Sydney trip.
Australia | Jan 21 - Jan 27, 2025

T
Tamara K.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 28, 2025

Helen with ultimate Sydney was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and such a fun city food activity. The Sydney fish market was fascinating and all food stops were enjoyable. Charlie with aea luxury was also fantastic. Very personable and accommodating. Our time at thala beach was unique but a bit too isolated. Interesting, but would likely not return or recommend. Too far from any activities and not enough offerings on site. The calypso reef tour and the wildlife habitat tour were both spectacular. Absolutely loved both!! The sail away evening tour was quite average. No info, basically sailed out and slow return. Advertised as drinks and snacks. Snacks were limited and only the first drink was included and then they started a tab. Boring and overcrowded. Seating was uncomfortable and limited. We were happy to return to the wharf.

Hotel Reviews
Four Seasons Sydney
Sydney

Fantastic!!! Beautiful with top notch service. Well located for activities.

Authenticity & Character
Clean, classy, beautiful!!
Location
So close to everything!!
Staff
Derek was the best! Everyone was helpful And accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable, clean rooms. Beds were so inviting after our long travel day.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Oak Beach

Interesting and unique, but far too isolated with not enough activity at the resort. Only one restaurant and food was average. Wait times long for meals and quite overpriced for what is offered. Couldn’t even get a cup of coffee without someone asking for our room number. Pool area and beach felt unkempt and zero activity or anything of interest. Transportation to port Douglas was late - we almost missed our planned tour - and very limited. We lucked out by grabbing an uber back from town one evening. Staff was helpful and tried their best, but perhaps a bit understaffed or maybe it was the time of year??

Authenticity & Character
Very interesting location. Plenty of nature. Many frogs, toads, and can hear much wildlife st night from your tree house/jungle hut. Walking at night, not for the feint of heart. Golf cart shuttles are available but allow for extra time.
Location
Too far from everything. Nothing offered on property.
Staff
Helpful, tried their best. Seemed a bit understaffed maybe???
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was mostly clean. Pool area and beach both needed some attention/love.
Sydney Harbour Hotel
The Rocks

Yuck just yuck. Old, musty, offers nothing - would not recommend unless a brief stay to be close to harbor and decent walk around area. Staff was bored, uninterested and overall unhelpful. We lucked into the roof top area with Australia Day fireworks but, sorry, would not ever stay here again or recommend. Room felt moist and muggy. We felt as if we got ill staying there.

Authenticity & Character
Everything. It’s old and it shows. It had an old holiday inn or Howard Johnson’s feel. Overpriced.
Location
Nice location, but please chose a different hotel.
Staff
Personality, helpfulness, attitude, outlook. They seemed bothered we were even there.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Again, everything needs improvement. Grimy, dusty, musty, dank. Uncomfortable and also loud.
Activity Reviews
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Excursion
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Excursion
Port Douglas

Beautiful trip!! We had perfect weather. 3 perfect stops. Fascinating views and snorkeling. Thank you for an amazing adventure. Bucket list item!!!

Quality of Experience
Boat was clean, crew was organized and professional. Well informed. A lot of fun!!!
Food
Food was great! Make sure to get in line early as everyone is hungry. Fresh air and swimming help work up an appetite!!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
everyone was helpful. Make sure to do a guided snorkel with one of the crew.
Transport
Pick up at our hotel was on time. Return trip left right after outing. Perfect!!
Private Taste of Sydney Experience
Private Taste of Sydney Experience
Sydney

Helen was incredible. So knowledgeable and willing to share info. A fun day of learning and traveling around Sydney. We learned a lot, tried a lot and thoroughly enjoyed our day.

Quality of Experience
Just a great assortment of food and parts of the city coupled with a fantastic knowledge of the Sydney area and history!!
Food
So fun to try a nice variety of food items.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Helen felt like a family member from the start. Her knowledge and willingness to share history with us was very appreciated.
Transport
Comfortable, large, great visibility.
Sunset Sailing Cruise on the Coral Sea
Sunset Sailing Cruise on the Coral Sea
Port Douglas

Just a very average trip. We went out, made a turn and did a very slow return. Boring. No info. No music. No conversation or engagement. Advertised as food and drink - average and limited light snacks and one drink per person before they offer “to start a tab”. Limited and uncomfortable seating. Wanted this to be great - it wasn’t.

Quality of Experience
Ship was pretty. Everything else was lacking.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Zero interaction with anyone from the company or crew. Boring.
Transport
We were already on port Douglas so no transport was needed.
Private Wildlife Habitat Experience
Private Wildlife Habitat Experience
Port Douglas

This was a fantastic experience. Our guide Enrique was personable and knowledgeable. The interaction with wildlife was spectacular. Very much enjoyed this day.

Quality of Experience
Up close and personal with birds, kangaroos and koalas. Learned so much!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Enrique was wonderful. Answered all of our questions and was very knowledgeable about Australian wildlife.
Transport
Our transportation was over an hour late. This was booked through our hotel, so no fault of the travel agent.
Private Blue Mountains Day Trip
Private Blue Mountains Day Trip
Sydney

We learned a lot about the blue mountain region. Several great stops. The botanical gardens and lunch at boiler house were also great. Charlie with aea luxury was wonderful and accommodated a drop off at Manly Beach.

Quality of Experience
The views were incredible.
Food
Lunch at boiler house was delicious. Charlie provided champagne for one of our stops.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Charlie was warm, knowledgeable and incredibly accommodating.
Transport
Comfortable vehicle, on time pick up
Local specialist: Siena Mueller