Australian Signature Highlights

Arrive in Australia’s much-loved city Sydney, where you’ll spend three nights at the boutique Harbour Rocks Hotel, a stone’s throw from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden. Over the next few days, settle into the relaxed Australian pace of life visiting the city’s highlights. 

Accommodation: Four Seasons Sydney

Included activities: Bridge Climb, Essential Sydney tour,Captain Cook Harbour Story Cruise

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Bondi Surf Experience, The Sydney Opera House Tour, Sydney Hop On Hop Off Three Day Pass, Taronga Zoo – Behind the Scenes Upgrade to a Harbour View Suite for views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour.

Travel Designers recommendation: Hop on a ferry from Circular Quay to the coastal suburb of Manly, a short walk from your hotel, to experience Australia’s renowned beach culture. 

Pick up your car and drive to the Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains, where you’ll spend the next few days taking in the spectacular panoramas and natural serenity of the region. Take a stroll along one of the nature trails to discover the native wildlife and unique Australian flora, explore quaint villages and boutiques and discover ancient Aboriginal sites.

Accommodation: Spicers Sangoma Retreat

Optional add-ons / upgrades: For complete emersion with nature, upgrade to a Tented Suite with a free-standing bath overlooking the forest canopy.

Travel Designers recommendation: For the best panoramic views of the Three Sisters visit Scenic World where you can enjoy a scenic cableway and walkway through the rainforest. Don't forget to stop off at some of the more hidden viewpoints for more panoramic views, such as Cahills Lookout, our favourite! 

Drive through the picturesque Blue Mountains to the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley where you’ll enjoy a two night luxury escape with plenty of time to sample the world-renowned local wine, accompanied by fresh local produce. Relax in the beautiful surroundings, take an optional tutored wine-tasting or cookery class and tour the local vineyards and breweries. Watch out for kangaroos who have developed a taste for grapes!

Accommodation: Spicers Vineyards Estate

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Full day wine tour - ask your Travel Designer for more information. 

Travel Designers recommendation: The Hunter Valley has a diverse vineyard events schedule, including the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival every May and June. Book early, they’re popular!

From the lush pastures of the Hunter Valley drive to Sydney Airport and fly to the contrasting ochre-coloured outback in Australia’s Red Centre. Transfer to the luxurious Sails in the Desert hotel, part of Ayers Rock Resort, with iconic Uluru as your neighbour. Over the next few days you’ll enjoy three of the best day tours on offer; the Sounds of Silence dinner, a helicopter flight over Uluru and the one-of-a-kind art installation ‘Field of Light’. An experience not to be missed!

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert hotel

Included activities: Sounds of Silence, Field of Light – Star Pass

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Uluru Sunrise and Sacred Sights, Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta, Tali Wiru Dining Experience, Desert Awakenings,Uluru heli flight

Travel Designers recommendation: We highly recommend extending your stay in the Red Centre to experience Kings Canyon and Alice Springs. Ask your Travel Designer for more information. 

Fly directly to tropical Cairns where you’ll spend two nights in the Hilton hotel overlooking Trinity Inlet and Cairns Marina. Enjoy an included, hands-on cultural tour with a local Aboriginal guide taking in the surrounding rainforest, plus a spectacular early morning hot-air balloon flight for a birds-eye view. Wander along the boardwalk and soak up the sun ready for your Great Barrier Reef adventure. 

Accommodation: Hilton Cairns

Included activities: Full Day Cultural Experience with Walkabout Adventures

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Tjapukai by Day, Rainforest and Reef Helicopter Flight, Cape Tribulation Daintree by 4WD, Kuranda All-Inclusive Day Tour, Pro Dive Learn to Dive PADI Course,Hot Air Ballooning Cairns (30 min) 

Travel Designers recommendation: The main beach in Cairns is a mud flat with crocodiles on watch, so if you fancy a dip head to the Cairns Lagoon or the hotel’s private outdoor pool. 

The ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience; board a purpose-built small ship for an eco-accredited expedition venturing far beyond day trip territory. Explore the untouched parts of this UNESCO World Heritage listed site and swim, snorkel or scuba dive alongside the colourful coral and marine creatures. With a maximum of 44 guests on board, you’ll enjoy exclusive mooring locations, discover more about the reef with the help of a resident marine biologist and dine on fresh, locally sourced produce. For full details of the Coral Expeditions itinerary click here.

Accommodation: Cruise the Great Barrier Reef (four nights)

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Upgrade to the seven night cruise for a longer, unforgettable trip.

Travel Designers recommendation: For the best visibility and calmer waters, visit the Great Barrier Reef between June and November. For whale watching, visit between January and March.

End your time in Australia with a three night stay back on the mainland at the Shantara Resort. Port Douglas offers a laid-back tropical vibe where you can relax and rejuvenate. For those with energy left to spare, choose from a range of optional tours, take part in one of the many water sports on offer on palm-fringed Four Mile Beach or visit the restaurants, boutiques and galleries that line Macrossan Street. 

Accommodation: Shantara Resort

Optional add-ons / upgrades: Coastal Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tour, Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours, Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk. For a unique holiday experience ask your Travel Designer about adding on the Undara Experience.

Travel Designers recommendation: Top restaurant recommendations include On the Inlet, Watergate Restaurant & Lounge bar and The Little Larder.