Australia Family Vacation: Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne and Sydney Highlights
This Australian family vacation combines the world’s most spectacular coral wonderland with vibrant cosmopolitan cities and unique wildlife encounters. From exploring vibrant coral gardens to coming face-to-face with great white sharks, this journey delivers bucket-list experiences while immersing your family in Australia’s diverse highlights.
At a Glance
- 3 nights Great Barrier Reef
- 1 night Phillip Island
- 2 nights Sorrento
- 1 night Melbourne
- 2 nights Port Lincoln
- 1 night Adelaide
- 3 nights Sydney
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
Venture beyond typical wildlife viewing with rare encounters that few travelers experience: swim alongside playful sea lions in their natural habitat, and observe Melbourne’s famous penguin parade from an exclusive underground hide.
Special Access
Experience the Great Barrier Reef aboard your private charter vessel, offering complete freedom to explore secluded coral gardens away from crowds.
Unique Stays
Retreat to the Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island, where spacious rooms with private balconies overlook the Coral Sea, and tropical gardens lead straight to the island’s main beach.
Suggested Itinerary
The itinerary below is just one example of what we can create. At Down Under Endeavours, we use 20+ years of hands-on expertise to design bespoke adventures inspired by you. Get in touch to make your dream family trip to Australia a reality!
Hamilton Island
Private Koala Encounter | Great Barrier Reef Private Charter
Pictured: Koalas in Hamilton Island
Day 1: Tropical Paradise Arrival
Touch down in Australia and immediately fly to Hamilton Island, a picturesque tropical paradise in the heart of the Whitsundays. Settle into your accommodations directly opposite Catseye Beach with sweeping Coral Sea views.
Overnight: Hamilton Island (Reef View Hotel)
Day 2: Island Life and Koala Encounters
The day unfolds at your leisure with time to explore this car-free island paradise or relax by the heated infinity pool. Your private koala experience at the Wildlife Habitat creates magical photo opportunities with these adorable marsupials while learning about conservation efforts.
Overnight: Hamilton Island (Reef View Hotel)
Day 3: Great Barrier Reef Private Charter
Sail across the UNESCO World Heritage waters aboard your exclusive charter vessel for a personalized Great Barrier Reef adventure. Expert marine guides lead you to pristine coral gardens where tropical fish dance between ancient formations, while gourmet meals and premium snorkeling equipment ensure comfort throughout your underwater exploration.
The private charter offers complete flexibility—whether diving among vibrant coral gardens, fishing in secluded spots, or simply drifting across crystal-clear waters while spotting marine life from the deck.
Overnight: Hamilton Island (Reef View Hotel)
Phillip Island + Mornington Peninsula
Penguin Parade | Private Peninsula Tour | Snorkeling
Pictured: The Coast in Mornington Peninsula
Day 4: Melbourne Bound and Penguin Secrets
Fly south to Melbourne and transfer to Phillip Island, where your exclusive underground viewing experience awaits. This hidden vantage point offers intimate encounters with the nightly penguin parade as these adorable little penguins waddle ashore, ensuring minimal disturbance to their natural behavior while maximizing your viewing opportunity.
Overnight: Phillip Island (Phillip Island Towers)
Day 5: Coastal Charm in Sorrento
Transfer to the charming coastal town of Sorrento, known for its historic limestone buildings and vibrant local culture. Settle into your heritage boutique accommodation in the heart of the village.
Overnight: Sorrento (Carmel at Sorrento)
Day 6: Mornington Peninsula Discovery
Embark on your private Peninsula exploration, beginning with scenic coastal walks along Millionaire’s Walk and London Bridge Lookout through Point Nepean National Park. Indulge in rejuvenating bathing packages at the Peninsula Hot Springs before savoring wine tastings and gourmet lunches at boutique wineries.
Overnight: Sorrento (Carmel at Sorrento)
Day 7: Underwater Magic
Today brings underwater magic as you snorkel with ethereal sea dragons in their natural habitat, followed by the scenic Cape Schanck Lighthouse coastal walk. Transfer to Melbourne for your overnight near the airport.
Overnight: Melbourne (Parkroyal Melbourne Airport)
Port Lincoln + Eyre Peninsula
Sunset Dolphin Cruise | Shark Cage Diving
Pictured: Cage Diving with Great White Sharks
Day 8: South Australia Adventure Begins
Fly to Adelaide and connect to Port Lincoln, gateway to some of Australia’s most thrilling marine encounters. Check into your waterfront accommodations overlooking Boston Bay.
Overnight: Port Lincoln (Port Lincoln Hotel)
Days 9-10: Ultimate Wildlife Encounters
Experience the Eyre Peninsula’s extraordinary wildlife through intimate adventures in Lincoln National Park, spotting kangaroos and emus across pristine wilderness. Your sunset cruise reveals playful dolphins dancing in the boat’s wake, while swimming with curious sea lions creates unforgettable connections with these gentle marine mammals.
The pinnacle experience awaits at the Neptune Islands—descend into shark cages for heart-stopping encounters with great white sharks in their natural habitat. Expert guides provide insights into marine ecology while ensuring safe, educational interactions with these apex predators.
Overnight: Port Lincoln (Port Lincoln Hotel)
Day 11: Adelaide at Leisure
Return to Adelaide for a relaxed exploration of South Australia’s cultural capital. Wander through the vibrant Central Market, stroll the picturesque Botanic Garden, and discover the city’s rich cultural offerings at world-class museums and galleries.
Overnight: Adelaide (Mayfair)
Sydney
Bicycle Tour | Opera House Behind the Scenes | Private Sydney Tour
Pictured: Sydney and Batemans Bay
Day 12: Sydney Harbour Welcome
Fly to cosmopolitan Sydney and settle into your accommodations perfectly positioned near the harbor’s iconic attractions. Explore within walking distance: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Overnight: Sydney (Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney)
Day 13: Sydney by Bike and Opera House Secrets
Discover Sydney’s highlights on an expert-guided bicycle tour, capturing perfect photos of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, and Anzac War Memorial. Your afternoon brings exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the famous Opera House, exploring areas and stories unavailable to regular visitors.
Overnight: Sydney (Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney) | Meals: Lunch
Day 14: Customized Sydney Adventures
Your private Sydney tour offers complete flexibility to explore vibrant Bondi Beach, stunning harbor viewpoints, or tranquil countryside escapes. This personalized journey balances relaxation with adventure, perfectly catering to all family ages and interests.
Overnight: Sydney (Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney)
Day 15: Farewell to Australia
Private transfer to the airport for your journey home, carrying memories of Australia’s natural wonders, thrilling wildlife encounters, and the warmth of Australian hospitality.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
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