Australia: Summer Down Under

G’day! Welcome to Melbourne, Australia. With flat whites in hand, we’ll kick things off with a brief Welcome Meeting followed by a tour of the city’s graffitied alleys. Along the way we’ll stroll trendy Fitzroy to discover its off-beat, counter-culture and queer hotspots. We’ll taste freshly whipped gelato in Little Italy and finish the afternoon with cocktails on a rooftop bar. Tonight’s Welcome Dinner will be at one of the city’s most lauded restaurants—a proclamation we don’t take lightly considering Melbourne has become one of the world’s most respected foodie destinations.

After a leisurely morning, we’re off to the lush Yarra Valley. This fertile region is home to Victoria’s oldest vineyards. The climate here is particularly well suited for cool-climate grapes such as chardonnay and pinot noir. Oenophiles will revel in the boutique and award-winning producers we visit, not to mention our sumptuous vineyard lunch served al fresco. Back in Melbourne your evening is free to further explore the city, join the group for an optional dinner or dip your toe into the eclectic gay nightlife. But not too late—as an Aussie would say, tomorrow will be ‘flat out like a lizard drinking!’

Up and at ‘em, Gentlemen! We have an epic 12-hour day ahead, exploring the many sights along the Great Ocean Road. We’ll wander a lush rainforest, discover a secret bay and (hopefully) spot some grazing roo. Of course, today’s highlight will be visiting the heavenly 12 Apostles—a group of limestone monoliths erupting from the ocean just off the coast. Lunch will be served at a local seafood restaurant with ocean views. If you aren’t too tuckered out, join us for an optional dinner before mingling with the locals in one of the city’s many gay bars.

After a leisurely breakfast we jet off to Hobart, Tassie’s (Tasmania’s) quaint capital. Upon arrival we’ll check into our hotel and get our bearings on a quick orientation walk around the sleepy coastal city. If time allows, take an optional visit to the architectural and cultural gem, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Finally, at tonight’s included dinner we’ll get a taste of the island’s delectable seafood.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Morning, Mate! After brekkie we make our way to Bruny Island, an agricultural region known for its fresh produce, briny oysters, salty cheese and spectacular scenery. The journey will take about 2 hours each way including the ferry. Once on Bruny we’ll drive to one of the country’s southernmost lighthouses. We’ll then slowly explore the striking island before an exquisite lunch at Bruny Island Wines. On the way back—and if time permits—we may drive up to Mt Wellington for a panoramic view of Hobart and its magnificent harbour. The evening is yours to further explore the city or join an optional group dinner.

Today we have a scenic 3-hour drive to the fabulous seaside Freycinet Lodge located inside Freycinet National Park. We’ll enjoy a briney lunch of mussels and oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm before a relaxed afternoon on the beach. Alternatively, book yourself a rejuvenating massage at the lodge’s spa. This evening you are welcome to join the group for an optional dinner.

For those wanting to stretch their hamstrings, we’ve planned an optional tramp up to Wineglass Bay lookout today. The gorgeous walk is about 2.5 hours return and involves some incline. The rest of the day is free and there are a number of optional activities to choose from including sea kayaking, scenic flights and coastal cruises. Tonight we have a delicious dinner planned at the lodge.

This morning we’ll drive back to Hobart airport and fly to splashy Sydney, arriving early in the afternoon. We recommend grabbing some Maccas (McDonald’s) or a light lunch at the airport. After dropping our bags at our centrally-located hotel, we’ll stroll the famous harbour and get our first glimpse of the majestic Sydney Opera House. It’s here we’ll board a Mardi Gras sunset cruise. Aboard the posh vessel we’ll have the chance to mix and mingle with other LGBT jet setters. We’ll enjoy a complimentary welcome drink, canapes, chill tunes courtesy of a live DJ and some epic sunset views behind Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Pull on your cutest togs and prepare to dive into legendary Bondi Beach. On the sandy shore we’ll meet our hunky surf instructor and learn to rip ‘n’ ride like a local. Please note: while we attempted to book the Herculean Hemsworths, their ‘people’ informed us they were a wee out of our price range. Fair dinkum, we suppose. Nevertheless, the experience will be epically unforgettable. It’s worth emphasizing the physicality of surfing, though, so for anyone looking for a leisurely alternative we recommend a dip in nearby Bondi Icebergs CLUB. If time allows, we also recommend a scenic stroll along the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk. After working up a big Aussie appetite, we’ll enjoy a seaside lunch with views of the crashing waves. The rest of your day is free to enjoy the multitude of Mardi Gras festivities in this humming city.

If you smashed the town last night, don’t worry. This morning you can either sleep in or enjoy a simple stroll along the hip strip of Oxford Street, Sydney’s gaybourhood. Later this afternoon we’ll regroup for a big gay farewell lunch before a local drag queen helps us get glittered up for the big finale, the Mardi Gras parade. We’re planning on heading to the parade route early to find a good view of the festivities, but for an additional add-on we can purchase tickets in the exclusive Diamond Club bleachers viewing area *limited availability, ask us for details*. While we’ll play the evening by ear, the event officially goes until 11pm so you may want to break up your schooners with flat whites. After the parade finishes, you are free to keep the party going on Oxford Street or head back to the hotel.

Alas, it’s our final day with no planned activities so you are free to depart at leisure. If you’d like to keep the adventure going, stay tuned for details on our post Mardi Gras package which will visit some of Australia’s most famous natural wonders.