Australia: Sydney, Rock, & Reef

10 days

Your Australian Safari begins at the Park Hyatt Sydney with a couple of days to indulge in all the history, culture and delights the city has to offer. Uluru and the Olgas are admired from Longitude 131°, your base in the Red Center of Australia. From rugged aboriginal territory, you depart for Cairns and Lizard Island where you will explore the Great Barrier Reef and its aquamarine seas. Flights home connect from Cairns.

Highlights

  • Private tour of Sydney’s Opera House
  • Climb Sydney’s Harbor Bridge
  • Snorkel and lounge on the white sand beaches of Lizard Island
  • Explore the Great Barrier Reef from land, from sea or from the air in a seaplane or helicopter
  • Capture the changing lights reflected over Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips down below the horizon, chilled glass and canapé in hand
  •  Option to dine out and discover the wonders of the night sky at an exclusive venue among the dunes.
  • Explore the impressive formation of Kata Tjuta
  • Walk along a portion of Uluru’s base and learn about the history of the Mala people, viewing cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers.
  • Venture out to Kings Canyon, a spectacular mighty chasm cleaving deep into the earth.
  • Option for an unforgettable journey through the red dune country by camelback

Itinerary

DAY 1

Sydney, Australia

On arrival in Sydney, you will be met by a Rothschild Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel for your first moments on your Australian safari. Take some time to settle in before you begin sightseeing in the city. Whet your Australian palette today with an exciting overview of Sydney’s history, layout, and major icons. Your guide will lead you through the city, divulging details of Sydney’s colorful colonial and aboriginal history, take you through the historic Rocks area, the gorgeous Harbor Quarter around Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the Opera House, along with other favorite spots for amazing photos. This makes a great introduction to Sydney on arrival. You might even overcome jetlag with this whirlwind tour.

DAY 2

Sydney, Harbour Bridge & Sydney Opera House

Continue getting to know beautiful Sydney with a private tour of the Opera House and a climb up the Harbor Bridge. Your one-hour private tour of the World Heritage listed Opera House will include details about the House’s creation and history and visits to areas that are off-limits to the general public. Afterward, continue your day by heading to the harbor, taking approximately 3 hours from start to finish as you summit the world-famous Harbor Bridge. Traversing catwalks and ladders, climb to the upper arch to soak in the incredible views of the city and harbor below your feet. (To join in this activity you must be ten years of age or older).

DAY 3

Sydney, At your Leisure

Spend today exploring Sydney. Soak in the sights and sounds of the city at your own pace – shopping, heading to Taronga Zoo, taking a trip to Bondi Beach – or simply relaxing at your hotel resting for the true adventure part of your Australian safari.

DAY 4

Flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Longitude 131˚

This morning you will be met at the Park Hyatt Sydney and privately transferred to the Sydney Airport. Board your flight from Sydney to Ayers Rock, where you will be met upon arrival and transferred to Longitude 131°. Renowned as the spiritual heart of Australia, the Red Center in the Northern Territory is rich in Aboriginal culture and rugged outback beauty.

DAY 5

Uluru & The Olgas

Wake early to experience the stunning colors of the Rock lit up by the morning sun and relax over breakfast and coffee before beginning your day of outings. Depending upon your schedule, the first day you will have a selection of activities into the surrounding area. Discover the secrets of Australia’s most recognizable natural icon and one of the world’s largest monoliths Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the sacred red domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) standing nearby.

DAY 6

Flight to Cairns and Shangri-La The Marina

Savor your last morning in this spiritual landscape before your shared transfer back to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival in Cairns, you will be met for your private transfer to Shangri La Hotel Marina where you will enjoy one night.

DAY 7

Flight to Lizard Island and Lizard Island Resort

This morning you will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your scheduled flight to Lizard Island. Some 240 kilometers north of Cairns, the island is surrounded by a sea of deep aquamarine and forms part of the Great Barrier Reef near its northernmost end. Settle into your accommodations and rest for your last two full days on this Australian Safari or perhaps take a stroll along the beach. Enjoy dinner at your leisure at Osprey’s Restaurant, or have a drink at the Driftwood Bar & Wine Cellar before drifting off to sleep to the sounds of the ocean.

DAY 8

Lizard Island, Explore the Depths of the Bay

Spend the day as you’d like, returning to the resort for meals, or perhaps just a siesta between activities. During your time here, we suggest you enjoy the excellent snorkeling (equipment and lessons provided) or make use of any of the accommodation’s non-motorized water sports equipment or motorized dinghies. You make also like to try out a glass bottom boat tour, paddle ski tour, or self-guided nature walk.

DAY 9

Lizard Island, Day at Leisure

Enjoy your last full day on this beautiful island. You may like to head out for more snorkeling, or if you’d like a break from the water, consider a visit the Azure Spa (at additional cost), which offers a range of treatments inspired by nature to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Other activities available to you include diving courses, excursions to Anchor & Watson’s Bay, research station tours, or fishing charters (all at additional cost).

DAY 10

Your Journey Ends and Departure

Time to bid your island paradise farewell. Savor the crystalline water and sandy beaches on your last morning on Lizard Island. This afternoon, you will board your scheduled flight back to Cairns, where you will connect with your international flights home to conclude your incredible Australian safari.