Curator’s statement
There’s no other place like Australia. It is a beautiful country that allows you explore magnificent beaches, the stunning Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, Aboriginal culture, rolling wine country, delicious food and tropical lush rainforests. Extension to New Zealand can be arranged with any Australia itinerary.
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Day 1: Explore Australia's beauty
Settle in at the Park Hyatt Sydney and explore on foot the Rocks and Circular Quay. Climb the Sydney Harbor bridge and watch the sun set over the Opera House. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants within walking distance of your hotel-Park Hyatt Sydney
Day 2: Manly Harbor from Circular Quay
Take the 30-minute ferry to Manly Harbor from Circular Quay for shopping and fish and chips lunch. Spend the day walking or biking the long boardwalk. Bask in the sun on the soft sand beach and enjoy the tree lined promenade before taking the ferry back to Circular Quay. In the evening enjoy dinner on a Sydney Harbor Cruise or one of the many restaurants in the Rocks area-Park Hyatt Sydney
Day 3: Sydney adventures continue
Take the ferry to Taronga Zoo or jump on hop on the hop on/off bus to Bondi Beach with a tour of Sydney. For a quicker trip to visit this iconic surf spot you can also take a taxi. If Beaches or zoos aren’t you thing, you can visit the Blue Mountains by land or helicopter flight departing from Sydney Harbor. In the evening, take a ferry to Darling Harbor on your final night in Sydney-Park Hyatt Sydney
Day 4: Cairns tropical start
Catch a flight from Sydney to Cairns for the beginning of your tropical experience. Arrive in Cairns and rent a car to explore the 1 hour drive to the Daintree Rain Forest. Stop in Palm Cove for lunch to experience the incredible beach and scenery along the mostly coastal route. Private car transfer from Cairns can also be arranged. Dine in the Treehouse restaurant at Silky Oaks Lodge for Dinner-Silky Oaks Lodge
Day 5: Rainforest retreat
Wake up with the sounds of the rainforest and jungle surrounding you. Visit Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation before a cruise on the Daintree River. Relax nestled in your private hammock on the balcony of your treehouse with a good book and a cold drink or spend the day on a boat snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an Aboriginal dinner at Flames of the Forest
Silky Oaks Lodge
Day 6: Rainforest serenity, Port Douglas exploration
Join an early morning yoga class, take a rainforest walk, or plunge into the invigorating Mossman River. Marvel at the oldest living rainforest on the planet. Spend the afternoon in Port Douglas. Wander along Four Mile Beach, visit the old Sugar Wharf and explore the charming boutiques and restaurants. Spend the afternoon back at the lodge with a spa treatment surrounded by the tropical rainforest. Silky Oaks Lodge
Day 7: Cairns to Hamilton-Hayman
Drive back to Cairns for your flight to Hamilton Island via Brisbane
Arrive Hamilton Island for your luxury boat ride to Hayman Island-Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Day 8: Enjoy your day at Hayman Island
Enjoy your day at Hayman Island. Snorkel, relax, paddle-board, jet-ski or simply relax by the pool or beach. Sunset cruise from Hayman Island-Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Day 9: Experience the Whitsunday Islands
Experience the Whitsunday Islands, Heart Island and aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef by air. An exceptional, once in a lifetime experience to fly above these incredible sights by seaplane or helicopter. Flying above the Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest experiences of my life. The Whitsundays can also be seen by boat-Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Day 10: Farewell Australia
Depart for your flight from Hamilton Island to Sydney
Fly Home from Sydney
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Lisa Garber
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Australia.