Highlights of Australia

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Melbourne & Phillip Island, Great Barrier Reef

This luxurious private tour of Australia features sophisticated touring in Sydney and Melbourne, exclusive resorts in the Outback and Great Barrier Reef, and activities that showcase the best of local culture and native wildlife.

Begin in Sydney, Australia's most beautiful city. Enjoy a private insider tour of the city highlights, including the historic Rocks district, vibrant markets, favorite neighborhoods such as Paddington, the Royal Botanic Garden, Aboriginal art galleries and iconic Bondi Beach. One day, Artisans of Leisure will arrange a private tour of the Sydney Opera House and tickets to a performance. During free time, enjoy the city’s sophisticated restaurants, shops and harborside attractions. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange other special interest activities such as a boat ride on Sydney Harbour, private surfing lessons, behind-the-scenes wildlife experiences, tasting tours, kayaking, Sydney Skywalk and an exhilarating Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb experience.

Next, fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock), the iconic sandstone monolith in Australia’s rugged Red Centre. Stay at Longitude 131, a luxurious tented lodge with views of Uluru against the expansive red earth and vast blue sky. During comprehensive private touring in the region with your own expert guide, walk along the base of beautiful Uluru to see Aboriginal rock art and waterholes, and hear about legends of the Dreamtime. Also hike among the 36 stone domes of the impressive Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) formation, and learn about the Outback’s unique flora and fauna and Aboriginal bush tucker cuisine. One night, dine under the stars while an astronomer points out the southern constellations in the clear desert night sky and a didgeridoo musician plays in the background.

Continue to lively Melbourne. During flexible private touring, visit historic neighborhoods, walk the city’s distinctive laneways, and see highlights such as Cooks’ Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Arts Centre Melbourne and the shops at Queen Victoria Market. Also, explore favorite neighborhoods and the wonderful food and culture scene throughout the city. One day, enjoy a private, naturalist-led wildlife excursion to Phillip Island to see koalas and fur seals, and watch the evening penguin parade from an exclusive location. Additional excursions can be arranged upon request, such as a scenic flight over the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles.

Next, spend several days at spectacular Lizard Island, the best luxury resort in the Great Barrier Reef. One day, enjoy a snorkeling excursion to the outer reef. Artisans of Leisure will also arrange a private tour of the island’s coral reef research station. During free time at the resort, enjoy superb cuisine and activities such as snorkeling, swimming, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, beach picnics, tennis, motorized dinghy rides, glass-bottom boat rides, nature walks and hikes. Upon request, we can also arrange scuba diving, scuba lessons, sunset cruises, private fishing excursions and more.

Return to Sydney for a final night before departing Australia.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Sydney Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 2 Sydney Morning private city tour, including private Sydney Opera House tour. Evening dinner and performance at Opera House Day 3 Sydney – Uluru (Ayers Rock) Private transfer to airport for flight. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Private sunset tour Day 4 Uluru (Ayers Rock) & Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Morning and afternoon private tours of scenic and cultural highlights. Dinner under the stars Day 5 Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Melbourne Morning private tour. Private transfer to airport for flight. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 6 Melbourne & Phillip Island Morning private city tour. Afternoon and evening private wildlife excursion to Phillip Island with a naturalist guide, including penguin parade Day 7 Melbourne – Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Private transfer to airport for flight to Cairns. Private airport connection assistance for flight to Lizard Island for 3 nights Day 8 Great Barrier Reef Half-day snorkeling excursion to outer reef Day 9 Great Barrier Reef Private tour of Lizard Island research station Day 10 Great Barrier Reef – Cairns – Sydney Transfer to airstrip for flight to Cairns. Private airport connection assistance to flight to Sydney. Private airport transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 11 Depart Sydney Private airport transfer

Hotels

Sydney: Park Hyatt Sydney Uluru (Ayers Rock): Longitude 131 Melbourne: Park Hyatt Melbourne Great Barrier Reef: Lizard Island Resort

Cost

Upon request