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Swain Destinations
OFFER ID 1462902
Outback Luxury
Experience the luxury of the Outback in this 14 night experience. Begin in Melbourne with its beautiful gardens and majestic buildings. Continue to the Flinders Ranges to see some of Australia's most spectacular outback scenery. Stay at the luxury desert basecamp at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, where you will get an essential experience of Australia's spirited heartland. Enjoy an oasis of tropical calm amongst the savannah bush fringing the floodplains providing unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands and their teeming populations of birds and animals in Kakadu. With its harbor beaches and intoxicating blend of bushland and bustling city, Sydney is a perfect place to wrap up your Outback adventure.
Your Itinerary Includes:
14 nights from $16,520 per person
Swain Destinations: Outback Luxury
Day 1 Arrive in Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne. Collect your luggage and proceed outside the Customs hall where you will find your driver who will take you directly to your accommodation.
Crown Towers Melbourne
Day 2 Melbourne City Sights Tour
Melbourne is a beautiful city to visit any time of year with its beautiful gardens and majestic buildings. It's a wonderful start to any visit to Victoria. Its iconic lane-ways and alleys are home to some of the city's best cafes, bars, boutiques and galleries. See this with your local guide and get a real insight into the culture of this cosmopolitan city.
Melbourne is recognized as the sporting capital of Australia, and you will visit sporting areas that include the famous M.C.G, Melbourne Park and Albert Park Grand Prix circuit. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, or tour the Shrine of Remembrance and learn more of Australia's wartime history. Visit bay-side areas, including St Kilda (Melbourne's summer playground) and take a walk along the beach-side promenade. Other attractions you will see in this tour include the Yarra River, Royal Exhibition Building, Parliament House and Fitzroy Gardens. The luxury of this private half-day city tour enables you to get a very comprehensive look at the city through a local's eyes.
Crown Towers Melbourne
Day 3 Travel to Adelaide
Takeoff to Adelaide and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Upon arrival in Adelaide, you will meet your driver who will take you directly to Arkaba.
Arkaba
Meals: D
Day 4 Arkaba at Leisure
From an ancient seabed to a dramatic mountain range, tectonic upheavals and subsequent weathering processes have produced some of Australia's most spectacular outback scenery. Sculpted by millions of years of rain and sun into a fractured landscape of rugged gorges, furrowed valleys with cypress pines, dry creek beds lined with river red gums and vistas from the high ground across miles of outback plain, the Flinders Ranges are an introduction to the sheer scale of the outback. For wildlife watching, bush-walking, photography or just soaking up the sights and sounds of outback Australia, the Flinders are in a class of their own.
Arkaba
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 Arkaba at Leisure
Experiences at Arkaba
4WD Trips - Arkaba's topography offers some of outback Australia's most breathtaking scenery, ranging from knife edge ridge tops through cypress pine country to red gum lined creek beds. Expert field guides pull together the incredible geological history, wildlife and pastoral heritage of this region with some spectacular four wheel drives and visits to some of the secret spots on the property and a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the bush.
Day Trips - A day trip into the neighboring Flinders Ranges National Park including a drive through the likes of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges or a visit to the old mining town of Blinman and lunch at an outback pub hotel.
Wildlife Viewing - Arkaba is home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife and wildlife. Red and grey kangaroos, euros (common wallaroos) and emus are regular sightings on the property and, for the more intrepid walkers, a couple of colonies of yellow-footed rock wallabies reside in the Elder Range.
Mountain Biking - The tracks and trails of the station are perfect country for mountain biking - from the more gentle inclines in the center of the property to the steeper angles in the foothills of the Elder Range. Mountain bikes are available for use to further explore the property in your free time.
Scenic Flights - A scenic flight provides an all-encompassing view of the topology of the ranges, particularly Wilpena Pound, and is an easy way to experience the massive salt pans of Lake Torrens to the west of the ranges. Lake Eyre is a full day's expedition from Arkaba.
Arkaba
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 Travel to Adelaide
Enjoy a one way scenic road transfer from Arkaba via the Barossa or Clare Valley to Adelaide including scenic stops, lunch and wine tasting. Total transfer time is approximately 6 hours.
Sequoia Lodge
Meals: B, L
Day 7 Travel to to Ayers Rock
Takeoff to Ayers Rock (Via Alice Springs) and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Longitude 131
Meals: B, D
Day 8 Activities at Longitude 131
An exceptional touring program designed especially for guests of Longitude 131° is included in the wilderness experience and a personalized itinerary is presented upon arrival. Signature Experiences with lodge naturalist guides are shared with fellow guests in custom touring vehicles. Expeditions operate at scheduled times on a rotating basis, dependent on day of arrival, with timing subject to sunrise and sunset times which vary throughout the year, according to the seasons and weather permitting. For short stays at Longitude 131°, some tours and excursions may not be offered or available during your stay. This is just a sample of some of the experiences you may be able to enjoy:
Mutitjulu Meander; Venturing to Uluru whilst the morning sun lights up the ancient monolith, meander along the pathway to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti. Along this walk our guides share the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru.
Uluru Sunset; A drive into the dual World Heritage-listed National Park begins the evening followed by a leisurely walk through the Cultural Centre* where the informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Continue on to the twilight viewing area where you can take in the iconic sunset over Uluru with a glass in hand. *In the summer months, the Cultural Centre is visited as part of the Mutitjulu Meander morning experience.
Walpa Gorge; Kata Tjuta; This experience heads to Kata Tjuta comprising 36 majestic dome-like rock formations. Along the way the tour calls briefly at the Kata Tjuta Viewing Area for a longer distance perspective and photo opportunity, with expert commentary describing ecology and indigenous significance of the area. From the viewing platform guests continue their journey to Walpa Gorge where the natural history of Kata Tjuta is explained in detail, and discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today's landscape and ecology.
Mala Walk; Kantju Gorge; After arriving at the base of Uluru our guide leads you on a gentle walk as you learn about the history of the Mala people, pointing out cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the gorge walls ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Enjoying sunset drinks and canapés, guests revel in the silence and solitude.
Table 131; Dine outdoors on fine fare celebrating a fusion of modern and indigenous flavors and discover the wonders of the southern night sky. As darkness falls, a four-course dinner with matched Australian wines is delivered with Longitude service. In the cool season, a warm fire sparks under the spectacular night sky. Indigenous performers mesmerize with the movement and songs of their ancient culture and after dinner, Longitude's resident astronomer regales guests with tales of the Southerly constellations. (Subject to weather conditions).
Field of Light; World renowned artist, Bruce Munro has chosen the remote desert location surrounding Ayers Rock Resort for his Field of Light installation. Field of Light is a monumental and experimental artwork with 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres, connected via illuminated optical fiber bloom as darkness falls over the spiritual heartland of Australia's vast desert with Uluru as the backdrop. Longitude 131° guests arrive at dusk to meander around the field before enjoying the cool night skies at Table 131°. Witness the monumental combination of art and culture.
Bespoke Experiences; An additional menu of private experiences offers further exploration and the chance to tailor a special interest itinerary - additional cost applies.
Longitude 131
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 Activities at Longitude 131
A cool sanctuary in Australia’s rich red desert, Spa Kinara (meaning ‘moon’) sits low in the sand dunes at Longitude 131°, connecting the sky to the earth and offering travelers a welcome retreat. A signature menu of rejuvenation and relaxation treatments embrace Central Australia’s surprising resource of native beauty products, including Kakadu plum, quandong, irmangka-irmangka, desert lime, Australian yellow clay and nutrient-rich Australian desert salts. A powerful bush medicine used by indigenous Anangu ngangkari – traditional healers – irmangka-irmangka (pronounced air-a-monger-air-a-monger) or Scented Emu Bush has beneficial healing properties and is used in many treatments at Spa Kinara.
Spa Kinara also features LI’TYA spa care products and massage techniques. Meaning ‘of the earth’, LI’TYA is a body of healing rituals and spa treatments that integrates the ancient aesthetics of the Australian earth and spirit. A physical and spiritual refuge, Spa Kinara unites body and soul under the gaze of the nation’s sovereign natural icon, Uluru.
Longitude 131
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10 Travel to Darwin
Takeoff to Darwin and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Bamurru Plains
Meals: B, D
Day 11 Bamurru Plains at Leisure
Bamurru Plains offers a wide range of activities to suit any interest, from exhilarating rides on an airboat across the floodplains, to spotting crocs hiding in the mangroves on a river cruise, quad bike safaris to get your adrenaline pumping, guided wilderness walks through the floodplain fringing woodland, or searching for the perfect sunrise photo on a 4WD safari. Some activities may be included in your tariff, others will be at additional cost to be paid direct. Note that activities may be seasonal or not offered on all days of your stay.
Airboat tours: The floodplain wetlands of the Mary River catchment are the key natural feature of this area and some of the most important in the country, home to thousands of Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Egrets, Ibis and a host of other birds. A morning trip out on the plains in an airboat is utterly exhilarating and the only way to truly experience this environment.
Bird watching: The Mary River catchment is home to some 236 species of bird, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. The significance of this particular property comes in the variety of habitat: black soil floodplains, paperbark swamps, savannah woodland, river mangroves and coastal beaches support an extraordinary diversity of birdlife.
Bamurru Plains
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12 Bamurru Plains at Leisure
Wildlife viewing: The floodplains and neighboring savannah woodlands host an immense variety of wildlife. Species that you might encounter include Agile Wallabies, Antilopine Wallaroos, Dingos, Estuarine Crocodiles, wild pigs and buffalo. Other species appear at night and include a variety of reptiles, possums, water monitors and other amphibians. Our open top safari vehicles provide for the best possibly viewing and are equipped so that you can enjoy a cool drink and bite to eat while out on the property.
River cruises: The Sampan River, which forms the western boundary of the station, harbors one of the largest crocodile populations in the world. Cruising amongst the mangroves in search of these prehistoric reptiles will also uncover a huge variety of birdlife.
Fishing: The Sampan River is mecca for barramundi fishermen and specialist fishing guides can be arranged for your stay. While Barramundi are the real target, offshore reefs provide one of the best spots in the country for Jewfish. This activity is seasonal, call for details.
Station activities: Bamurru is located on Swim Creek Station, one of a handful of buffalo pastoral properties in this area, and when the muster is in full swing the sight of helicopters or 'Mad Max-like' bull catchers corralling these beasts into the yards is awe inspiring. This activity is seasonal, call for details.
Bamurru Plains
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13 Travel to Sydney
Takeoff to Sydney and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: B
Day 14 Sydney In Style Tour
Depart from your Sydney hotel to discover the fabulous city of Sydney. You will travel through the business district and shopping areas, see Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town and drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coastline, see Bronte and Tamarama, then go on to explore the famous Bondi Beach. Spend 30 minutes walking the promenade or enjoying a coffee overlooking the beach.
From here, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to the Southern Headland of Sydney Harbour. Visit Watsons Bay before following the harbor foreshore towards Sydney City. You pass some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Drive through Vaucluse, Double Bay before reaching the colorful Kings Cross. Head through Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Sydney's Botanical Gardens and enjoy some spectacular Harbour Bridge and Opera House views. Return to Sydney's CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, historic convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical quarter of the 'Rocks.' Visit Sydney's Observatory Hill for amazing views over Sydney Harbour to the Blue Mountains. Drop off back at your Sydney hotel, restaurant or other city location.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: B
Day 15 Depart Sydney
Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodation to Sydney International Airport.
Meals: B
Darwin
Soak up Darwin's balmy weather and the melting pot of food and cultures in the city's many outdoor festivals and markets. Then explore the region's dramatic history - from World War II air raids to Cyclone Tracey - in the museums and galleries. Sail Darwin harbour at sunset, cruise next to crocodiles and bushwalk through monsoon forest. Swim in the crystal-clear waterholes of Litchfield National Park and visit the colourful communities of the Tiwi Islands. This vibrant, tropical capital has a youthful energy you'll find hard to resist.
Five ways to discover Darwin and its surrounds:
1. At festivals, markets and on the harbour In Darwin, the action happens outside - in markets, parks, by the beach or on boats. You can join the locals with a crate and a plate of sizzling satay at The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets from May to October. Or watch them build boats out of beer or soft drink cans at the annual Darwin Beer Can Regatta in July. At the Deckchair Cinema from April to November you can watch movies under a canopy of stars with a drink from the bar and a picnic dinner. Soak up Darwin's tropical weather with a harbourside dinner at Cullen Bay Marina or a sunset harbour cruise complete with a history lesson.
2. With wildlife and in tropical parklands
Cycle past orchids and bromeliads and traditional Aboriginal plants in George Brown Botanic Gardens. Swim, have a sunset barbecue and explore sacred Aboriginal sites at Casuarina Coastal Reserve. In Berry Springs Nature Park, you can spot birds in monsoon forest and fish in the crystal clear swimming holes. Get up close to fish, birds-of-prey, nocturnal animals and reptiles in the Territory Wildlife Park, a 45-minute drive from Darwin. Have a close crocodile encounter at Crocodylus Park, the Darwin Crocodile Farm or on a crocodile cruise along Darwin's coastal fringe and rivers.
3. Hot on the heels of history
Learn more about Darwin's rich Aboriginal heritage in the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here you can also relive the tragic Cyclone Tracy which hit Darwin on Christmas Eve in 1974. See the Chinese Temple it nearly destroyed in Litchfield Street. Darwin endured 64 Japanese air raids in World War II, and you can watch dramatic footage of the bombings and visit the bunker where Top End defense strategy was planned at East Point Military Museum. See original B52 bomber planes at the Aviation Heritage Centre and a network of walking trails leading to World War II oil tunnels around the Wharf Precinct. In Myilly Point Historical Precinct you can see some of the few surviving cottages designed by architect B.C.G Burnett in the colonial style popular before World War II.
4. Under the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park
Make time for a day trip to the waterfalls and plunge pools, wildlife and birdlife, ranges and rainforest of Litchfield National Park, a one-and-a-half hour drive from Darwin. Swim in the crystal-clear swimming hole at the base of Florence Falls and bush-walk through monsoon rain-forest to Walker Creek. Picnic next to roosting fruit bats at Wangi Falls and see sweeping valley views at Tolmer Falls. Take a wildlife cruise on the Reynolds River, part of a working cattle station. Explore this Tarzan landscape with traditional Aboriginal owners the Wagait people or peer into a pastoral past in the ruins of Blyth Homestead.
5. On a trip to the Tiwi Islands
Join in the excitement of the Tiwi Islands Grand Football Final, held every March in Nguiu. Browse and buy Tiwi art, distinctive for its strong design, decorative features and vivid colours. Take billy tea and damper tea with Tiwi ladies as they demonstrate traditional weaving and painting. Then watch them perform a traditional dance and a smoking ceremony to clear bad spirits. Catch big barramundi on a fishing tour on the Tiwi coast. You'll find a warm welcome and a lush landscape of rainforest, beaches and rock pools on Melville and Bathurst Islands, together known as the Tiwi Islands. Explore them on a day or overnight tour, traveling a 20-minute flight or two-hour ferry from Darwin.
Adelaide
This elegant city is known for its colonial stone architecture, expansive parklands, lively festivals and incredible sense of space. Explore the museums and libraries of North Terrace, dine on dedicated 'eat streets' or picnic in gardens that sprawl over almost half the city. Go bike riding in Botanic Park or row past rose gardens in Rymill Park. Swim with dolphins or learn to sail in Glenelg or fish from the jetty in Henley. Just beyond the city centre you'll find the picturesque Adelaide Hills and the world-class wineries of the Barossa Valley.
Five ways to immerse yourself in Adelaide:
1. Hit the eat streets
Sample everything from Asian fusion to Argentine cuisine in the exotic, bustling foodhalls of Chinatown. Embrace the alfresco ambience of Rundle Street in Adelaide's East End or live it up in one of the city's many elegant wine bars and fashionable restaurants. Enjoy a beach sunset with your meal in the coastal suburbs of Glenelg and Henley Beach or wind down with a wine at the National Wine Centre. If you're a fresh food addict, Adelaide Central Markets offer premium produce from growers across the state.
2. Feel green and serene in Adelaide's parks
Hire paddleboats and bikes in Elder Park or row past formal rose gardens in Rymill Park. Picnic in the local's beloved Botanic Park or cycle from the hills to the coast in River Torrens Linear Park. For serious tranquility, head to the classic Japanese oasis of Adelaide-Himjei Garden. Adelaide's 29 parks take up almost half of the city, and come with walking trails, quiet spaces and sporting fields for everything from football to archery.
3. Head for the coast
Swim with dolphins or learn to sail in Glenelg, which bustles with sidewalk cafes, alfresco dining and summer entertainment. In the beach suburb of Henley, you can fish from the jetty or go on a culinary world tour at the ethnic food stores and eateries. Explore the museums, markets and historic harbour of Port Adelaide, the city's maritime heart. Or see heritage buildings and colourful summer sideshows in family-friendly Semaphore. Further along the spectacular Le Fevre Peninsula, you can swim on protected beaches and walk one of the state's few heritage-listed jetties at Largs Bay.
4. Soak up Aboriginal and European heritage
Do a cultural tour of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens with traditional custodians the Kaurna people. You'll learn how native plants have been used for sustenance, shelter, ceremonies and medicines for thousands of years. Browse the world's largest collection of Aboriginal antiquities at the Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum and visit Tandanya, the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. Adelaide also has a proud European heritage for you to explore -in the museums and libraries of North Terrace, in Adelaide Town Hall and in Port Adelaide, the state's first declared heritage area.
5. Escape to the hills
Drive to the Adelaide Hills, where the picturesque farmlands and charming villages have inspired many generations of artists. Stay in Bavarian-inspired chalets and browse the bakeries, craft shops and galleries of Hahndorf, Australia's oldest surviving German village. Visit The Cedars, once the gracious old home and studio of famous landscape artists Sir Hans Heysen. Then hit the markets of Lobethal, a fairytale town which celebrates Christmas with metres and metres of colourful lights.
Sydney
Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Kayak under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24-7 fun.
Five Sydney Experiences Not to Miss:
1. Explore the historic Rocks
Discover Sydney’s colorful convict history in the harbourside quarter where it all began. Just five minutes from Circular Quay, you can hear stories of hangings and hauntings on a ghost tour, wander the weekend markets or climb the span of the Harbour Bridge. In amongst the maze of sandstone lanes and courtyards, you’ll find historic workman’s cottages and elegant terraces, art galleries, hotels with harbour views and Sydney’s oldest pubs. See people spill out of them onto a party on the cobblestone streets when The Rocks celebrates Australia Day on January 26th, Anzac Day on April 25th and New Years Eve.
2. Hit the world-famous harbour
Sail past the Opera House on a chartered yacht or paddle from Rose Bay in a kayak. Take a scenic cruise from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, past waterfront mansions, national parks and Shark, Clark, Rodd and Goat islands. Tour historic Fort Denison or learn about the life of Sydney’s first inhabitants, the Gadigal people, on an Aboriginal cultural cruise. Watch the harbour glitter from the green parklands of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which curves around its edge. Or take in the view from a waterfront restaurant in Mosman, on the northern side of the bridge, or Watsons Bay at South Head. Walk from Rose Bay to Vaucluse or Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay, on just some of the 16 spectacular routes hugging the harbour foreshore.
3. Visit Manly on the ferry
Travel across Sydney Harbour on a ferry to Manly, which sits between beaches of ocean surf and tranquil inner harbour. Wander through native bushland on the scenic Manly to Spit Bridge walk, learn to scuba-dive at Cabbage Tree Bay or ride a bike to Fairy Bower. Picnic at Shelly Beach on the ocean and sail or kayak from Manly Wharf round the harbour. Hire a scooter and do a round trip of northern beaches such as Narrabeen and Palm Beach. Explore the shops, bars and cafes along the bustling pine tree-lined Corso and dine at world-class restaurants with water views.
4. Enjoy café culture and top shopping in Paddington
Meander through the Saturday markets, browse fashion boutiques on bustling Oxford Street or discover the antique shops and art galleries in upmarket Woollahra. Visit the 1840s Victoria Barracks Army base, open to the public once a week, and see restored Victorian terraces on wide, leafy streets. Ride or roller-blade in huge Centennial Park, then stop for coffee and lunch on Oxford St or in the mini-village of Five Ways. Catch a movie at an art-house cinema or leaf through a novel at midnight in one of the huge bookstores. Crawl between the lively, historic pubs. They hum even more after a game at the nearby stadium or a race day, when girls and guys arrive in their crumpled trackside finery.
5. Walk from Bondi to Coogee
Take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you walk the winding, sea-sculpted sandstone cliffs between Bondi and Coogee. Swim in the famous Bondi Icebergs rock pool or just watch the swimmers with a sunset cocktail from the restaurant above. See wild waves in Tamarama, nicknamed Glamarama for the beautiful people who lie on its golden sand. From mid-October to November, the stretch from here to Bondi is transformed into an outdoor gallery for the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition. You can surf, picnic on the grass or stop for a coffee at family-friendly Bronte. Or swim, snorkel or scuba dive in Clovelly and tranquil Gordon’s Bay. See the graves of poets Henry Lawson, Dorothea Mackellar and aviator Lawrence Hargrave in Waverley Cemetery, on the edge of the cliffs. Finish your tour in the scenic, backpacker haven of Coogee.
Melbourne
Melbourne is a maze of hidden laneways, opulent bars, exclusive restaurants and off-the-beaten-track boutiques. Here you can soak up culture, hit the sporting grounds, taste the dynamic food and wine scene, dance til dawn or wander the parks and leafy boulevards. Visit Federation Square, the city's landmark cultural space, and enjoy a sunset beer on the St Kilda promenade. Shop till you drop on funky Brunswick Street or upmarket Chapel Street. Wander Southbank's cafes, bistros and bars and get a world tour of cuisines in Carlton, Richmond and Fitzroy. Take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and cheer with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Five Must-Have Melbourne Experiences:
1. Shop till you drop
Bag a bargain at the Rose Street Artist's Market and browse the funky boutiques on Brunswick Street. Buy designer labels such as Akira Isogawa and Zimmerman on Chapel Street in Prahran or in the historic Melbourne General Post Office, which covers an entire city block. For everything from fashion to furnishings at fantastic value, visit Bridge Road in Richmond. Melbourne is a shopper's haven, offering eclectic boutiques, high-end fashion, funky homeware stores and European style piazzas in the city's arcades and hidden laneways.
2. Bar hop and dance till dawn
Sip a cocktail in a converted sea container in Chinatown, enjoy a sunset beer in a St Kilda pub or listen to cabaret in lush retro surroundings in jazz bars in the city. Linger over exquisite tapas and exotic wine in a Little Collins Street bar and mingle in a pink parlour with fake grass in Bourke Street. You can party from dusk in the bars of Brunswick Street. Or dance till dawn in bars in the city's lantern-lit laneways, secret apart from the spill of coloured light under heavy brass doors.
3. Get into the gourmet goodness
Let the aroma of good coffee waft over you in Melbourne's gothic European laneways. The city is famous for its coffee and old-world café culture but there's so much more to explore. Once you've downed a 'short black' or taken an afternoon aperitif, try tea in a nineteenth-century hotel or salivate over your silver spoon in acclaimed restaurants like Nobu, Botanical and Becco. Pick up fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood at the Queen Victoria Market on a Saturday, known for its bustling crowds and buskers. Try out the restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars in Southbank or Federation Square. Make your way around Melbourne's multicultural cosmos of cuisines: Carlton for Italian classics, Richmond for budget-friendly Vietnamese and Fitzroy for Spanish tapas.
4. Fill up on culture
See a performance by the Australian Ballet, which is based here in Australia's cultural capital. Or enjoy a dazzling musical at the Princess Theatre. Browse the Southern Hemisphere's best collection of international art at the National Gallery of Victoria. Or visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square, a landmark cultural 'space' for Melbournians. Challenge yourself with the creative collections in the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank. To learn more about Melbourne's Aboriginal cultural heritage, see contemporary and dreamtime art or take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
5. Go sports mad
Cheer for an Australian Rules Football game with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over winter. Go cricket mad in summer, when the city hosts the Ashes and one day internationals. Or join the huge crowds watching the Australian Tennis Open at Melbourne Park. Rev heads head to Melbourne in March for the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Albert Park. And whether you are a racing fan or just a casual punter, you won't want to miss the Melbourne Cup - the world's richest horse race on the first Tuesday in November.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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