Day 1
Sydney
Welcome to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's major cities. Blessed with a natural harbour, golden beaches, and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis offers a stunning introduction to Australia. Uncover the stories, history, and magic of the Sydney Opera House with an incredible guided tour, taking you underneath the world-famous sails.
Overnight: York by Swiss-Belhotel - Sydney or similar.
Day 2
Sydney
Enjoy an unlimited hop-on-hop-off Ferry Pass on this day, which will allow you to cruise around the harbour with 11 stopovers along the way including Manly, Luna Park and Darling Harbour.
Overnight: York by Swiss-Belhotel - Sydney or similar.
Day 3
Blue Mountains Boutique Day Tour
Discover the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains region on a boutique day tour. Spiriting you away from the usual tourist traps, it’s a chance to experience the region from an insider’s perspective.
Tour the Blue Mountains
Today's Blue Mountains Tour will showcase Australia's unique landscapes, and you'll learn local stories and legends about Aboriginal culture. Peaceful bushwalks enhance the experience and let you soak up the Mountains atmosphere.
Overnight: York by Swiss-Belhotel - Sydney or similar.
In the afternoon, you will head down from the mountains for a hands-on Australian native wildlife encounter. This is your chance to feed kangaroos and have a photo taken with a koala at Featherdale Wildlife Park!
Return to the city in style with a wonderful river cruise, passing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge before ending at Circular Quay.
Day 4
Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) by internal flight
Bid farewell to Sydney and fly to Australia's Red Centre for your first glimpse of magnificent Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it is also known.
Standing 348 metres above the ground (and over 700 metres underground), Uluru is part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is sacred to the local Aboriginal people.
The Magical "Field of Light"
The experience begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and short transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru.
You’re welcomed at an exclusive dune top just after the sun has set on the horizon. Savour a selection of outback canapés with sparkling wine or beer as your host provides insight into the light installation that awaits you. As darkness falls, 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life. Covered under a sky brilliant with stars, Field of Light beckons you to explore and lose yourself momentarily in the rhythms of coloured light.
(Not suitable for children 4 years and under.)
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel - Uluru (Ayers Rock) or similar.
Day 5
Tour the Kata Tjuta Domes
A guided tour of the domes of Kata Tjuta is the perfect introduction to this spiritually significant region.
Kata Tjuta Domes Guided Tour
Also known as the Olgas, the ochre-coloured rock formations of Kata Tjuta are steeped in ancient history. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site.
Walk between two of Kata Tjuta's largest domes into Walpa Gorge, a narrow creek valley. Guarded against the hot sun, it’s a gorgeous haven of wildflowers, rare plants, and desert-dwelling animals. Take time to listen to the wind hissing through the chasms and embrace the spirituality of this amazing location.
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel - Uluru (Ayers Rock) or similar.
Day 6
Free Day in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Today is yours to explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park however you desire. With over 101 tours and experiences on offer at Uluru and around Ayers Rock Resort, you are spoilt for choice.
Early birds can join a trek to Uluru at sunrise and witness the remarkable changing colours as the outback awakens. Culture lovers can opt for a guided trip to see the magnificent cave paintings at Central Australia's most significant art site: Cave Hill. Take to the sky and experience the breathtaking desert landscape of Uluru and Kata Tjuta from above, or get up close to the Red Centre's reptiles at a wildlife show.
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel - Uluru (Ayers Rock) or similar.
Day 7
Ayers Rock to Cairns: Palm Cove by internal flight
With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, fishing, rainforest walks, and native bird and wildlife watching.
Palm Cove
As soon as you land in Cairns, we'll transfer you to Palm Cove for a taste of tropical paradise. Perfectly situated between Cairns and Port Douglas, this quiet and relaxing village by the sea is home to a myriad of award-winning beach resorts, restaurants, and spas. Nestled on the beach, the boutique Alamanda Palm Cove Aparthotel is the perfect base to unwind and settle into the laid-back Queensland lifestyle.
Accommodation: Alamanda Palm Cove - Cairns, Palm Cove or similar.
Day 8
The Great Barrier Reef: Day Cruise
Cruise aboard the stylish Passions Catamaran to the incredible Great Barrier Reef.
Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise
On board, you can relax with morning tea, get to know the crew, and learn all about the marine ecosystem beneath you. Arriving at your first amazing outer reef location, you can snorkel, dive, sunbathe, or chill out on the boat to your heart’s content.
After a tropical buffet lunch, you'll sail to another beautiful outer reef location for more swimming, snorkelling, diving, or relaxing in the sun. Wind down with a cold beverage on the sail back to Cairns for 5pm whilst enjoying afternoon tea.
Accommodation: Alamanda Palm Cove - Cairns, Palm Cove or similar.
Day 9
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 4WD Day Tour
Explore the stunning canopy of the oldest living rainforest on the planet: the Daintree Rainforest.
Daintree & Cape Tribulation by 4WD
Drive north along the scenic Captain Cook Highway, admiring the azure waters of the Coral Sea. After morning tea, enjoy a guided cruise on the Daintree River: this is nature at its best!
Your experienced guide will take you on a wonderful journey through ancient Daintree rainforest with ample time for photos and questions while you try to spot the rare and unique Southern Cassowary.
After a thrilling 4WD ride to pristine Emmagen Creek, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of this secret jewel in the rainforest. Stroll along Cape Tribulation Beach to a platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the ‘Rainforest meets the Reef’.
Finally, you will cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and begin your homeward journey.
Accommodation: Alamanda Palm Cove - Cairns, Palm Cove or similar.
Day 10
Return to Cairns and Depart
Transfer from Palm Cove to Cairns to board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 10-day Sydney Rock & Reef holiday, and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.
