Beyond the Court: The Australian Open & Down Under Escape

Fly into Sydney International Airport (SYD). Upon arrival, a driver will greet you at the airport and transport you by private vehicle to the Shangri-La Sydney, our stunning accommodation in the heart of the historic Rocks district.

Each of our rooms features massive floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Opera House. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Why not explore Sydney's vibrant neighborhoods, stroll through the Observatory Hill Park, or unwind at a local café?

In the evening, we'll gather for a welcome cocktail and group introduction at our hotel's stunning sky bar, Blu Bar on 36. As we soak in a panoramic sunset over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, we'll get to know one another and meet our trip leader. 

Dinner tonight is conveniently at the hotel, at Altitude Restaurant. Known for its refined Australian cuisine, it’s a relaxed and flavorful start to the adventure ahead.

Our hotel serves a delicious breakfast spread at Cafe Mix each morning, so head down for your fill before we begin the day. 

Let's explore Sydney! We'll step out for a guided walking tour through The Rocks, a gorgeous, historic neighborhood where Sydney was originally established in 1778. The winding cobblestone lanes and worn sandstone terraces tell a story of times passed, and our guide will regale us with local history and anecdotes from colonial life as we go along. 

Coming back to modern times, we'll continue to the Sydney Opera House for a privately guided tour, soaking in the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece. 

We'll stay near the waterfront for lunch, sitting down at Midden by Mark Olive for a unique, Indigenous-inspired lunch.

Let's decide as a group how we want to spend the afternoon. Maybe we'll stroll through the lush landscapes of the Royal Botanic Gardens, or perhaps take a quiet moment of reflection at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Sydney's downtown has plenty to offer for everyone.

After some time back at the hotel to relax, we'll step aboard a sailing catamaran for a private dinner cruise through Sydney Harbour. The city's skyline will begin to twinkle as the sun sets, and we'll sit down as a group for a seafood barbecue dinner made with fresh, local catches.

Today is all about embodying the laid-back Aussie vibes. After breakfast, the day begins with a scenic drive east toward the world-famous Bondi Beach. There will be plenty of viewpoints along the way that highlight sweeping vistas across the turquoise bays of Sydney Harbour. 

If you'd like to stretch your legs and indulge in the crisp seaside air, there's the option to walk a portion of the cliffside coastal walk that connects many of Sydney's most notable beaches and coves. 

Those who opted to walk will meet up with the rest of the group at The Bergs Bistro, perched above the famous Bondi Icebergs ocean pool. We'll savor lunch and take some time afterwards for a beach walk, a dip in the pool, or simply relaxing in the sunshine. 

Our tour continues across the harbour to explore Sydney's easy-going Northern Beaches. We'll spend some time wandering the lively pedestrian promenade known as The Corso, which connects the ferry wharf to Manly Beach. We'll also visit the North Head Lookout for picture-perfect views of the harbour as it stretches out into the deep blue Pacific. 

Heading back to the hotel, we'll drive through some of the city's most affluent suburbs, gaining a new perspective on everyday life. Enjoy some downtime to unwind before dinner later. 

We'll toast to our time here over dinner at Luna Lu, a playful Asian fusion restaurant. The menu tonight is designed as a shared feast, encouraging social dining as we rehash our favorite memories from Sydney.  

Savor one last breakfast overlooking the Harbour before we pack up and head to the airport for our 10 am flight to Hobart, Tasmania. In 2 short hours, we'll touchdown on the wild, scenic island nation. 

After we drop our bags at the hotel, we'll join a private walking tour of the Henry Jones Art Hotel. Once a 19th-century jam factory, this iconic waterfront building has been transformed into a haven for art lovers. We'll sip a glass of local Tasmanian sparkling wine while we ponder the eclectic collection of over 400 artworks.

Heading back to the hotel, we'll check in and get settled in our rooms. We'll be staying at the MACq 01 Hotel, a contemporary waterfront storytelling hotel, offering 114 unique rooms, each dedicated to a different notable character from Tasmania's history. 

Dinner tonight will be a short walk down the dock to the Old Wharf Restaurant, a charming eatery that pays homage to the city's maritime heritage.

Tasmania is teeming with magnificent landscapes, and today's tour will showcase them in all of their glory. After breakfast, we'll start our scenic drive up to Mount Wellington. Towering over 4,000 feet above the Tasman Sea, this imposing peak offers stunning views from its summit. 

After we descend, we'll stop at the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) to enjoy a relaxed lunch at Moorilla Wine Bar, sampling local vinos before wandering the museum at our own pace. 

We'll return to our hotel via a scenic water transfer, taking advantage of the fact that our hotel sits right at the ferry terminal.

Dinner tonight will be in another repurposed jam factory (we're sensing a theme here...) at the Trophy Room. Their warm, intimate atmosphere perfectly complements the hyperlocal ingredients they use to prepare simple yet delicately refined plates.

Today's adventure takes us south of Hobart to explore the rugged beauty of Bruny Island. An early start at around 8 am will ensure we make the morning ferry across the scenic D'Entrecasteaux Channel. 

Once we arrive, we'll visit a local oyster farm to indulge in one of Tasmania's most celebrated delicacies. A true "bay-to-bar" experience, we'll be served oysters plucked directly from the pristine waters they were grown in. Accompanied by a chilled glass of Australian sparkling wine, this is a spectacular way to dive headfirst into the thriving food scene of Bruny Island. 

Next, we'll board a custom-built fast boat for a 3-hour wildlife tour along Bruny Island's rugged coastline. Keep your eyes out for Australian fur seals, dolphins, and even migrating whales as we cruise beneath imposing sea cliffs and remote rock formations. 

All of this exploring has surely made us hungry. Let's disembark and lunch at Bruny Island Premium Wines, Tasmania's southernmost vineyard. The restaurant within the winery offers a locally inspired menu and plenty of lovely wine, offering a great space for us to relax for a while. 

We'll explore a few more hidden gems around the island before boarding an evening ferry back to Hobart, arriving back at our hotel around 6 pm. 

Dinner this evening is at your leisure. There are several popular bars and restaurants just a stone's throw from our hotel; your guide would be happy to offer a few recommendations. 

We'll bid farewell to Tasmania and our wonderful time on this iconic island before boarding a mid-morning flight to Melbourne. Our private transfer will meet the group once we touchdown, offering a seamless transition to our hotel for the remainder of the trip. 

We'll check in at the stylish Ovolo South Yarra and take some time to freshen up before setting off on a privately guided tour of the city. 

During this exploration, we’ll visit significant landmarks such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, and Captain Cook’s Cottage, which offers a glimpse into Australia’s early European history. 

We'll pause to enjoy an afternoon tea with biscuits and cakes before continuing on to explore Melbourne’s vibrant street art and the colorful Brighton Beach Boxes, one of the city’s most photographed sites. 

This evening, we'll sit down for a relaxed dinner at Bar Yarra, conveniently located within our hotel. After a busy day of travel, this comfortable setting allows everyone to unwind without the need to venture far. We'll be treated to a three-course shared-plate menu, designed to showcase fresh seasonal ingredients and contemporary Australian flavors. 

Let's explore Melbourne's lively culinary scene with an Ultimate Foodie Tour of Queen Victoria Market. Here, we’ll explore the vibrant food halls, taste local produce, and meet popular traders. The two-hour tour includes generous tastings and a market shopping bag to take home.

Afterwards, we’ll head to Phillip Island, starting our visit with the Koala Conservation Centre to see koalas in their natural habitat. If time allows, we’ll visit highlights such as Cape Woolamai, the Grand Prix Track, Pyramid Rock, The Nobbies, and the Summerland Wildlife Drive to spot native wildlife.

Dinner will be a casual affair at Saltwater, a charming coastal eatery with views of the ocean and Phillip Island Bridge. We'll eat an early meal, giving us time to savor each bite before our penguin viewing. 

The evening culminates with the Penguin Parade, where we’ll witness little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk. 

Today's the day! We've left this morning's schedule open so you can explore at your own pace before the big event. Our hotel is in one of Melbourne's most colorful and buzzing neighborhoods, so perhaps sleep in and make your way to a cozy cafe or indulge in some retail therapy.  

At 3:00 pm, a private transfer will take us to Rod Laver Arena, where we'll enjoy all the perks that come with our Premium Australian Open Reserve tickets. Take some time to utilize our food and beverage package at the exclusive 1905 club, explore the interactive areas, and peruse the shops for unique souvenirs. 

We have baseline seats for the 7 pm Women's Semi-Finals match, offering an ideal vantage point for watching the action unfold. 

After a thrilling last evening together, we’ll take a group transfer back to the hotel to rest for the night.

Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast and bid goodbye to newfound friends, cherishing the memories created during our stay.

Check out of the hotel and catch a private transfer to Melbourne airport. If you're ending the trip here, we'll say our fond farewells.

If you're venturing on to discover the beauty of picturesque Daylesford, we'll begin our short 1.5-hour drive to the charming spa town. Onward!

Once we arrive in this picturesque town known for its mineral springs, boutique food scene, and relaxed countryside atmosphere, we'll head out on a short sightseeing tour. Stops include the hilltop Convent Gallery. a celebrated regional art space, along with The Amazing Mill Markets, a quirky treasure trove of antique and vintage goods. 

For lunch, we'll sit down at the beloved Cliffy's Emporium, known for its hearty seasonal dishes and charming country-store atmosphere. 

Now, it's about time for us to check in at the beautiful Lake House Daylesford, a tranquil, luxe lakeside country house hotel with six acres of landscaped gardens and contemporary suites. 

Settle into your waterfront studio before we come together for a short walk over to The Boathouse Daylesford for dinner. Here, we'll savor a two-course seasonal dinner with ingredients sourced from the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region. 

The day begins with a slow morning, allowing everyone to enjoy breakfast at their own pace before joining the group around 11 am for a short transfer to the Dairy Flat Farm for an exclusive working farm tour. 

Following this, we'll head to the historic Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens for panoramic views from their Pioneer Tower. A light lunch at their restaurant follows, enjoyed amidst lush gardens for a breezy alfresco dining experience. 

Prepare to fully unwind and relax for the rest of the afternoon. After arriving at the renowned Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, we'll be pampered with a 90-minute Sanctuary Mineral Bathing experience. Make your way through a variety of soothing treatment areas, including mineral-rich pools, a gentle hammam, spa couches, concentrated mineral therapy pools, and a refreshing cool-dip pool. 

We'll feel refreshed and restored after our time at Hepburn. Returning to the Lake House, take the rest of the afternoon for yourself, soaking in the tranquil lakeside grounds. 

Dinner tonight will be a memorable conclusion to our time in Daylesford with a multi-course tasting menu at The Lakehouse Restaurant. Curated by award-winning chefs, this menu highlights fresh, local ingredients with a modern Australian flair. 

All good things must come to an end. After one last lakeside breakfast, we'll say our goodbyes before heading back to Melbourne with individual transfers, depending on onward travel plans.