Australia’s Coast & The Whitsunday Islands

Cross an item off the Bucket List

One of the more vibrant and visually striking cities in the world, begin your tour of Sydney’s essential highlights by meeting your private guide in the hotel lobby, then set out to explore the historic Rocks precinct – the birthplace of Sydney – where you’ll explore convict-built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Heading east, make your way to the gorgeous Botanical Gardens situated in the heart of the city. En route, pass through Macquarie Street – named after the fifth Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie – where you’ll also see Australia’s first Parliament House, the Hyde Park Barracks, and St Mary’s Cathedral. The tour continues onward to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair – carved in sandstone and situated steps from the water – 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. Continue through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, and Rushcutters Bay. Stop for lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Australia’s premier yacht club and home to what is considered yachting’sEverest’ – the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. Continue on through Darling Point, one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs, and see some of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses. Pass by Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, and Watsons Bay, 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 being returned to your hotel.

Breathe the Mountain Air

An authentic journey into the heart of a remarkable World Heritage Region of towering sandstone escarpments and temperate rainforests, see and experience the best of the Blue Mountains National Park area on this tailored, private adventure. After a hotel pick-up, you’ll drive through the historic Rocks precinct – Australia’s first European settlement – passing convict-built cottages and Australia’s first church before crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge. Following a short westbound drive, you’ll arrive at Featherdale Wildlife Park to get up close with a range of native animals including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and wombats. Carrying onward, you’ll enter the Blue Mountains National Park, first stopping at a secluded clearing to enjoy morning tea. Roam the area in search of wild kangaroos and birdlife and then set off for magnificent Kings Tableland to bask in the incredible views overlooking the Jamison Valley. Break for lunch at a local café in the heart of the Blue Mountains, then track to Wentworth Falls, a beautiful waterfall found between Blue Mountains National Park and Kanangra-Boyd National Park. You will be guided down a well-worn path towards the falls, taking in excellent views along the way and learning about the geological conditions that spawned the Blue Mountains. Next, you’ll hop into an awaiting vehicle and skirt around cliffs, driving towards the township of Katoomba. At Eagle Hawk lookout you will see the famous Three Sisters rock formation, marveling at the views of the Jamison Valley, and then visit Narrowneck Plateau to enjoy a few more outstanding vantage points. Having discovered the essential highlights of the Blue Mountains, you’ll return to Sydney, arriving at your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm.

The Journey Continues…

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

Board a flight in Sydney with service to Hamilton Island. The approximate direct flight duration is two hours and 30 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.

Sail the Seas

Whitehaven Beach is a definite must-see’ in the Whitsundays. The crystal-clear waters and pristine white silica sand of Whitehaven stretch for over four miles along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsunday Islands National Park. Whitehaven is the most photographed beach in Australia and repeatedly voted one of the best beaches in the world.

Spend the whole day experiencing all the wonders of the magnificent Whitehaven Beach area. Begin your Whitehaven experience ashore at the southern end where the crew will advise of the times for the day’s activities including the trip to Hill Inlet at the northern end of the beach and the walking tour options. These will vary depending on weather conditions.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise, in the smaller Whitehaven-based vessel, along the full length of Whitehaven and across Hill Inlet to the landing point. From here, a guided walk following the path and history of the Whitsunday traditional owners, the Ngaro people, will lead you to a lookout featuring that picture postcard view! There are informative displays along the way that will provide an insight into the history, flora, and stories of this picturesque area. A leisurely pace ensures all fitness levels are catered for, and guests take their time to enjoy this superb spiritual place. On return to the southern end, your guide will let you know what time the departure for the walk to Solway Circuit and Chance Bay. The Guided Bushwalk to Solway Circuit Lookout is approximately 30 minutes walking at a steady pace, regularly stopping for commentary and picture-perfect moments. Walk past impressive grass trees, cycads, and rock fern, with beautiful views over Solway Passage, Pentecost, and Haslewood islands. Once at Solway Circuit, there is the option to continue the walk to beautiful Chance Bay (3.7 miles return) and is a leisurely 90 minutes return. Stroll through Whitsunday Islands forest and woodlands to a secluded beach at Chance Bay. On arrival, you’ll have time to have a swim before the return walk. If you prefer a more relaxing option, wander back to Whitehaven Beach to your own secluded stretch, laze on the beach or cool off in the azure waters for the afternoon.

Note: Please bring swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen lotion, camera, money/credit card for optional purchases.  Also, please advise at the time of booking when an infant is traveling. Infants will not be provided with lunch on Hamilton Island, Long Island, or Daydream Island day tours.

Beach Bliss

Today is yours to explore Hamilton Island and the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands. Soak in the stunning views from your room curled up with a good book or luxuriate on beautiful Catseye Beach. The Reef View Hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef in all its glory. For those so inclined, take advantage of complimentary water sports including catamaran sailing, snorkeling, and windsurfing.

Relax and Recharge

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 hire a golf buggy and drive up to One Tree Hill lookout to witness the spectacular sunset views of the Whitsunday Islands?

A Change of Scenery

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

Board a flight in Hamilton Island with service to Brisbane. The approximate direct flight duration is one hour and 40 minutes.

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

A transfer between Brisbane Domestic Airport and your hotel in a private vehicle with a driver is provided.

Meet your private guide at your hotel to discover how Brisbane comes alive at night. The city’s beauty sparkles as the buildings, bridges, and even the river parks light up beautifully when the sun goes down. You’ll drive, walk, and explore along with your guide, who’ll share the city’s history tracing back from its roots as a former colony for British convicts, to a cosmopolitan lifestyle capital approaching a population of 2.5 million. With comfortable evening temperatures almost all year round, Brisbane offers an ideal climate in which to explore as night falls. Enjoy the superb lookouts from Kangaroo Cliffs and Mt Coot-tha, watching as the CDB lights the horizon while you descend the cliffs at Howard-Smith Wharves and stroll along the river at Southbank. Your evening adventure includes a sumptuous 2-course meal with a drink served with stunning views over Brisbane.

Hit the Streets

Meet your private local guide to embark on a tour of the South Bank Parklands, Queensland’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination. Take a stroll along the Brisbane River and learn how South Bank has transformed from an industrial port to the cultural landmark it is today. Compare the contemporary South Bank with its laid-back West End – an eclectic mix of a ‘New Brisbane’ emerging among the history of ‘Old Brisbane’. View the area’s attractions including South Bank’s famous city beach and its street murals that dot the city. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the social hub by taking a turn on the Wheel of Brisbane Ferris wheel, admiring the panoramic views of the city from one of the 42-air conditioned carriages. Discover why both locals and visitors alike love South Bank and her surrounding neighborhoods.

Explore with an Expert

Meet your private guide at your hotel to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Australia Zoo, a 1000-acre conservation property owned by the family of famed ”Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin. Led by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn all about the assortment of animals found here, from the Aldabra Tortoise to the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. Experience an exclusive tour of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the country’s largest animal hospital where injured wildlife is given a second chance. Over 75,000 animals have been tended to at the hospital since its opening in 2004, featuring a team of skilled veterinarians and nurses who care for and rehabilitate all walks of wildlife. You’ll also spend a moment enjoying a ”Koala Cuddle”, holding a cute critter and posing for a souvenir photo while talking to one of the zoo’s knowledgeable keepers.

Bon Voyage

Private vehicle and driver provide a transfer between your Brisbane hotel and the Airport.