Highlights
- Sail around Sydney Harbour on a cruise, then climb across the landmark bridge
- Board a private plane for a three-course culinary experience in a national park
- Spend a full day swimming and snorkeling around the Great Barrier Reef
- Fly a helicopter to a private waterfall for a refreshing swim and a picnic lunch
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Sydney, Bike Tour | Sydney |
| Day 2 | Explore Neighborhoods & Beaches, Lunch Cruise, BridgeClimb Summit | Sydney |
| Day 3 | Cottage Point Inn Fly & Dine Experience, A Taste of Chinatown Tour | Sydney |
| Day 4 | Fly to Cairns, Drive to the Daintree Rainforest | Daintree |
| Day 5 | Drive to Port Douglas, Full-Day Mackay Cay Outer Reef Tour | Daintree |
| Day 6 | Half-Day Aboriginal Tour, Rainforest Waterfall Helicopter Escape | Daintree |
| Day 7 | Fly to Sydney, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney, Bike Tour
G'day and welcome to Sydney! With a dazzling natural harbor, epic beaches, an impressive restaurant and bar scene, and an unquenchable thirst for fun, you'll never get bored in this city—which is why it's the perfect honeymoon destination. Upon arrival at Sydney's airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your city accommodation. Refresh, then set out to find lunch or go for a walk through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and along the edge of Sydney Harbour.
After lunch, get ready for an afternoon pedaling across Sydney. Along with a local guide, you'll tick off all of the city's iconic sights, including the Opera House, Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Building, and more. This whirlwind cycling tour will give you a quick feel for the city and introduce you to the top landmarks and neighborhoods.
Day 2: Explore Neighborhoods & Beaches, Lunch Cruise, BridgeClimb Summit
This morning is yours to explore Sydney's neighborhoods and beaches at your pace. Perhaps you'll want to catch a glimpse of local life in trendy Surry Hills or hipster Newtown, then venture out to Bondi Beach to watch the surfers. You could also take a lesson yourself or wander the waterfront Bondi to Bronte coastal walk. Return to the city in time for a four-hour lunch cruise in the afternoon. Zip across the harbor, taking in the most famous sights and lesser-known coves as you enjoy a delicious Australian-style barbecue lunch with locally produced wines and beers.
When darkness falls on the city, you'll set out for a unique after-dark adventure—climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Strap on a harness and let a BridgeClimb leader take you 439 feet (134 m) above sea level for an adrenaline-pumping journey that provides memorable 360-degree views of the city. As you ascend to the summit of the world's largest steel arch, you'll hear insights into this icon's engineering and cultural history. After your descent, head to Circular Quay or Darling Harbour to take your pick of some of the city's best restaurants.
Day 3: Cottage Point Inn Fly & Dine Experience, A Taste of Chinatown Tour
Today starts as you board a private 20-minute scenic flight destined for the award-winning Cottage Point Inn. This beautiful waterfront restaurant is located in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and is renowned for its exceptional modern Australian cuisine. The friendly staff will greet you with a warm welcome and great Australian wines. After your laid-back and leisurely three-course lunch, board the seaplane for your return to the city. Circuit above the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House before landing at Rose Bay.
This evening, explore Australia's more recent migrant history with a tasting tour of Chinatown. Over three hours, visit hidden landmarks and hear little-known stories from the history of Chinese Australians. Enjoy some of the best Asian Australian cuisines, with roots in Chinese, Korean, and Malaysian food. Taste modern fusion and Sydney Chinatown classics, from handmade dumplings and noodles to the best KFC (Korean Fried Chicken). You'll also experience a Chinese tea ceremony, an ancient, serene tradition.
Day 4: Fly to Cairns, Drive to the Daintree Rainforest
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today you'll board a flight for Cairns, a tropical paradise and the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest. Over the next few days, you'll connect with one another while experiencing some of Australia's most remarkable natural wonders and attractions. Collect a rental car and make the 80-minute drive north to the luxurious Silky Oaks Lodge, a relaxed eco-retreat set above the gently flowing Mossman River and surrounded by the cool leafy canopy of the Daintree Rainforest.
Turn the drive into today's adventure, following the incredibly scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive. Keep your camera close as you make your way along the coast from Palm Cove to the palm-fringed Ellis Beach. Pause to admire deserted tropical beaches and unspoiled coastline stretching as far as the eye can see. Turn inland through Mossman, where green cane fields contrast the rainforest and coast. Detour to Mossman Gorge, a place rich in Indigenous culture and breathtaking beauty, and experience the ancient ferns, emerald green vines, and lush canopy of the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 5: Drive to Port Douglas, Full-Day Mackay Cay Outer Reef Tour
Today, you'll dive into one of the world's great natural wonders with a luxury full-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The world's largest coral reef system counts an incredible diversity of marine life, including over 1,400 species of fish, 30 species of whales and dolphins, and six species of sea turtles. Made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and nearly a thousand islands, the protected area spans over 1,430 miles (2,300 km). Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, drive 20 minutes to the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina to board your luxury catamaran, and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay.
Get ready to snorkel and sail around the reef with this once-in-a-lifetime eco-adventure. Once at the protected reef sites, you'll get to dive into the sea and meet colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and even sharks. The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and is an essential ecosystem for the world's oceans, providing vital habitat and protection for marine life.
Day 6: Half-Day Aboriginal Tour, Rainforest Waterfall Helicopter Escape
Today you'll discover the history, culture, and traditions of the local Aboriginal people. Learn about the Kuku Yalanji people's special relationship with their land, and explore rainforest and coastal habitats with a local guide, discovering different foods and natural medicines. During the adventure, you'll collect shellfish while learning traditional Aboriginal hunting practices. You'll also have a go at spear-throwing in attempts to catch a mud crab! Complete your Mossman and Daintree adventure with a swim in a crystal-clear freshwater stream.
After lunch, you'll board a private charter helicopter from Port Douglas. Enjoy the jaw-dropping aerial views of the tropical coast and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Coral Sea before landing at Stewarts Creek Waterfall. This magical fall is a jewel in the UNESCO-listed Daintree National Park and is only accessible by helicopter. Leave the modern world behind as you enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters, listen to the sounds of the rainforest, and dine on a gourmet picnic with sparkling wine.
Day 7: Fly to Sydney, Depart
More Great Australia Itineraries
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