Signature Australia: Sydney, Rock, Reef & Rainforest

On arrival at Sydney Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy before beginning your exploration of the largest city in Australia.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. To begin the walk we pass the world famous Sydney Opera House and through the gates leading into the Royal Botanical Gardens, the location of the first farm area in the colony founded in 1788. Look through the fence at the architectural period design of Government House. Walk under majestic mature shade trees, see wonderful coloured flowers, plus listen and watch out for many birds. View the great sights of Sydney Harbour next to the extensive sandstone sea wall. Visit the herb garden, smell the different aromas and learn about the culinary and medical uses of plants.

Stroll onto the grand Art Gallery of NSW where you will see some of the best Australian and European art work. From here meander through the open spaces of The Domain parkland, before casting your eyes upon the prominent Gothic style of St Mary's Cathedral. Walk on into Hyde Park passing by the famous Archibald Fountain before moving on to see the interesting architectural style of the Sydney Town Hall. Nearby is also the fine Gothic styled Cathedral of St Andrew, and the impressive Queen Victoria Building filled with amazing classical features, designer label shopping boutiques and eateries. Walk on past the very tall iconic Sydney Tower before strolling down Macquarie Street to discover some of Sydney's oldest important historical buildings and learn of their past and present uses.

Then, head over to the Sydney Opera House for your exclusive tour. This tour puts Jorn Utzon on centre stage and is a tribute to his creative genius. You will discover why Utzon was more than an architect: he was an architect of change. And how, against a landslide of political and public criticism, he created the youngest building ever UNESCO World Heritage listed.

Working with enriching, interactive audio-visual technology, where images are projected onto the fabric of the building. You'll visit the inside of the performance venues where guides will take you on an emotional journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns.

You'll see where some 1600 performances take place to audiences of around one million each year, in every genre you can imagine, including opera, ballet, symphony and dramatic performances.

Spend the day on the stunning waters surrounding Sydney. Your cruise will begin with a welcome from your crew as you board your luxury cruiser and depart for the harbour. Soft drinks, sparkling wine, beer, still wine, tea, and coffee will be available from the time you step aboard.

As we cruise past the world-famous landmarks of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House your crew will be on hand to tell you about the past and modern-day history of the harbour. Shortly after you will be past Vaucluse for your appetizer and first stop at the renowned Doyles on the Beach at Watsons Bay. Disembark the boat and head down the wharf to the restaurant where you will have a choice of appetizers and a selection of beverages to choose from. After you have finished dining it will be time to head back to the boat where we head off again for main course.

Next stop for your main course is the Balmoral Public Dining Room. Here you will choose your main course and have a selection of beverages to choose from as well. After lunch, continue cruising and enjoy your time onboard while you have dessert from the dessert and cheese platters before your return, there is even an opportunity to stop for a swim if you choose-time permitting.

This cruise is a long lunch and really does show you all the beauty of Sydney Harbour.

Today, transfer to Sydney Airport for your flight to Ayers Rock.

On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, you will be transferred to your resort.

After checking into your hotel for the next few nights, set off on adventure and travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment. Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that makeup Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Your guide will return you to your hotel in time to join the Field of Lights.

The evening begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and a transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon to the music of a didgeridoo, enjoy gourmet canapes and chilled sparkling wine.

As darkness falls and the colored lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, join your table of fellow travelers for an exceptional three-course menu infused with bush tucker flavors. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen to our resident star talker decode the southern night sky.

The host will provide insights into the art installation that awaits you, before you are invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of colored light, beckoning you to explore. After dinner, guests are welcomed back at the dune viewing area to enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port whilst viewing the illuminated installation in the darkness.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Hotel

Experience the tranquility of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Watch the amazing transformation of colours and life as the desert awakens with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. In the company of an expert guide, Desert Awakenings is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region.

Watch the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view and enjoy a traditional Aussie breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, tea, coffee and homemade damper with golden syrup in the open air. After breakfast, the guide will explain the natural history of the region, and as the daylight reveals the myriad of animal tracks in the sand an insight into what activity took place during the night.

Once the sun is up, enjoy a guided tour at the base of Uluru. First stop is Kuniya where you will take a short walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole. A visit here will help appreciate its cathedral like proportions and why it is such a powerful and spiritual place for visitors and Anangu (local Aboriginal people) alike. The guide will explain some of the rock paintings and stories from the creation period as told by the Anangu people. Next stop is the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging place of learning where the local lore of the Anangu is explained in detail. Return to your Ayers Rock Resort hotel.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure before setting out for your Wintjiri Wiru experience which begins deep in the desert. After a short journey from Ayers Rock Resort, take a gentle evening stroll through the desert along an elevated walkway until you reach the open-air theatre, set upon a dune top. You'll be greeted with delicious cocktails, infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views and watch on in awe as the sun slowly sets over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Embark on a culinary adventure with a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern culinary techniques to create a masterpiece for the palette.

With the heart of Australia as the backdrop, a story passed on for thousands of generations, now passes to you. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told like never before with ground-breaking technology. Choreographed drones, lasers, and projections will take flight, lighting up the night sky in a modern, artistic expression of an ancient, Anangu story. Feel a powerful connection to country as you listen to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language and immerse yourself in a living story.

Today, transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns.

On arrival at Cairns Domestic Airport, you will be transferred to your resort in Port Douglas.

Spend the afternoon relaxing until it's time to enjoy the thrill of pure sailing! Relax with an exhilarating twilight sail onboard the new luxury 'Lagoon' sailed from France. Soak up the peace and tranquility of a tropical Sunset over the Coral Sea with spectacular mountain views. Enjoy first class service, a complimentary glass of champagne, wine and beer and a selection of canapes whilst sailing along the coastline just off Port Douglas.

Accommodation: The Peninsula Boutique Hotel

Your naturalist guide will meet you at your accommodation and after introductions all round we then drive north along the scenic route via Mossman to Cape Tribulation.

Lush farmland contrasts with seascape as we approach the majestic Daintree River. Time for a short morning tea break then its 'all aboard' for an informative river cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and wildlife, this is nature at its best!

We ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest intimately on our elevated National Park Boardwalk. Accurate interpretations of flora and fauna will be given with ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species within this habitat.

A delicious barbecue lunch with freshly prepared salads (dietary requirements catered for with prior notice) is served while you can hand feed Wallabies and enjoy a cold drink from the bar (own cost). Our tour does a little more, it takes you beyond Cape Tribulation along 7klms of the 4WD Bloomfield Track too pristine Emmagen Creek and time for a refreshing rainforest fresh water swim. Seek fish and turtles in the creek, butterflies and exotic birds in the trees and indulge in a taste testing of tropical fruit, a cup of traditional Billy Tea, and damper all of which enhance the tranquil surroundings.

At Cape Tribulation Beach, there is a little time to stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographers' platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef. (There is no swimming at Cape Tribulation Beach due to dangerous Hazards)

After a short afternoon refreshment stop at the Daintree Ice-creamery (own cost), we cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and begin our homeward journey somewhat wiser for our 'Total Rainforest Experience'.

Port Douglas exudes a chic yet laid-back coastal charm, catering to all types of travelers with its abundance of restaurants, bars, and delightful boutique shopping options.

Tday, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight (not included) through to Hamilton Island and an to your resort on Hayman Island. 

Accommodation: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

Enjoy leisurely days on Hayman Island. InterContinental Hayman Island Resort invites you to discover the breathtaking beauty of The Whitsunday Islands with iconic private island experiences and sacred moments of connection with family, friends and yourself.

Today, transfer to the Hamilton Island airport for your onward flight.