Sydney, Uluru & Port Douglas - 9 Days

Day 3: Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

About a two-hour drive inland from the urban jungle of Sydney are the dramatic Blue Mountains, a region known for rugged cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and cascading waterfalls. Lace up your hiking boots for a full-day, small-group excursion to see the best of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After transferring here, you'll visit a working farm and meet local wildlife like kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas. Then, hike across valleys and sandstone ridges to viewpoints of the towering Three Sisters rock formations.

As you reach Govett's Leap, one of the country's most famous lookouts, marvel at the sweeping vistas across Grose Valley, Australia's answer to the Grand Canyon. Your final stop is 3,280 feet (1,000 m) above sea level at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. Here, you'll see hundreds of international plant species as well as the exotic critters that call this sanctuary home, including various birds, reptiles, and insects.

Day 5: Sunrise Kata Tjuta Tour

Wake up before dawn for a trip to one of the Northern Territory's natural highlights: Kata Tjuta. Also known as the Olgas, this collection of otherworldly sandstone rock domes is not only beautiful, but it's also a sacred site to the First Nations people. The five-hour tour starts with a transfer from your hotel to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. From there, it's a 25-mile (40-km) drive through the scenic desert landscapes to the incredible rock formation. 

You'll arrive at sunrise and watch as the morning sun gilds the 36 domes that comprise Kata Tjuta, causing them to glow. Afterward, enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast. Then you're off to Walpa Gorge, another natural highlight and refuge for plants and animals of the desert. Take a stroll along a natural creek and through deep gullies between the mighty cliff faces. As you go, your guide will explain how the area's geology has evolved over millions of years. At the end of the tour, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 6: Uluru to Port Douglas, Optional Activities

In the morning, transfer from your hotel in Uluru to the airport to catch a 2.5-hour flight to Cairns on Australia's northeast coast. Upon arrival, a private car will transfer you to the coastal town of Port Douglas. Located just north of Cairns, Port Douglas is a resort town on the Coral Sea and base for excursions to Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef. It's also perfect for travelers who want a tropical escape in a relaxed environment.

After checking in to your hotel, you can spend the day browsing Port Douglas' boutiques, dining in its exquisite al fresco restaurants, and taking excursions to coral cays (islets) along the nearby Barrier Reef. A visit to Four Mile Beach is essential, as you can laze on the golden sands of this palm-fringed crescent beach without a care in the world. Port Douglas is also a popular base to explore the Wet Tropics national parks, Daintree Rainforest, and the scenic coastal headland of Cape Tribulation.

Day 7: Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour

Your full-day Great Barrier Reef adventure starts with an early departure from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas. Kick back and relax on the deck of a beautiful yacht as you sail to the white sands of Mackay Coral Cay and epic snorkeling spots at Undine Reef. Getting there is half the fun, as this sailing trip follows the stunning coastline and features views of the Daintree Mountains' soaring peaks. Once at the protected sites, you'll hit the water and explore the reef system on a guided snorkeling tour led by a qualified marine biologist.

You can also enjoy a coral-viewing tour on a glass-bottom boat. Pass premium reef sites that showcase abundant marine life living among the beautiful corals. These include tropical fish, turtles, and even giant clam gardens. The tour includes a buffet lunch, teas and coffees, and first-class service from the helpful, friendly crew.

Day 8: First Nations Fishing & Daintree Rainforest Tour

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour that will take you just north of Port Douglas to Cooya Beach (Kuyu Kuyu), a traditional fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji people. Here, you'll join one of the Kubirri Warra brothers on their beach for a walk among the mudflats and mangroves. Following this is an introduction to the traditional fishing techniques of these First Nations Australians, after which you'll join them to try and catch your own "tucker" (food).

Then, travel inland to nearby Mossman Gorge, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park. After a traditional First Nations welcoming ceremony, you'll enter the rainforests of Daintree, which are the oldest in the world. Enjoy an easy hike across boardwalks and bridges that offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. As you go, your guide will point out the various flora and fauna you pass. Afterward, you'll return to Port Douglas and your hotel.

Day 9: Port Douglas to Cairns & Depart