A myriad of landscapes await on this journey across Eastern Australia. Connect with nature, uncover furry local wildlife, savor delicious cuisine and coffee, and revel in a slower-paced life on a picturesque island. Explore rolling hills, endemic fauna such as kangaroos, and the true romantic essence of the Australian bush in the Blue Mountains. Fly over the Great Barrier Reef to an intimate island setting for exploration of the underwater world, and beach time. Finish your trip in style as you discover cosmopolitan Sydney, rich in colonial history, epicurean restaurants and bars, renowned architecture and a stunning harbor. Culminating adventure, relaxation, immersion in nature and more, this journey will have you wishing you had more time…
Highlights
- Revel in a helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef and tropical islands
- Observe much-loved furry creatures such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and wallabies
- Immerse in the romantic Australian bush with horse riding, bush picnics, and stargazing
- Summit the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge for panoramic views, and cruise underneath it on a private boat across the harbor
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Sydney – Scenic Helicopter Flight, Wildlife Bush Walk, Stargazing
Welcome to Australia. A scenic helicopter flight across Sydney’s Harbor Bridge and the Opera House, over to the Blue Mountains. Touch down at your accommodation for the next three nights, Wolgan Valley, set on a 7,000-acre conservancy in the Australian bush. Stretch your legs on a hike encompassing stunning vistas across the escarpment, mountains, and grasslands, dotted with kangaroos and wallabies. This evening you’ll be introduced to Australia’s spectacular night sky accompanied by telescope, with time to relax by the campfire with your favorite beverage.
DAY 2
Wolgan Valley Reserve – 4×4 Wildlife Safari and Picnic Lunch in the Bush
Set your inner explorer free today, embarking on a scenic 4×4 safari adventure in search of kangaroos, koalas, possums, wombats, and more. Traverse scenic bush tracks through pristine wilderness, camera at the ready. Lunch is served in the bush today, a hearty meal with your favorite beverage served from a scenic lookout point. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to indulge in a spa treatment, taste the locally-made gin, borrow a mountain bike to ride one of the trails, play a spot of tennis or archery.
DAY 3
Wolgan Valley Reserve – Horse Riding, Nocturnal Wildlife Tour
Take in the rustic romantic splendor of the Australian bush by horseback this morning, with a journey around the surrounding valleys and past native eucalypt woodlands. En-route, take rest and appreciate your surroundings with a gourmet picnic. Today is a truly interactive experience, where you can feed and groom the horses upon returning to the stables. This afternoon is the perfect time for observing local bird species with your naturalist guide. As the sun sets, take a 4×4 nocturnal wildlife spotting tour to witness the smaller, less common nocturnal creatures such as wombats, owls, and gliding marsupials.
DAY 4
Orpheus Island – Helicopter Flight over the Great Barrier Reef
Relish breakfast in the bush this morning, and fly to Townsville. From here, a helicopter whisks you above the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and its outlying tropical islands, fringed by white sand beaches and turquoise waters. You’ll land at Orpheus Island, your tranquil escape for the next three nights. Revel in an afternoon of snorkeling the reef right offshore, kayaking, meandering pristine secluded beaches and taking in the panoramic ocean views. For dinner, treat yourself to farm-to-table cuisine featuring fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables.
DAY 5
Orpheus Island – Sailing Adventure with Snorkeling
Board your sailing vessel today, for a private navigation of turquoise seas and tropical islands. Visit nearby inlets to snorkel among tropical fish and coral in an array of incredible colors, and hike through a remote national park to a hidden waterfall. A chef-prepared picnic lunch is served on a private white sand beach before you sail back to your island home for the evening.
DAY 6
Orpheus Island – Kayaking, Reef Conservation and Sunset Cruise with Canapes
Try your hand at kayaking this morning on a guided exploration of the island’s beaches and mangroves. Then, visit the Orpheus Island Research Station, where you’ll gain insight into the integral marine conservation research here, exploring the laboratories and live reef touch tanks. In the afternoon, enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise, accompanied by canapes and an illuminated sky.
DAY 7
Sydney – Twilight Harborfront Walk
Revel in your last, leisurely day at Orpheus Island before an afternoon scenic helicopter across the islands and back to Townsville. From here you’ll board your flight to Australia’s most iconic city, Sydney. Embark on an evening orientation tour by foot along the stunning harborfront. We highly recommend a delicious dinner featuring local Australian cuisine along the waterfront this evening. Spend three nights at the Park Hyatt Sydney, boasting views of the Opera House.
DAY 8
Sydney – City Tour and Harbor Cruise
Today begins your exploration of Sydney’s quintessential sights and hidden gems. Drive across the Harbor Bridge, stop by vantage points of the Opera House to capture a photo, peruse local marketplaces, the scenic botanical gardens, and funky local cafes. In the afternoon, cruise along Sydney’s scenic harbor to explore the city by boat, observing picturesque bays, multi-million dollar houses, and enjoying a traditional Australian barbeque lunch with seafood and salad.
DAY 9
Sydney – Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb, Private Opera House Tour
What better way to start your final full day in Australia than with one of the world’s top experiences? Before dawn, begin your ascent of the Sydney Harbor Bridge; traversing catwalks, climbing ladders, and summiting to the top in time for a spectacular sunrise affording incredible views across the harbor and city. Breakfast is enjoyed back at the hotel, before an exclusive tour behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, delve into Sydney’s best-loved beaches including Bondi and Manly, taking in panoramic viewpoints as you journey along the coastline.
DAY 10
Depart Sydney – Begin Your Journey Home
Today concludes an incredible adventure through some of Australia’s most loved regions, encompassing the laid-back ‘Aussie’ vibe and spectacular scenery. Board your international flight homeward bound.