Note: Arrival and Departure Transfers are not included in package pricing and 30 days prior to departure Gutsy Women we will secure all air arrangements and advise cost of group transfer and times or women have option to secure a private transfer with Gutsy Women Travel or transfer on their own.

DAY 1 ARRIVE SYDNEY (D)

Arrive Sydney International Airport.

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel by a shuttle bus. Your local Sydney guide will meet you at the hotel for a welcome drink and briefing of the program.

Sydney, Australia's gateway city and capital of New South Wales, is a vibrant city of unsurpassed, style and variety. Established in 1788 as a convict settlement, Sydney has grown from these humble beginnings to become Australia's biggest, oldest and liveliest city and one of the great international cities of the world. Today, over 5 million people live in Sydney and its suburbs.

Sydney is built around one of the largest and most beautiful natural harbours in the world. Miles of surfing beaches stretch north and south of the city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The most famous of Sydney's landmarks are the Harbour Bridge and the spectacular Opera House with its graceful 'sails' - the centre of Sydney's cultural activities, offering opera, ballet and drama. Combined with a sunny climate and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, Sydney is a magnet for the best the world has to offer.

The day is at leisure to experience the many attractions and activities this city has to offer, an opportunity to shop, or to just relax and unwind at your hotel before dinner this evening.

This evening you will be met at the hotel by your local guide, who will accompany you to your dinner venue, which is a short walk from the hotel. A revolving restaurant on the 47th floor of the Australia Square Building in downtown Sydney, The Summit boasts an unsurpassed panorama that features the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, the Botanic Gardens and the Central Business District. Arriving on dusk you gain a “bird’s eye” view as the light fades and this harbourside city takes on a totally different personality.

Enjoy a 3 course dinner with wine.

On completion of dinner, a short walk back to your hotel, with your guide.

Accommodation: THE MENZIES HOTEL SYDNEY (4 NIGHTS)

DAY 2 FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING, COOKING SCHOOL AND LUNCH (B,L)

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

This morning you will be met at the hotel by your local guide for a leisurely stroll to the Opera House. Here you have an approximate 45-minute tour which offers the opportunity to experience the Sydney Opera House in its daily operation. You are guided into theatres, given a fascinating account of the history and architecture of the House and introduced to the magic of performance. With its white, sculptural 'shells' rising from the harbour foreshore at Bennelong Point, the Opera House is Sydney's most recognisable building and, officially, one of the seven wonders of the 20th century. Joern Utzon, the Danish architect who designed the Opera House, ascribed the inspiration for his masterpiece to the sails of yachts on the harbour. As the Opera House is first and foremost a performing arts centre, some areas may be restricted for viewing due to rehearsals and performances.

After the tour time for a short walk around the beautiful structure and a souvenir photo of your group, with this Sydney icon in the background.

You will then board your private coach with your local guide for a transfer to the Sydney Fish Markets.

Today an opportunity to challenge your culinary skills. A cooking class has been organized for you and will commence with a demonstration of the dish or dishes to be prepared. As anyone who's ever watched an expert in the kitchen knows: it may look easy when skilled hands do it, but recreating it later in your own kitchen is quite another thing. This is where this class is unique, after the demonstration you roll up your sleeves, don an apron and, in groups of five, recreate the dishes you have seen demonstrated. Under the watchful eye of the demonstrator and assistants, each guest helps create a meal of which they feel quite proud. Then of course (most people's favourite part), everyone sits down to their seafood feast with a complimentary wine tasting. After a delicious lunch (including a glass of wine) and reenergized, you will be collected for an afternoon tour.

Board your private coach with your local guide, for this afternoon’s tour, which includes the historic Rocks area - the birthplace of Sydney, Botanical Gardens, Hyde Park, The Domain and a stop at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair to view the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Pass through Double Bay and Rose Bay en route to the famous Gap located at Watson’s Bay with views of the Tasman Sea. See the famous southern beaches Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte. Returning to the city, journey through the quaint suburb of Paddington, home to many of Sydney’s original terraced “workers cottages” which have now been transformed into much sought after residences. It is also home to many of Sydney’s art galleries.

Your tour concludes at the hotel.

This evening is at leisure, to enjoy the city and its many cafes, restaurants and bars.

DAY 3 FULL DAY BLUE MOUNTAINS AND WILDLIFE PARK (B,L)

This morning you will be collected by your private coach and met by your local guide at the hotel.

Departing the city, arrive at your breakfast location, Featherdale Wildlife Park where you enjoy a special environment free of other tourists – breakfast consists of fresh croissants, bread rolls, cheese, spreads, fresh fruits, juice tea/coffee… and some welcoming native visitors.

After breakfast enjoy meeting Australian animals including kangaroos, emus, wombats, dingos and more. Depart Featherdale Park as it opens to regular visitors and travel to the Blue Mountains – towards the historic towns of Windsor and Richmond. Some of Sydney’s earliest history can be found in these quaint villages. Enjoy some beautiful, home made morning tea at the foot of the mountains. Continuing on you cross the Nepean River at the charming village of Yarramundi where you stop to view a myriad of Native Australian Birds in their natural wetland environment. Not far from here enter the Blue Mountains National Park and view outstanding Aboriginal Rock Art. Hidden in thick bushland, you will be amazed at the detail of artworks that are thousands of years old. Your steep ascent of the mountains continues as you arrive at Hawkesbury Heights for outstanding views over the Sydney basin. Next it is onto the town of Blackheath, deep in the heart of the Blue Mountains for a traditional Australian Barbecue (depending on weather) under the canopy of the Bush. Enjoy good food and wine in unique surroundings and experience the plethora of wildlife that surrounds us. After lunch visit the stunning Wentworth Falls for a short walk to explore the area and the view the stunning scenery. Later drop into a hidden valley where you roam the area, seeking out the many kangaroos that graze in the wild, before returning to Sydney (this is subject to weather).

On completion of the tour, you will be set down at your hotel.

The evening is at leisure.

DAY 4 HALF DAY SHOPPING TOUR , LUNCH AND DINNER CRUISE (B,L,D)

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

Your private coach and local guide will meet you at the hotel for today’s Luxury Shopping Tour and lunch at Vaucluse House.

Travel by private luxury coach to an innovative shopping experience in a world class shopping centre within 15 minutes of the city. Meet the concierge, who provides advice on the services offered – these range from brand fashion houses, to homewares, to pamper and dining experiences. Specials in selected stores are also advised. Valet purchase service is included and all purchases are delivered to the pick up point so that you can shop in comfort..

After your shopping experience, transfer by coach to one of the most treasured estates, dating back to 1803, in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Vaucluse House is surrounded by 10 hectares of picturesque gardens and the grounds stretch down to Sydney Harbour. The sandstone mansion was built in the 1830s and was the home of William Charles Wentworth, barrister and explorer, and his family. The estate is a peaceful oasis away from the hectic city bustle. Enjoy lunch in the elegant, art deco Vaucluse House Tearooms nestled in the gardens.

Late afternoon you will be returned to the hotel. There is some time to relax and refresh and change for dinner on Sydney’s beautiful harbour. A leisurely walk from your hotel to the jetty with your local guide.

There is truly no better way to enjoy Sydney than from the harbour itself. Departing from Circular Quay enjoy million dollar views of the Sydney skyline, Opera House and Harbour Bridge under the glow of city lights. Your luxury cruise vessel has panoramic viewing windows to enjoy the passing splendor, or you may wish to wander onto the open cocktail deck to enjoy the fresh air. Enjoy a contemporary 3 course dinner and wine.

On completion of the cruise, disembark at circular quay. Your private coach will be waiting to transfer you back to the hotel.

DAY 5 SYDNEY TO MELBOURNE (B, D)

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

Your private coach will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to the airport, for your flight to Melbourne. Your Sydney guide will assist with departure.

On arrival in Melbourne, you will be met by your private coach and the Melbourne local guide. You will then be transferred to your hotel.

After check in, time to refresh and change for a unique dinner experience.

Accompany your local guide for a walk down to Tram Stop 12!!

This evening, a special treat, unique to Melbourne. Dining in Melbourne is always an experience, but in particular aboard the converted 1927 Tram that has become "The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant". This restaurant on wheels is a delightful innovative approach to dining. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period it reflects. Sipping wine, travel along Toorak Road, renowned for its stylish and beautiful shops. See the well known 'Paris end' of Collins Street, the tree lined and stately St. Kilda Road, the city's imposing Art Centre and Luna Park - all just part of the passing parade that is Melbourne.

After this wonderful dining experience, an easy stroll back to your hotel with your guide.

Accommodation: THE VIBE SAVOY MELBOURNE (3 NIGHTS)

DAY 6 FULL DAY YARRA VALLEY TOUR - WINE TASTINGS AND LUNCH (B, L)

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

You will then be collected from the hotel by your private coach and local guide.

Today’s tour is exclusively for the taste buds, as you depart your hotel and venture into the Yarra Valley for an unforgettable food and wine experience. The Yarra Valley lies just to the east of Melbourne, one hour’s drive from the city and a quick trip from the eastern suburbs. The Valley is a grand landscape of rolling green hills dotted with some of Australia’s most respected vineyards. The Yarra Valley is prized for its superb quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon and its Methode Champenoise sparkling wines. It is also home to magnificent venison, creamy goat cheese, abundant market gardens, trout and berry farms – all set against the majestic backdrop of the blue Dandenong Ranges.

In conclusion to a day of wine tasting, a delicious lunch will be served at the family owned De Bortoli Winery and Restaurant or Domaine Chandon.

On completion of the tour, you will be set down at your hotel.

The evening is at leisure to explore the lively and cosmopolitan pulse of this city. Melbourne's melting pot of cultures is reflected in its microcosmos of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Fashionable, eclectic and eccentric – Melbourne’s dining spots offer a dizzying spread of the world’s great cuisines, serving meals from the substantial and classic to the truly exotic. In the city, you can watch and be watched in buzzing laneway cafés and bars.

DAY 7 MORNING CITY SIGHTS TOUR AND TEA IN THE GARDENS (B, T)

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. Your private coach and guide will meet you at the hotel for a City Sights tour.

This tour is a discovery of Melbourne's past and present. The drive will take in the central business district with its eclectic architecture, past the 170 million dollar Victorian Arts Centre and on to fashionable Toorak with its luxurious homes. View Captain Cook's Cottage in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens with avenues of huge English elms planted along gently contoured lawns.

Included is a morning tea at “The “Terrace”, Melbourne's most beautiful natural setting, The Royal Botanic Gardens. The spectacular views of the ornamental lake, the silhouette of Government House and our outdoor terrace complete the unique charms of the Terrace.

Continue on the tour and observe the hustle and bustle of the famous Queen Victorian Markets and taking in views of the Shrine of Remembrance and St Patrick's Cathedral.

The tour concludes at your hotel.

DAY 8 MELBOURNE TO CAIRNS (B)

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

Your private coach will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to the airport, for your flight to Cairns. Your Melbourne guide will assist with departure.

On arrival in Cairns, you will be met by your private coach and the local guide. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Port Douglas.

Port Douglas is situated one hour drive north of Cairns along one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia. Offering the distinctive laid back atmosphere of a beachside resort, Port Douglas has quickly transformed from a sleepy fishing village to Australia’s premier holiday destination. With glorious Four Mile Beach, the world class Marina Mirage, golf courses, fine dining restaurants and the surrounding World Heritage Rainforest, Port Douglas has much to offer visitors to the Tropical North.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: MERCURE TREETOPS RESORT (3 NIGHTS)

DAY 9 FULL DAY DAINTREE WALKABOUT TOUR (B, L, D)

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

Your Down Under Tours private coach and local guide, will call for you at the hotel for today’s tour to the Daintree.

After arriving at Mossman Gorge, you will be treated to a guided rainforest walk along private, easy graded tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over cool rainforest streams. Your experienced interpretive Indigenous guides demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush tucker sources, share their dreamtime legends, explain the history of cave paintings and provide an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationships within this unique tropical environment. After your 1.5hr walk, enjoy tea, damper and question time with your guide. Continue on your tour while where your driver will point out the highlights of Australia’s most northern sugar town.

Silky Oaks Lodge is your lunch venue today, where you enjoy the specialty Barramundi lunch [alternate options available] in this beautiful oasis amidst the rainforest, overlooking the Mossman River.

Enjoy a fascinating hour cruising through this wildlife environment, which is home to birds, tree snakes, unique plants and the estuarine crocodile - a great photo opportunity.

Tropical fruit tasting of fruits in season is included as a special treat, or try an exotic tropical fruit ice-cream (own expense).

Enjoy a short tour of the historical town of Port Douglas before you are setdown at your hotel.

After a long, fun and informative day, time to freshen up and enjoy a casual dinner poolside, at your resort.

DAY 10 FULL DAY OUTER REEF CRUISE (B, L, D)

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

This morning your courtesy coach will collect you and your guide from the hotel, for today’s cruise to the Outer Reef.

Board the wave piercer catamaran bound for Agincourt Reef, mooring over what experts rate as one of the most spectacular sections of the 2,000 km Great Barrier Reef, with maximum underwater visibility. It is a seascape of breathtaking beauty with magnificent coral and over 1000 species of multi-coloured tropical reef fish. Swim, snorkel, watch the marine life through the Underwater Observatory, take a trip in the Sub-Sea Explorer through the beautiful coral gardens or just enjoy the delicious tropical buffet lunch. Video films of the Great Barrier Reef may be viewed on your journey.

You will be returned to your hotel upon completion of the cruise.

A quick freshen up and change and you will be collected for your 'Farewell Dinner" at the Nautilus Restaurant.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

DAY 11 DEPART PORT DOUGLAS - FLY HOME

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

Your private coach and local guide will meet you at the hotel for your transfer to Cairns Airport. Sadly time to fly back home...

Menzies Hotel - Sydney

Vibe Savoy Hotel - Melbourne

Port Douglas Treetops