Australia Highlights & Rotary Adventure
- Tour code
AUSADV02
- Start
Sydney
- End
Melbourne
- Min. age
16 years old
- Group size
Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style
Explorer
- Trip pace
Active
- Language
English
This trip pairs three of Australia's great cities with the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne. It begins in Sydney with the harbor, the Southern Beaches and a guided tour of the Opera House, followed by an evening dinner cruise under the city lights.
A second day in Sydney goes deeper: Aboriginal heritage sites in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, then a visit to an oyster farm for a tasting straight from the water. From there you fly to Adelaide, South Australia's festival and wine capital, for the German-settled village of Hahndorf, a koala encounter at Cleland Wildlife Park, the d'Arenberg Cube and a hands-on wine blending class in McLaren Vale.
The second half is in Melbourne, where convention plenaries, the opening and closing ceremonies, the House of Friendship and a district fellowship gathering sit alongside optional city tours, a foodie walk and a hot air balloon flight over the city. A farewell dinner and a free day round things off.
Private coach transfers connect the airports and hotels, and your Soca Islands Host looks after the timings, so you can focus on the sights and the fellowship.
Why This Journey
Traveling to a Rotary International Convention is a big trip, and it makes sense to see more of the host country while you're there. This journey turns the convention week into a wider look at Australia: Sydney's harbor and Indigenous heritage, Adelaide's wineries and wildlife, and Melbourne's food and lanes, with the logistics handled between each stop.
It suits Rotarians and their companions who want convention time and sightseeing in one package, traveling with a small group that shares the same purpose. The convention days keep their own rhythm, with optional tours if you'd rather explore.
Where You'll Stay
Sydney (2 nights): PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, a short walk from the waterfront and ICC Sydney. Adelaide (2 nights): Crowne Plaza Adelaide, on Hindmarsh Square near Rundle Mall. Melbourne: AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, close to the convention centre and South Wharf. Proposed accommodation (or similar), subject to confirmation. Rooms are based on two people sharing a double room with two beds.
Getting There
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. The trip begins at Sydney Airport (SYD) and ends at Melbourne Airport (MEL); arrival and departure airport transfers are included. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
What you will see and do
Sydney Harbor & Opera House Tour
Adelaide Hills & Wildlife Encounters
Melbourne & Rotary International Convention
What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Accommodations in double rooms
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
One farewell group activity when possible
Max 16 travellers per group
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Group transportation
What's excluded
- International flights (travellers arrange their own)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Meals not listed as included
- Optional activities
- Single room supplement (single rooms on request, subject to availability)
- Extra hotel nights before or after the trip
Group itinerary
Touch down at Sydney Airport, where a private coach transfers you to the hotel to check in and have breakfast. Then it's straight into the city on a City Sights and Southern Beaches tour, taking in harbor views, the beaches and Sydney's best-known landmarks.
Next comes a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, inside and out. The day ends on the water with the Magistic Express Dinner Cruise, dining as the harbor and bridge light up around you.
Head north to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where a guided tour visits significant Aboriginal sites and explains their cultural and historical importance to the area's Traditional Owners.
Afterwards, visit a Sydney oyster farm for a generous tasting: 18 premium oysters per person, fresh tiger prawns and an in-water oyster tasting, with drinks to match.
A private coach takes you to the airport for the flight to Adelaide, South Australia's wine and festival capital, where a coach meets you for the transfer to the hotel.
Spend the day on a City Sights and Hahndorf tour, with lunch in the Adelaide Hills, then visit Cleland Wildlife Park for a private koala encounter and the chance to get close to some of Australia's best-known wildlife.
Visit the d'Arenberg Cube, a striking five-story building rising from the vineyards, and its Alternative Realities Museum, where art, architecture and wine meet. A hands-on blending class follows, and you'll take home your own 750 ml bottle.
Lunch is at Maxwell Winery, then the day finishes with a tasting at Wirra Wirra Winery.
A private coach transfers you to the airport for the flight to Melbourne, where a coach takes you to the hotel in Southbank.
The rest of the day is free to settle in, explore the riverside at your own pace or get ready for the Rotary International Convention.
Start with a plenary session, followed by a special luncheon event. In the afternoon, choose between an optional session or a guided tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The day wraps up with hospitality at the host club, with free time afterwards to explore the city.
Begin with a plenary session or an optional Melbourne Foodies Tour. Continue with either a session or a Melbourne City Sights Tour, then spend time around South Wharf.
The rest of the day is yours to relax or join optional activities around the city.
The convention's opening ceremony sets the tone for the day. Afterwards, explore the House of Friendship to meet Rotarians from around the world.
Later, take part in a district fellowship gathering, a chance to mingle with participants from across the region.
Begin early with a hot air balloon flight over Melbourne, watching the city and its surroundings wake up beneath you.
Later, join a celebratory luncheon before the closing ceremony, then gather for a farewell dinner with the group.
A full day at leisure to shop, revisit a favorite neighborhood or explore Melbourne's laneways, galleries and cafés independently before the journey home.
A coach transfers you from the hotel to Melbourne Airport for your early morning flight home, with memories of Australia and the Rotary Convention.
Accommodations
Here's a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour sits on Day Street on the city side of Darling Harbour, a few minutes' walk from the waterfront, ICC Sydney and the shops and offices of the CBD. Town Hall station and the light rail are close by, which makes it easy to get around Sydney between group activities.
On site are BARKERS restaurant, ABODE Bistro and Bar, in-room dining and meeting spaces, and Club floor rooms come with lounge access overlooking Darling Harbour.
Rooms are 31 m² (334 ft²), with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds.
Hotel website
Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Crowne Plaza Adelaide overlooks Hindmarsh Square in the east of the city centre, within walking distance of Rundle Mall, the East End's restaurants and the North Terrace museums and galleries. It is a convenient base for day trips to the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale.
The hotel has more than 300 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, a fitness centre and on-site dining, with rooms looking over the square, the city or towards the Adelaide Hills.
Rooms are 23–40 m² (248–431 ft²), with a king-size bed or two double beds.
Hotel websiteAC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank
AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank is in Southbank, close to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, South Melbourne Market and the Arts Precinct, with trams into the CBD nearby. Its 205 rooms and suites look over the city skyline or the Yarra River.
Breakfast is served at Sorolla, there is a Triana Bar and AC Lounge for evenings, an outdoor infinity-edge pool with a pool bar, and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Rooms
- Included
Shared double
Shared with the person you book with, or a fellow traveller of the same sex.
- Extra cost
Single room
A room to yourself, subject to availability.
You choose your room when you book.
Tour FAQS
The trip begins at Sydney Airport (SYD) and ends at Melbourne Airport (MEL).
Proposed accommodation is PARKROYAL Darling Harbour in Sydney, Crowne Plaza Adelaide in Adelaide and AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank in Melbourne (or similar hotels), subject to confirmation.
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
Yes. Arrival and departure airport transfers are included, along with the private coach transfers between the hotels and airports shown in the itinerary. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
The trip includes 10 breakfasts and 1 lunch, plus the meals described in the itinerary as part of included activities. Meals not listed as included are at your own cost.
Extra nights can be requested, subject to hotel availability; contact our Customer Experience team for a quote.
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3. Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Would you like to learn more or customise our Australia Highlights & Rotary Adventure trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
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