Day 2. Cross the International Dateline. Lose a day which you will regain on the return trip.

Day 3. Arrive in Sydney. G'Day! Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 4. Sydney Sightseeing. This morning during your guided walking tour of the historic Rocks area, you will enjoy views of the harbour and see historic buildings and sandstone stairs whilst wandering through the many alleyways. Your guide will tell you the story of the settlement of New South Wales. This afternoon we take a city tour past the Opera House, Botanical Gardens and the southern beaches including Bondi.

Day 5. Cruising Sydney Harbour and Taronga Zoo. Your cruise of Sydney Harbour today includes stops at the Rocks, Opera House, Watson's Bay and Taronga Zoo. Your ticket is flexible enabling you to take any of the 8 daily departures, spending as long as you wish at each stop before rejoining the cruise. Entrance to the Taronga Zoo is included, where you can see many native animals including kangaroos, koalas and the adorable platypus.

Day 6. Blue Mountains. Depart Sydney and head for the Blue Mountains, stopping on the way at the Featherdale Wildlife Park for breakfast. Then it's time to explore the Blue Mountains where you will be inspired by the breathtaking views and waterfalls. BL

Day 7. Sydney to Hobart. Today you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to Hobart. On arrival in Hobart you will pick up your rental car, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 8. Hobart to Strahan. Travel northwest, bound for Strahan. Along the way enjoy a stop at the historic towns of New Norfolk or Queenstown. Continue on to the fishing village of Strahan.

Day 9. Strahan to Cradle Mountain. This morning, travel north to the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park area. The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, with its many lakes and mountain peaks, is famous for its magnificent alpine scenery.

Day 10. Cradle Mountain. Day is at leisure to explore Cradle Mountain. You may like to relax or enjoy one of the many walks the lodge has to offer.

Day 11. Cradle Mountain to Launceston to Melbourne. Depart Cradle Mountain and travel east to Launceston. Drop off your rental car at the airport and board your flight to Melbourne. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 12. Touring Melbourne. Your city tour today will take you to cathedrals, parks, gardens and historic landmarks such as Captain Cook's cottage. An afternoon and evening tour takes you to Phillip Island to see the world renowned "Little Penguin Parade".

Day 13. Savannah Walkabout. Today you will be met at your hotel and taken on a guided eco-tour which will give you quality time to learn about the wildlife and enjoy the wide open spaces of Australia.

Day 14. Depart Melbourne. Today is at leisure till you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

• International air from Los Angeles or Vancouver and domestic Australia air
• 11 nights accommodation
• Sightseeing as specified
• Transfers
• Meals as indicated by BLD
• Tours as indicated
• Hertz group C car rental.