Highlights
- Get to know Sydney's waterfront, including the iconic Harbor Bridge and the Opera House
- Explore the ancient rainforest on a guided hike through Blue Mountains National Park
- Go wine tasting in the gourmet Hunter Valley region
- Meet marine life around the magnificent Great Barrier Reef
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Sydney, Explore Sydney Harbor | Sydney |
| Day 2 | Drive to the Blue Mountains, Visit Scenic World | Blue Mountains |
| Day 3 | Grand Canyon Guided Hike | Blue Mountains |
| Day 4 | Drive to the Hunter Valley | Pokolbin |
| Day 5 | Explore the Hunter Valley | Pokolbin |
| Day 6 | Full-Day Hunter Valley Private Wine & Food Tour | Pokolbin |
| Day 7 | Drive to Port Stephens, Fly to Cairns, Transfer to Palm Cove | Palm Cove |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef | Palm Cove |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Cairns, Depart Australia |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney, Explore Sydney Harbor
G'day and welcome to Sydney! This Australian city is a must-visit destination for good reason. With a dazzling natural harbor, epic beachside walks (not to mention beaches), a world-class restaurant and bar scene, excellent live music and theatre, and an unquenchable thirst for fun, you'll never get bored in this city. Take a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation and settle in.
Day 2: Drive to the Blue Mountains, Visit Scenic World
Pick up a rental car and hit the road for the stunning beauty of Blue Mountains National Park, just 1.5 hours west of Sydney. Here a dusty blue horizon of eucalyptus trees appears to stretch on forever. Set out on foot to explore some of the 87 miles (140 km) of walking tracks, admire the native bushland, marvel at the impressive rock formations, explore underground caves, and more.
A trip to the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area wouldn't be complete without calling into Scenic World at Katoomba. Ride a Scenic Skyway gondola across Jamison Valley to view the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, and Katoomba Falls. You can also ride the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest incline railway that descends more than 1,300 feet (400 m) down the escarpment. This thrilling ride passes through a long tunnel and gorge, ending on the valley floor. It's a huge hit with children (and children at heart).
Day 3: Grand Canyon Guided Hike
Go deeper into the Blue Mountains World Heritage area with the half-day Grand Canyon walk. One of the signature trails, this guided hike takes you into the remote wilderness, ancient rainforest, and deep gorges and canyons with remarkable sandstone escarpments. Traverse a winding path along the base of the canyon before passing lush rainforests and spectacular views of the Grose Wilderness. This 3.7-mile (6 km) walk requires a medium level of fitness, as you will need to rock hop at the base of the canyon and climb steep sandstone steps.
Day 4: Drive to the Hunter Valley
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Explore the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia's best places to eat. The region is bursting with restaurants serving delicious local produce and the best local wines. From high-end fine dining to classic country steakhouses and buzzing cafés, you'll never go hungry in the Hunter. Start the day with a bubbly breakfast at Restaurant Cuvee in Peterson House. For a decadent lunch or dinner, try Yellow Billy, named after a local bushranger focused on cooking over a fire, or try the relaxed and elegant Hunters Quarter, award-winning Muse, or Eremo, a modern Italian restaurant.
Beyond the vines, the Hunter Valley is a diverse region with a curious history. Explore the 59 acres (24 ha) of the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens at the foothills of the Broken Back Range, or visit the Maitland Gaol to hear about the daring escapes and stories of prisoners over the past 150 years.Day 6: Full-Day Hunter Valley Private Wine & Food Tour
Day 7: Drive to Port Stephens, Fly to Cairns, Transfer to Palm Cove
Wave goodbye to the rolling vineyards and set your GPS for the coast. Today's destination is Port Stephens, a beautiful seaside town with fantastic beaches, spectacular dunes, and wild dolphins. If you have time before your flight, visit Stockton Beach to ride camels and see the mega dunes. Otherwise, head to the airport and drop off the rental car.
On arrival in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, you'll meet a driver who will take you to Palm Cove. This tropical beachside village is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a waterfront sundowner along the melaleuca-lined esplanade. Soak in the pristine stretch of sand, winding path, colorful boutiques, award-winning spas and restaurants, and vistas to Double Island.
Day 8: Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef
Board a high-speed catamaran for a full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. One of Australia's most remarkable natural gifts, the UNESCO-protected Great Barrier Reef, is the world's largest coral reef and one of Earth's most complex natural ecosystems. The reef comprises more than 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays and supports abundant marine life—which you'll get to explore today. One of the world's most sought-after destinations, this bucket list snorkel experience is one you'll remember forever.
Your aquatic adventure begins with an informative briefing by an eco-guide before snorkeling around a pristine Great Barrier Reef location. Pause for a hot and cold buffet lunch, freshly prepared by the onboard chef, before moving to a second destination for another snorkel and swim.
Day 9: Transfer to Cairns, Depart Australia
Spend your final morning relaxing in paradise at Palm Cove before your flight, or take an early transfer to Cairns and visit the Cairns Aquarium, or admire tropical and exotic fruits at Rusty's Markets. Be sure to arrive at the airport in time to catch your domestic or international flight home. Safe travels!
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