Essential Australia Vacation: Sydney, Great Barrier Reef & Uluru

Itinerary

• Day 1: Sydney, Arrival

  G'day Australia! Upon landing at Sydney Airport, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to the hotel. Settle down, and the rest of the day is yours to explore this amazing city at your own pace. You may visit the Sydney Tower Eye for a gorgeous panorama or explore the food scene by visiting a café or restaurant frequented by the locals.

  • Sydney

• Day 2: Sydney City Discovery

  Prepare for a day discovering Sydney's fascinating sights! From centuries-old architecture telling stories of the past to shining skyscrapers in the Central Business District, from lively neighborhoods where trendy shops and cafes galore to golden, sandy beaches and scenic coastal walks, this join-in, half-day tour takes you to this city's most prominent places, including the Rocks, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbor, and more.

  The rest of the day is yours to explore this bustling metropolis on your own. The Art Gallery of New South Wales with its diverse collection is a paradise for art lovers, while the brave may wish to challenge the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb for a 360-degree view of the city from the peak of the upper arch. Enjoy your day in Sydney!

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  • Sydney

• Day 3: Excursion to the Blue Mountains

  Embark on a full-day Blue Mountains tour with your private Driver Guide! This UNESCO World Heritage-listed area boasts stunning sandstone formations, picturesque little towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, scenic rides, and pristine wilderness brimming with wildlife.

  After 1 hour and 30 minutes on the road, arrive at Lincoln's Rock, a huge, flat rock offering breathtaking views of Jamison Valley. Immerse yourself in the panorama, before heading to Scenic World. With an Unlimited Discovery Pass, discover the beauty of this area in your own way. You can take the Scenic Railway and travel down 310 meters for a walk through Jamison Valley's dense rainforest, catch the Cableway on your way back to the top, glide from one clifftop to another in the Skyway cabin and capture the view of the Three Sisters from the air, or go on an exciting cliff walk. Have fun!

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  • Sydney

• Day 4: Fly to Uluru, Field of Light Under the Stars

  Say goodbye to Sydney today and board the flight taking you to Australia's Red Center. After around three and a half hours, touch down at Ayers Rock Airport and head outside the terminal for the shared coach ride to your hotel.

  Tonight, soak up the gorgeous vista of the Field of Light, an art installation by renowned artist Bruce Munro. Under a canopy of stars, tens of thousands of light stems with glass crowns create a sight that will leave you in awe. Enjoy outback-style canapes, sparkling wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, take a relaxing walk through the illuminated field, and capture a sweeping view of this art installation from a dune-top location. This join-in tour starts at around sunset and takes 2.5 hours.

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  • Uluru

• Day 5: Uluru Sunrise and Sunset

  Rise early this morning to watch the breathtaking sunrise at Uluru! Enjoy a cup of hot tea or coffee as you witness the rising sun flood the desert with golden rays. Afterward, this join-in tour takes you to a dune viewing platform to admire a panorama of Kata Tjuta. Arrive at Walpa Gorge, and follow the 1.3-km walking trail to admire the rock cliffs towering on both sides, before returning to the hotel for a rest.

  In the afternoon, visit Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Center and gain a deeper appreciation of Anangu culture and art. Then, travel to the base of Uluru and join your guide for an easy walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole as he shares the meanings behind the timeless rock art and sacred sites. At the end of the day, relax with a glass of sparkling wine as the sun slowly sinks behind the horizon, leaving Uluru in splendid changing colors.

  • Uluru

• Day 6: Camel Ride at Sunrise, Fly to Cairns

  In the quietness just before sunrise, meet a friendly cameleer and his camel for a 1-hour, join-in camel ride through red sand dunes. Soak up the spectacular colors of Uluru and Kata Tjuta as the sun rises, get to know the native wildlife and plants from the cameleer, and stop at a lookout en route for beautiful photos. A light breakfast of freshly baked beer bread, jam, tea, and coffee awaits when the ride finishes.

  Then, head to Ayers Rock Airport by shared coach and fly to Cairns, a laid-back city in tropical north Queensland and the gateway to the Great Barriers Reef. When you land in Cairns, a private driver will take you to the hotel for check-in. Take advantage of the remaining time to explore this city at your own pace.

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  • Cairns

• Day 7: Great Barrier Reef and Green Island Tour

  An exciting day trip to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef awaits! A 45-minute, join-in catamaran ride takes you to Green Island, a lovely coral cay where you can spend the next two hours snorkeling in the crystalline waters, walking through the tropical rainforest, or enjoying the sun on the sandy beach. Many optional activities are available if you wish to spice up your experience.

  The Great Adventures activity platform moored on the Outer Great Barrier Reef makes a perfect base for more underwater explorations. Meet the colorful marine life on a snorkel or dive, go on a semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour, visit the underwater observatory if you prefer to stay dry, and enjoy a buffet lunch on the sundeck. Return to the hotel after a wonderful day with sweet memories of the Reef in your heart.

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  • Cairns

• Day 8: Excursion to Kuranda Rainforest With Scenic Rail

  Discover the mysteries of the Kuranda rainforest, part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics area, during this join-in day trip. Hop on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This historical rail journey promises sweeping views of lush forests and fields and cascading rivers and waterfalls. Upon arriving in Kuranda, explore this little town at your own pace, perhaps ramble around the Heritage Markets for handcrafted Aboriginal items and more arts and crafts, or find a lovely restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch in the cool mountain climate.

  Afterward, head to Rainforestation to join an Army Duck tour and appreciate the rainforest from the amphibious vehicle. You can also get close to cuddly koalas when exploring the Koala and Wildlife Park. Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide over the green canopy on your way back to Cairns at the end of the day.

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  • Cairns

• Day 9: Cairns - Melbourne

  Savor the ambiance of Cairns for a little more time before a private driver takes you to the airport for your onward journey. Leave this charming city and the tropical weather behind as you board the flight to Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital. After around three and a half hours, arrive in Melbourne and head to the hotel by private car.

  For the rest of the day, go on a self-guided discovery of Melbourne, perhaps visit iconic sights such as the Queen Victoria Market and the National Gallery of Victoria, find a restaurant with lovely views for dinner, or have a good rest in your comfortable hotel room.

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  • Melbourne

• Day 10: Melbourne, Great Ocean Road

  Winding 150 miles (240 kilometers) along Victoria's windswept southwestern coast, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic coastal drives with breathtaking views of precipitous cliffs, golden beaches, and blue ocean that inspire awe. Today, you will embark on a private, overnight tour to fully appreciate its charms, soaking up the gorgeous vistas, exploring walking trails that lead to incredible scenery, and meeting fascinating wildlife along the way. After around 2 hours on the road, take a break to stretch your legs and enjoy a sweeping view of the coastline at Split Point Lighthouse. Make a photo stop at Memorial Arch, a landmark that signals the start of the Road, and say hello to furry, cuddly koalas when reaching Kennett River. Tonight, stay at Apollo Bay or a similar location depending on hotel availability. Sleep well and recharge your energies for the next day's adventures!

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  • Apollo Bay

• Day 11: Great Ocean Road, Back to Melbourne

  Your Great Ocean Road explorations continue today as your private Driver Guide takes you through the dense forests of the Great Otway National Park to Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest of its kind on Australia's mainland. Take in the amazing ocean views here, before moving on to Port Campbell National Park. Prepare your camera for the sight of the Twelve Apostles rising from pounding waves - a striking scenery to behold, marvel at Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge, all of which are nature's works of art, and take the Gibson Steps down to the beach for incredible views if time and energy permits.

  At the end of the tour, get back to Melbourne via inland road and appreciate the lush landscape from the comfort of a private vehicle.

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  • Melbourne

• Day 12: Melbourne, Departure

  Immerse in Melbourne's unique vibe for some more time until your private driver picks you up for the transfer to the airport. Say goodbye to Australia and board your flight home. Safe travels!

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