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Visit Sydney and Melbourne on an 11-Day, 8-Night Australian Vacation

Located in the south-easternmost part of Australia, both Sydney and Melbourne are home to world-renowned cultural institutions and stylish restaurants and bars. On this 11-day, 8-night Australian vacation, you’ll get a chance to explore both cities at your leisure.

The trip also includes accommodations at upscale Travelodge Hotels and airfare on Virgin Australia from Los Angeles to Sydney, Sydney to Melbourne, and Melbourne back to Los Angeles. Other departure cities are available for an additional fee; click here for a list.

Travelers will be responsible for their own airport transfers. Click here to view a detailed trip itinerary.

Days 1–6: Sydney

With its sunny weather essentially year-round, Sydney is a city best experienced outside. That’s easy to do—you can go sailing across Sydney Harbour, walk the Royal Botanic Gardens, or take a surfing lesson on the epic waves at Bondi Beach. Even a lot of the shopping here takes place outdoors; look no further than Paddington Markets, an open-air bazaar where more than 150 stalls sell art, clothing, and crafts every Saturday.

Accommodations: Four nights at Travelodge Sydney Hotel
Art and culture: The iconic Sydney Opera House plays host to more that 40 shows a week spanning multiple genres, including opera, theater, and dance.
Local wildlife: Thousands of humpback and southern right whales migrate past Sydney Harbour from May to November; you can take a whale-watching tour to get an up-close look.
Spend a day at: the Sydney Harbour islands. Hop on a ferry and visit these six small islands with breathtaking scenery and lots of military history.

Days 7–11: Melbourne

Many regard Melbourne as Australia’s most stylish city. Collins Street, laden with high-end boutiques and stunning Victorian-era buildings, is a good barometer for what’s fashionable here. You can get a feel for Melbourne’s multicultural background at its major festivals, which are held throughout the year.

Accommodations: Four nights at Travelodge Southbank Melbourne Hotel
Art and culture: Melbourne has more than 100 art galleries, including the National Gallery of Victoria, which houses a large collection of Australian Aboriginal art.
Shopping: Browse hundreds of stalls selling local produce, seafood, and artisanal crafts at the open-air Queen Victoria Market in downtown Melbourne.
Spend a day at: Healesville Sanctuary. It’s home to koalas, kangaroos, and emus; at its 70-acre wildlife sanctuary you can touch and hold some of the animals.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.