Australian Indulgence

See the Signature Sights in Style

Snaking through the heart of the city, Melburnians like to gently rib one another over which side of the Yarra River they live on. The sepia-colored Yarra is one of the stars of this private tour, but before you take it to the water, first celebrate the city’s unique laneway culture. Teeming with incredible hole-in-the-wall cafes manned by passionate baristas, the street-art daubed thoroughfares also host boutique galleries and designer stores showcasing local creations. Climb to a rooftop bar for a close-up look at the city’s glittering towers. Once you step onboard your luxury private cruise, sit back and dig into a charcuterie and cheese board with a glass of Australian sparkling wine as you glide along the Yarra, marveling at that magnificent skyline from a very different angle, with Federation Square, the MCG, and the Royal Botanic Gardens as your dramatic backdrop.

Taste and Tipple on a Vineyard Visit

The Yarra Valley not only accommodates some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wineries but is equally celebrated for its dining scene making it an all-around epicurean playground. For the more dedicated gastronome, this tour affords the opportunity to taste the very best the region has to offer. Commence your Yarra Valley experience with sparkling wine at the picturesque Chandon winery. While its traditions hail from the grand Champagne house Moët and Chandon, their expertise is firmly planted in cool-climate Yarra Valley wine country. Taste a variety of premium sparkling wines including their delicious interpretation of the Australian classic sparkling Shiraz. Lunch will be a memorable affair for even the most discerning gourmands. Awarded a chef’s hat by the prestigious Good Food Guide only a year after opening the doors, Ezard at Levantine Hill is a must for culinary connoisseurs. The celebrated teaming of the garlanded chef Teague Ezard and Levantine Hill Estate brings the wow factor. You’ll be treated to a five-course degustation lunch with matched estate wines. Visit internationally renowned boutique vineyard Yarra Yering, one of the oldest and most beautiful vineyards in the Yarra Valley and producer of some of Australia’s most collectible ultra-premium wines. Experience a structured wine tasting of their finest that includes their Bordeaux-inspired blend, Dry Red No.1 which has achieved cult status globally. From there it’s all down to your personal tastes, with visits to Yarra Valley Dairy, Four Pillars Gin, and the finest and less-visited boutique vineyards all on the cards. Conclude your day with a transfer back to your hotel.

Onward and Upward

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Melbourne’s domestic airport alongside a professional driver.

Board a flight in Melbourne with service to Ayers Rock. Please note that your flight may require a connection. The approximate direct flight duration is three hours.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately.

A shared airport transfer is provided by your Ayers Rock accommodation, Longitude 131.

At Longitude 131° guests take the road less traveled, sharing exclusive and authentic experiences with only a few others. Longitude 131° provides its exclusive guests a luxury wilderness experience like no other. After settling in, experience Bruce Munro’s magical Field of Light art installation as darkness descends over the Outback. Wander at leisure along the pathways and feel mesmerized by this celebrated open-air art phenomenon made up of some 50,000 individual stems crowned with colorful frosted glass bulbs that bloom and appear to sway as the inky night blankets Australia’s spiritual heartland. As darkness descends on the desert, you will be transported to Table 131° to dine under a glittering canopy of stars.

Cultural Immersion

Begin your morning of touring by departing Longitude 131° at approximately 6:00 am, traveling in the direction of Kata Tjuta; a series of large domed rock formations located 31 miles west of Uluru. Upon arrival, head out for a guided tour of the Walpa Gorge where the natural history of this postcard-perfect location is explained in further detail. Listen to folktales and historical accounts of how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created this remarkably unique landscape. Return to the comforts of Longitude 131° at approximately 10:00 am and perhaps chat with your guide who will be available for further discussions regarding the day’s touring. Spend some time at leisure in the afternoon or participate in some of the many optional tours and activities (at an additional expense) in and around wonderful Ayers Rock which range from camel rides to motorcycle rides, helicopter tours over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and much more. For further information on optional excursions, please speak to your Destination Expert.

In the afternoon, the journey to the base of Uluru to learn about the history of the ancestral Mala people on the Mala Walk. Your guide leads you on a discovery hike along the rocks hiding caves, whose walls reveal ancient Aboriginal artwork. Learn the significance of each ’room’ and the cultural stories that they tell. A meandering pathway takes you through groves of green trees and along boardwalks over spinifex and occasional streams, depending on the weather. At dusk, the tour reaches Kantju Gorge, a giant ‘fold’ among Uluru’s rippling surface. Here, enter a cool reserve lined by trees which leads to a waterhole that the local Aboriginal people use for swimming. As the sun sets, it casts a golden light across the rock faces, striking it a brilliant red against a deep blue sky. Enjoy a moment of reflection at the pool, before sampling canapes and sipping sunset drinks at the Longitude 131° pop-up bar.

The Journey Continues…

Early in the morning – at approximately 6:00 am – you will depart the Dune House and travel towards Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to marvel at the sun as it rises over Uluru. From here, continue to the Mutitjulu Waterhole to admire ancient cave paintings and listen to the mythical tales of the Kuniya and Liru, an aged Tjukurpa story that has captivated audiences for centuries. Shortly after, you will return to the Dune House for a delicious and hearty breakfast.

A shared airport transfer is provided by your Ayers Rock accommodation, Longitude 131.

Board a direct flight in Ayers Rock with service to Brisbane. The approximate flight time is three hours.

Please note that the flights are not included in the price and must be purchased separately. 

Transfer from Brisbane to Spicers Hidden Vale in Grandchester by private vehicle. The approximate travel time is 1.5 hrs.

A Bit of Time on Your Own

Spend the day indulging at this gorgeous country estate. Relax and take in the fresh air of the true Australian Bush. Energetic travelers may wish to rent a bike or an ATV to explore the 12,000 acres surrounding Spicers Hidden Vale. For a lower-key experience, consider arranging a cooking class or wine tasting experience with the concierge. Please note that optional activities can be arranged in-destination at an additional cost.

Experience a memorable safari tour of the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, established in partnership with the University of Queensland to provide hands-on learning about conservation. You’ll then move to one of the center’s koala hotspots where you’ll assist researchers in locating and checking the welfare of the koala community. The koala population has suffered a decline over the years due to the increased devastation to their natural habitat, threatening their species growth. Led by Dr. Andrew Tribe, the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre is currently conducting a 12-month koala research program in which you’ll contribute during your observation. The center currently tracks 26 koalas at present and expects to see Joey make an appearance shortly. Learn interesting facts about koalas, their habitat, and how the center aims to increase the population with the hopes of reintroducing koalas to specific areas across the region. This authentic eco-experience is truly unique and not to be missed. After your 2-hour expedition, enjoy a cold beverage by the campfire to unwind.

A Change of Scenery

Transfer from Spicers Hidden Vale (Grandchester) to Brisbane. The approximate travel time is 1.5 hrs.

Board a flight in Brisbane with service to Hamilton Island. The approximate direct flight duration is one hour and 45 minutes.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately. 

Your hotel in Hamilton Island will arrange an airport transfer as part of your stay.

Underwater Wonderland

Indulge in the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience with return helicopter flights to Fantasea Reefworld. The Helireef tour features a 60-minute scenic flight encompassing views of the Whitsunday islands, outer reefs, and the world-famous ”Heart Reef”. The tour also includes 2 hours at Reefworld, snorkeling, and coral viewing from the underwater viewing chamber.

Island Time

Today is yours to discover the island’s grace. Hamilton Island boasts an abundance of activities for all ages. Make your way to Catseye Beach for a vast range of water-based activities or challenge yourself with the Passage Peak hiking trail. For the less active traveler, relax and unwind in one of the many restaurants in the Marina precinct or visit one of the island’s day spas for an authentic Australian treatment (additional cost). As the evening approaches, why not take a golf buggy and drive up to One Tree Hill lookout to witness the spectacular sunset views of the Whitsunday Islands.

Your hotel in Hamilton Island will arrange an airport transfer as part of your stay.

Board a flight in Hamilton Island with service to Sydney. The approximate direct flight duration is two hours and 20 minutes.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately. 

You will be privately transferred between Sydney domestic airport and your hotel by a professional driver. The approximate travel time is 30 minutes.

See the Signature Sights in Style

Discover The Harbour City’s essential highlights, first meeting your private guide in the hotel lobby and then setting out to explore the historic Rocks precinct. Considered the birthplace of Sydney, The Rocks is where European settlers once landed, offering convict-built cottages, pubs, and the first church in Australia all to explore. Heading east, make your way to the gorgeous Botanical Gardens situated in the heart of the city. En route, pass through Macquarie Street where you’ll see Australia’s first Parliament House, the Hyde Park Barracks, and St Mary’s Cathedral. The tour continues onward to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair where you’ll begin a walking tour of the harbor’s edge, taking in magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House before rejoining your vehicle. Stop for lunch at the stunning Bondi Icebergs, home to sumptuous food and amazing views overlooking the beachfront. Continue on through Darling Point, one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs, and see some of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses. Pass by scenic bays before traversing along the coastline to Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will have some time to soak up the atmosphere of this beachside Mecca before strolling down the esplanade. Returning to Sydney via vibrant Oxford Street and the suburb of Paddington, you’ll have time to admire this boutique shopping precinct and its charming Georgian and Victorian architecture before returning to your hotel.

An Evening Out

Step inside the world’s most recognizable sails on this privately guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. A work of art and a marvel of engineering that came into existence against impossible odds, the Sydney Opera House has since become one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world. Working with a new interactive audio-visual component where images are projected onto the fabric of the building, your guide will take you on an emotional journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns. You’ll also have the chance to visit one of the major venues where live performances are conducted daily. Host to some 1,500 performances annually, spanning every genre imaginable, the Opera House welcomes audiences of approximately 1.5 million each year; today, discover this world-renowned building for yourself. Please note: Guests must make their own way to and from the Opera House. As well, access to individual theatres is subject to availability and may be limited due to performances, rehearsals, or other events. 

From modern monuments to historic districts with excellent shopping in between, Sydney boasts a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. During your free time, consider exploring the Harbour area with its many cafes, gift shops, and gorgeous waterfront, or perhaps head to the Queen Victoria Building to shop at a few high-end designer boutiques. At Bondi Beach, whisk the shores barefoot, enjoying the soft golden sands beneath your toes. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to enjoy your time at leisure in sensational Sydney.

Spend an evening visiting some of the top culinary destinations around Sydney on an exclusive, privately guided tour. After meeting your insider host at your accommodation, kick the night off at Bennelong Restaurant located under the first sails of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Here you will indulge in cuisine created by the celebrated Australian chef Peter Gilmore with a menu that will steer you through the diversity of local homegrown and indigenous flavors. Sit at the restaurant’s Cured & Cultured counter and enjoy a front-row seat before tasting three unique dishes with matching wine. Up next, stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens and weave your way up to Potts Point. Your next culinary stop is Bistro Rex, the hottest new bistro to hit Sydney that has received many accolades in the media for its exquisite and delicate French cuisine. Meet one of the head chefs and learn about their passion for food and discover the secrets of flavors behind the dishes you are about to be served. The chefs will assist you with your menu decisions and a sommelier will help you pick the best wine pairings to match. Continue with a walk through Potts Point and Kings Cross into the nearby Darlinghurst where you will stop at Gelato Messina, a famous Sydney gelato house. What follows is a gelato experience like no other with flavor combinations that will make your heart skip a beat. Wrap up the evening on an absolute culinary high, with a final nightcap cocktail in Darlinghurst.

Until Next Time…

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Sydney Airport alongside a professional driver.