Only Got A Week? Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
Experience two of Australia's most spectacular destinations on this unforgettable journey. Discover the tropical beauty of Port Douglas, where you'll snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and enjoy an authentic Indigenous cultural experience at Mossman Gorge. Then immerse yourself in the energy of Sydney with a luxury harbour cruise, e-bike ride across the Harbour Bridge, behind-the-scenes Sydney Opera House tour, twilight BridgeClimb, and a full-day adventure featuring native wildlife, waterfalls, and boutique wineries. Combining luxury accommodation, incredible scenery, iconic attractions, and unforgettable experiences, this itinerary showcases the very best of Australia in style.
Day 1
Cairns /Gimuy
Private Car/Driver International Airport to Port Douglas
Located just north of Cairns, Port Douglas offers a sophisticated and low-key escape for travellers 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. Port Douglas is also a popular base from which to explore the rainforests of the Wet Tropics, Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail is an easily accessible summit that serves as Port Douglas’ ultimate viewing point, providing majestic, sweeping views of the sandy Four Mile Beach below as well as the surrounding mountain and sea panorama. The lookout is accessed via steps at 4 Mile Beach’s north end.
Accommodation at Coconut Grove Port Douglas
Two Bedroom/Two Bathroom - Terrace Pool (Daily Service) for 3 Nights
This luxurious self contained apartment style property is located on cosmopolitan Macrossan Street and just 140 metres from magnificent Four Mile Beach. There is a selection of beautifully furnished and spacious apartments, all of which have been decorated in a contemporary style. They offer impressive views over Port Douglas and the rainforest. Some feature a private plunge pool, spa and outdoor entertaining facilities.
Day 2
Full Day Outer Reef Guided Snorkelling (Shared Cruise)
On this 7 hour tour, you will be taken to two different reef areas, exploring pristine sites that may never have been snorkeled before, ensuring that each day is different. By frequently changing the snorkeling sites, it helps to ensure the ecosystem remains diverse and intact. The open deck policy means guests can swim and snorkel where they like. Or you can enjoy a guided exploration with one of the Marine Biologists onboard. You will have the opportunity to explore stunning coral gardens, teeming with abundant marine life. Upon arrival back into Maranos Fuel Wharf in Port Douglas, you will be transferred by coach to your Port Douglas area accommodation.
Day 3
Full Day Mossman Gorge Adventure Day (Shared Small Group Tour)
This 8 hour tour will enable you to immerse yourself in a rainforest experience like no other! After being collected from your accommodation you will travel to Mossman Gorge to experience a traditional Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony; you will be cleansed of bad spirits and have traditional rainforest body paint applied. Explore the Daintree National Park during a 1.5 hour interpretive walk, which will leave you with a deeper understanding of this breath-taking rainforest. After lunch, travel to the Mossman River for a one of a kind River Drift tour; a unique experience that offers a blend of hiking and serene river floating in the lush rainforest of the Mossman River. You will return to Port Douglas, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Day 4
Port Douglas
Private Car/Driver Port Douglas to Cairns Domestic Airport
Sydney/Gadigal Country
Private Car/Driver Sydney Domestic Airport to Sydney City Hotel
Soak in the beauty and spirit of Sydney/Gadigal Country, a city defined by its iconic harbour, relaxed outdoor lifestyle, and natural charm. Cruise beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge or catch a ferry to Manly, passing the world-renowned Sydney Opera House along the way. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach, explore the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, or enjoy a peaceful swim at Coogee. Wander through the cobblestone lanes of The Rocks or explore the markets, boutiques, cafés, and pubs of Paddington. With more than 70 sparkling beaches, a vibrant food scene, lively festivals, and round-the-clock energy, Sydney/Warrane offers something for everyone. This stunning city sits on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who have cared for this Country for tens of thousands of years. Their deep spiritual connection to the harbour and surrounding landscape continues to shape the identity and cultural fabric of this city today.
Accommodation at Capella Sydney
1 Double Deluxe King Room for 4 Nights
This property is located in the heart of the city centre, occupying an entire city block near Circular Quay. It is located in close proximity to iconic Sydney landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Royal Botanic Gardens and is within walking distance of all major retail and hospitality districts. The hotel’s interior design preserves and celebrates original elements throughout including timber oak floors, original windows and a marble-clad foyer – all fused with contemporary design touches. Upon entering the hotel, guests feel a sense of grandeur with soaring ceilings and refined interiors that embrace not only the aesthetic of the original building but also the lavish surrounds. A bespoke art installation ‘Meadow’ by Studio Drift showcases the unrivaled space within the central atrium of the building. The generously-sized guest rooms and suites, are decorated in walnut tones with natural stones, rich textiles, and are flooded with natural light. These rooms have soaring high ceilings, large heritage, double glazed windows, as well as opulent and oversized bathrooms comprising of double vanities, rain showers with most also including deep soaking stand-alone bathtubs.
Private MV BEL Afternoon Icon & Highlights Cruise (Private Cruise)
Your 2 hour cruise begins at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour where an experienced Skipper will be waiting for you. Cruise past the Sydney Opera House and turn heads while sailing past the Botanical Gardens. A brief stop at Ms. Macquarie's Chair is the perfect opportunity to take a photograph before sailing on past Sydney's largest navy base Garden Island, used for government and naval purposes since the colony of Sydney in 1788. The up-close views of these naval vessels are not to be missed! Your scenic cruise takes you into the picturesque bays of Woolloomooloo, Double Bay and Mosman, widely known for their magnificent waterfront properties. Bradley's Head, national parks and Sydney’s harbour beaches promise unparalleled natural beauty as you continue on your way. To round out your magnificent itinerary, our Skipper will take you past Admiralty House and Kirribilli House before finally voyaging beneath the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. At the completion of your cruise, make your own way to your accommodation.
Day 5
Half Day Sydney Harbour Bridge Ride - E-Bike (Shared Tour)
This 5 hour bike ride heads out over the fantastic Sydney Harbour Bridge, taking in its amazing views, and enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Sydney’s North Shore. You will start out in the famous Rocks district before you make the easy ride over the bridge - it's an unforgettable sight looking at Sydney and the harbour from this famous landmark. After crossing, you will explore Kirribilli and the Governor’s House, then onto a breathtaking 2.5km stretch of easy harbourside riding past Luna Park and the tranquil Lavender Bay. Heading back over the Bridge for a sit down picnic lunch, you will then take in all the main sites that travellers came to see as well as riding through the ever popular suburbs of Surry Hills and Woolloomooloo. What would normally be a difficult tour with large hills is made all the easier using our new Townie E-Bikes.
Day 6
Sydney Opera House Tour & Dine (Shared Tour)
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. Finish at Opera Bar, House Canteen or Midden by Mark Olive to indulge like a local Sydneysider with a choice of an Australian, pan-Asian or Indigenous Australian inspired main course. The choice is yours as you savour one of the world’s most beautiful harbour views. At the conclusion of your tour, make your own way to your Sydney accommodation.
Day 7
Morning Australian Art Stories and flavours - MOD Dining -Art Gallery of NSW
Discover Australian stories through art with a guided 1.25 hour tour. Your journey starts in Naala Badu, the Art Gallery’s newest building, showcasing contemporary Australian and international art. Take a moment to enjoy the glorious Sydney harbour views over Woolloomooloo before visiting Yiribana Gallery – the Art Gallery’s dedicated space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art – to encounter the depth and dynamism of art practice across Indigenous Australia. You will discover intriguing architectural features of the building and fascinating artworks before moving on to Naala Nura, the Art Gallery’s original sandstone building. As you tour across the buildings, your expert gallery educator will share the stories, histories and cultural significance of the works on display, offering deeper insights into the art of Australia and its diverse voices. Ignite your imagination and curiosity as you connect with Australian art stories through this compelling experience. After the tour, take time to explore the Gallery campus or visit one of the unique exhibitions (at your own expense). Then at 12noon, savour a delicious two-course lunch at MOD Dining, one of the Art Gallery’s signature restaurants. At the conclusion of your experience, make your own way back to your accommodation.
Summit at Twilight (Shared Tour)
Your 3 hour tour commences with a comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration, before you are led by one of BridgeClimb’s Climb Leaders, on a guided journey (including preparation and briefing), to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The tour takes you along the top arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on the surroundings, with the opportunity to witness 360-degree views of Sydney including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour City surrounds. Upon conclusion, make your own way to your Sydney accommodation.
Day 7
Morning Australian Art Stories and flavours - MOD Dining -Art Gallery of NSW
Discover Australian stories through art with a guided 1.25 hour tour. Your journey starts in Naala Badu, the Art Gallery’s newest building, showcasing contemporary Australian and international art. Take a moment to enjoy the glorious Sydney harbour views over Woolloomooloo before visiting Yiribana Gallery – the Art Gallery’s dedicated space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art – to encounter the depth and dynamism of art practice across Indigenous Australia. You will discover intriguing architectural features of the building and fascinating artworks before moving on to Naala Nura, the Art Gallery’s original sandstone building. As you tour across the buildings, your expert gallery educator will share the stories, histories and cultural significance of the works on display, offering deeper insights into the art of Australia and its diverse voices. Ignite your imagination and curiosity as you connect with Australian art stories through this compelling experience. After the tour, take time to explore the Gallery campus or visit one of the unique exhibitions (at your own expense). Then at 12noon, savour a delicious two-course lunch at MOD Dining, one of the Art Gallery’s signature restaurants. At the conclusion of your experience, make your own way back to your accommodation.
Summit at Twilight (Shared Tour)
Your 3 hour tour commences with a comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration, before you are led by one of BridgeClimb’s Climb Leaders, on a guided journey (including preparation and briefing), to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The tour takes you along the top arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on the surroundings, with the opportunity to witness 360-degree views of Sydney including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour City surrounds. Upon conclusion, make your own way to your Sydney accommodation.