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highlights of australia

16-Day Trip Throughout Australia

Australia is a melting pot of experiences – from the bushlands to the beach, to the red sand deserts and endless horizons. A land of contrasts. A land of breathtaking diversity. Explore the stunning cityscape of Sydney with views of the Sydney Harbor and world-famous Sydney Opera House. Venture into the Blue Mountains – teeming with Australian native wildlife, flora and fauna. Find yourself in awe of Uluru – the heart of the ‘Red Center’ and one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks. Your Aussie Adventure ends with a splash in the waters off Lizard Island, a private island with access to the Great Barrier Reef. Spend your days enjoying paradise with activities on the Reef, on land or relaxing at your luxury resort.

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Sydney: Welcome to Sydney, Australia! After clearing immigration and customs, you will met by your representative and transferred to your hotel of choice. Choose Four Seasons Sydney where you will experience unrivaled views of the Sydney Harbor or Capella Sydney where history and contemporary meet in the historical heart of Sydney. Overnight at Four Seasons Sydney (Luxury) or Capella Sydney (Deluxe).

Day 2 – Sydney: This morning you will be met at your accommodation by your private guide and vehicle for your exclusive tour highlighting the best of Sydney and its beautiful Harbor. Start your day touring the city center. Explore The Rocks area and some of the first streets established as part of Sydney’s original urban plan. Hear how the city was developed and what makes it so unique on a global scale. Drive through the Royal Botanic Gardens and visit Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Take in incredible views of Sydney Harbor, the Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. See St Mary’s Cathedral, one of the finest examples of English-style Gothic churches in the world.

Continue on toward the iconic coastline, driving through the beautiful and highly sought after suburbs of Darlinghurst, Paddington and Woollahra. Discover Bondi Beach and the other famous Eastern Suburb beaches along the sandstone coastline. See Tamarama and Bronte Beach and get a real feel for Australian surf and swim culture. Visit the infamous Gap to see the sandstone heads to Sydney Harbor. Drive through Rose Bay and check out the country’s home to the rich and famous harbor suburbs of Vaucluse and Point Piper. Overnight at Four Seasons Sydney (Luxury) or Capella Sydney (Deluxe).

Day 3 – Sydney: You may wish to spend your morning exploring the vibrant Rocks village, filled with cobbled lane ways, cafes, art galleries and museums. In the afternoon cruise Sydney’s gorgeous harbor aboard your private luxury yacht. On board your knowledgeable skipper will point out the sights – both natural and architectural – while your private chef / mixologist prepares a quintessential Australian seafood lunch with matching cocktails and wines. Take in uninterrupted views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Explore coves only accessible by water and stop at hidden beaches. Take a refreshing swim straight off the boat. As all locals will agree, there is no better way to spend an afternoon in Sydney! Overnight at Four Seasons Sydney (Luxury) or Capella Sydney (Deluxe).

Day 4 – Blue Mountains: Enjoy a scenic hour drive through the stunning Blue Mountains before arriving at your lodge perched on the eastern edges of the dramatic Blue Mountain ranges, overlooking the fertile lands of the Nepean River Delta below. This slice of paradise is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a blend of Australian wildlife, natural beauty, conservation and heritage. Overnight at Spicers Sangoma (Luxury) or Lilianfels (Deluxe).

Days 5 & 6 – Blue Mountains: Enjoy your days exploring the Blue Mountains. The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, known to the Aboriginal traditional owners as “Colomatta” are a renowned natural wonder characterized by their dramatic landscapes, eucalyptus forests, and stunning vistas. The area spans over 7,083 square miles.

Katoomba stands as the vibrant heart of the Blue Mountains. Here you’ll find one of the most iconic landmarks in the Blue Mountains, the Three Sisters, which is a natural rock formation. According to Aboriginal legend, the Three Sisters represent three sisters turned to stone, creating a fascinating backdrop to the Jamison Valley. Make your way to Echo Point for the best panoramic vistas and scenic bushwalks.

Venturing further, the awe-inspiring Jenolan Caves await discovery and are a testament to nature’s splendor. These caves are among the oldest and most spectacular in Australia, set in a constant, comfortable 60-degree Fahrenheit climate year round. These caves stand as one of the world’s most remarkable cave systems. Exploring the Blue Mountains promises an adventure where time seems to stand still, offering vistas that stir the soul and tales that echo through the ages, making it an experience to cherish and remember. Overnights at Spicers Sangoma (Luxury) or Lilianfels (Deluxe).

Day 7 – Yulara: Today you will transfer back to Sydney Airport in time to connect with your domestic flight to Ayers Rock Airport. With views direct to Uluru and across the desert to Kata Tjuta, Longitude 131˚ is Australia’s most celebrated luxury camp. Made of sandstone, Uluru is often referred to as the heart of the ‘Red Center’ and is one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks. Breathe in, see the colors change before your eyes, hear the stories of time and be amazed as Uluru captures your heart. For the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu, World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park holds a special cultural significance where earth and memories exist as one. This afternoon, capture the changing lights reflected over Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips below the horizon during the Uluru Sunset excursion. The essential outback experience enjoyed with chilled glass and canapé in hand! Overnight at Longitude 131˚(Luxury) or Sails in the Sand (Deluxe).

Day 8 – Yulara: This morning, join your guide for a walk in the early dawn light through Walpa Gorge and the many heads of Kata Tjuta. Later, a visit to the Culture Center completes a morning of discovery in the Red Center. This afternoon, journey to the base of Uluru to learn about the history of the ancestral Mala people on the Mala Walk. At dusk, enter Kantju Gorge illuminated in the light of the setting sun. Then experience Bruce Munro’s magical Field of Light art installation as darkness descends over Australia’s spiritual heartland. The evening seamlessly segues into an exclusive dining event among the dunes at Table 131° or an outdoor dining experience at Sails in the Sand. Overnight at Longitude 131˚(Luxury) or Sails in the Sand (Deluxe).

Day 9 – Yulara: Join a camel train through red dune country, with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as a stunning backdrop. Most popular at sunrise and sunset, tours are guided by cameleers who share the animals’ quirky names and stories. These meditative tours are a nod to the original Red Center pioneers. This evening, toast to the day and enjoy a sundowner overlooking the outback icons before a four-course dinner enjoyed in the ambiance of the Dune House or privately on the Dune Top. Overnight at Longitude 131˚(Luxury) or Sails in the Sand (Deluxe).

Day 10 – Daintree Rainforest: Today you will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport and connect with your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your lodge in the Daintree Rainforest for the evening. Overnight at Silky Oats Lodge (Luxury) or Thala Beach Nature Reserve (Deluxe).

Day 11 – Daintree Rainforest: Cape Tribulation is where the rainforest meets the reef and the best way to experience its extraordinary natural wonders is showcased by one of the region’s most experienced guides during your full day safari. Enjoy lunch at the Daintree Tea House, a swim at nearby Emmagen Creek, a walk on Marrdja Boardwalk, a stop for ice cream and a look-in at Mount Alexandra Lookout to take in the views. Overnight at Silky Oats Lodge (Luxury) or Thala Beach Nature Reserve (Deluxe).

Day 12 – Kuku Yalanji Country: Aboriginal owned-and operated Walkabout Cultural Adventures offers unique tours within Kuku Yalanji country, focusing on Aboriginal culture, significant sites and a chance to learn about the region’s environmental heritage. Enjoy a chance to discover the Kuku Yalanji people’s environment, learn about different foods and medicines available in nature, sample some bush tucker, collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices – including having a go at boomerang and spear throwing and hopefully catching a mud crab. Overnight at Silky Oats Lodge (Luxury) or Thala Beach Nature Reserve (Deluxe).

Day 13 – Lizard Island: Take a private road transfer to Cairns Airport for your scheduled charter to Lizard Island for three nights. Secluded within a National Park, enriched with diverse Australian wildlife and bounded by private beaches paired with personalized service – Lizard Island is truly like nowhere else. A luxury lodge of Australia, and the only luxury resort located directly on the Great Barrier Reef, your all-inclusive stay will be the experience of a lifetime. Overnight at Lizard Island (Luxury). Contact us for information on a Deluxe option located in Port Douglas with access to the Great Barrier Reef.

Days 14 & 15 – Lizard Island: Experience Lizard Island on the reef, on land or in the tranquility of the spa. Guided and self-guided activities include snorkeling, diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, visits to the Lizard Island Research Station, tennis under night lights, morning yoga on the beach and indulgent spa treatments. Lizard Island offers a wide range of activities that provide opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the natural attractions of the island and surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. Overnights at Lizard Island (Luxury).

Day 16 – Departure: Today you will take your scheduled charter back to Cairns to connect with your flight to Sydney/Brisbane and your onward international departure flights.

Quick Facts

Perfect for:

  • Perfect for Adventure Seekers
  • Perfect for Active Travelers
  • Perfect for Water Activities
  • Duration 16 Days
  • Departures Anytime
  • Fitness Rating Moderate
  • Safari Type Nature
  • Style Luxury or Deluxe
  • Land-Only Price* $$$ - $$$$

*Pricing is per person and an estimate. Contact a Journey Specialist for a customized quote.
$ = Call for Pricing | $$ = $5,000 – $9,999 | $$$ = $10,000 – $20,000 | $$$$ = >$20,000

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