Australia's Culture & Coastlines
October 2 -15, 2028
Australia’s Culture & Coastlines
14 Unforgettable Days • One Extraordinary Continent
Sydney • Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef • Melbourne, Brisbane & More
Escorted by Blue Skies Travel
If you’re only going to Australia once, you want to do it right. This 14-day journey brings together the biggest and best of Australia - the places, experiences and iconic sights you’ve traveled halfway around the world to see - all during one of the very best times of year to visit.
We’ll experience sophisticated Sydney and Melbourne, sunny Brisbane and tropical Cairns; see Australia’s famous wildlife; learn about its Indigenous culture; and venture out to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s great natural wonders.
In Melbourne, we’ll have three days to explore one of Australia’s most appealing cities, with time to venture farther afield if you choose - perhaps to Phillip Island for its famous Penguin Parade or into the beautiful Yarra Valley wine country.
And then there’s Sydney. We’ll see the iconic harbor, Sydney Opera House and the sights that have made this one of the world’s most recognizable cities, including a special lunch at the Opera House overlooking the harbor. Koalas and kangaroos. The Great Barrier Reef. Sydney Harbor. Aboriginal culture. Beautiful coastlines, great food and wine, and some of Australia’s most memorable scenery.
You may only make it to Australia once. We’ll make sure you come home feeling like you really saw it.
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
AUSTRALIAN
Weather
October Weather in Australia
October is a wonderful time to explore Australia, with warm tropical weather for our Great Barrier Reef adventure and comfortable spring temperatures for sightseeing in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Pack your swimsuit for Queensland and a light jacket for Melbourne — we'll experience several of Australia's distinct climates on this extraordinary journey!
Typical October averages, in Fahrenheit.
These are historical climate averages, not an exact forecast for our 2028 departure.
Brisbane
Daytime High: 78°F
Nighttime Low: 60°F
Ocean Temperature: 72°F
Tangalooma / Moreton Island
Daytime High: 77°F
Nighttime Low: 60°F
Ocean Temperature: 72°F
Cairns / Great Barrier Reef
Daytime High: 86°F
Nighttime Low: 70°F
Ocean Temperature: 79°F
Melbourne
Daytime High: 67°F
Nighttime Low: 47°F
Ocean Temperature: 57°F
Sydney
Daytime High: 73°F
Nighttime Low: 57°F
Ocean Temperature: 66°F
DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane
Your hotel room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Blue Skies Travel will coordinate your flights, so we arrive by 4 p.m. to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.
Dinner included.
Day 2: Explore Brisbane & Meet Koalas
Get to know Brisbane, Australia’s sunny and sophisticated riverside city, on a guided tour showcasing its historic architecture, modern skyline and fascinating convict past. At Nyanda Waterhole Reserve, enjoy a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony and learn about the culture and traditions of Australia’s First Nations people.
Then it’s time to meet some of Australia’s most beloved residents! Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, where you’ll have the opportunity to see koalas, kangaroos and other native Australian wildlife.
Return to Brisbane for an evening at leisure to explore the city’s lively restaurants and waterfront at your own pace.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 3: Brisbane At Your Leisure
Today is yours to discover Brisbane at your own pace! Take in sweeping city views from the Wheel of Brisbane, relax at Streets Beach, or explore the shops, cafés and restaurants along bustling Queen Street Mall.
For a little more adventure, consider an optional excursion to Tangalooma on Moreton Island, where you can swim and snorkel among fascinating shipwrecks in crystal-clear waters.
Whether you prefer sightseeing, shopping or simply soaking up the Australian sunshine, your Globus tour director and Margo McDonough can help you make the most of your free day. Optional excursions are available to book through MyGlobus.
Breakfast included.
Day 4: Brisbane to Cairns
Diving In
Depart Brisbane for Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Upon arrival enjoy an orientation tour of Cairns followed by a visit to the Cairns Aquarium. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.
Touted as Australia’s newest aquarium, the Cairns Aquarium won’t disappoint. Journey through the waterways from freshwater rivers flowing through the rainforest, into the mangroves and finally into the depths of the Great Barrier Reef. Discover 71 different exhibits showcasing this regions extremely rare and unique species. Enjoy animal presentations, habitat talks, and daily shark feeds. It will be a great introduction for your experience on the Reef tomorrow.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 5: Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
Below the Surface
Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of dazzling hues. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 6: Cairns – Rainforest Adventures & Tropical Relaxation
Today is yours to enjoy tropical Cairns! For an unforgettable adventure, take the scenic Kuranda Railway through lush rainforest and past cascading waterfalls, or soar above the treetops aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for breathtaking views of this ancient landscape.
Prefer a more leisurely day? Explore the shops, cafés and art galleries along Cairns’ lively Esplanade, or simply relax by your resort’s pool and soak up the tropical sunshine.
Whether you're in the mood for adventure or relaxation, your tour director and Margo McDonough can help you make the most of your day. Optional excursions are available to book through MyGlobus.
Breakfast included.
Day 7: Cairns to Melbourne –
Discover Australia's Cultural Capital
Today we fly south to Melbourne, a vibrant and sophisticated city celebrated for its world-class dining, fabulous shopping, thriving arts scene and distinctive European flair.
Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour before checking into our hotel. Discover a city where historic architecture meets contemporary design, colorful street art brightens hidden laneways, and charming cafés invite you to linger over a perfectly brewed flat white.
From its beautiful parks and gardens to its renowned restaurants and lively neighborhoods, Melbourne offers something for everyone. We'll have plenty of time to explore more of this fascinating city over the next few days!
Breakfast included.
Day 8: Melbourne – Grand Gardens, Culture & City Life
Discover the many sides of Melbourne, from its elegant historic architecture and beautiful gardens to its vibrant contemporary culture. Our guided sightseeing tour takes us past Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, with a visit to lovely Fitzroy Gardens and a scenic drive past the Royal Botanic Gardens.
We'll also see Melbourne's striking Arts Centre before visiting the Koorie Heritage Trust, where we'll gain insight into the art, culture and traditions of Australia's First Nations people.
The afternoon is yours to explore! Browse Melbourne's fabulous shops, discover its famous hidden laneways and street art, or settle into a charming café and enjoy the city's celebrated coffee culture.
Tonight, we'll gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 9: Melbourne
Cosmopolitan Cool
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city.
Explore more in Melbourne with a trip to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck for amazing views of the city below. You may also choose to venture to the breathtaking Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Other options include a full-day trip to the Great Ocean Road to see fantastic scenery and the “Twelve Apostles,” or choose to venture to Phillip Island for the famous Penguin Parade.
Breakfast included.
Day 10: Melbourne to Canberra – Discover Australia's Capital
Today we fly to Canberra, Australia's beautiful capital city, known for its striking architecture, expansive parks and gardens, and lovely lakeside setting.
Upon arrival, we'll visit the Australian War Memorial, one of the country's most significant landmarks. More than a traditional war memorial, this impressive museum brings Australia's history to life through fascinating exhibits, personal stories and remarkable collections from both World Wars.
This evening is yours to enjoy Canberra's dining scene. Choose from inviting neighborhood restaurants, lively cafés and stylish waterfront dining spots.
Breakfast included.
Day 11: Canberra to Sydney – Wine Country & a Spectacular Arrival
Our day begins with a visit to Australia's impressive Parliament House, an architectural landmark featuring a remarkable collection of contemporary Australian art.
Then it's time for a taste of Australia's celebrated wine country! We'll stop at a local winery for a wine tasting and lunch before continuing to Sydney, one of the world's most beautiful harbor cities.
With its iconic Opera House, magnificent harbor, fabulous restaurants and vibrant neighborhoods, Sydney is a spectacular finale to our Australian adventure!
This evening is yours to explore. Perhaps enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, where you can take in the dazzling harbor views as the city lights come to life.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 12: Sydney – Iconic Sights & a World-Famous Harbor
Today we discover the Sydney you've traveled halfway around the world to see! Our morning sightseeing tour takes us to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, one of the city's most spectacular vantage points, where we'll enjoy picture-perfect views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Have your camera ready!
Then it's on to the magnificent Sydney Opera House, one of the world's most recognizable architectural masterpieces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll enjoy a special lunch before the afternoon opens up for your own Sydney adventures.
Perhaps take a ferry across the sparkling harbor, explore the historic Rocks neighborhood, browse the shops of the Queen Victoria Building, or simply settle into a waterfront café and soak up the incredible scenery.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 13: Sydney – Your Day, Your Adventure!
Our final full day in Australia is yours to enjoy! Sydney has so much to offer, whether you're in the mood for sightseeing, shopping, fabulous food or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this spectacular harbor city.
Perhaps take a ferry to Manly Beach, explore the historic Rocks neighborhood, browse the elegant Queen Victoria Building or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden. Art lovers may want to visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales, while foodies can sample Sydney's incredible international dining scene, including the delicious Asian street food at Spice Alley.
Tonight, we'll gather with our Tour Director and fellow travelers for a special farewell dinner, sharing memories of our extraordinary Australian adventure and raising a glass to the unforgettable experiences we've enjoyed together.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 14: Sydney
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast included.
Accommodations
Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane
Ideally located downtown, Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane features well-designed guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, on-site restaurant serving fresh and seasonal fare, and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel also offers guests complimentary Wi-Fi, ATM, currency exchange, and valet dry cleaning.
Pricing
Double occupancy rates per person - $7,394
Single occupancy rate per person - $9,304
Travel protection per person - $399
A deposit of $250 per person is due upon reservation. Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ask me about airfare as well as extra nights in Brisbane pre-tour or Sydney post-tour.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking is confirmed.
Contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.
Your Host
About Your Group Trip Coordinator
Margo McDonough started Blue Skies Travel Center in 2016, after earlier work in the travel industry for such companies as J.P. Morgan Chase. She has planned and escorted numerous trips, both domestically and internationally, for local organizations, including University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Food Bank of Delaware, Kennett Area Community Service, and Traditions at Longwood community.
McDonough is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, is fully insured, and is supported by host agency Uniglobe Travel Center and Virtuoso, a luxury travel consortium.
