Australia & Middle East Family Adventure – February 15 – March 12, 2026

Day 1: London → Doha → Perth

Morning: Depart London Heathrow Terminal 4 on Qatar Airways QR108, settling into seats 16A/17D. The flight offers comfortable service and a scenic view of the English countryside before take‑off.

Afternoon: Arrive at Doha Hamad International Airport at 01:40 am, clear immigration and enjoy a brief layover with access to the luxurious lounges.

Evening: Continue on Qatar Airways QR900 and land in Perth Terminal 1 at 18:45, where you will collect your hire car from Bargain Car Rentals.

Day 2‑7: Exploring Perth

Morning: Each day begin with a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation, then drive to iconic sites such as Kings Park and Fremantle Markets for strolling and photo‑ops.

Afternoon: Enjoy cultural experiences at the Art Gallery of Western Australia and relax on the golden sands of Cottesloe Beach.

Evening: Dine at waterfront restaurants in Elizabeth Quay and unwind with sunset views over the Swan River.

Day 8: Perth → Melbourne

Morning: Return the hire car at Perth Airport and board Jetstar flight JQ973 to Melbourne (departure 09:30, arrival 16:05).

Afternoon: Collect a second hire car from Bargain Car Rentals at Melbourne Airport and drive to your temporary accommodation.

Evening: Settle into the city, perhaps taking a stroll along the vibrant laneways of Melbourne’s Central Business District.

Day 9‑10: Bendigo & Yarra Valley

Morning: Travel to Bendigo to meet Jen & Martin at the Pearle & Sage Tan Centre, 103 Mitchell Street.

Afternoon: Continue north to the Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley for the wedding festivities and check into the two standard queen rooms.

Evening: Celebrate the wedding dinner, enjoying local wines and the estate’s scenic vineyards.

Day 11‑13: Bendigo Stay

Morning: Explore historic Bendigo, visiting the Bendigo Art Gallery and the Central Deborah Gold Mine.

Afternoon: Relax at the family’s rented house (21 Irontree Close) and catch up with relatives.

Evening: Enjoy home‑cooked meals or dine at nearby eateries such as Hickory’s Bar & Grill.

Day 14‑16: Melbourne – ACD Apartments

Morning: Return the hire car at Melbourne Terminal 2 and check into the ACD Apartments in Docklands, featuring a 2‑bed, 2‑bath executive suite.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Federation Square and the National Gallery of Victoria for a cultural immersion.

Evening: Experience Melbourne’s culinary scene at Southbank precinct, with riverside dining and live entertainment.

Day 17‑18: Doha Return

Morning: Pack up and depart Melbourne Terminal 2 on Qatar Airways QR989, arriving in Doha for a brief layover.

Afternoon: Check into the Riviera Rayhann by Rotana, a family connecting room with B&B included.

Evening: Unwind at the hotel’s lounge and explore nearby souks for souvenirs.

Day 19: Doha → London

Morning: Relax at the hotel and enjoy a final breakfast in Doha.

Afternoon: Depart Doha Terminal 4 on Qatar Airways QR3, heading back to London Heathrow.

Evening: Arrive at London Heathrow at 12:15 pm, concluding the journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• London Heathrow Airport – 2 hrs – £30 (airport fees & transport)
• Doha Hamad International Airport (layover) – 2 hrs – £20 (lounge access)
• Perth (Kings Park, Fremantle, Cottesloe) – 6 hrs – £150 (activities & meals)
• Melbourne (city tour, Docklands) – 5 hrs – £120 (transport & entry fees)
• Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley (wedding) – 8 hrs – £300 (accommodation & events)
• Bendigo (art gallery, gold mine) – 4 hrs – £80 (tickets & transport)
• Riviera Rayhann by Rotana Doha – 2 hrs – £200 (room & B&B)
• Flights (London‑Doha‑Perth, Perth‑Melbourne, Melbourne‑Doha‑London) – 24 hrs – £2 200 (economy class)
• Hire Car (Perth & Melbourne) – 7 days – £350 (rental & fuel)
• Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips, incidentals) – – – £200
Total Estimated Cost: £3 550

Tips

To extend the adventure, add an extra day in Perth to visit Rottnest Island or a wine tour in the Margaret River region. For a shorter trip, skip the Bendigo stay and fly directly from Perth to Melbourne, reducing travel time by two days while still experiencing the key highlights of each city.