X close menu
Back
Sydney, Rock and Reef
(9 days) Sydney/Warrane to Port Douglas
Map of Sydney, Rock and Reef
A first timers itinerary for those with limited time wanting to visit Australia’s East Coast only.
With 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; enjoy the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, arguably the food, fashion and sports capital of Australia; and visit Cairns, gateway to the world famous Great Barrier Reef.
Day 1 Sydney/Warrane

Arrive Sydney

InStyle Chauffeured Limousines, Sydney

Sydney International Airport to Sydney City Hotel – Private Car/Driver Transfer

Soak up Sydney’s 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.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Sydney

Accommodation in a Deluxe Full Harbour King Room for 3 Nights – Includes Full Breakfast

This property is a short walking distance to Circular Quay and the historic Rocks district. The hotel is vibrant and elegant, and all rooms have been carefully designed and subtly furnished with the highest quality amenities. The guest rooms decor is inspired by the soothing blues and crisp whites of the surrounding harbour, with wood details and spacious marble bathrooms, starting from 26 sq. metres to 53 sq. metres and offers city, partial harbour or harbour views.

BridgeClimb Sydney, Sydney

Summit at Twilight – Shared Small Group Tour

Inclusions: Climb Group Photograph, Certificate of Achievement & BridgeClimb Cap

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.

Day 2 Sydney/Warrane

Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Sydney Opera House Tour –  Private Tour

Inclusions: Guided Tour (English Language).

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.

Note: The Sydney Opera House Tour includes up to 200 steps. Flat, enclosed rubber soled shoes must be worn. While on a tour, all bags larger than an A4 size will need to be cloaked. A complimentary, secure cloaking facility is available near the tour desk.

Sydney Princess Cruises, Sydney

Sydney Harbour Long Lunch – Private Cruise

Departs: King St Wharf #8 or Campbells Cove Pontoon, Circular Quay (This is a floating pontoon located between the Overseas Passenger Cruise Terminal and the Park Hyatt)

Inclusions: Progressive 3 course lunch and beverages

Enjoy a 4 hour cruise on iconic Sydney harbour on board a luxury cruiser. Cruise past the world famous landmarks of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House as your crew will be on hand to tell you about the past and modern day history of the harbour. Start with entree at Watsons Bay and then cruise onto Middle Head and into Middle Harbour. Discover the beauty of the harbour and then stop at Balmoral for lunch at a world famous iconic harbour side restaurant.
Depart Balmoral and cruise past the Spit Bridge while you indulge on your dessert and cheese platter & wines to match before the return to the main harbour where you will have an opportunity to stop for a swim if you choose (time & weather permitting).

Day 3 Blue Mountains

AEA Luxury Tours, Sydney

Full Day Blue Mountains Luxury Diamond Day – Private Tour

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, private touring as per itinerary, Calmsley Hill admission, morning tea, 2 course Lunch at Echoes Restaurant with 1 glass of beer, wine or soft drink per person, national park fee and bottled water on board.

This 9 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. Enjoy lunch at Echoes Restaurant, perched at the absolute edge of the Blue Mountains, with views of mountains, cliff edges and lush rainforest valleys. After lunch, visit 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. Return to Sydney, where you will be transferred to your Sydney city accommodation.

Day 4 Ayers Rock/Uluru

Sydney to Ayers Rock/Uluru

InStyle Chauffeured Limousines, Sydney City Hotel to Sydney Domestic Airport – Private Car/Driver Transfer

Depart Sydney/Arrive Uluru 

Your flight today is not included in your Southern World arrangements.

SEIT Outback Australia

Domestic Airport to Ayers Rock/Uluru Hotel – Private Car/Driver Transfer

Uluru, the true Aboriginal name for what many people know as Ayers Rock, rises from the broad desert plain in the deep centre of Australia and it’s one of the country’s most recognisable natural icons. The famous “Rock” stands 348 metres high and is located 440 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Forty kilometres to the west of Uluru is Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas. This massive pile of rock domes dates back 500 million years. Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great Aboriginal cultural significance for the Anangu traditional landowners. Learn about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of the area.

Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock/Uluru Accommodation in a Terrace Room for 2 nights – Includes Full Breakfast

Named after the soaring white sails that crown its roof, this is Ayers Rock Resort’s premium hotel. The hotel’s interior decor focuses on Aboriginal heritage and culture, with a gallery in the lobby and significant artworks featured throughout the public areas and private rooms. The property also features an expansive gumtree lined swimming pool and a range of dining options. Please note hotel check-in is 3:00pm and hotel check-out is 10:00am.

Day 5 Ayers Rock/Uluru

SEIT Outback Australia, Ayers Rock/Uluru

Morning SEIT Uluru Highlights – Private Tour

Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off from Ayers Rock Resort, National Park Entry Ticket and Outback picnic breakfast.

Your 3 hour tour commences with a transfer from your hotel, where you will travel towards Uluru. Its vast shape rises from the sand dunes in the early dawn light highlighting its presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. You will learn the creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and hear about the Mala people. After breakfast you will visit Mutitjulu Waterhole and then drive around the base of the Uluru.

SEIT Outback Australia, Ayers Rock/Uluru

Afternoon SEIT Kata Tjuta Domes – Private Tour

Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off from Ayers Rock Resort, National Park Entry Ticket.

This 3 hour tour travels to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, to a place where unique flora and fauna thrive – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and describe the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site. Arriving at Walpa Gorge, walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here. Your guide will return you to your hotel in time for those people joining the Sounds of Silence dinner, Tali Wiru dinner or Field of Light.

Day 6 Port Douglas

Ayers Rock/Uluru to Port Douglas (via Cairns)

SEIT Outback Australia, Ayers Rock/Uluru

Ayers Rock/Uluru Hotel to Domestic Airport  – Private Car/Driver Transfer

Depart Ayers Rock/Arrive Cairns

Your flight today is not included in your Southern World arrangements.

Exemplar Coaches and Limousines 

Domestic Airport to Port Douglas – Private Car/Driver Transfer

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.

Peninsula Boutique Hotel, Port Douglas

Accommodation in a Ocean View Suite for 3 nights – Includes Continental Breakfast

This adult only boutique property is located directly opposite Four Mile Beach and is at the quiet end of Macrossan Street. The hotel offers spacious contemporary guest rooms which have been designed with the tropics in mind. All rooms have a discreet kitchenette and a large private balcony or terrace.

Day 7 Port Douglas

Sailaway, Port Douglas

Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay  – Shared Cruise

Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off, morning and afternoon tea, buffet lunch, snorkelling equipment, optical mask, seasonal lycra snorkelling suites, wet suites & floating devices, instruction and in-water assistance, guided snorkel tour, glass bottom boat viewing and reef interpretation and Environmental Management Charge (EMC).

Your day 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 our experience guides. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees, supplied by local plantations, will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation. Expert guiding and 1st class services are all included from helpful, friendly crew.

Day 8 Port Douglas

Daintree Sightseeing Walkabout Cultural Adventures

Full Day Ngana Julaymba Dungay Cultural Tour – Private Tour

Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off, Professional Aboriginal Guide, Bush Tucker Tasting (seasonal & tidal), lunch.

On this 7.5 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 9 Port Douglas

Depart Cairns

Exemplar Coaches and Limousines, Port Douglas

Port Douglas Hotel to Cairns International Airport – Private Car/Driver Transfer

Accommodation
Sydney/Warrane
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Ayers Rock/Uluru
Sails in the Desert
Port Douglas
Peninsula Boutique Hotel