its outstanding natural values, the orange-and-black striped mounds of rock that dominate the Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, are striking. They look like giant beehives, and shelter cool gorges and fan palms.

Farther north, Kununurra is surrounded by spectacular rugged ranges and an abundance of birds and wildlife. Situated on Lake Kununurra and the Ord River, it is the agricultural centre of the north-west and gateway to Lake Argyle. Freshwater crocodiles cruise beside tour boats on the Ord River, and the wetland bird life and dramatic cliff scenery are superb. Take a tour of the Argyle Diamond Mine.

Mt. Wellington, Tasmania

Day 1 - To fully appreciate the visual splendor of Hobart, travel 1,500 meters to the summit of Mt. Wellington for breakfast. Its then onto mountain bikes for an adrenalin-pumping, scenic ride down the mountain. The journey concludes at Cascade, Australia's oldest brewery, which is nestled in the foothills of Mt Wellington. Don a hard hat for a tour of this heritage boutique brewery, followed by a tasting of the Cascade's premium lagers and ales in the brewery beer garden.

Just south of Hobart, the Huon Valley has evolved into the "gourmet larder" of southern Tasmania. For lunch, visit the boutique winery restaurant of Home Hill. This outstanding restaurant is housed in a modern rammed-earth building with views of the vineyards.

Tamar Valley, Tasmania

Day 2 - After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely drive north on the Midlands Highway, taking in views of rural Tasmania at its best. Arrive at Woolmers Estate, just south of Launceston. Stop to enjoy a morning tea with homemade scones, locally made jam and cream.

For lunch, it's off to a winery restaurant in the Tamar Valley, well known for its award-winning produce and cool climate wines. In the late afternoon, head to Launceston Airport for a charter flight that will take us over some of Tasmania's most spectacular scenery and to the fishing village of Strahan, on Tasmania's rugged west coast. Start the night with cocktails sunset overlooking the beach, followed by a gourmet barbeque and lobster bake on the beach.

The West Coast, Tasmania

Day 3 - The morning begins with a ride along the West Coast Wilderness Railway track in a unique high-rail vehicle (a four-wheel drive that converts to a rail car). As you head toward Lynchford near Queenstown, stunning views of the King River Gorge and surrounding rainforest abound. From Lynchford, the high-rail retracts its rail wheels for the spectacular drive to the Bird River Track for morning tea. Take in views of Frenchman's Cap and Lake Burbury, from Mt. Jukes road, before descending to follow Kelly Basin and Bird River roads to the start of the abandoned Bird River railway.

To top off your Tasmanian experience with an eight-course degustation menu, prepared by a two-star Michelin chef in what was the original harbormaster's house, Franklin Manor.