8 Day Sydney, Rock and Reef Tour
The perfect itinerary for first-timers with limited time wanting to visit Australia’s East Coast only.
PREMIUM SYDNEY, ROCK AND REEF
8 days from Sydney to Port Douglas
Enjoy a 3-night stay in Sydney, Ayers Rock/Uluru and Cairns we’ve included enough time to see all the highlights each city has to offer. Cruise on the harbour and visit the Opera House in Sydney; and visit Cairns, gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Sydney Opera House Tour
• Sydney Harbour Discovery Luncheon Cruise
• Full Day Blue Mountains Hike
• Uluru Sunset Tour
• Kata Tjuta Domes Tour
• Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay Cruise
• Full Day Ngana Julaymba Dungay Cultural Tour
ACCOMMODATIONS AND OTHER INCLUSIONS
• 3 Nights in Sydney at the Parkroyal Darling Harbour
• 1 Night in Ayers Rock at the Desert Gardens Hotel
• 3 Nights in Port Douglas at the Regal Port Douglas Hotel
• Private Car and Driver or shared transportation between hotels and airports
Ask how we can help customize this tour further for you!
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Sydney (Warrane)
Arrive SydneyHotel: Parkroyal Darling Harbour in a Superior Room
Includes: Private Car/Driver Transfer from Sydney International Airport to City Hotel.
Soak up Sydney’s (Warrane) gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Cruise under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24/7 fun.
Day 2: Sydney (Warrane)
Sydney Opera House Tour & Sydney Harbour CruiseHotel: Parkroyal Darling Harbour in a Superior Room
Includes: 1 hour guided Sydney Opera House tour and a Sydney Harbour Discovery Luncheon cruise with BBQ buffet lunch.
More than 60 years ago, Jorn Utzon designed what is now considered one of the greatest buildings of all time. But for Utzon, the Sydney Opera House story was no fairy tale. The 1 hour tour brings to life the saga behind the making of the world’s most famous house. Your guide will take you on an emotional journey inside this modern masterpiece, putting 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 to be World Heritage listed. An immersive digital sight and sound experience provides unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances and guides you through the history and future of this performance space. You will be taken inside one of the working venues to experience the magic behind the world’s most extraordinary opera, ballet, symphony and dramatic performances.
Relax while you take in the sights of Sydney from the water with a 2.25 hour afternoon cruise. Experience the vastness of Sydney Harbour with its many secluded beaches and spectacular sandstone cliffs. Listen to commentary on the history of Sydney Harbour as well as details of the marine life that inhabits its sandy beaches, grassy sea beds, and rocky shores. At the completion of your cruise, make your own way to your accommodation.
Day 3: Blue Mountains
Full Day Blue Mountains HikeHotel: Parkroyal Darling Harbour in a Superior Room
Includes: City hotel pickup and drop off, entry to Calmsley Hill Farm, morning tea, picnic lunch, a glass of sparkling wine, National Park fees
This 9.5 hour tour travels to the Blue Mountains. Stop at Calmsley Hill, a working farm also home to Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas and enjoy a stress and hurry free environment. Arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous Three Sisters. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. Arrive at Evans Lookout where you will be issued your lunch pack and instructions on the hiking track. You will cross a number of valleys and ridges as you hike from Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap all the while looking out across Australia’s Grand Canyon, The Grose Valley. The hike concludes at Govetts Leap, one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. Your last stop at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens where there is time for a short inspection of the flora including the ancient Wollemi Pine (Wollemia Nobilis). Return to Sydney, where you will be transferred to your Sydney city accommodation.
Day 4: Sydney (Warrane) to Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Uluru SunsetHotel: Desert Gardens Hotel in a Garden View Room
Includes: Transfer from Sydney hotel to Domestic Airport, transfer from Domestic Airport to Uluru Hotel. Plus National Park Entry Ticket, hotel transfers, and light refreshments.
This 2 hour tour travels through the landscapes to the entrance of the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Experience the many moods and admire the immensity of Uluru as you immerse yourself in the environmental changes of this world-renowned icon. Relax with a glass of sparkling wine and light refreshments as the sun sets in the west. Return to Ayers Rock Resort, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.
This property is set amongst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs. It offers the only rooms with views of Uluru in Ayers Rock Resort. The hotel is only a short walk to the numerous Resort lookouts, where you can view one of Australia's best sunsets.
Your flight today is not included in your arrangements.
Day 5: Ayers Rock (Uluru) to Port Douglas
Kata Tjuta Domes Tour and transfer to Port DouglasHotel: Regal Port Douglas in a Studio
Inclusions: Pick up and drop off from Ayers Rock hotel, Outback picnic breakfast. Transfer to Ayers Rock Airport and Transfer to your Port Douglas hotel.
Your 5 hour tour commences with a transfer from your hotel, where you will revel in the early morning serenity of a truly spiritual place as the sunrise colours change on Kata Tjuta. Travel through the landscape to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, from there it is a 40 kilometre journey through the desert landscape to the mighty rock formation. On arrival at the viewing area, you walk to the best vantage point to see the 36 domes while watching the sun’s morning glow as the desert comes alive. Make your way to the western side of Kata Tjuta where you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast. As you approach the entrance to Walpa Gorge, named for the wind (Walpa) that whistles between the massive domes that shape Kata Tjuta, the result of eons of weathering and continual upheaval, your guide will share the significance of this men’s sacred ceremonial site. Take a stroll between these mighty conglomerate rock walls and learn how the environment and the geology has evolved over millions of years. Return to Ayers Rock Resort, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Located just north of Cairns, Port Douglas offers a sophisticated and low-key escape in an unpretentious and relaxed tropical environment. Shop in the boutique clothing stores, dine in the exquisite alfresco restaurants and enjoy the islands and coral cays of the nearby Great Barrier Reef. A visit to Four Mile Beach is essential where you can laze away the day on the pristine sand.
Your flight today is not included in your arrangements.
Day 6: Great Barrier Reef
Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay CruiseHotel: Regal Port Douglas in a Studio
Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off, mornign and afternoon tea, buffet lunch, guided snorkel tour with applicable equipment, and glass bottom boat viewing.
Your tour commences with a transfer from your hotel to the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, where you will board your vessel. You can sit back and relax on the beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish. Exploring the white sands of the coral cays will relax the mind. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquility and swim in turquoise clear waters. Small numbers of guests ensure personal interactive communication with experienced guides. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees, supplied by local plantations, will complement a day of adventure and relaxation. Expert guiding and 1st class services are all included from a helpful, friendly crew.
Day 7: Daintree Port Douglas
Full Day Ngana Julaymba Dungay Cultural TourHotel: Regal Port Douglas in a Studio
Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off, Professional Aboriginal Guide, Bush Tucker Tasting (seasonal & tidal), lunch.
On this 8.5 hour tour you will spend the day with a local Aboriginal tour guide, learning about culturally significant areas and the relationships the Kuku Yalanji still have with their land. Learn the history, culture and traditions of the local Aboriginal people and the area. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest and coastal habitats learning about the environment, different foods and medicines utilized from nature, sample some bush tucker, collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab. To complete the adventure cool off in a pristine freshwater stream. At the completion of the tour, you will be transferred back to your Port Douglas accommodation.
Day 8: Port Douglas
End of TourInclusions: Private Car/Driver Transfers from Port Douglas Hotel to Cairns International Airport
Today ends your Sydney, Rock and Reef tour.
Start Planning Your Aussie Experience Now
Spend time exploring in iconic Sydney, and soaking up exciting Adelaide with a full day on Kangaroo Island.
More details...Terms & Conditions
All rates will be quoted in the applicable currency and will be valid for travel during the seasonality dates booked. Should existing Government charges change or new charges be introduced prior to travel, we reserve the right to requote. International airfares may be subject to fuel surcharges at the time of booking. Rates are not valid over special event periods when surcharged rates and/or minimum stays may apply. All tours must be started and completed within the validity dates of the rates shown for the specific rate to be applicable. Travel that crosses between rate validity, or where there is a seasonality note, will be subject to a special quotation. All prices are subject to the availability of the specified services and contracted rates at the time of booking. COST EXCLUDES • Internal Australian flights (unless otherwise specified) • Internation flights • Supplier surcharges when date/time of service required occurs on a public holiday or outside of standard hours • Optional tours and services • Meals other than those specified above • Beverages • Gratuities • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone calls, mini bar, laundry, etc.) • Travel insurance (cancellations, loss of deposits, delays, etc.). Some tours and experiences are shared.