Australian Grand Prix & Coastal Adventure

Greeted at the airport, you’ll be taken to your chosen hotel. Spend your first day by the pool soaking up the sun, take a stroll along ‘The Walk’ and relish in the many restaurants and bars or visit the traditional Gold Souks and discover the unique jewellery on offer. 

Be amazed as you are taken on a journey 555 metres high to the top of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Look out to panoramic views of Downtown Dubai, the Arabian Gulf and the rolling sand dunes of the Arabian Desert – a truly amazing experience! 

Explore the famous Dubai Mall, offering endless restaurants, designer shops, an ice rink and even an indoor aquarium! Step outside and witness the Dubai Fountain perform to bright lights and loud music – a unique performance that’s one to remember! 

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Dubai

Included activities: Burj Khalifa - Ticket to the top

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Dune Desert Safari

Travel Designers recommendation: Be sure to book a table on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency, home to Dubai's only rooftop revolving restaurant - Al Dawaar. Get 360 degree views of the city in just under two hours. 

Relax and enjoy your flight, next stop – Australia.

Arrive at your chosen hotel and spend the day exploring Melbourne, the world’s most liveable city. Discover the city’s hive of bustling, creative laneways, rustic tapas restaurants and unique wine bars.

Accommodation: Travelodge Hotel, Southbank

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Wilson's Promotory National Park tour, Marvellous Melbourne tour, Colonial Tramcar, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Hot air balloon over Melbourne or Yarra Valley, Yarra Valley Wine Experience, Neighbours tour

Travel Designers recommendation: We recommend booking a table at the Scopri restaurant on Nicholson Street. The Capretto Rustico is delicious! 

Today the fun really starts, head over to Albert Park Grand Prix circuit, known for its unique atmosphere and excitement to which no other circuit can compare. Enjoy the four day action-packed extravaganza with a spot in the Schumacher or Waite Grandstand. Located between the final two turns of the circuit, the Schumacher Grandstand is where you will witness the world’s best braking and accelerating as they line up for the final corner. With super screen showings, the adrenalin will be pumping as you’ll be sure not to miss a beat from this buzzing stand. The Waite Grandstand offers views of the most dramatic corners of the track and the switchback between turns 10 and 11.

Accommodation: Travelodge Hotel, Southbank

Included activities: Grand Prix tickets package*

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Get stuck in to the action and upgrade to the ultimate Piquet Premium or Ricciardo Premium Grandstand Ticket from £210 per person.

Travel Designers recommendation: Make sure you get to the circut early to secure the best seats in the Grandstand. Don't forget your suncream!

Check out of your hotel, pick up your car (unfortunately not a Formula 1 race car!) and start your journey down the breath-taking Great Ocean Road. Travel through Torquay, the surfing town of Victoria, before reaching Apollo Bay. Dine in one of the many oceanfront, al fresco restaurants and relax with a crisp glass of wine as the sun sets on the powdered tranquil beach.

Continue along down the scenic Great Ocean Road and be sure to stop off at the Port Campbell National Park, home to the extraordinary twelve apostles. Spend some time stretching your legs on one of the many short walks leading to lookouts with spectacular ocean views. Carry on to Port Fairy, a charming fishing village boasting stone churches and nineteenth century cottages. 

Get your day started with a delicious breakfast and set off for the rugged coastal town of Robe. Pass through the rolling hills of Lower Glenelg National Park and break up the journey with a spot of Canoeing on the Glenelg River, or perhaps explore the natural beauty of the Princess Margaret Rose Cave. Arrive in Robe for the evening.

Enjoy a sunny morning walk along one of the secluded beaches where you may be lucky enough to spot the cute little penguins, also known as fairy penguins due to their size. Head along the coast towards the Barossa, home to an array of vineyards offering tours and cellar-door tastings. Why not make the most of the delightful wines on offer and book a private tasting tour or sample some of the region’s edible delights. 

For more information, visit the Great Ocean Road self-drive itinerary.

Accommodation: Great Ocean Road self-drive

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Upgrade to the boutique package from £300 per person and enjoy idylic accommodation throughout your Great Ocean Road self-drive.

Travel Designers recommendation: Grab a mint chocolate chop ice cream from Dooley's and head to the sunny, sandy beach. Pure bliss!

Why not end your wine country experience on a high and hop on a hot air balloon, taking in the stunning views of the never ending vineyards below before carrying on to Adelaide? This evening, try out the buzzing East End bars and sip on South Australia’s unique blend of craft beer and premium spirits. 

Perhaps take up some shopping down the sophisticated Rundle Street, visit the impressive Art Gallery of South Australia or discover the bustling food culture at the Adelaide Central Markets.

Accommodation: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Flerieu Explorer, Adelaide City tour, Murray River Highlights, Temptation Dolphin Swim

Travel Designers recommendation: Hop on one of the many bikes at the depots dotted around the centre, a great way to explore the mostly flat city - and it's free!

Make your way down to Cape Jervis and board a ferry for the short ride over to the nature lover’s paradise, Kangaroo Island. Pick up a map and explore the island at your own pace.  

Discover the sea-lion colony at picturesque Seal Bay, admire the Remarkable Rocks and meet an abundance of friendly wildlife that calls the island home. Take a quad bike tour, hire a bike to explore or enjoy one of the island’s spectacular walking trails in Flinders Chase National Park. At dusk and dawn the wildlife roams freely so please take extra care whilst driving at these times! 

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Upgrade to the luxury Southern Ocean Lodge for your own personalised Kangaroo Island itinerary and ultimate gourmet experience. 

Travel Designers recommendation: Visit the Kangaroo Island brewery for a tasty sample of ginger wheat beer and Sheoak Stout.

Board the ferry back to Cape Jervis and journey back to Adelaide. Spend the evening at leisure before your onward travels.

Check out of your accommodation and make your way to the airport. Alternatively, why not speak to one of our Travel Designers about extending your stay in Australia?

Accommodation: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Flerieu Explorer, Adelaide City tour, Murray River Highlights, Temptation Dolphin Swim

Travel Designers recommendation: We recommend a visit to the Haigh's Chocolate shop, a perfect last minute stop to buy sweet gifts for your loved ones back home.

*Schumacher Grandstand or Waite Grandstand – all four days of the event.