Highlights
- Dress up for a live opera at the famous Sydney Opera House
- Take a day trip into the Blue Mountains to meet iconic Aussie wildlife
- Experience the art of Aboriginal storytelling with a cultural evening in the outback
- Soak up the magnificence of Uluru with sunset cocktails and canapés
- Bring out your inner artist with a street art masterclass in Melbourne
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Sydney, Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House | Sydney |
Day 2 | Full-Day Sydney Tour: Landmarks, Beaches & Bays | Sydney |
Day 3 | Full-Day Blue Mountains & Featherdale Zoo Tour | Sydney |
Day 4 | Fly to Uluru, Sunset Experience at Talinguru Nyakunytjak, Tali Wiru Dinner | Uluru |
Day 5 | Sunrise Walk, Bush Food Experience, Kantu Gorge & Aboriginal Drone Show | Uluru |
Day 6 | Charter Flight to Ernabella Arts Community, Field of Light & Table 131° | Uluru |
Day 7 | Fly to Melbourne, Laneways & Alleyways Tour, Melbourne by Night | Melbourne |
Day 8 | Melbourne City Sights Tour, Half-Day Street Art Masterclass | Melbourne |
Day 9 | Scenic Great Ocean Road Day Trip | Melbourne |
Day 10 | Depart Melbourne |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney, Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House
G'day and welcome to Sydney! This buzzing metropolis feels like the heart of Australia thanks to its iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, world-class culinary scene, prime waterfront location, and pristine beaches. On arrival at Sydney's airport, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your 5-star hotel, the luxurious harborside Park Hyatt. Soak in the brilliant views from your room and slip into something chic—tonight you're going to the opera!
Venture down to the harborfront and stop at Opera Bar for a sunset drink with views of the iconic bridge and Sydney Opera House. After, you could enjoy dinner under the sails at the exquisite Bennelong before experiencing a live performance by Opera Australia. Yes, the Sydney Opera House is more than just a beautiful and iconic building; this performing arts space hosts more than 2,000 shows every year, and tonight, you'll experience the world-class venue as an audience member.
Day 2: Full-Day Sydney Tour: Landmarks, Beaches & Bays
Today, a private guide will connect you with Sydney's greatest sights and tales, starting in The Rocks, Sydney's oldest suburb, where you'll learn about Australia's convict history. Learn the story of Mrs Macquarie and why she has a stone chair named after her, then journey past the Royal Botanical Gardens, the heritage State Parliament House, and the landmark St Mary's Cathedral. Hear about Sydney's seedy underbelly as you drive through the infamous Kings Cross, a former red light district, and continue out to the eastern shores, bays, and coves of Sydney Harbour.
Pause for tea and coffee with Tim Tams (a famous Australian cookie) at Watsons Bay, then say g'day to brilliant Bondi Beach, where golden sands and bronzed lifesavers await. You'll cross the heritage-listed Sydney Harbour Bridge, built in 1931, and venture over to Manly, a beautiful beachfront suburb popular for surfing. As a private tour, your guide can adjust the stops and sights to your interests and pace. You'll return to the city just in time to catch the sunset; then, you could seek out a special dinner at Quay or Aria and find a cocktail bar for a nightcap.
Day 3: Full-Day Blue Mountains & Featherdale Zoo Tour
The Blue Mountains offer an easy, natural escape from Sydney with cascading waterfalls, towering sandstone cliffs, and lush eucalyptus forests. A private guide will collect you in a luxury car for a full-day adventure, starting with a drive to Featherdale Zoo. Here, you can enjoy up-close and personal encounters with Australia's beloved marsupials. You'll also meet, cuddle, and hand-feed koalas. After, you'll road trip to Leura along scenic windy roads, and visit Echo Point in the charming town of Katoomba.
Stroll along a scenic boardwalk to reach the dramatic Three Sisters rock formation. This towering trio of sandstone peaks is steeped in Indigenous culture and legends. As a private tour, you can shape the afternoon to your interests. Choose to hike on one of the many scenic trails and be rewarded with panoramic views or reach the cascading Katoomba Falls. Visit Scenic World to ride the world's steepest railway or zipline through the rainforest. Whatever your style, your Blue Mountains day promises the chance to reconnect with the beauty of this natural oasis west of Sydney.
Day 4: Fly to Uluru, Sunset Experience at Talinguru Nyakunytjak, Tali Wiru Dinner
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is an unmissable experience and the spiritual heart of Australia's outback and desert plains. Today, you'll catch a 3.5-hour 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.
Closer to sunset, experience the enchanting Australian outback with a private sunset session at Uluru, a sacred site of the local Anangu people. Sip Champagne and enjoy canapés as warm hues stretch over the iconic sandstone monolith and feel connected with Australia's spiritual heartland. After, you'll sit down for an intimate dinner beneath the stars. From the top of a red dune, you'll devour a four-course meal with matched wines, combining world gastronomy with a spectacular natural setting. After dinner, a local storyteller and didgeridoo player will share celestial creation stories.
Day 5: Sunrise Walk, Bush Food Experience, Kantu Gorge & Aboriginal Drone Show
Rise before the sun and set out to walk the 6-mile (10 km) Uluru base loop. You'll learn about the mighty monolith's fascinating geology and natural history and hear Aboriginal Anangu Tjukurpa legends, from the battle of Liru and Kuniya to the story of the Mala people. Stop to view ancient rock art and serene creeks and waterholes. After, discover the 40,000-year-old bush tucker tradition with a cooking demonstration of local Indigenous foods. Savor a bush tucker recipe and explore the desert garden to learn more about the plants used in traditional food and medicine.
Closer to sunset, return to the base of Uluru with Longitude 131° guides to learn about the Indigenous Mala people. Follow a winding pathway through lush groves, boardwalks, and occasional streams to reach Kantju Gorge at dusk, where the setting sun illuminates the rocks in brilliant red. View rock art and take a moment to reflect by the waterhole used by local Aboriginal people before winding down with canapés and drinks at the Longitude 131° pop-up bar.
Later in the evening, your connection with the local Anangu culture will deepen through storytelling, an art form the local people have shared for thousands of years. Journey out to an intimate amphitheater where you'll experience a chapter of the ancestral Mala story under the desert sky with the help of choreographed drones, lasers, projections, music, and Pitjantjatjara language. After, return to your luxurious tent at Longitude 131˚.
Day 6: Charter Flight to Ernabella Arts Community, Field of Light & Table 131°
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today's once-in-a-lifetime experience flies you to the heart of South Australia on a scenic charter flight. You're landing at the Ernabella Arts Community in Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, some 415 miles (665 km) away. After relishing the aerial views, immerse yourself in this Aboriginal-owned and run arts community, which promotes and supports ethical practices within the Indigenous art world. You'll meet the artists and discover the symbolism and stories told in their work. Sit side-by-side with elders and youth to create a ceramic tile memento to remember your visit.
In the evening, after your return to Uluru, 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 of Australia's best produce with matched wines, followed by a guided exploration of the stars.
Day 7: Fly to Melbourne, Laneways & Alleyways Tour, Melbourne by Night
After breakfast, a private driver will collect you from the luxury camp for a short transfer to Ayers Rock Airport. From here, you'll catch a three-hour flight to Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia. On arrival, meet your private driver, who will transfer you to your luxurious hotel, The Langham Melbourne. This elegant 5-star property is the perfect sanctuary for your stay in the edgy city. Drop your bags and refresh, then 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.
Tonight, you'll join a thrilling dining and cocktail tour. A private guide will lead you on an extravagant trail, starting with heritage landmarks on Melbourne's Golden Mile. From there, you'll explore the city's international food scene at a trendy dining room or traditional pasta spot in Little Italy. Soak up the bohemian vibes of Fitzroy, where live music streams from pubs and bars, then marvel at Melbourne's sparkling evening skyline from the Eureka Skydeck, the highest viewpoint in the southern hemisphere. End your night with a cocktail in one of the city's hidden bars.
Day 8: Melbourne City Sights Tour, Half-Day Street Art Masterclass
Today, you'll discover why Melbourne is considered one of the world's most livable cities by getting under its skin. A private guide will collect you for a half-day exploring the city, and you'll gain real insights into life here. You'll tick off Melbourne icons—Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Royal Exhibition Building, and the Golden Mile—then dive into the city's laneway and street art culture. Cruise past the famous sporting, fashion, and dining precincts, visit the historic Queen Victoria Market and see the beachside suburbs of St Kilda and Brighton.
After a morning absorbing inspiration across Melbourne, you'll reveal your creative side with a half-day street art masterclass. Meet a renowned local street artist at EverFresh Studios and set out to discover the city's incredible street art scene. You'll start with a crash course on the the evolution and the history of this urban art form, and learn how Melbourne's street art disciplines cross over. Then, you'll get to create your own design in a workshop before you head out back to practice with spray cans. Finally, you'll get to leave your mark on an iconic Melbourne street art laneway!
Day 9: 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 where 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 out of the sea.
Day 10: Depart Melbourne
It's your final day in Australia, so if you have time before your departing flight, wander back through the city streets, picking up last-minute souvenirs and enjoying one final coffee. At an agreed time, a private driver will collect you and your bags for your transfer to the airport. Safe travels home or onward!More Great Australia Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other Australia itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Australia in luxury, or discover the best time to visit Australia.
A note on diacritical markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.