Australian Explorer: Sydney, Ayers Rock and Port Douglas

Explore the vibrant city at your own pace! There’s much to see in one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities. You could begin your day to the sound of native bird songs emanating from Forgotten Songs, a public art installation of birdcage speakers at Angel Place. If you are in the mood for a meal, head to The Grounds of Alexandria – a whimsical wonderland of cafes, stalls, farm animals and neon lights. You can admire street art at Kimber Lane and Newtown, where you can score vintage finds, and if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the underground tunnels featuring WWII graffiti, via the St James Station. Sample a slice of local life if you please, on bush walks and picnics at the leafy Balls Head Reserve and the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. If you want to unwind, you could relax at the peaceful Milk Beach, which boasts stunning views of Sydney, soak in scenic cliffside vistas at Diamond Bay Reserve, or enjoy the environs of the historical Paddington Reservoir Gardens. (Half Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).

Enjoy a luxurious dinner cruise on Magistic Two, an opulent state-of-the-art catamaran. Glide along the harbor and marvel at the illuminated architectural masterpiece that is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. See the lit up ivory sails of Sydney Opera House, against the twilight skies. Stroll along the three outer decks and take photos of iconic landmarks that pepper the shores. Sail through the harbor that buzzes with cruise ships, ferries and yachts of all shapes and sizes. As you drift on the placid waters of Sydney Harbour, the city glitters in soft yellow light and its landscape transforms by the minute. Then, head to the spacious dining saloon, adorned with large picture windows, to indulge in gastronomic delicacies. Dine on fresh seafood, a selection of hot and cold dishes, salads and desserts, before heading back. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time of day: evening; Shared activity; Group size: max 20 ppl; No guide; No transfers)

Experience the thrill of being inside one of the city’s most recognizable architectural structures, the Sydney Opera House, as you walk among the white sails of this engineering marvel. Learn about the history and the making of this famous performing arts center, which is also one of the busiest in the world. Enjoy the high-tech audio-visual features of this popular guided tour, as you go through the story of how the legendary building came into being. Incredibly, around 1,500 performances, ranging from opera and circus to rock and cabaret, are staged here every year, before live audiences that total approximately 1.5 million. (Duration: 1 hr; Shared activity in a medium group; Self-organized transfers; Fitness level: easy)

Get away to the countryside for a relaxed wine and cheese tasting experience at the country’s famed Hunter Valley. Meet your local guide for the day at your hotel and head to Hunter Valley, a couple of hours out of Sydney. Take in the beautiful countryside dotted with verdant vineyards. Visit three or four boutique wineries of the region and take a tour of the estates, learning about the wine making process and ending with a tasting session at their cellars. Relish a leisurely lunch at a local café and wash it down with a glass of local wine. You also get to enjoy a cheese sampling experience as you learn how local cheese is made. Wrap up an enjoyable day by sampling chocolates paired with local Hunter Valley wine, before getting back to your hotel. (Duration: full day; Shared activity & transfers; Min age: 18 yrs)

Watch the sunset over magnificent Uluru or Ayers Rock, on this enjoyable tour. Take in unobstructed views of the outback’s world famous landmark, bathed in the golden light of the sunset. Gain insights into local culture as well as the history and geology of the region from your knowledgeable guide. Capture stunning images of the many moods of the iconic monolith, from different viewpoints. Before you head back, enjoy light snacks and a glass of sparkling wine as you continue to enjoy gorgeous views of this UNESCO-listed site. (Duration: 2 hrs; Evening activity; Shared activity & transfers; Group size: 2 – 11 guests; Meals included: snacks and refreshments; Fitness level: easy; Tour not available on Dec 25)

Experience a magical sunrise at Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. Wake up very early in the morning and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site. As you approach the impressive monolith, you will see the sand dunes and the rock formations bathed in the dawn light. Accompanied by your guide, head to a vantage point, and watch the sunrise over the imposing sandstone monolith. Take in the gorgeous sight while your guide shares stories about the local Mala people, their beliefs and connection to Uluru. Then, enjoy a hearty picnic breakfast in the outback before you head to the serene Mutitjulu Waterhole. Finally, go on a drive around the base of Uluru after which you will be dropped back to your accommodation. (Duration: 3h; Shared activity & transfers)

Enjoy an alfresco fine dining experience under an ancient Aboriginal sky at the unique open-air restaurant of Tali Wiru at Uluru. Get picked as you head to the elegant venue. The restaurant creates bush tucker inspired gourmet cuisine, prepared with the best and the freshest of local ingredients and local produce. On your arrival, enjoy champagne and delicious canapés. Immerse yourself in the lovely mood created by the indigenous storyteller with tales spun from legends of the land, its culture, and history. Surrounded by this magical ambiance, sit down under a star-studded desert sky to savor a four-course table d’hote menu matched with premium wines. Return to your hotel after your sumptuous dinner. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: Evening; Shared Activity & Transfers; Group size: 2-20 guests; Dinner included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform in advance of any food allergies).

Soak in the sights and surrounds of Port Douglas by yourself at your own pace! You could opt to begin your day early and catch a spectacular sunrise from the 4 Mile Beach lookout and follow it up with a breakfast beach picnic. Afterwards, why not ride the Balley Hooley Steam Railway or get up close to native fauna at the Wildlife Habitat, popular for regular feeding sessions? If you wish to simply unwind, there are many hidden water holes within the surrounding rainforests that are ideal for a leisurely picnic. Don’t forget to look up the local calendar for regular cane toad races held at Iron Bar! At the end of your day, you could enjoy a Flames of the Forest dining experience that brings together regional cuisine, didgeridoo performances, and indigenous Aboriginal storytelling. (Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).

Get ready for a day full of underwater and seaside adventures! Visit Port Douglas and hop onto the luxury sailing catamaran to set off for snorkeling in the blue waters of the island paradise. Savor morning tea and coffee before jumping into the water accompanied by a snorkeling instructor. Be rest assured of in-water assistance as you discover the region’s natural beauty. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch with fresh prawns on the menu. If you wish to stay on board, you can enjoy the glass-bottomed boat, and engage in reef viewing and interpretation while relishing some fresh cut fruit and homemade cakes. Explore the scenic Low Isles, an untouched coral cay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, with a heritage walk. Enjoy access to limited areas, as well as ample personal attention from the crew during your trip. (Full Day; Group Tour Activity & Transfer; Snorkeling equipment, optical masks, seasonal lycra snorkelling suits, wetsuits & floatation devices are also included.)

Explore the biodiverse Daintree rainforest region on this tour. You will be picked up from your hotel in Port Douglas and driven to scenic Mossman Gorge. Accompany your local guide on an interpretive walk across the lush vegetation. The UNESCO-listed forest is home to trees that are millions of years old, as well as endemic species of flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you may spot cassowaries, tree kangaroos and flying foxes. As you walk, enjoy beautiful views of the crystal clear waters of Mossman River flowing over the large, smooth boulders. Afterward, travel to Cape Tribulation which is known for its rainforest-fringed beaches. From Alexandra Lookout, take in panoramic views of the surroundings extending up to the Great Barrier Reef. Take a break from exploring and relish morning tea, before you drive to Cooper Creek. At this river, hop into a boat and go on a leisurely cruise in search of the elusive estuarine crocodile. Back on shore, have lunch, and depending on the time and the weather take a refreshing swim in the creek. You can also visit the iconic Daintree Ice Cream Company and buy yourself a sweet treat. Wind up your memorable day with a walk on the boardwalks in Daintree National Park. (Duration: full day; Shared activity & transfers; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance)

Explore the vibrant city at your own pace! There’s much to see in one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities. You could begin your day to the sound of native bird songs emanating from Forgotten Songs, a public art installation of birdcage speakers at Angel Place. If you are in the mood for a meal, head to The Grounds of Alexandria – a whimsical wonderland of cafes, stalls, farm animals and neon lights. You can admire street art at Kimber Lane and Newtown, where you can score vintage finds, and if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the underground tunnels featuring WWII graffiti, via the St James Station. Sample a slice of local life if you please, on bush walks and picnics at the leafy Balls Head Reserve and the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. If you want to unwind, you could relax at the peaceful Milk Beach, which boasts stunning views of Sydney, soak in scenic cliffside vistas at Diamond Bay Reserve, or enjoy the environs of the historical Paddington Reservoir Gardens. (Half Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).