Highlights
- Live in 5-star luxury at top hotels and remote resorts
- Experience Sydney Harbour with a private sunset dinner cruise
- Get to know Melbourne through its laneways and fine dining scene
- Witness sunset over Uluru followed by the Field of Light and dinner under the stars
- Explore the Great Barrier Reef from the ultra-exclusive and remote Lizard Island
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Sydney, Sunset Dinner Cruise | Sydney |
| Day 2 | Full-Day Australian Cooking Experience | Sydney |
| Day 3 | Guided Bike Tour, Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour | Sydney |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Royal National Park Tour | Sydney |
| Day 5 | Fly to Melbourne, Lanes & Arcades Tour, Fine Dining Experience | Melbourne |
| Day 6 | Koalas & Kangaroos in the Wild Tour | Melbourne |
| Day 7 | Scenic Great Ocean Road Day Trip | Melbourne |
| Day 8 | Fly to Uluru, Afternoon Uluru Sunset, Field of Light & Table 131° | Uluru |
| Day 9 | Sunrise at Kata Tjuta, Evening Wintjiri Wiru After Dark | Uluru |
| Day 10 | Uluru & Kata Tjuta Scenic Helicopter Flight, Fly to Cairns | Cairns |
| Day 11 | Fly to Lizard Island, Free Time | Lizard Island |
| Day 12 | Private Reef Charter Cruise, Multicourse Degustation Dinner | Lizard Island |
| Day 13 | Guided Island Hike, Snorkeling in Watson's Bay | Lizard Island |
| Day 14 | Fly to Sydney via Cairns, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney, Sunset Dinner Cruise
Say g'day to stunning Sydney! This Australian city is a bucket-list destination for good reason. With a dazzling natural harbor, epic beaches, a world-class restaurant scene, excellent live music and theater, and an unquenchable thirst for fun, it's impossible to get bored here. A private driver will transfer you from the airport to your 5-star hotel, the luxurious harborside Park Hyatt. Life in this city revolves around the expansive, blue Sydney Harbour, so soak in the views from your room before venturing down to the port.
As evening falls, you'll board a deluxe private sunset cruise on the harbor. Step aboard a 52-foot (16 m) motor yacht and enjoy a four-hour dinner cruise where you'll watch day turn to night and feast on a delicious Australian barbecue dinner paired with wine or beer. Your captain and host will share the rich history of the city as you pass by famous landmarks, and you can even go swimming, fishing, or kayaking if you wish.
Day 2: Full-Day Australian Cooking Experience
Today's full-day private cooking experience begins with a journey across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge to reach the Northern Beaches. En route to a beautiful private Sydney home, you'll pause at a local produce market to collect fruit, vegetables, meats, and seafood for today's cooking class. Then it's time to lace up your apron and join professional chef Andy Newton in the kitchen. Together, you'll prepare a special modern Australian lunch. In between courses you're invited to stretch your legs with a short walk through the native Australian bushland to the picturesque waterfront.
After a leisurely afternoon of cooking, eating, and living the life of a real Sydneysider, you'll return to your accommodation in the city center. If you're still in the gourmet mood, make a reservation at one of Australia's top restaurants, such as Quay, Aria, or Bennelong.
Day 3: Guided Bike Tour, Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour
Today, you'll explore the best of Sydney, starting with a private bike tour. Jump in the saddle and pedal past Circular Quay, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the piers at Walsh Bay, Darling Harbour, the Anzac War Memorial, Chinatown, and Hyde Park with a private guide who will share tales of the city. Pause for a refreshing drink together, then say your farewells.
This afternoon, prepare to peek beneath the sails of a 20th-century architectural masterpiece, the famous Sydney Opera House. With its sleek vaulted shells, this expressionist marvel is a testament to human imagination and was the brainchild of Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Today, you'll step inside this global icon, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and performing arts venue to see its inner workings. Learn about the history of the Opera House and its design elements as your guide shares entertaining stories and takes you to off-limit areas. After, grab a drink at the waterfront Opera Bar.
Day 4: Full-Day Royal National Park Tour
Sydney's Royal National Park was established in 1879, making this coastal bushland reserve the world's second-oldest national park. Today, a private guide will meet you for a full-day exploration of the park, with its coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, swathes of eucalypt-rich bush, sacred Aboriginal sites, and abundant wildlife. Travel south of Sydney to the sweeping Garie Beach, where you can choose to relax or take a dip in the saltwater lagoons. Afterward, you'll take a bush walk through the temperate rainforest, discovering the Australian bush and wildlife firsthand.
For lunch, you'll either enjoy a quintessential Australian picnic in the bush or stop for a rustic café-style lunch. If you're feeling adventurous in the afternoon, instead of exploring trails on foot, you could opt to hang glide (at extra expense) off the sea cliff at Bald Head and take in bird's-eye views of the coastline. At the end of the day, you'll return to your Sydney hotel.
Day 5: Fly to Melbourne, Lanes & Arcades Tour, Fine Dining Experience
After breakfast, take a private transfer to Sydney Airport for your 90-minute flight to Australia's other big city, Melbourne. On arrival in Australia's cultural capital, collect your luggage and meet another driver who will transfer you to the luxurious 5-star Crown Towers. Set on the banks of the Yarra River, this inner-city oasis will be your base for the next three nights. Drop your bags, refresh, and get lost in Melbourne's back streets. This city is famous for its laneway culture, and on a three-hour private walk, you'll discover designers, quirky cafés, and cool street art.
Return to the hotel to change ahead of a self-guided culinary adventure, starting with a sky-high lunch at Vue de Monde. From the 55th floor, you'll soak up a breathtaking view of the city. After, sit down for a traditional high tea at the Hotel Windsor, then take a leisurely stroll along the Yarra River to prime your appetite. Finally, sit down for a luxe experience at Attica, one of Australia's top-rated restaurants, where chef Ben Shewry is known for creating innovative and cutting-edge dishes that tell a story about Australian culture.
Day 6: Koalas & Kangaroos in the Wild Tour
A private guide will meet you this morning for a special full-day journey west of Melbourne. Your first stop is You Yangs Park, a natural reserve with a healthy population of wild koalas. Your local expert will share details about how koalas live and socialize, and you'll be able to take photos of the threatened marsupials. Wander the wilderness, then break for a picnic lunch with "billy tea," a common 19th-century style of Australian bush tea.
After exploring You Yangs, you'll travel to the nearby Serendip Wetlands National Park, where you'll be greeted by a choir of screeching cockatoos or the chattering of honeyeaters. Walk through the gum trees and across grasslands in search of wild mobs of eastern grey kangaroos. Look out for curious emus and take a short walk to the billabong, home to large populations of waterbirds. Finally, you'll return to your luxurious digs in Melbourne and relax for the evening.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Scenic Great Ocean Road Day Trip
Wake up early and embark on an epic day trip along one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world: the Great Ocean Road. This stretch of highway runs 150 miles (240 km) down Victoria's southwest coast, passing national parks, limestone rock formations, seaside bluffs, coastal mountain ranges, and incredible beaches. This is a full-day, 11-hour private day trip in which you'll have ample time to stop and enjoy the highlights.
Keep an eye toward the coast throughout the drive, as you're likely to spot whales and dolphins; on the inland side, you might even see echidnas and bandicoots. Stop for lunch at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town set among the rolling coastal hills. You can stretch your legs on a forest hike through the mountains of the famous Otway Ranges. You'll also visit the romantic cove at Loch Ard Gorge, then cap the adventure at the most incredible natural landmarks on the route: the Twelve Apostles, a group of ancient limestone rock formations rising up out of the sea.
Day 8: Fly to Uluru, Afternoon Uluru Sunset, Field of Light & Table 131°
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is an unmissable experience and the spiritual heart of Australia's outback and desert plains. Today you'll catch a flight to Ayers Rock Airport, dropping you close to the country's most recognized natural wonder and into the home of the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara tribes, the traditional landowners of the area. Upon arrival, a private driver will meet you and transfer you to Longitude 131˚, a spectacular luxury camp set amid red-rust dunes. Here, you'll be connected with the outback landscape with direct views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Late this afternoon, a private guide will take you into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for sunset. As the sun begins to dip, you'll witness the many moods and immensity of Uluru. Sit back with a glass of sparkling wine and watch day turn to night. Afterward, you'll journey to the Field of Light, an installation of 50,000 radiant frosted-glass globes by internationally renowned artist Bruce Monroe. Watch as they sway in the darkness, then sit down for dinner beneath the stars at Table 131°, where you'll enjoy a four-course dinner with matched wines and a guided exploration of the stars.Day 9: Sunrise at Kata Tjuta, Evening Wintjiri Wiru After Dark
Rise early to witness the sunrise at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), an incredible formation of 36 mighty rock domes that extend some 3.7 miles (6 km) into the ground. Learn about the geology and history of the formation as the remains of erosion that began more than 500 million years ago. Soak up the tranquility of predawn in the outback and enjoy a light breakfast before setting off into Walpa Gorge. Admire the towering rock walls, tree-lined creeks, and waterholes, and step out to the Kata Tjuta viewing platform to enjoy morning tea with a seriously splendid view.
Day 10: Uluru & Kata Tjuta Scenic Helicopter Flight, Fly to Cairns
Today you can take it slower, stopping to enjoy the spread of freshly baked pastries, potato rostis and smoked salmon, or fluffy blueberry pancakes at your own pace. After, buckle up for a 25-minute helicopter ride and explore spectacular sights within the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park. While it's amazing to walk around Uluru, there's nothing like seeing the mega monolith from above to truly appreciate the scale and majesty of the rock. After your short flight, you'll return to the luxurious camp to pack your bags and say goodbye.
Day 11: Fly to Lizard Island, Free Time
After a leisurely breakfast in Cairns, a private driver will transfer you to the airport for the private charter to Lizard Island, a continental island and 2,500-acre (1,013 ha) national park surrounded by stunning corals in the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend the next three nights at the ultra-exclusive Lizard Island Resort, a secluded and remote natural paradise with just 40 rooms, suites and villas. Surrounded by tropical palms and white sandy beaches, use the few days to relax, switch off, and connect with the wild surroundings.
Each day at Lizard Island Resort is yours to enjoy bespoke private experiences, from snorkeling and kayaking to beach yoga and fishing charters. Whether you seek thrills or tranquility, you can find it here with tailored activities. This afternoon you could start with a guided tour across Anchor Bay in a glass-bottom kayak to experience the colorful reef life from above, borrow stand-up paddleboards and explore solo, or stay on dry land with a guided interpretive walk, exploring the unique creatures and flora of the island.
Day 12: Private Reef Charter Cruise, Multicourse Degustation Dinner
Escape the ordinary with a private charter out to the reefs off Lizard Island today. With your own boat and expert crew, you can go fishing, snorkeling, or diving in the pristine waters off the coast. You'll have worked up an appetite after snorkeling or diving among the corals, meeting and greeting tropical fish and their friends, or trying to reel in mackerel, tuna, trevally, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. Luckily, your crew will prepare a fresh and delicious lunch with local produce and refreshments for you to enjoy between the fun.
Day 13: Guided Island Hike, Snorkeling in Watson's Bay
After a leisurely breakfast with views over the ocean, lace up your walking shoes and set off for a guided interpretive walk. Your local expert will share details about the fascinating reef and island environment and the unusual creatures that call it home. Explore the famous Clam Gardens, or join a Turtle Tour to meet green sea turtles at Casuarina Beach and Watson's Bay. Take an educational walk over Chinaman's Ridge, visit the Lizard Island Research Station, a coral reef research facility, or join a challenging hike to the top of Cook's Look.
After lunch, grab snorkel gear and return to beautiful Watsons Bay, home of the Clam Gardens. Here, you can simply step off the beach and immerse yourself in some of the most picturesque reefs and marine life on the island. A short swim from the shore at Watsons Bay, Anchor Bay, and Sunset Beach will take you to this stunning underwater world of colorful marine life.
Day 14: Fly to Sydney via Cairns, Depart
It's your final day in Australia, and there's a big day of travel ahead to get you from the remote island in the Great Barrier Reef back to Sydney. Flights depart Lizard Island just after lunch or midafternoon, so pack your bags and relax at the resort, or squeeze in an extra snorkel adventure on the reef.
When the time is right, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Cairns. From there, you'll take a connecting flight to Sydney for your long-haul international connection. Safe travels home or onward!
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