Sydney, Uluru & Cairns - 8 Days
Highlights
- Soak up Sydney's most iconic sights
- Hike through the breathtaking wilderness of the Blue Mountains
- Marvel at Australia's spiritual homeland, Uluru
- Experience the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Sydney, Afternoon Taste of Sydney Private Tour | Sydney |
| Day 2 | Sydney Opera House Tour, Taronga Zoo | Sydney |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to the Blue Mountains | Sydney |
| Day 4 | Fly to Uluru, Afternoon Kata Tjuta Domes Tour & Sounds of Silence Dinner | Uluru |
| Day 5 | Uluru Sightseeing, Fly to Cairns & Aquarium | Cairns |
| Day 6 | Full-Day Marine World Outer Great Barrier Reef | Cairns |
| Day 7 | Full-Day Mossman Gorge Adventure with River Drift Snorkeling | Cairns |
| Day 8 | Depart Australia |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney, Afternoon Taste of Sydney Private Tour
Welcome to Sydney! Like all great international metropolises, Sydney boasts a prime harborfront location, iconic landmarks, star attractions, fantastic shopping, a bustling nightlife that appeals to all styles of travelers, and a diverse culinary scene. The city's beautiful coastline and plethora of beaches set it apart from other urban getaways.
Head out and explore the capital of Australia's New South Wales in the morning. Don't miss: walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which enjoys spectacular views of the famous Sydney Opera House; getting lost in the cobblestone streets of The Rocks; or spending time roaming the trendy area of Paddington and its countless bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Sun-seekers can head to Bondi Beach for a surf lesson, then experience first-hand what the legendary nightlife has to offer.
In the afternoon, partake in the Afternoon Taste of Sydney Private Tour—the ultimate Sydney experience for lovers of food, culture, and history. You will explore one of Sydney's oldest colonial areas (The Rocks) and Sydney's buzziest new waterfront precinct (Barangaroo), as well as sample Italian, French, and Thai-inspired cuisine. Walk along Barangaroo Reserve and The Rocks and take in the awe-inspiring views of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour.
Day 2: Sydney Opera House Tour, Taronga Zoo
Today, you will be taking a tour of one of the greatest buildings of all time: the Sydney Opera House. The now-famous Danish architect, Jørn Utzon, designed the 20th-century masterpiece over 60 years ago, and this tour offers an insider's perspective on the unparalleled design and construction of the iconic landmark.
In the afternoon, head to Taronga Zoo for an introductory tour of Australia's wildlife, bringing you as close as possible to some of the country's most recognizable animals. You will be accompanied by a small group and an expert guide, and there will be opportunities aplenty to take pictures of kangaroos, wallabies, birds, wombats, echidnas, and reptiles. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is ideal for inquisitive minds seeking fun yet educational local experiences.
Day 3: Day Trip to the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is a must-visit Australian highlight thanks to its stunning natural beauty (dramatic cliffs, forests, rock formations, and waterfalls) and sacred First Nations heritage (it's the home of many First Nations tribes, including the Gundungurra and Darug peoples). In the morning, discover this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site by foot as part of a full-day, small-group excursion. Visit a working farm where you'll get to know the local wildlife, then hike across valleys and sandstone ridges that look out onto the Three Sisters rock formations.
As you reach Govett's Leap, one of Australia'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 4: Fly to Uluru, Afternoon Kata Tjuta Domes Tour & Sounds of Silence Dinner
Today, you'll say your goodbyes to Sydney and head with your driver to the airport to board a flight to Uluru. A visit to Uluru is a life-changing experience. The spiritual heart of Australia's Red Centre, Uluru (sometimes referred to as Ayers Rock), is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory. The country's most recognized natural wonder, this special place is home to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara tribes, the traditional landowners of the area. In the afternoon, you will travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a place where unique flora and fauna thrive. During a three-hour tour, your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and describe the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred ceremonial site to First Nations men. You will arrive at Walpa Gorge and walk between the formidable conglomerate domes that make up Kata Tjuta, gleaning insight into how these 36 domes have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the walpa (wind) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you.
Afterward, you will be returned to your hotel in time to join the Sounds of Silence dinner. More than just a meal, this offers a spiritual discovery of the desert plains of this region, home to some of Australia's most sacred First Nations sites. Under the star-studded outback sky, you'll enjoy views looking out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the fabled Uluru monolith and will dine on gourmet "bush food" that features native ingredients. After dinner, an Indigenous host will discuss the significance of the glittering constellations above to First Nations people.
Day 5: Uluru Sightseeing, Fly to Cairns & Aquarium
Early birds, rejoice! Today, travel by coach to the sunrise viewing area of Uluru to see the Red Centre come alive under the first rays of the morning sun. After the sunrise spectacle, return to the hotel for breakfast before setting out for a base tour of Uluru. Join your driver/guide for an informative guided walk into the Mutitjulu waterhole to spot sacred First Nations rock paintings and learn about the region's flora, fauna, and First Nations history. Afterward, make your way to the airport to board your flight to Cairns, where you will be transported to your hotel by a private driver. Cairns is a tropical paradise on the shores of Trinity Bay and the gateway to some of Australia's most remarkable natural attractions—including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most popular diving sites, and another UNESCO treasure, the ancient rainforests of Daintree National Park. Visit the Cairns Aquarium to get up close and personal with some of the world's most fascinating, elusive, and deadly creatures.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Full-Day Marine World Outer Great Barrier Reef
Today, you will explore the Great Barrier Reef—the largest coral reef system in the world that can even be spotted from space. Check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal to board your vessel. The eight-hour tour takes you to the all-weather Marine World Platform—one of the outer reefs—which caters to all activity levels. Explore the reef in a way that suits you—the azure blue water and technicolor coral will take your breath away.
Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon or enjoy the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer or glass bottom boat. Need a moment of solitude? Head down to the underwater observatory, where you can see exotic fish and marine life and learn about the vast underwater ecosystem. For a more immersive experience, opt for one of the additional extras: scuba diving (beginners welcome) or a guided snorkel safari with a marine biologist.
Day 7: Full-Day Mossman Gorge Adventure with River Drift Snorkeling
Today, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a rainforest experience like no other! After being collected from your accommodation, you will travel to Mossman Gorge to experience a traditional Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony. You will be cleansed of evil spirits and have traditional rainforest body paint applied.
Explore the Daintree National Park during a 1.5-hour interpretive walk, giving you a deeper understanding of this breathtaking rainforest. After lunch, travel to the Mossman River for a one-of-a-kind River Drift Snorkelling tour. Search for turtles, water dragons, and the elusive platypus. Afterward, you will be transferred to your Port Douglas accommodation.
Day 8: Depart Australia
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