Australia’s Heart and Soul

Pamper yourself or enjoy some fine wines on the Mornington Peninsula during an indulgent stay at Jackalope. Then with jetlag behind you, venture into Melbourne to explore hidden spaces and iconic laneways, tantalizing food and wine, and a dynamic art scene. Next stop is Longitude 131, with time to explore Uluru and the red desert outback, while luxuriating in the best camping you can find! Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Spicers Peak Lodge, a luxury mountain retreat in Southeast Queensland. The surrounding rainforest and National Park give a distinct sense of solitude while offering many adventures. Your Australia journey ends in the busy capital of Brisbane, seeing the sights and climbing the Story Bridge. All too soon it is time to leave.

Trip Type: Adventure, Romance & Honeymoon, Wildlife

Day By Day

Day 1 – Welcome to Australia

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival into Melbourne you will be transferred to the Mornington Peninsula by private vehicle.

Jackalope Hotel
Set on a pristine winery amid the world-renowned Mornington Peninsula wine region, the Jackalope hotel is framed by picturesque Willow Creek Vineyard acreage. Fertile grazing land for over 100 years prior, the 11-hectare Willow Creek Vineyard was planted in 1989 and has become renowned for its single vineyard wines. The Jackalope provides guests with ample opportunity to not only drink in the gorgeous scenery but also taste the Peninsula's best wines, food and pastoral pleasures at the hotel's onsite winery restaurant, the Rare Hare. Lunch is available four days, and reservations are strongly recommended. Another dining option located onsite is the Doot Doot Doot restaurant which offers an ever-evolving multi-course tasting menu drawing on seasonal offerings from the hotel's kitchen garden and select Mornington Peninsula producers. Stylish as well as tasty, the restaurant is lit with 10,000 lamp chandelier that creates the surreal sensation of fermenting wine bubbling above. The Jackalope's rooms and suites off an absolute in-room reverie. Interiors are lavished with custom-made comforts, while floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces connect the rooms contemporary design with its country entwine. And just beyond the windows the vineyard awaits.

Starting Accommodation: Jackalope Hotel

Day 2 – Jackalope at Leisure

Just a one-hour drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula has long been known as Melbourne's weekend playground. For international guests, the Peninsula is a perfect addition to a Melbourne visit, offering some of Australia's best food and wine, golf, adventure, beach and leisure activities. With a moderate, coastal climate, the Peninsula offers year-round opportunities to explore the region's wineries or tee off on its world-class golf courses. Over 50 cellar doors and restaurants dot the rolling hills around Jackalope's own 11-hectare vineyard, while 20 outstanding golf courses, of which three are rated in Australia's top 10, have cemented the Peninsula's position as Australia's number one golf destination. Framed by two spectacular coastlines, the Peninsula's unique array of dramatic surf and sheltered bay beaches, natural hot springs, and national parks contribute to the perfect mix of coastal and country reverie.

Starting Accommodation: Jackalope Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Travel to Melbourne

This morning you will be transferred to Melbourne by private vehicle.

Crown Towers Melbourne
Nowhere in the country, indeed the Southern Hemisphere, is there an entertainment complex with the excitement and style of Crown. At the glittering heart of Melbourne's world-class Crown Entertainment Complex is the luxurious Crown Towers Hotel. With a reputation for beautiful parks and gardens, wonderful shopping, spectacular special events and a rich tapestry of art and culinary fare, Melbourne is truly one of the world's most exciting cities. The five-star Crown Towers hotel is ideally located on the banks of the Yarra River which is a short stroll from the vibrant central business district and arts precinct.

Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Great Ocean Road Experience

The breath-taking Twelve Apostles are a must on any Australian adventure. A day spent journeying down the Great Ocean Road is the perfect chance to get back to nature. See wild kangaroos and koalas, feed rainbow lorikeets and king parrots and stroll through charming coastal towns, national parks and native forests. This is a big, brilliant day out, with this suggested but highly flexible itinerary.

Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour

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.

Starting Accommodation: Crown Promenade Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 – Travel to Ayers Rock

This morning you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival into Ayers Rock you will be transferred to your accommodation. 

Longitude 131°
Longitude 131°, the luxury desert basecamp at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, offers an essential experience of Australia’s spirited heartland. Central to a stay is discovery of the World Heritage listed wilderness and then, there is privacy, tranquility and luxurious spaces in which to relax in exclusive style.

Modeled after the lodging of pioneers and reimagined for the modern traveler, your Luxury Tent is adorned with bespoke furniture, indigenous artwork, and state of the art amenities. Floor to ceiling windows display unrivaled views of Uluru, and each tent weaves the unique local history into its design. Tents feature a balcony with daybed and fireplace, en-suite bathroom with rain shower, and an entertainment system.

Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Longitude 131° Experiences

An exceptional touring program designed especially for guests of Longitude 131° is included in the wilderness experience and a personalized itinerary is presented upon arrival. Signature Experiences with lodge naturalist guides are shared with fellow guests in custom touring vehicles. Expeditions operate at scheduled times on a rotating basis, dependent on day of arrival, with timing subject to sunrise and sunset times which vary throughout the year, according to the seasons and weather permitting.

Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Travel to Maryvale

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport. Upon arrival into Brisbane you will be transferred to Maryvale by private vehicle. 

Spicers Peak Lodge
Located one and a half hour's south west of Brisbane and surrounded by listed World Heritage site, Main Range National Park, Spicers Peak Lodge is a luxurious, gastronomic mountain lodge. Stunningly situated on a mountaintop in Queensland's Scenic Rim, Spicers Peak Lodge is as far from the pressure of everyday life as it's possible to be. Let your cares melt away in one of the elegant rooms, enjoy an award-winning gourmet experience, unwind in Spa Anise or choose from a host of invigorating outdoor activities. Here, in Australia's highest non-alpine lodge, relaxation and revitalization come naturally. By day, enjoy bushwalking, mountain bikes and 4WD tours of the area, take a dip in the pool or have a game of tennis. By night, sample fine food and wine, relax by the fire or take in the brilliance of stars in clear mountain skies.

Starting Accommodation: Spicers Peak Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Spicers Peak Lodge at Leisure

You can do as much or as little as you wish while staying at Spicers Peak Lodge. Myriad adventures await in the sky or on the land. For the active, there’s helicopter scenic flights, nature hikes, 4WD discovery tours and mountain biking. For those wishing for a gentler pace, there’s sunset picnics, star gazing, a guest library, pool table and tennis court. The peerless infinity pool – with yawning views of the mountains – is a temptation impossible to resist for most, as are the indulgent and restorative powers of the Spa Anise Day Spa.

Starting Accommodation: Spicers Peak Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Spicers Peak Lodge at Leisure

Enjoy another day at leisure to experience everything Spicers Peak Lodge has to offer.

Starting Accommodation: Spicers Peak Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Travel to Brisbane

Today you will be transferred from Maryvale to Brisbane by private vehicle.

Crystalbrook Vincent
Brave, bold and bursting with energy, Crystalbrook Vincent is locally integrated with an environmentally conscious 'responsible luxury philosophy'. Embrace a lively extravaganza of dynamic designs and sustainable amenities, luxury accommodation, over 500 prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo, radical entertainment, events and dining experiences - all with a modern sophistication about it in the vibrant Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane's city center. A little slice of luxury perfectly situated in the heart of Brisbane. A collection of 166 contemporary rooms and suites, all with a modern sophistication about it. Lively when you want it, relaxed when you need it. Take your pick of luxury accommodation with spectacular views of Brisbane CBD, Story Bridge and the Howard Smith Wharves.

Starting Accommodation: Crystalbrook Vincent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Brisbane City Tour and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

See a koala, hand-feed a kangaroo and see hundreds of other unique Aussie wildlife on a private, guided tour through one of the best zoos in the world. This is an informative tour where you can learn about Australia's native fauna and flora in the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 130 koalas. The sanctuary has a large variety of other Aussie wildlife, all in beautiful, natural settings. Drive past some of Brisbane's beautiful sights on the way to and from the zoo. Your knowledgeable guide picks you up from your accommodation and on the way to the zoo, discusses the region's rich history including Brisbane from English prison to modern metropolis. Highlights at Lone Pine include a variety of birds-of-prey in the popular 'Free-Flight Show' and hand-feeding. Popular options include hand-feeding the cheeky, vividly colored rainbow lorikeets, and seeing some of the 'friendly' snakes in the snake show! Some of the many other animals include crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, eastern water dragons, platypus and wombats. Animal encounters and personalized experiences at Lone Pine must be pre-booked to avoid disappointment. 

Starting Accommodation: Crystalbrook Vincent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 – Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Brisbane's must do experience, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a truly unique and memorable adventure for all levels of fitness. It is a soft adventure experience with a difference, and the most spectacular way to discover Brisbane. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll be exhilarated by a once in a lifetime experience that offers you the most breathtaking panorama of Brisbane and its surrounding natural beauty.

The one and a half to two hour experience includes a unique journey up over the bridge's superstructure to the 80-meter summit which provides magnificent uninterrupted 360 degree views of Brisbane City, the river, mountain ranges and islands. One of only three such experiences in the world, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb also provides fascinating commentary about the history and heritage of both the bridge and city surrounds.

Starting Accommodation: Crystalbrook Vincent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 – Depart Brisbane

Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Brisbane Airport by private vehicle. We hope you enjoyed your visit to Australia!

Starting Accommodation: Crystalbrook Vincent
Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Luxury
Please note all prices listed are approximations and subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Each itinerary can be fully customized to your interests and needs.
Twin Share
4/1/2025 - 8/31/2025	$11,790
9/1/2025 - 11/30/2025	$11,625
12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025	$12,270
1/1/2026 - 3/31/2026	$11,625
Single Traveler
4/1/2025 - 8/31/2025	$23,980
9/1/2025 - 11/30/2025	$23,475
12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025	$24,945
1/1/2026 - 3/31/2026	$23,655

Terms and Conditions

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions: www.swaindestinations.com/terms