Australia
Tasmania and pearls of southern Australia
Réf : OAUTASX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration20 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationOceania / Australia
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions8313.97 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
An unforgettable journey through South Australia and Tasmania! From Melbourne to Sydney, via the spectacular landscapes of the Great Ocean Road, Tasmania's national parks, and the beaches of Wineglass Bay, this tour blends urban exploration, wilderness, and scenic walks. Between a Gordon River cruise, encounters with local wildlife, hikes up Cradle Mountain, and panoramic views of the Blue Mountains, each stop reveals a new facet of Australia. We explore the cities of Melbourne, Hobart, and Sydney while enjoying a gentle immersion in Australian nature. A varied itinerary, ideal for a first-time visit to this continent-country.
The highlights
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The legendary Great Ocean Road and its spectacular scenery
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Tasmania in depth: between national park, beaches and mountains
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Cruise on the Gordon River in the heart of Tasmania's wild landscapes
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
The expert's opinion
Level 1 : This circuit is accessible to anyone in good health. The hikes are short, on well-marked trails, with minimal elevation gain. To fully enjoy the trip, a little regular physical activity before departure is recommended.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 1h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 67 m
- Average daily descent: 67 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
English
French
English
Supervisor
Supervisor
Based in Australia for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you'll be accompanied by our adventure guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature.
You will be accompanied by a local French-speaking guide and several non-French-speaking drivers for transfers.
Program
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Departure from France
- Transportation Plane - 20h - 13800km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight with a stopover to Melbourne.Day 1 -
Arrival in Australia
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome to Australia! We arrive in Melbourne and are met at the airport. Transfer to the hotel to rest after the flight. Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, is a vibrant city known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, colorful street art, renowned cafes, and blend of historic and modern architecture. Depending on our arrival time, we'll enjoy a first glimpse of the city by strolling through its lively streets or savoring a coffee in one of its many popular establishments. Welcome dinner with our guide.Day 2 -
Guided tour of Melbourne
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, we're off for a full day exploring Melbourne, a vibrant city where history, culture, and modernity intertwine. Accompanied by our French-speaking guide, we'll explore iconic neighborhoods, admire the unique architecture, and discover the cosmopolitan atmosphere that gives the city its charm. We'll enjoy stunning panoramic views from must-see vantage points and be captivated by the lively streets, art galleries, markets, and verdant parks. Depending on the day's itinerary, we may have the opportunity to visit historical sites, stroll along the Yarra River, or explore the iconic landmarks that have made Melbourne famous.Day 3 -
Free day in Melbourne
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, we're enjoying a free day to explore Melbourne at our own pace. We'll stroll through the lively laneways of Fitzroy or Collingwood, where trendy cafes, independent boutiques, and street art blend seamlessly with the local vibe. If you're interested in art and culture, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Museum offer fascinating exhibitions. For a nature break, we'll settle into the Royal Botanic Gardens and savor a relaxing moment in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, we'll hop aboard a historic tram to discover other iconic neighborhoods, such as St Kilda with its picturesque beach and pier, or South Melbourne and its famous market. Food lovers can explore the city's restaurants and food courts to sample local and international specialties. To end the day, why not catch a show at one of Melbourne's renowned theaters or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the downtown laneways?Day 4 -
Great Ocean Road
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We begin our day early in Melbourne, embarking on the iconic Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most spectacular scenic drives. Throughout the journey, we enjoy breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and the Southern Ocean. We stop at the famous Twelve Apostles and explore them with a short 1km round-trip walk. We also explore Loch Ard Gorge, a site steeped in history and boasting impressive landscapes. After a leisurely lunch break in Apollo Bay, we delve into the heart of the Otway Rainforest for a 1km loop walk among ancient trees. Along the way, we spot koalas and colorful birds at Kennett River or Lorne. As the day draws to a close, we take one last look at the stunning coastal panoramas before heading back to Melbourne, arriving in the evening with unforgettable memories of this Great Ocean Road adventure.Day 5 -
Melbourne - Hobart
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, our driver will pick us up and take us to the airport. We'll board our flight to Tasmania. Upon arrival, we'll be transferred to our accommodation. After settling in, we'll embark on an initial exploration of the city, enjoying a panoramic tour that will allow us to learn more about its history, architecture, and unique atmosphere. Afterwards, we'll have some free time to relax or continue exploring at our own pace.Day 6 -
Hobart - Strahan
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today we're driving through approximately 2.6 km of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, a wooded area crisscrossed by clear rivers. We'll stop in Queenstown to explore the town, then head towards Strahan, located near Macquarie Harbour.Day 7 -
Strahan - Cradle Mountain
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Cruise along the Gordon River this morning. Then we head north to Zeehan, which was a bustling mining town in the 1900s. Next, we arrive at Cradle Mountain National Park, a beautiful area with superb high mountain hiking trails and alpine lakes.Day 8 -
Cradle Mountain
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We take our time exploring the trails and enjoying the magnificent scenery of Cradle Mountain National Park. We choose the "Dove Lake Circuit": a 6 km loop with minimal elevation gain. It takes about two hours to walk around the lake and enjoy stunning panoramic views.Day 9 -
Cradle Mountain - Lauceston
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today, we head east from Mole Creek, stopping at Marakoopa Cave to see its glowworm exhibit. We then continue to Lauceston and spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent Cataract Falls on a roughly 3 km hike.Day 10 -
Launceston - St Helens
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 150km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 0h30
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We leave Launceston and drive to Scottsdale. As we approach Pyengana, we stop for a short walk of about 1 km to St. Columba Falls and sample some delicious local cheese. Then we continue east to the charming town of St. Helens. This small fishing port, famous for its lobsters, offers many activities, such as visiting the gardens and coastal reserves of the Bay of Fires near Binalong Bay.Day 11 -
St Helens to Freycinet
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 100km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today we drive through the towns of Scamander and St Marys. We stop at Elephant Pass and take the coastal road from Falmouth to the Chain of Lagoons. We also visit the small town of Bicheno, then drive south through Coles Bay to Freycinet National Park.Day 12 -
Freycinet
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
During this free day without a guide, you can relax or choose from three hikes: The Wineglass Bay Lookout is a 2.6 km (1.5 mi) round-trip hike, doable in 1 to 1.5 hours with an average elevation gain of 150 meters (500 feet). This well-maintained trail leads to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the famous crescent-shaped bay. For a more immersive experience, the Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach Circuit offers an 11 km (7 mi) route that takes 4 to 5 hours. With a moderate elevation gain of 200 meters (1250 feet), this loop allows you to discover the beautiful Wineglass Bay beach before crossing the peninsula to the tranquil Hazards Beach. Finally, for those seeking a challenge, the ascent of Mount Amos is a demanding 3.6 km (1.5 mi) round-trip route, requiring 2 to 3 hours of hiking. With a steep elevation gain of 400 meters (1,500 feet) and some rugged sections, this trail leads to a summit offering breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding coastline.Day 13 -
Freycinet in Hobart
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 150km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We leave Freycinet and stop near Swansea to visit a local vineyard or berry farm. We arrive in Hobart by crossing the River Derwent and following the Tasman Highway. We make a detour to the historic village of Richmond to learn more about Tasmania's colonial history.Day 14 -
Free day in Hobart
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today, we're enjoying a free day to explore Hobart at our own pace. We'll start by strolling through the historic Battery Point district, with its charming sandstone houses and characterful alleyways. Next, we'll head to the famous Salamanca Market (on Saturdays) to explore its stalls selling local crafts, fresh produce, and Tasmanian specialties. If you're interested in contemporary art, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) offers a unique and surprising experience, accessible by ferry from the harbor. In the afternoon, we'll explore Mount Wellington for panoramic views of the city and the Derwent Estuary. Nature lovers can also explore the hiking trails of the Kunanyi/Mount Wellington Nature Reserve or relax in the Royal Botanic Gardens. To end the day on a sweet note, we enjoy dinner by the water in one of the waterfront restaurants, savoring local seafood while admiring the sunset over the port.Day 15 -
Hobart to Sydney
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We take our flight from Hobart to Sydney, with our French-speaking guide. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the Vibe Hotel Sydney, and then we will enjoy a guided tour of Sydney in the afternoon.Day 16 -
Sydney
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We begin our adventure with an early departure from Sydney, heading west towards the magnificent Blue Mountains. Along the way, we pass through charming towns and verdant landscapes before reaching this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. We stop at spectacular viewpoints, such as Echo Point, to admire the Three Sisters rock formation, with a 30-minute return walk covering approximately 1 km. The panorama over the Jamison Valley is breathtaking. We enjoy a guided bushwalk, where we discover the region's unique flora and fauna. We pause at Scenic World for optional experiences such as the cable car, inclined train, or skybridge (at an additional cost), offering a different perspective on the site's natural beauty. We stop for lunch in a nearby town or café before continuing our exploration. We then make a detour to Featherdale Wildlife Park to get up close to iconic Australian animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. Next, we embark on the Wentworth Falls Walk: a 4 km loop with a moderate elevation gain (approximately 200 m). Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy the waterfalls and spectacular views of the valley. On the return journey, we relax on a pleasant drive back to Sydney, arriving in the evening with unforgettable memories of the Blue Mountains.Day 17 -
Free day in Sydney
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We take advantage of our free day to explore Sydney, an iconic city that charms visitors with its pleasant atmosphere and accessibility. The city is brimming with attractions, three of which are must-sees: the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and its magnificent harbors. We take the time to discover Sydney Harbour, the true heart of the city. Stretching over 20 km, this harbor is a haven of peace with its islands, coves, and beaches, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Our hotel, ideally located in the vibrant Rocks district, puts us close to cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as major attractions such as the city center, the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and museums, all within walking distance. For a coastal excursion, we take a bus or taxi to the famous Bondi Beach. After enjoying the beach, we set off on a pleasant hike along the Bondi-Coogee Coastal Trail, which winds along spectacular cliffs. This 2- to 2.5-hour walk offers exceptional views of beaches, parks, cliffs, coves, and natural pools, while passing through urban neighborhoods. For a unique experience, we ascend to the top of one of the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons (entrance fee: $19) and admire breathtaking views of the city and the harbor. Finally, at the end of the day, we participate in a Twilight Ascent of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a memorable adventure to conclude this beautiful day in style.Day 18 -
Departure from Sydney
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After wonderful days spent exploring Australia, it's time to say goodbye to our French-speaking guide. We are transferred to Sydney International Airport for our return flight, with precious travel memories.Day 19 -
Arrival in France
- Transportation Plane - 20h - 13788km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Return flight, arrival during the day.Day 20
Note
This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
🏨 3-star hotel - Days 2 to 18
Access
Departure
Melbourne
Day 1
: 00h00
End of stay
Melbourne
Day 20
- 23h59
TRAVEL WITHIN THE COUNTRY:
- Road routes taken in a private vehicle
- Domestic flights between Melbourne and Hobart on Day 6, and between Hobart and Sydney on Day 16
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isMEL - Melbourne - Aéroport de Tullamarine
INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT:
For flights to Australia, we use scheduled flights departing from Paris (operating year-round at fixed times). You will primarily fly with the following airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific... Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may also offer you other airlines than those mentioned above.
The outbound flights are overnight, arriving the following day at the destination. The return flights are also overnight.
Departures from other provincial cities are possible, subject to an additional charge.
IMPORTANT: This information is for guidance only. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, the airlines may differ from those listed above.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Accommodation
- Breakfasts and some dinners
- Private vehicle transport
- Gordon River Cruise
- Visit to the glowworms of the Marakoopa cave
- French-speaking tour guide
- All entries into the National Parks of the program
The price does not include
- Meals are not included as indicated in the program.
- Visa fees (see 'visa' section)
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Tips
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Sunglasses (minimum category 3)
- Toiletry bag
- Microfiber bath towel
- Sunscreen cream (face and lips)
- Mosquito repellent cream
- Walking sticks for hiking (optional)
- Gourd
Clothing to bring
Depending on the time of year, pack clothing appropriate for the season. Southern Australia experiences seasons that are reversed compared to the Northern Hemisphere:
- Summer (December to February): Hot to very hot
- Autumn (March to May): Temperatures begin to drop after the summer.
- Winter (June to August): Temperatures can be cool, especially in the south.
- Spring (September to November): Temperatures begin to rise.
For example, consider:
- Lightweight walking shoes
- Sandals
- Socks
- Underwear
- Swimsuit
- Flowy trousers
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Shorts or Bermuda shorts
- T-shirts
- Light shirt and warm shirt
- Sweater or fleece
- Waterproof windproof jacket (for the coldest evenings)
- Hat, scarf, cap
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1436 reviews)
• 445 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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