Australia: Port to Peninsula

On arrival into Cairns, you will be transferred to Thala Beach Nature Reserve.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve
On a private peninsula surrounded by stretches of white beaches and dense rainforest teeming with life is Thala Beach Nature Reserve, which is located between Cairns and Port Douglas. The eco-friendly resort is spread out across 145 acres of protected natural area, ensuring that guests experience the unique and untouched ecosystem while conserving its fragile inhabitants. Beaches are quiet and clean, lined by ancient rainforests and mangroves while dolphins leap from the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. High grounds are home to tropical birds and butterflies, and at night, the Milky Way is visible from the resorts observatory. Suites and bungalows are scattered across the grounds and hidden away in manicured gardens, offering privacy, comfort and luxury. Sleep near the beach with calming ocean views or nestled in the jungle surrounded by the sounds of the forest. The main lodge, set among the eucalyptus, is home to the modern Australian restaurant, a free-form pool with hidden grottos and waterfalls and a relaxing massage studio.

Your adventure starts with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina. Sit back and relax on the beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkeling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish. Exploring the white sands of the coral cays will relax the mind. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquility and swim in turquoise clear waters. Small numbers of guests ensure personal interactive communication with experience guides.

A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees, supplied by local plantations, will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation. Expert guiding and 1st class services are all included from helpful, friendly crew. Please bring your bathing suit, a towel, sunscreen and a hat. There is an Environment Management Charge of $7.00 AUD per person; it's payable on the day of travel direct to Sailaway.

Enjoy a privately guided tour with a professional guide traveling over the top of the Daintree Rainforest to the very edge of the 'Outback' to observe the native wildlife. The ecosystems experienced are from the Lowland Wet Tropics of the coastal strip through the upper forests and out to the very edge of the wonderful Eucalypt Savannah Outback. Odyssey Bound is able to take you into the wilderness of Cape York with a unique look at local culture and history. It offers an insight into the many creatures generally unseen. The early departure allows for encounters with creatures that would otherwise be missed. Traveling off the beaten track in areas not visited by the mainstream, this safari is ideal for people that simply seek to explore a little more than the normal day tours. The itinerary is always flexible to enable full enjoyment of "life's little surprises."

Today you are at your leisure to enjoy Thala Beach Nature Reserve.

Thala's Nature Reserve supports many interesting and rare habitats with a constantly changing kaleidoscope of natural wonders, making the experience very rewarding for naturalists and wildlife photographers. Their highly knowledgeable rangers and guides are there to show you Thala's many wildlife secrets. Complimentary tours, walks and presentations are offered for Thala's guests, the days of operation varies each week, therefore not all experiences may be offered during your time of stay.

Nature and Garden Walk: You will be guided through 145 acres of a variety of native flora. The guides delight in sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the environment. Amongst rare Littoral rainforest clinging to the sandy dunes and the soft shade of eucalypts you will enjoy the scamper of native fauna. There are many exciting plants and animals at Thala.

Guided Bird Walk: You will be thrilled at the color and variety of the species to be found at Thala. An early start to hear the first chorus of Thala's birds in full song is a wonderful way to welcome a new day. Pick up a bird sighting calendar from the adventure desk and see if you can add to the extensive number of varieties spotted so far.

Coconut Odyssey Tour: Not only do you get to drink & eat from the very young green coconut to the little known 'Coconut Apple' - you will also learn the truth about the health benefits of coconuts. The 'Tree Of Life' has astonishing advantages from helping to reducing body fat and lowering cholesterol, to building the immune system. A tour that helps you lose weight without exercising!

Star Gazing: Thala's night sky is free from light pollution and filled with millions of stars. Surrounded by sounds of the rainforest and ocean - enjoy an introduction to the beautiful Southern Constellations from an experienced and passionate guide. View many fascinating stars and planets using telescopes and binoculars at the unique outdoor observatory.

Today you will transfer to Cairns airport and fly to Melbourne. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula.

Victoria’s best kept secret - a coastal wine region full of hidden treasures from native wildlife to gourmet produce. Mornington is one of those wonderful regions you can’t make enough time for. Its proximity to Melbourne and abundant natural and culinary assets keep locals coming back week after week, year after year. Spend a morning on a spectacular coastal trail or hand-feeding koalas. Chat with wine-makers about back vintage pinots before dining among the vines with a private picnic. Pop your head in at galleries, distilleries or a local cheesemaker and drive home along the spectacular Port Phillip Coast. For your Mornington tour today, this is a suggested but highly flexible itinerary.

Today you will travel to from the Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne by private vehicle.

Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told of, then ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. Join this indulgent morning walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and become orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover local designers and specialty retailers that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways, there is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.

Victoria's Great Ocean Road is an amazing experience at any time of the year. One of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, the Great Ocean Road stretches 150 miles along the southern coast of Victoria. Travel it and you will discover some of the world's most inspiring scenery—an ever-changing hinterland with charming towns and hamlets. Marvel at the huge cliffs, roaring seas, tranquil coves, magnificent waterfalls and secluded beaches. Get an insight into Australian surfing culture at Bells Beach with rugged cliffs and big waves. Discover seaside villages, such as the popular town of Lorne where you can stroll on the stunning beach. See koalas in the wild at Kennett River. Head inland through the towering forests towards Port Campbell National Park to view the sculptured beauty of The Twelve Apostles. Many of these stacks of flat-bedded limestone raise 210 feet above sea level and are an inspiring sight to see. Visit Loch Ard Gorge and hear stories from your host about the tragic and romantic shipwreck while marveling at the landmark. Visit the quaint seaside village of Port Campbell with sandy beaches and picturesque cliff tops before your journey home to Melbourne.

Today is at your leisure to explore all that Melbourne has to offer. While traveling in beautiful Melbourne, catch a tram to trendy Southgate, rub shoulders with locals at the Queen Victoria Market or take in a show at the ornate Princess Theatre. For a break from the hustle and bustle, canoe down the lovely Yarra River or stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden – perfect experiences to get to know the real Melbourne.

Today you will be transferred from your accommodation for your flight back to the USA.