Sydney, Rock & Reef

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Tropical North Queensland, Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef

This private Australia tour is perfect for travelers wanting to experience the highlights in a shorter time frame. It features private touring and the best hotels in the country’s most popular destinations, including sophisticated Sydney, the wide-open Outback, the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.

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, a private surfing lesson, a behind-the-scenes wildlife experience, a private tasting tour, kayaking in the harbor, 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 Tropical North Queensland, and stay at a beach resort in Port Douglas. One day, take an excursion to the Daintree Rainforest, an ancient tropical rainforest and UNESCO World Heritage Site.  During private touring, learn about the rainforest’s unique ecosystem, and take a private boat ride on the Daintree River. Also visit Mossman Gorge, and if desired, enjoy drift snorkeling on the Mossman River. Upon request, we can arrange additional activities in the area, such as a visit to Kuranda to ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, hot-air balloon rides, Aboriginal crafts lessons, sea kayaking along the coast, “breakfast with the birds” at a local wildlife reserve and other family activities, and in-depth tours of the rainforest with a local Aboriginal guide.

One day, enjoy a cruise to the unforgettable Great Barrier Reef, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site of colorful corals and reef fish. Swim and snorkel over the spectacular outer reef—the best place to appreciate the reef’s diversity—or opt for scuba diving. Upon request, we can also arrange a helicopter transfer one way to or from the outer reef.

This tour can easily be customized with additional time or destinations in 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. 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) – Cairns – Port Douglas Morning private tour. Afternoon private transfer to airport for flight to Cairns. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 6 Port Douglas & Great Barrier Reef Full-day boat excursion to outer reef for snorkeling and other activities Day 7 Port Douglas & Daintree Rainforest Private excursion to the rainforest Day 8 Depart Cairns Private airport transfer

Hotels

Sydney: Park Hyatt Sydney Uluru (Ayers Rock): Longitude 131 Port Douglas: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Cost

Upon request