Koala Tree Planting & City Splendor
This 7-day itinerary gives you a rare opportunity to plant eucalyptus trees as part of a habitat recovery program, helping the local koala population thrive long into the future! Paired with time in the must-see cities of Melbourne and Sydney, this is the perfect combination of wildlife conservation and a classic Aussie experience!
Itinerary & Adventure Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Melbourne
On arrival in Melbourne, transfer to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure relaxing from your flight or explore the city on your own. You may want to visit some classic Melbourne icons, such as the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, the Eureka Tower Skydeck for sweeping city views, or the bustling Victoria Market.
2 nights Melbourne
Day 2: Melbourne
Spend today exploring Melbourne! We will make recommendations for today’s experiences based upon your interests. Some of our favorite things to do in Melbourne include a guided walking tour through Melbourne’s beautiful back streets and arcades, biking around the city with a local, a Victoria Market foodie tour, or a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the city.
If you prefer venturing out of the city, you could spend the day on a gourmet wine and food tour in the Yarra Valley or taking in the dramatic coastal scenery and seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road. Alternatively, you may want to witness the Little Penguin march at Phillip Island, it’s truly a sight to behold!
Day 3: Koala Tree Planting
Koalas all over Australia have been affected by bushfires, and your work to plant trees will help their habitat recover, and give them a better future! This morning, you’ll travel about an hour west of Melbourne to a tree planting site near the You Yangs Ranges, along rivers, creeks and near waterholes on farms. The planting is quick and easy, with prepared holes in the high-quality, fertile sites, and you’ll likely be in the company of the landowner, local community members and Koala Clancy Foundation volunteers and staff.
Your operator on this tree-planting expedition is the primary supporter of the non-profit Koala Clancy Foundation “inspiring travellers and local communities to help ensure a future for wild koalas.” The foundation was established in 2015 to support wild koalas, particularly around the You Yangs and on the Western Plains of Victoria. The Foundation has planted close to 10,000 koala trees around the You Yangs so far…every tree counts!
After a picnic lunch, you’ll check into your B&B accommodation, and then head out on afternoon nature walks to see the koalas that will benefit from your tree planting efforts. Dinner at the nearby pub will be a true Aussie experience!
1 night country B&B
Day 4: Koala Tree Planting to Melbourne
Your morning will be dedicated to more tree planting in this beautifully remote farmland area, followed by a picnic-style lunch. This afternoon is dedicated to nature walks as you seek out the local wildlife, including mobs of wild kangaroos, tall and majestic emus, and a multitude of bird species.
The You Yangs Regional Park supports a rich variety of plant species, and provides a range of habitats for wildlife. Visitors have been witness to more than 200 species of birds, not to mention the ever-popular koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, brush-tail possums, echidnas and lizards.
After a most satisfying day of nature and wildlife, you’ll return to your hotel in Melbourne late afternoon.
1 night Melbourne
Day 5: Melbourne to Sydney
Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Sydney, where you will transfer to a centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is the perfect time to become acquainted with this beautiful city. Some of our favorite experiences include touring the Sydney Opera House, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, exploring the city or harbor via a hop-on hop-off ferry or bus pass, biking around the city with a local guide, or venturing out on a fabulous coastal walks.
2 nights Sydney
Day 6: Sydney
With a full day to explore Sydney or the surrounding area, your options are abundant! Anything from taking a surfing lesson at Bondi Beach to hiking in the World Heritage Blue Mountains, or even indulging in a gourmet harbor cruise. We will match you with the perfect experience for today!
Day 7: Depart Sydney
Transfer to the Sydney airport for your onward flight.