Australian East Coast Adventure

Cosmopolitan Sydney welcomes you today. Australia is known to have some of the finest produce and seafood in the world, and this afternoon you’ll embark on a foodie tour, perusing the Sydney fish market, local farmers markets, and funky cafes, connecting with culture and history as you taste your way through the city and Australia’s most delicious dishes. Rest your head at the Park Hyatt Sydney for the next three nights, with incredible views of the harbor and Sydney Opera House.

Spend the day exploring Sydney’s famous beaches such as Bondi and Manly. Delve into the heart of the city through its eclectic markets, fantastic coffee shops, and hidden gems. Meander the beautiful botanical gardens. This afternoon, embrace adventure as you ascend ladders, navigate platforms and summit the legendary Sydney Harbor Bridge in time for a spectacular sunset over the Opera House, harbor and city.

Today features an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the architectural wonder, the Opera House. Peruse local art galleries with indigenous Aboriginal works and contemporary installations. In the afternoon, set out on a cruise through Sydney’s renowned harbor, passing under the bridge and alongside the Opera House. You’ll pause in a charming bay for a decadent lunch of traditional Australian cuisine such as barbeque, fresh seafood, and salads. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Board your flight to Byron Bay, on Australia’s mid-north coast. ‘Byron’ is a melting pot; a funky, hip and vibrant town full of colorful, friendly locals. Enjoy an afternoon meandering the eclectic shops, sampling cuisine at delicious eateries and putting your feet in the sand at Byron Bay’s iconic beaches. Three nights will be relished in the peaceful surrounds of the Byron at Byron Hotel, set amongst a 45-acre rainforest only minutes from town.

Byron Bay and surrounds are a foodie paradise, with rich volcanic soil and healthy rainfall, everything grows here. Explore towns such as Mullumbimby to taste organic chocolate, take a cruise on the Brunswick River to spot amazing birds and wildlife nestled in the rainforest surrounding the river. Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding at a nearby beach. Visit an oyster farm to sample freshly shucked oysters. A gourmet lunch is served at an award-winning restaurant. With a full and happy stomach, return to your hotel for the afternoon.

Take part in an optional yoga class prior to breakfast this morning, then head out onto the water with a guided kayak tour. Paddle across a protected bay encountering abundant marine life, with a good chance to see dolphins. Cherish morning tea at once of the area’s pristine beaches. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore all Byron Bay has to offer.

This morning fly to Cairns and transfer to the Daintree National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. This is a dense, lush tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife, birds and adventure activities. Immerse in nature with three nights at the Daintree Ecolodge, nestled deep in the jungle. This afternoon launch on a river cruise through the rainforest in search of endemic bird species, and the elusive crocodile. An intimate, 5-course degustation dinner awaits this evening in a secluded and romantic rainforest setting.

An early start today ensures you witness wildlife as it awakens for a new day. Wander into the lush rainforest of the Mossman Gorge, dotted with boardwalks, tracks, bridges, and waterholes as you learn of the endemic flora and fauna of the area. After lunch, enjoy ‘jungle surfing’ as you zip line across the rainforest canopy, taking in the lush, verdant green surroundings from tree platforms. Upon returning to the lodge this evening, perhaps you may wish to indulge in a spa treatment.

Rise for an optional yoga session before breakfast, and transfer to the marina for your two-night, private luxury cruise to explore the Great Barrier Reef and all it has to offer. This afternoon take a snorkel mask and swim amongst tropical reefs with an array of colorful fish, hard and soft corals. A gourmet lunch will be served onboard, between stops of idyllic tropical islands and white sand beaches. We highly recommend dedicating some time to stargazing this evening.

Rising early today, catch the sunrise over the ocean from your boat, an unforgettable moment. After breakfast, another day of beaches, swimming and snorkeling tropical islands awaits. Kayaks and a wave runner are available to use. Delicious meals will keep you satisfied throughout the day. Canapes and your favorite beverage will be served this evening, in admiration of a spectacular ocean sunset.

Returning to the marina this morning, board your flight to Hamilton Island, part of the iconic Whitsunday Islands. Qualia will be your accommodation for the next three nights, a divine luxury property with incredible ocean views. The use of a self-drive golf buggy is included in your stay and is a fun way to navigate this island with barely any cars. Start the engine for an exploration of scenic roads and lookout points offering incredible panoramas of the ocean and surrounding islands, best enjoyed at sunset.

Cruise the majestic Whitsunday Islands today, taking in your ocean surroundings and snorkeling tropical reefs fringing the islands. Spend a leisurely few hours at majestic Whitehaven Beach, known as one of the whitest sand beaches in the world. Hike up to an incredible lookout point to witness the turquoise blue waters and white swirling sands that have become one of the top three most photographed beaches, worldwide. Sail back towards Hamilton Island for the evening.

After a morning at leisure, experience a scenic helicopter flight over the islands, taking in that swirling white sand of Whitehaven Beach from the sky. Fly to Heart Reef, an incredible reef island shaped like a heart, and land on a floating helipad pontoon. Indulge in a private afternoon snorkeling the reef, and truly immersing yourself in the remote and breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.

Savor your final morning on Hamilton Island, before your flight to Sydney. Bid farewell to the islands and a beautiful journey through Australia as you arrive in Sydney and connect with your international flight home.