Australia’s Three Golden Cities
10-day Luxury Tour Australia
Sydney, Melbourne & BrisbaneAustralia’s Three Cities Tour
Explore Australia’s three queens, the three cities that define its unique personality in Oceania. Sydney is the largest city in the country, known for architectural feats such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, as well as stunning beaches. It’s a major financial and cultural hub for those interested in art, music and cuisine. Head over to Melbourne, also famous for its arts scene, coffee culture, and sports events like the Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix. End in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. This is a happy city with warm climate, an undeniably attractive outdoor lifestyle, and perfect proximity to attractions like the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef.
When
March - May / Sept. - Nov.
Duration
10 days
Price
$8,000+ per person, excl. flights.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 - 4 | Sydney | Spicers Potts Point (3 nights)
Day 4 - 7 | Melbourne | The Lyle (3 nights)
Day 7 - 10 | Brisbane | The Calile Hotel (3 nights)
Day 10 | Departure
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Sydney Opera House
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Sydney by night
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Melbourne
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Melbourne State Library
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Brisbane
Day 1 | Sydney
Private Transfer
Arrival at Sydney. Once you pass through Customs and Immigration and collect your luggage, you will exit into the Arrivals Hall. Your driver will be waiting with a sign board displaying your name and will escort you to your transfer vehicle. Private transfer from Sydney Airport to your Spicers Potts Point Hotel.
Welcome to Sydney
You will be met at Spicers Potts Point by your Local Eyes Australia guide for your private introductory walk through Hyde Park, Cathedral Saint Mary's Cathedral and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Private Access: Sydney Opera House
UNESCO World Heritage-listed, internationally-recognized, and iconic in the truest sense of the world, the Sydney Opera House is widely regarded as a masterpiece of twentieth-century architecture. You’ll explore behind the scenes of this iconic landmark in areas off limits to the general public, and discover the stories behind the Danish architect Jorn Utzon’s remarkable achievement. You’ll run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, take a seat in the elegant custom- made white birch timber chairs and marvel at the vaulted ceilings of one of the biggest pillar-free chambers in the world, with approximately 300 stairs to climb spread throughout foyers and spaces.
Dinner Reservations
We will make dinner reservations on your behalf.
Spicers Potts Point | 1 night | Breakfast
RESTAURANTS in Sydney
Busshari: Located on Macleay Street in Potts Point, this restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine focusing on simplicity and freshness. Known for its delicate sashimi and sushi, Busshari provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a refined selection of wines and sake.
Chester White Cured Diner: This cozy Italian spot in Potts Point is famous for its house-made pasta, organic charcuterie, and a delightful selection of European and Australian wines. It's a small but vibrant place where the atmosphere is lively, and the food is crafted with love.
The Apollo: For a taste of Mediterranean flavors, The Apollo is a top choice. This Greek-inspired restaurant offers a Chef Hat-awarded menu that captures the essence of the Mediterranean landscape. It's an excellent spot for those looking to enjoy rich, flavorful dishes in a trendy setting.
Day 2 | Sydney
Zoo & Blue Mountains Tour
Meet your guide in the lobby for a day of wildlife, waterfalls and wonderment in the glorious New South Wales’ Blue Mountains. Explore the best in wildlife, walks and waterfalls on this spectacular day tour.
Koala Experience
Enjoy a koala experience, hand-feed some kangaroos and get an introduction to the wobbly wombat. You’ll then meet up with our Indigenous guide who will provide you with a private firsthand overview of some of the cultural aspects of Indigenous Australia. Learn about the language, the hundreds of diverse Nations, customs, hunting, tools, symbols, dreamtime and playing the Didgeridoo. Continue your exploration of the zoo to meet the more elusive marsupials and reptiles that Australia is known for.
Tea & Trek at Blue Mountains
Depart the zoo and be welcomed by the grandeur of the Blue Mountains, beginning with tea in a conservation hut before embarking on a 1-1.5 hour walk. A natural wonder renowned for its rugged beauty, the Blue Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage site situated about 50 Kilometers (30 miles) west of Sydney in the Great Dividing Range. It is a vast wilderness filled with blue hazed valleys, dense rainforest and sandstone escarpments. This area is not only a natural wonder but also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the many walking trails that showcase panoramic views and access to various natural attractions, such as the Wentworth Falls that you will be visiting. The region is also rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage, with several sites offering insights into the traditional owners' connection to the land.
After lunch at a local restaurant, unwind with a drink before exploring the town. Then, visit the iconic ‘Three Sisters’ rock formation, followed by the return journey to Sydney.
Spicers Potts Point | 1 night | Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 | Sydney
Historical Sightseeing Tour: The Rocks
You will be met at Spicers Potts Point by your Local Eyes Australia guide for your private The Rocks walking tour and 2 hour sunset cruise. The European colonization of Australia began in an area known as The Rocks. It is here you begin your tour, accompanied by your private guide, weaving through the streets, under the Harbour Bridge and on to Walsh Bay while you learn about the discovery of Australia and uncover the lives of the early settlers. No visit to harbourside metropolis Sydney is complete without a cruise on its sparkling waterways. This journey is a two-hour introduction to the water on board the 48ft cruiser vessel ‘Iluka’.
Private Sunset Cruise
Board 'Iluka' at a city wharf near your accommodation for a private tour of Sydney's stunning harbor. Cruise past iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and explore the new Financial District, Darling Harbour, and exclusive waterfront properties. Visit Woolloomooloo, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, and Taronga Zoo, as well as Admiralty House and the Prime Minister's residence. Enjoy a relaxing two-hour cruise, ending back at the city wharf, where you will be returned to your accommodation.
Spicers Potts Point | 1 night | Breakfast
Day 4 | Melbourne
Private Transfer & Fly to Melbourne
Private transfer from the hotel to the Sydney airport for your flight to Melbourne. Arrive in Melbourne and private transfer to the hotel. The Chauffeur Meeting Point is located on the ground level next to the cafe and luggage claim area.
Private Melbourne Art Tour, Exclusive NGV Curator & Conservation Room Tour
Delve into the artistic treasures of the Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria with a private 60-minute tour led by an NGV Educator or Curator. This exclusive experience will be tailored to your interests, offering deep insights into Australia’s rich artistic heritage. Go behind the scenes with special access to the NGV Conservation rooms, a part of the gallery that most staff have not had access to before. Anything from Rembrandt to Picasso can be seen within these hidden rooms. Afterward, indulge in a gourmet lunch at one of Melbourne's renowned eateries, savoring the flavors of the city's culinary scene. Continue your journey by wandering through Melbourne's iconic laneways, uncovering hidden cafes and incredible street art that define the city's unique character.
The Lyall | 1 night | Breakfast
RESTAURANTS in Melbourne
Yūgen Dining (505 Chapel Street, South Yarra) - A sophisticated, underground dining experience offering modern Japanese cuisine with options like a six-seater Omakase bar. It's ideal for a luxurious dinner close to your hotel
Society (80 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD) - Located a short drive from South Yarra, Society is a grand dining venue known for its luxurious setting and a menu featuring Australian produce, including exquisite dishes like smoked wagyu striploin.
Poodle Bar & Bistro (81-83 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy) - This modern European-style restaurant in Fitzroy, offers a charming ambiance with dishes such as prawn scotch egg and charcoal-grilled steak. It's a bit further out but worth the trip.
Water Safety: Australia’s beaches are world-renowned, but strong currents (rips) can be dangerous. Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches and heed lifeguard warnings.
Day 5 | Melbourne
Mornington Peninsula Day-Trip
You will be met at The Lyall by your guide for your Mornington Peninsula tour. Mornington is Victoria’s best-kept secret. The short cruise to Mornington is a great chance to chat with your guide and share your interests so they can work to tailor your experience to you. Your journey takes you South East of Melbourne along the beautiful Port Phillip coastline. Beyond the bay, Mornington’s ocean beaches are breathtaking, plus with wineries and produce to challenge the Yarra Valley it is really hard to beat.
En route to the Peninsula, a stop at a favorite local wildlife park is a must. Be amazed by close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and a host of other native animals. The Mornington Peninsula has some classic sparkling to get the day’s wine tasting underway. Tastings can be enjoyed at a number of local cellar doors, with the opportunity to venture behind the scenes with the winemaker.
Use your afternoon to visit hidden beaches among Victoria’s wild coastline for a stroll or take the picturesque drive up to Arthur’s Seat. If you are looking to learn more about Australian culture a private viewing at a local indigenous gallery can be arranged or if you are still hungry, sample local artisan cheese and pastries instead.
Note: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses are recommended. Please bring swimwear in case you'd like to swim
The Lyall | 1 night | Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 | Melbourne
Day at Leisure
Visit the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building.
Wander through the laneways and discover street art and hidden cafes. Attend a performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre (we can help book your tickets).
We recommend visiting the State Library of Victoria, located in the heart of Melbourne. It is one of Australia's oldest and most significant libraries. Founded in 1854, it houses over 2 million books, historical documents, maps, and artworks. The library is well-known for its grand architecture, particularly the La Trobe Reading Room, which features a majestic domed ceiling.
The Lyall | 1 night | Breakfast
Day 7 - 10 | Brisbane
Private Transfer & Fly to Brisbane
Private transfer from The Lyall to the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Brisbane.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary & Brisbane River Cruise
Take a scenic river cruise from the city to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary. Get up close with koalas, kangaroos, and native wildlife while learning about conservation efforts. Experience Brisbane’s river culture and unique wildlife.
Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct & South Bank Parklands
With an expert guide, explore the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Queensland Museum, home to Indigenous and contemporary art and history. Stroll through the South Bank Parklands, featuring lush gardens, a riverside beach, and stunning views of the city skyline.
Mount Coot-tha Lookout & Brisbane Botanic Gardens
Hike or drive up Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane’s highest peak, for breathtaking panoramic views. Visit the nearby Brisbane Botanic Gardens to explore native plants, a rainforest dome, and Japanese gardens.
The Calile Hotel | 3 nights | Breakfast
Leisure at The Calile Hotel
The Calile Hotel in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is an urban oasis, seamlessly blending luxury with a resort-like atmosphere. Designed for those who appreciate understated elegance, the hotel’s amenities offer a perfect mix of relaxation, style, and indulgence.
The centerpiece of The Calile is its 25-meter outdoor pool, framed by palm trees, pastel umbrellas, and breezy cabanas. Order a refreshing cocktail or light Mediterranean-inspired bites from Hellenika, the hotel’s poolside restaurant, and sink into a plush sun lounger.
Kailo Medispa offers facials, massages, and wellness treatments using premium skincare brands. Book a customized treatment and unwind in a serene setting before heading to the sauna for extra relaxation.
Hellenika serves modern Greek cuisine with fresh seafood, mezze platters, and an excellent wine selection. For a slower start to the day, enjoy breakfast at the Lobby Bar, known for its artisanal coffee and light pastries.
As the sun sets, the pool area transforms into a chic social hub, perfect for unwinding with a Negroni. Occasional live music and the soft hum of conversation create an effortless evening ambiance.
The Calile Hotel | 3 nights | Breakfast
Pricing & Inclusions
Starting at $8,000 per person
Based on two people in double occupancy and subject to increase depending on itinerary specifics and dates.
Accommodation
3 nights at Spicers Potts Point
3 nights The Lyle
3 nights at The Calile Hotel
Transport: All transfers in private with an English speaking driver as listed in the itinerary.
Touring: All tours and excursions with an expert English-speaking guide as listed in the itinerary, along with the required entrance fees associated with the tours.
Domestic Flights: All internal flights connecting the three cities in Economy.
Meals: All breakfasts as listed in the itinerary.
Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. Restaurant reservations and coordination.
Exclusions
International flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips & gratuities
TRAVEL Reminders
Entry Requirements for Australia
A visa and valid passport is required to enter Australia. Some countries passport holders can enter Australia on an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) and this can be applied for online, and once approved, is valid for 12 months. I strongly advise that you apply for this as soon as possible especially if traveling in peak or holiday seasons. Please click here for all information and to obtain the visa or ETA.
Note: We (Otherworldly Travel LLC) are not liable for any loss or expense due to the clients failure to comply with this requirement.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend you purchase appropriate travel insurance for the duration of your trip to include but not limited to medical, cancellation, luggage and unexpected delays. Please provide us with a copy of your travel insurance policy or policy number.
International Flights
International flights are not included in this itinerary. Should you require assistance purchasing these, please let us know.
Weather and Seasons
Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere, with summer from December to February and winter from June to August. The climate varies significantly by region, so check the local weather for your destination.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in restaurants and cafes but you can round up or leave a 10% on your bill. Tipping at bars and pubs is rare. For taxis, it’s common to roundup. For bellhops at hotels, it’s customary to tip a few dollars. For guides, we recommend anywhere between $20-$40 USD for tours if you’re feeling inclined.