Australia and Cook Islands Getaway

Australia and the Cook Islands are a perfect pair for a traveler looking for adventure and relaxation. Discover wilderness, wine, and wildlife in Tasmania and get a local’s view of Sydney. Then relax with 5 nights in the gorgeous Cook Islands!

From $6,199
per person
14 days
Airfare additional cost
Based on
2 travelers

This Australia and Cook Islands Getaway was designed for a couple from Denver who wanted a little bit of everything on their 2-week trip: Sydney highlights, outdoor adventure, great food and wine, and some relaxation on the beach. They found everything they were looking for and more on this fabulous trip to Tasmania, Sydney, and the Cook Islands.

They started their Australia and Cook Islands Getaway in Tasmania, an island-state known for its ruggedly beautiful landscapes, iconic Australian wildlife, and delicious food and wine. They spent 2 nights in a unique “storytelling hotel” in the capital of Hobart. Then, they met up with our mates at Pepper Bush Adventures for a 2-day guided tour in the Tasmanian wilderness. They saw unique animals in the wild and sampled some boutique wineries in the Tamar Valley.

Next for their Australia and Cook Islands Getaway, they traveled to Sydney to explore all of the iconic city highlights, including the Sydney Opera House. They spent a day in Hunter Valley sipping wine from the local cellar doors and enjoyed a small-group lunch cruise of Sydney Harbour on a private yacht.

After their Australian adventures, their Australia and Cook Islands Getaway continued in the Cook Islands—the ultimate destination for blue lagoons, white sand beaches, and relaxation. They spent 3 nights on the beautiful Muri Beach, where they snorkeled, explored the island on bicycles, went hiking, and enjoyed some of the local cuisine. Then they flew over to the island of Aitutaki for 2 nights of relaxation at an incredible beach resort.

Their Australia and Cook Islands Getaway was the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence. They returned home with lifelong memories of their spectacular trip to the South Pacific!

Day 1
Welcome to Tasmania! Arrive in Hobart, where a private driver will transfer you to your luxurious accommodations at MACq 01. Your hotel truly reflects the quirkiness of Tasmania, with each room uniquely designed to tell the story of a real Tasmanian character. Spend some time exploring the property and learning about the history of this one-of-a-kind place; the hotel staff will be happy to guide you.
MACq 01

Day 2
Today is at your leisure to explore the capital city of Tasmania. Learn about Hobart’s convict history, see what’s on at the Museum of Old and New Art, visit quirky shops, and dine on some of Australia’s best seafood. Be sure to get a good sleep this evening to prepare for tomorrow’s adventures!
MACq 01

Day 3
Rise early this morning, pick up your rental car, and drive to Scottsdale, where you’ll meet up with your Pepper Bush Adventures tour guide for a 2-day/2-night wilderness adventure.  Today marks the beginning of your two day/ two-night tour. With your expert naturalist guide, venture into Ben Lomond National Park. Here, you’ll discover fantastic pillar-shaped rock formations, slopes full of gorgeous alpine vegetation, and spectacular views over the ocean.

After a picnic lunch, you’ll continue on to Evercreech Forest Reserve, where the tallest white gum trees in the world await! Find yourself walking amongst ancient, towering tree ferns and soak up the gorgeous surroundings. End the day by the campfire with some delicious bush tucker cuisine and a glass of local Tassie wine, and watch as the nocturnal wildlife wanders right up to your camp!
Beulah Heritage B&B

Day 4
Your wilderness tour continues bright and early. Enjoy a country-style breakfast before traveling a short distance to the outskirts of Scottsdale, where you’ll be able to see an iconic Aussie animal: the platypus. Then, it’s on to the Tamar Valley vineyards, where you will have the opportunity to visit a variety of cellar doors to sample the local flavors of Tasmania. Enjoy a mouthwatering lunch at a cozy and stylish vineyard restaurant.
Beulah Heritage B&B

Day 5
Today, drive to Launceston, where you’ll drop off your rental car and board your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney, your driver awaits to transfer you to your fabulous accommodations at Shangri-La Hotel Sydney. With gorgeous views of the Opera House, an amazing location with easy access to the best Sydney attractions, and a heavenly spa, you’ll find yourself in the lap of luxury. Your hotel bar, Blu Bar 36, is the perfect place to enjoy a drink while soaking up stunning views of the city.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Day 6
This morning, discover the stories, history, and magic of Sydney Opera House with an incredible guided tour taking you underneath the world-famous sails. Run your hands over the shell tiles, marvel at the vaulted ceilings of one of the biggest pillar-free chambers in the world, and discover the secrets of the Sydney Opera House with your knowledgeable guide as you’re led through every aspect of the building’s creation and history.

In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour. Your personal captain and host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbour and its foreshore as you take in the sights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a gourmet, 3-course BBQ lunch with regional wines, local beers, and 5-star service.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Day 7
Today brings you on a visit to the world-class wineries of the Hunter Valley, just outside of Sydney. En route, stop at Australia Reptile Park for morning tea surrounded by kangaroos and wallabies. Then, enjoy the gorgeous drive to Hunter Valley to begin your tastings at some of the best boutique wineries in the area. Indulge in a scrumptious, Italian-inspired lunch with matching wines. Afterward, you’ll have the option to enjoy a Wine Theatre production, taste more wines and local beers, or simply relax and have a chat with your fellow travelers. Return to Sydney in the evening.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Day 8
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for your private transfer to the airport. Catch a flight to Auckland and onward to the Cook Islands! Arrive on the main island of Rarotonga, where your private transfer will take you to your luxurious accommodations at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Known for its legendary beauty, Rarotonga is home to beautiful beaches, stunning lagoons, and mountainous peaks. In your spacious beachfront suite, you can enjoy fabulous views of the ocean and white sand beaches from the comfort of your private deck.
Pacific Resort Rarotonga

Day 9 – 10
Spend the next 2 days at your leisure in this tropical paradise. The ocean is at your fingertips, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. You can cruise the lagoon in a traditional vaka (boat), rent bicycles or scooters to explore the island’s hidden gems, go hiking on lush mountains, indulge your senses at the spa, or simply relax on the beach with a drink in hand. In the evening, enjoy barefoot dining on the beach and perhaps take in a grand performance by island dancers and fire throwers.
Pacific Resort Rarotonga

Day 11 – 12
Your Cook Islands getaway continues! Your private transfer will pick you up from the resort and take you to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight to the neighboring island of Aitutaki. Upon arrival, you’ll be whisked away to Pacific Resort Aitutaki—a small, 5-star resort situated directly on the white sand beach framing the islands’s luminescent lagoon.

The resort offers an intimate and exclusive collection of just 27 luxuriously appointed bungalows and villas. In your Premium Beachfront Bungalow, only your private deck separates you from the warm, sparkling waters and feeling the soft Polynesian sand between your toes. Whether you want to relax at the Tiare Spa or try some kiteboarding at the lagoon, Pacific Resort Aitutaki is the perfect beach getaway.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki

Day 13
It’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful Cook Islands today. Catch a short flight back to Rarotonga to make your connecting flight back home.

 

  • 2 nights MACq 01, Hobart
  • 2 nights Beulah Heritage B&B – includes breakfast
  • 3 nights Shangri-La Hotel Sydney – includes breakfast
  • 3 nights Pacific Resort Rarotonga – includes breakfast
  • 2 nights Pacific Resort Aitutaki – includes breakfast
  • 2 days rental car
  • Pepper Bush Adventures – 2-day/2-night Tasmania tour
  • Sydney Opera House Tour
  • Sensational Sydney Cruises – Lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour
  • AEA Luxury Tours – Wine tasting tour of Hunter Valley with lunch
  • Cook Islands inter-island flights
  • Private airport transfers

Pepper Bush Adventures

Partner Information

  • Location: Tasmania
  • Privately Guided Nature Tour
  • Immersive Wildlife Experience
  • See Wallabies, Platypuses, Quolls, Echidnas, and Much More in the Wild
  • Gourmet Campfire Dinner
  • Local Wines and Beers

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Partner Information

  • Location: Sydney
  • Type of Accommodation: Hotel
  • Comfort Level: First Class
  • Harbour Views
  • 4 Restaurants and Bars
  • CHI Spa and Health Club

Things To Do

  • Sydney Bike Tour
  • Tour, Dinner, and Performance at Sydney Opera House
  • Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour
  • Excursions to Hunter Valley or Blue Mountains
  • Visits to Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Many More

Sydney Opera House Tour

Partner Information

  • Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Sydney Opera House
  • See Areas Off Limits to the Public
  • Interpretation and History from Your Guide
  • Dining and Performance Packages Available
  • Tours Run Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sensational Sydney Cruises

Partner Information

  • Location: Sydney
  • Small-Group or Private Tours of Sydney Harbour
  • Tours Held on Private Yacht
  • Local Knowledge of Popular and Offbeat Attractions
  • Friendly Atmosphere