Kathleen Vieweg
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Sydney
Touch down in Sydney, where sparkling harbor waters meet a skyline of icons. Your private driver will greet you at the airport and deliver you to your downtown hotel. With the rest of the day free, wander the historic Rocks district, soak up the buzz at Circular Quay, or enjoy the city’s vibrant rhythm.
Overnight Sydney CBD
Day 2
Southern Highlands Safari
Leave Sydney behind and travel into the picturesque Southern Highlands. This region is known for its rolling green hills, where you can often spot kangaroos grazing and catch glimpses of king parrots and rosellas among the trees. Visit private farmland and the Great Western Wildlife Corridor to look for timid platypuses. At Fitzroy Falls, watch water drop 266 feet into the valley below, an area rich in natural and cultural significance for the Wodi Wodi people. As evening approaches, join a guided nocturnal walk to look for possums and wombats, experiencing the unique wildlife that becomes active after dark.
Overnight Sydney CBD
Day 3
Whale Watching on the Pacific
This morning, step aboard a whale-watching cruise from Sydney Harbour. Expert guides will help you spot migrating whales, playful dolphins, and soaring seabirds while sharing fascinating facts about whale behaviors, including breaching and their songs. This four-hour journey offers up-close encounters with Australia’s spectacular marine life against the backdrop of Sydney’s iconic shoreline.
Overnight Sydney CBD
Day 4
Journey to the Ancient Daintree Rainforest
Fly north to Cairns and set out along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, where the rainforest meets the sea. Enter the Daintree, a living time capsule dating back over 100 million years. Cruise along the Daintree River, scanning for crocodiles and kingfishers, then continue to Cape Tribulation, where lush jungle spills onto sandy shores. As dusk settles, embark on a guided night walk to discover the forest’s nocturnal residents.
Overnight Cairns
Day 5
Frankland Islands
Travel south from Cairns to Normanby Island, part of the Frankland Islands National Park. Begin with a river cruise, then step onto white sands bordered by vibrant coral reefs. Snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish, paddle a kayak through crystal-clear waters, or join a guided island walk. Watch for migrating whales offshore in July and August and spot kingfishers and spoonbills along the riverbanks.
Overnight Cairns
Day 6
Hervey Bay
Fly south to Hervey Bay, a laid-back coastal town famed as the world’s first Whale Heritage Site. Stroll the waterfront and savor fresh seafood. Tomorrow, you’ll meet the ocean’s gentle giants.
Day 7
Ultimate Hervey Bay Whale Watching
Board the Ocean Defender and cruise into Platypus Bay, where more than a third of Australia’s migrating humpback whales come to rest and play. With 360-degree viewing decks and marine scientists on board, you’ll witness tail slaps and breaches and perhaps even hear the beautiful songs of these magnificent creatures.
Overnight Hervey Bay
Day 8
K'gari (Fraser Island)
Spend the day at leisure in Hervey Bay or join an expedition to K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Navigate rugged 4WD tracks, swim in the sapphire waters of Lake McKenzie, and walk through ancient rainforests growing straight from the sand. Listen for the call of native birds and watch for wild dingos as you discover the island’s natural wonders.
Overnight Hervey Bay
Day 9
Adelaide
Fly to Adelaide, a city where creativity and history blend seamlessly. Spend your day exploring the Central Market, wandering leafy boulevards, or discovering the city’s thriving arts scene. Whether sipping coffee in a laneway café or strolling the riverfront, Adelaide’s charm is yours to uncover.
Overnight Adelaide
Day 10
The Edge of the Outback
Arrive in Ceduna, the gateway to the vast Australian outback. Visit Arts Ceduna to discover Aboriginal art and stories, then marvel at the surreal pink waters of Lake MacDonnell and look for Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats. Cross the legendary Nullarbor Plain to Fowlers Bay, where an outback campfire dinner awaits beneath a sky of stars. You'll be blown away by the sheer brightness and number of stars in the Australian outback.
Overnight Ceduna Foreshore Hotel
Day 11
Eyre Peninsula
Head to Fowlers Bay for a memorable morning cruise, bringing you up close to Southern Right Whales and various marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and sea eagles. This bay is one of Australia’s premier whale-watching spots, offering exceptional opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures during their annual migration.
Overnight Ceduna Foreshore Hotel
Day 12
Eyre Peninsula
Travel south along the wild coast, stopping in charming fishing towns and at natural marvels like Murphy’s Haystacks, giant, wind-sculpted rocks rising from golden fields. Explore the sea caves at Talia and visit Point Labatt, home to endangered Australian sea lions. The dramatic Elliston Great Ocean Drive leads you to Port Lincoln, where ocean views and fresh seafood await.
Overnight Port Lincoln Hotel
Day 13
Port Lincoln
Delve into Port Lincoln’s bustling fishing industry and tour the marina, home to the largest fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere. Savor a seafood lunch, then venture into Port Lincoln National Park. Hike up to Stamford Hill for scenic views and the chance to spot ospreys and sea eagles. Conclude your day at a private nature reserve, where you can see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat.
Overnight Port Lincoln Hotel
