Ultimate Whale Watching & Wildlife of the East

Sydney - Shared Tour

Day 1: Sydney. On arrival in Sydney, transfer by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. 

Accommodation: Grace Hotel (Signature Superior Room) 

Day 2: Southern Highlands. After a pickup from Sydney late morning, head south towards the Southern Highlands, known for it's mix of private farmland and pristine bushland locations. Learn about the importance of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor; a critical parcel of woodland vegetation providing migration routes for native species between the southern Blue Mountains World Heritage area and Morton National Park further south. Enjoy the afternoon spotting wildlife at several locations. The area hosts an abundance of birds - from the universally-loved Kookaburra to a host of colourful parrots, including Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Galah, Yellow-tailed and Glossy Black Cockatoo, and even Emu - as well as some of Australia's most iconic animals, such as Echidna.

Explore some of the rivers flowing through the region at dusk, providing the opportunity to see one of Australia's most curious creatures, the Platypus. Contribute to current projects underway to map the location and movement of Platypus in the area and provide more complete data to assist decision-makers supporting the local Platypus population in the future. After dinner at Australia's oldest continuously licensed Inn, go spotlighting with special flashlights, looking for the nocturnal species in the region including Brush-tailed Possums and Common Wombats, before returning to Sydney mid-late evening.

Accommodation: Grace Hotel (Signature Superior Room) | Meals: LD

Day 3: Sydney Whale Watching Cruise. Departing from one of the world's most stunning harbours, an expert crew provides guidance on whale migration patterns and behaviours, with ample opportunities to observe these majestic creatures up close. Along the iconic Sydney coastline, encounters with Bottlenose Dolphins, Minke whales, and a variety of seabirds, including Albatrosses, enhance this four-hour wildlife experience.

Accommodation: Grace Hotel (Signature Superior Room) | Meals: B

Cairns & Far North Queensland - Shared Tour

Day 4: Daintree National Park (Monday & Wednesdays). Take a morning flight from Sydney to Cairns, before being picked up at midday, to visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest, a 180-million-year-old ecosystem spanning 120,000 hectares and home to Australia's highest diversity of rainforest mammals. The journey offers breathtaking views along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, one of Australia's most scenic coastal highways. Upon arriving at Daintree National Park, enjoy afternoon tea before embarking on a serene Daintree River Wildlife Cruise aboard a solar-powered vessel. This eco-friendly cruise provides opportunities to spot Saltwater Crocodiles and many of the region's 420 bird species, including kingfishers, cormorants, and Brahminy Kites.

Continuing to Cape Tribulation, explore a rare location where the rainforest meets the sea, guided by an expert wildlife guide. The evening includes a memorable dining experience in the rainforest, followed by a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife. Gain insights on the 3,000 plant species and various crepuscular and nocturnal animals, such as the Daintree River Ringtail Possum and Northern Long-nosed Bandicoot, enhancing this unique experience of the Wet Tropics. Arrive back in Cairns at 10:30 pm.

Accommodation: Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room) | Meals: BD

Frankland Islands National Park - Shared Tour

Day 5: Frankland Islands National Park & Great Barrier Reef. Begin this tropical island adventure with an air-conditioned coach transfer from Cairns, heading south through UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest and sugar cane fields. Pass Walsh's Pyramid, the tallest natural freestanding pyramid in the world, before arriving at Deeral, approximately 45 minutes from Cairns.

From Deeral, board the Turtle Islander vessel for a 30-minute cruise along the Mulgrave River, surrounded by rainforest and mangroves rich in birdlife such as kingfishers, ibis, and spoonbills, along with sightings of Saltwater Crocodiles. Continue into the traditional sea country of the Mandingalbay Yidinji and Gungandji peoples to reach Normanby Island, 10 kilometres offshore.

Explore sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant fringing reefs ideal for snorkelling among colourful corals, tropical fish, and turtles. Small group sizes allow participation in guided snorkel experiences, kayaking, semi-submersible rides, paddleboarding, and a marine biologist-led island walk.

Accommodation: Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room) | Meals: BL

Hervey Bay - Shared Tour

Day 6: Hervey Bay. Fly from Cairns to the beautiful coastal town of Hervey Bay, the World's first Whale Heritage site. This region is known for having some of the most active and inquisitive whales found anywhere across the globe, with breaches, whale songs and muggings common practice.

Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay (Deluxe Suite) | Meals: B

Day 7: Ultimate Hervey Bay Whale Watching. Beginning at Great Sandy Straits Marina, board the custom-built Ocean Defender, a low-profile rigid inflatable boat designed for unobstructed 360-degree views of the whales. With a capacity for 38 passengers, the boat offers forward-facing seats and ample shade. The boat's speed ensures swift access to Platypus Bay, a popular area where whales come to rest, play, and interact. Between July and October, over 30% of Australia's migrating Humpback Whales rest in Hervey Bay, including breeding pairs and mothers with calves.

The crew, trained in marine sciences, will guide guests through the fascinating behaviours of Humpback Whales, such as breaches, tail slaps, and spy hopping. There may be a chance to listen to the whales' songs using underwater hydrophones. Onboard, Marine Naturalists will lead educational activities to inspire future environmental stewards. All proceeds from sales of the whale watching experiences support whale and dolphin research, marine education for children, and ocean conservation programs in Australia and around the world.

Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay (Deluxe Suite) | Meals: B

Day 8: Hervey Bay or K'gari. Enjoy a day of leisure or take an optional tour to K'gari to explore the world's largest sand island. Experience guided 4WD tours across sandy tracks, visit pristine beaches like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek, and admire ancient rainforests, towering sand dunes, freshwater lakes and wildlife.

Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay (Deluxe Suite) | Meals: B

Eyre Peninsula - Private Winter Whale Watching (minimum of 4 guests required)

Day 9: Adelaide. After flying from Hervey Bay, enjoy a day at leisure exploring the city.

Accommodation: Mayfair Adelaide (Deluxe King Room) | Meals: B

Day 10: Ceduna. Upon arrival in the coastal town of Ceduna, begin the day at Arts Ceduna, the premier Aboriginal Art Centre on the Eyre Peninsula, showcasing paintings, lino prints, artifacts, books, ceramics, and bush medicine. Continue to the striking pink Lake MacDonnell, with a chance to spot Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats along the way. Travel west across the Nullarbor to Fowlers Bay for an evening of campfire and outback dining.

Accommodation: Ceduna Foreshore Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 11: Southern Right Whale Discovery. Travel to Fowlers Bay for a spectacular oceanic morning cruise, taking in the rugged cliffs of Point Fowler and the incredible marine life. Southern Right and Humpback Whales frequent the bay during their annual migration, calving and nursing their young, with numbers reaching up to 80 each season. The cruise includes close-up encounters with Southern Right Whales, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, Australian Sea Lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Little Penguins, and rare species of Albatross.

Accommodation: Ceduna Foreshore Hotel | Meals: BL

Eyre Peninsula - Private Winter Whale Watching

Day 12: Ceduna to Pt Lincoln. Depart Ceduna for a scenic 450 km drive to Port Lincoln along Edward John Eyre's route. Stop at coastal towns and attractions including Smoky Bay, Perlubie Beach, Streaky Bay, Murphy's Haystacks, Talia Caves, the Great Ocean Drive near Elliston, and Cummings Monument. Enjoy the drive from Streaky Bay to Point Labatt, a prime location to observe endangered Australian Sea-lions, including pups learning to swim and play in a protected environment. Visit Murphy's Haystacks, ancient pink granite boulders shaped by erosion, and take in coastal views around Elliston. Cummings Monument provides sweeping vistas of the Great Australian Bight and nearby sea eagle nests. Continue with a short drive to Port Lincoln, showcasing the city's highlights before arriving at accommodation.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel (Ocean View Balcony Room) | Meals: BL

Day 13: Port Lincoln National Park. Start the day exploring Port Lincoln and its seafood industry. Visit Flinders Ports Wharf, South Australia's main grain-exporting hub, and observe fishing boats and fertilizer unloading. Continue to Marina Wharf, home to the Southern Hemisphere's largest fishing fleet, to see diverse vessels and seafood operations. Learn about local seafood, including Bluefin Tuna, King Prawns, and Southern Rock Lobster, and tour a processing facility to see the fish-to-plate journey. Enjoy a seafood lunch featuring freshly cooked fish or shellfish.

In the afternoon, explore Port Lincoln National Park, from rugged Sleaford Bay to tranquil Spalding Cove. Hike to Stamford Hill Lookout for sweeping views and watch for Ospreys and Sea-Eagles. Visit a private nature reserve to see wild Koalas and observe kangaroos in their natural habitat. Stroll through a historical homestead, spot native birds, and conclude the day with a platter of local produce and wine around a fire, immersed in wildlife and nature.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel (Ocean View Balcony Room) | Meals: BL