Australia Honeymoon Outdoor Adventure: Melbourne, Sydney & the West Coast - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne, Dinner, Tales & Cocktails Tour

Welcome to Melbourne, Australia's buzzing cultural capital! Upon arrival, another driver will transfer you to your accommodation. Drop your bags, refresh, and then go on a self-guided exploration of Melbourne's laneways. The city is famous for its laneway culture, so dive down Flinders Lane, Hosier Lane, Degraves Street, and more to find local designers and specialty retailers, quirky cafés, and cool street art.

This evening's tour takes you into the heart of Melbourne's elegant and lively nightlife. It starkly contrasts the city's dark past, shaped by curious characters on both sides of the law. Begin with a dinner that reflects Melbourne's fantastic culinary scene, and learn about the city's history from a local guide. Next are some of the best spots in town, many of which are deliberately hard to find, and you can enjoy this firsthand insight into all that Melbourne has to offer. 

Day 2: Full-Day Mornington Peninsula City-to-Country Experience

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide in the lobby for a city-to-countryside adventure. Together, you'll explore the backstreets of inner Melbourne for a coffee fix somewhere wonderfully local. Wander a labyrinth of vibrant lanes and gorgeous Victorian arcades before you travel to the colorful bayside neighborhood of St. Kilda to meet passionate local characters, artists, and business people. From here, wave goodbye to the city as you make the short scenic drive to the Mornington Peninsula, one of Australia's prettiest coastal wine regions.

This region is renowned for farm-to-plate experiences at restaurants and cellar doors. Of course, you'll taste a handful of classic pinots and premium chardonnay while enjoying a casual café lunch in the fresh country air. Then, spend the afternoon trekking along a coastal walking trail, meeting kangaroos and koalas at a local wildlife sanctuary, or tasting local wine and cheese with the makers. It's your choice! At the end of the afternoon, return to your hotel in Melbourne.

Day 3: Private Great Ocean Road Tour

Day 4: Fly to Perth, Arcades & Laneways Walking Tour

Today you'll switch the east coast for the west. A driver will collect you from the lobby for your four-hour flight to Perth, Australia's sunniest state capital. Upon arrival, another driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. As Australia's largest state, Western Australia is famous for long days of sunshine and diverse landscapes and climates. Perth is a laid-back place that effortlessly blends urban cool with raw natural beauty. Drop your bags, then venture out to the famous Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, for panoramic city views.

Downtown Perth is home to cool laneways and historic arcades, and this afternoon, you'll join a 2.5-hour private walking tour. Discover the pedestrian-friendly malls, ornate arcades, trendy laneways, back streets, and colorful alleys with an entertaining guide who will share the answer to pressing questions, such as why Perth is called Perth. End with a drink at a hip local bar, then enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 5: Full-Day Rottnest Island Experience with Biking & Snorkeling

Begin your day with a ferry ride to Rottnest Island, a tranquil paradise located 11 miles (18 km) off the coast of Perth. With its 63 sandy beaches and 20 picturesque bays, this car-free island offers the perfect escape. Upon arrival, bikes will be waiting for you to set off on a scenic, self-guided 2.5-mile (4 km) ride through the island's heart to Oliver Hill, where you can explore underground tunnels and admire historic artillery. Take in the sweeping views, and make sure to visit the glittering salt lakes.

As you continue your cycling adventure, look for diverse birdlife and the adorable quokkas, the island's beloved native marsupials that have gained fame on Instagram. Pedal north for 2 miles (3.3 km) to Little Parakeet Bay, where you can cool off in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a relaxed Italian lunch at Frankie's on Rotto, then follow the snorkel trail at Parker Point or explore various shipwreck sites for an underwater adventure. Just don't miss your return ferry back to the mainland!

Day 6: Coffee Culture & Art Tour, Drive to Margaret River, Didgeridoo Cave Tour

Kickstart your day with a caffeine-fueled adventure that blends Perth's coffee culture with art and history. Wander down Wolf Lane to see the best street art and murals, then explore the city's art, sculpture, and architecture on a two-hour private tour. Your guide will share quirky tales from Perth's past as you pass by Cathedral Square, the old General Post Office, Land Titles Office, and Treasury Buildings. Uncover hidden gems in Hibernian Place, Stirling Gardens, and Government House, and traverse the old theater district, home to His Majesty's Theatre and the Cultural Centre.

After, collect a rental car and set the GPS for Margaret River, one of Western Australia's most famous wine regions with almost 100 cellar doors, pristine coastline, mysterious caves, and lush forests. After three hours, you'll reach the rolling vines of this area. Later this evening, join a heart-opening 90-minute Indigenous culture tour. Start with a short bush walk where you'll identify traditional medicine plants before entertaining Ngilgi Cave to hear your private guide relate the Dreaming legends and give a mesmerizing didgeridoo performance.

Day 8: Drive to Perth, Fly to Exmouth, Free Time

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Margaret River before returning to Perth, three hours up the coast. Pause at the seaside town of Busselton to stretch your legs. Here, you'll find the 150-year-old Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Walk the 1.1-mile (1.7 km) stretch or take the miniature train to the end. Step into the Underwater Observatory, a circular room studded with windows 26 feet (8 m) beneath the ocean's surface. They reveal up to 300 species of colorful coral, fish, and other marine life fed by an unusually warm current.

Back in Perth, return the rental car and board a two-hour flight north to the small town of Exmouth on Western Australia's northwest cape. This charming coastal town is the gateway to some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes, including Ningaloo Marine Park, with its coral reefs, colorful fish, and migratory whale sharks. On arrival, take a private transfer to a luxurious, remote beachfront safari camp. Nestled in the dunes of Western Australia's Cape Range National Park, this wild and luxurious campsite steps in tune with nature.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and connect with your surroundings. Snorkel or kayak the crystal-clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef, home to an array of marine life, including 500 species of fish, turtles, dugongs, and harmless reef sharks, just a few strokes away from your private beach. Or stay on dry land and opt for a guided hike across the striking landscapes of the Australian bush in Cape Range National Park. Later, marvel at the Milky Way in the dark night sky, undisturbed by any city lights.

Day 9: Swimming with Humpback Whales

Some 30,000 humpback whales traverse this region each year to reach Exmouth Gulf's breeding and birthing grounds. On the return journey, between July and October, it's possible to swim alongside these giant marine creatures, an interaction that is possible only in select locations worldwide. Take a private transfer to Tantabiddi Boat Ramp and set sail—soon, you'll spot the humpback whales breaching, lunging, water-slapping, and blowing. That's your cue to suit up, grab a snorkel, and prepare for the encounter of a lifetime with these curious and peaceful giants.

Afterward, you'll return to the resort, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. While away the hours in your tent-front hammock, book a guided walk through the neighboring Mandu Mangu Gorge or fit in an afternoon kayaking or snorkeling excursion. As evening falls, savor fresh seafood and Western Australian wines at the lantern-lit lodge restaurant, or opt for a private dinner hamper to experience a beachfront picnic while the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

Day 10: Swimming with Whale Sharks

If you couldn't get enough of yesterday's humpback whale experience, you're in luck—today, you'll take to the waters again for an up-close encounter with whale sharks. These ocean giants can grow up to 59 feet (18 m) long and congregate around the Ningaloo Reef between April and July. Swim alongside these gentle creatures and see more of the reef, a biodiversity mecca that's rich in aquatic life. Afterward, return to the beachfront resort and spend your afternoon and evening leisurely.

Day 11: Fly to Sydney, Sydney Opera House Tour, Sunset Dinner Cruise

This morning, you'll wave goodbye to the calm of your luxury beachfront campsite in Exmouth and catch a seven-hour flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel. If you have time, hit the ground running with a Sydney Opera House architecture tour, where you'll learn the significance of Jørn Utzon's creation, which forever changed 20th-century architecture.

There won't be too much time as this evening, you'll board a deluxe private sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour. Step aboard a 52-foot (16 m) motor yacht and enjoy a four-hour dinner cruise where you'll watch the sun lower into the horizon and feast on a delicious Australian barbecue dinner paired with wine or beer. Listen as your captain shares the city's rich history while sailing past famous landmarks, and you can even go swimming, fishing, or kayaking if you wish.

Day 12: Full-Day Sydney Tour, Twilight BridgeClimb Summit

Discover the architecture, landmarks, beaches, cafés, and people that make Sydney great with today's full-day private city tour. Learn about Sydney's rich history and culture from your local guide and driver, who will tour you past the greatest sights along with hidden delights. Hear the story of Mrs Macquarie, drive by the Royal Botanical Gardens, the State Parliament House, and St Mary's Cathedral. You'll also visit scenic lookouts and the Northern Beaches, then boat back to Sydney's Circular Quay on the Manly ferry.

Return to your hotel and refresh ahead of this evening's thrilling adventure. As dusk hits, you'll ascend the summit of the world's largest steel arch, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With a twilight BridgeClimb, you'll experience spectacular 360-degree views as you walk across catwalks, ascend ladders, and celebrate from the top of the famous "coathanger," which reaches 439 feet (134 m) above sea level. Return to the ground and seek out dinner at one of Australia's finest and most romantic restaurants: Quay, Aria, or Bennelong.

Day 13: Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour, Taste of Sydney Tour, Roar & Snore

Start your day by getting to know the traditional owners of the land. On an Aboriginal bush tucker tour, you'll join an Indigenous guide on an hourlong tour through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Learn more about local bush foods and how these foods adapted to modern life, along with some tastings. Continue savoring the best of Sydney with a half-day private tasting tour. Explore the city's diverse tastes, from the oldest colonial area, The Rocks, to the buzzy waterfront at Barangaroo.

Along with a guide, you'll eat your way around the world, from pizza to pad thai, while learning about Australia's multicultural food scene and waves of migrants that continue to influence and redefine modern Australian cuisine. For your final night in Australia, you'll get up close with furry locals with a sleepover at Taronga Zoo, where your luxury safari tent overlooks Sydney Harbour. Enjoy welcome canapés and beverages on arrival, then follow a keeper on a night safari where you'll meet some of Taronga's iconic residents, big and small. 

Day 14: Depart Sydney

Wake up to the sound of the zoo coming alive, and enjoy breakfast at the luxe campsite. This morning, you're free to explore every corner of the zoo ahead of your departing flight. When the time is right, a private driver will collect you for a transfer to the airport. Safe travels!