Best of Australia

Depart for Melbourne on an overnight flight.

Arrive in Melbourne, Australia today! If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.

Discover the vibrant contrasts of Melbourne on an immersive half-day sightseeing tour. Journey through the city’s eclectic Central Business District, where historic architecture meets modern design. Pass by the iconic Victorian Arts Centre before exploring the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens, home to the striking, pyramid-shaped Shrine of Remembrance overlooking St. Kilda Road.

Travel through the stylish Toorak Village, known for its boutique charm, and continue to the elegant Fitzroy Gardens, where grand English Elms line the paths and peaceful gardens invite you to relax.

Conclude your experience at the Melbourne Skydeck, soaring above the city for breathtaking 360° views. Gaze across Melbourne’s skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the distant Dandenong Ranges by day—or enjoy the twinkling lights of the nightscape.

Return to your hotel with time to unwind before a delightful welcome dinner (included). (B, D)

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Melbourne, a city brimming with culture, cuisine, and charm. Explore hidden laneways lined with boutique shops and cafés, visit world-class museums and galleries, or unwind in the peaceful Royal Botanic Gardens. (B)

Fly from Melbourne to Cairns today. Nestled on the shores of Trinity Bay in the heart of tropical North Queensland, Cairns/Gimuy is your launchpad to some of Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Just offshore lies the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, a world-famous diving haven teeming with marine life. If you head north and you’ll find the ancient, lush beauty of the Daintree Rainforest, where nature tells a story 180 million years in the making. Cairns is a beautiful city with plenty of restaurants and cafes offering international cuisine. (B)

Prepare for a day of adventure! Soar above the treetops on the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding 4.6 miles in a comfortable gondola just meters above the lush canopy. This immersive journey offers a rare perspective on one of the world’s oldest and most diverse tropical rainforests—see it, hear it, even smell the jungle come to life around you.

In Kuranda, explore Rainforestation Nature Park, nestled in World Heritage rainforest. Ride aboard an authentic World War II Army Duck through land and water, then discover Indigenous culture during the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience—featuring traditional dance, boomerang and spear throwing, and didgeridoo playing. Enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ lunch on your own and meet native wildlife, including koalas and the endangered Tasmanian Devil.

Then relax aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Heritage Class for a stunning two-hour journey through ancient rainforest, dramatic gorges, and waterfalls. Learn the story behind this historic rail line as you travel from Kuranda back to Cairns in comfort and style. (B)

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on an unforgettable full-day adventure with Reef Magic Cruises. Your day begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer to Cairns’ Reef Fleet Terminal, where your journey to the reef begins.

Cruise to the state-of-the-art, all-weather Reef Magic platform, perfectly positioned in a sheltered coral lagoon on the Outer Reef. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this experience caters to all activity levels. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, explore vibrant coral gardens, or join a marine biologist on an optional guided snorkel safari (additional cost).

Prefer to stay dry? Enjoy the reef from a different angle with tours on the semi-submersible or glass bottom boat, or take in the underwater world from the reef-view observatory. Your day includes morning and afternoon tea, a delicious lunch, snorkelling gear, lycra or wetsuit, and return hotel transfers.

What to bring: Swimwear, towel, sunshirt, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, and cash or credit card for optional extras. (B, L)

Fly to Sydney and spend the day soaking in the city’s many highlights on your own. From its iconic harbour to its laid-back coastal charm, Sydney (Warrane) is a city that truly shines. Cruise beneath the legendary Harbour Bridge, catch a glimpse of the Opera House, or hop on a ferry to Manly for stunning views and beachside vibes.

Hit the waves with a surf lesson at world-famous Bondi Beach, or take a refreshing dip in the calm waters of Coogee. Wander the historic laneways of The Rocks, then browse the stylish boutiques and buzzing cafés of Paddington. (B)

Set off on a breathtaking full-day guided tour with your local guide, beginning with a scenic drive through Sydney’s western suburbs to the remarkable of Featherdale Wildlife Park. Home to over 1,700 native animals, Featherdale offers a chance to get up close with kangaroos, koalas, emus, wombats, dingoes, and more. Explore spacious enclosures and see Australia’s largest collection of koalas.

Next, travel into the heart of the majestic Blue Mountains, named for the soft blue haze created by eucalyptus oils in the air. Take in stunning views of rugged cliffs, forested valleys, and dramatic rock formations—including the iconic Three Sisters—from various scenic lookouts, including Govetts Leap and Mount Solitary.

Later, enjoy a delicious two-course lunch at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel, known for its glamorous art deco interiors and sweeping views of the Megalong Valley. Soak up the old-world charm and explore the nearby villages of Katoomba and Blackheath.

In the afternoon, continue your adventure at Scenic World, with three thrilling rides, including Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway and Scenic Railway.offer unforgettable views:

Scenic Skyway: Glide 270 meters above the forest floor with glass-floor panels revealing the ravines below (solid flooring also available).

Scenic Cableway: Descend 545 meters into the Jamison Valley and return to the escarpment while enjoying panoramic views of Orphan Rock, Katoomba Falls, and the Three Sisters.

Scenic Railway: Ride the world’s steepest passenger railway through a cliff-side tunnel into ancient rainforest—an iconic experience since 1945. (B, L)

Begin your day with a guided half-day city tour. Start in The Rocks, Sydney’s historic birthplace, and continue past the Botanical Gardens, Conservatorium of Music, and Art Gallery of New South Wales, before pausing at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for sweeping views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour.

Then, travel through Sydney’s vibrant heart—Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and Kings Cross. At The Gap, take in the dramatic cliffs and expansive views over the Pacific Ocean, before heading to world-famous Bondi Beach for a brief stop. Finish the tour with a scenic drive through Paddington, known for its charming 19th-century terrace houses.