Australian Highlights - Uluru, Port Douglas and Sydney
Australia | Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2025

Sean
Sean M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

Despite the 42° temperature, the 12 km hike around Uluru was great. From the guide, we learned about the aboriginal legends associated with Uluru.
Had great day sailing out to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas.
In Sydney, we enjoyed a tour of the Opera House where we peeked in on a rehersal for the ballet, Sleeping Beauty. On a tip from the guide, we were able to get tickets to the afternoon performance and got a discount by showing the tickets for the guided tour.

In Sydney, we had a couple of lovely meals at Love.Fish and Fish at the Rocks. On our last day, we really enjoyed our walking tour of Sydney. Just the two of us and our guide.

Hotel Reviews
Shangri-La Sydney
The Rocks

Great Service, good locationand quick check in process. Amazing buffet breakfast but can be busy on the weekend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very helpful. Took care of our luggage while we were away for a few days
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sails In The Desert
Yulara
Authenticity & Character
Very modern decor with a large patio and swimming pool
Location
Located in a complex only a few minutes from the airport. Close by to a coffee shop and restaurant as well as a small grocery store. A few gift shops to pick up gifts and souvenirs.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas

Small boutique hotel. Comfortable room which included a fridge, dishwasher, and microwave. Quiet location with views of the beach. Nice breakfast in the morning. During our visit, the restaurant was undergoing a change in management so they were only serving the included breakfast but there are lots of places to eat out or you can buy food at the supermarket.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the main street with lots of eateries and a supermarket.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

Learned a lot about the history of the construction of the opera house and the unique material and engineering that was used.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Outback Sky Journeys - Astro Tour
Outback Sky Journeys - Astro Tour
Uluru

Unfortunately, the tour was cancelled due to cloudy skies but the costs were reimbursed quickly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Classic Kuranda - Ex Port Douglas
Classic Kuranda - Ex Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Unfortunately, the company that was supposed to pick us up that morning failed to show up because they made an error in the date. However, it was probably for the better as the area was hit by torrential rains and strong winds. We learned later that the cable car ride and train ride were cancelled that day because of the inclement weather. After a quick Whatsapp message to Vicky, everything was sorted and a refund was issued.

SEIT Uluru Trek
SEIT Uluru Trek
Uluru

Up at 4:45 a.m. so as to arrive at Uluru before sunrise to avoid the heat.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Learned a lot about stories and legends of the aboriginal people from a very knowledgeable guide
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Feb 18, 2026

Hi Sean,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'm thrilled you enjoyed such a diverse mix of highlights — from the incredible walk around Uluru (even in the heat!) to sailing on the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s lovely to hear how much you enjoyed Sydney as well.
Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review — it was a pleasure helping plan your trip.
All the Best,
Vicky