10 Day Sydney and Surrounds and Great Barrier Reef
This spectacular 10 day self drive tour includes highlights of both New South Wales and Tropical Queensland. Both with fantastic contrast in landscapes, activities in wildlife, this itinerary gives one a fantastic broad perspective of Australia and its colourful variety.
Highlights include: Sydney- Australia’s largest city and spectacular harbour including a visit to the world renowned Opera House, the incredible vistas of the Blue Mountains, the Wine Region of the Hunter Valley and its stunning Pinot Noir and the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical Queensland with its jaw dropping beaches, cruises and wildlife.
The best part is that you won’t miss a beat with all the not to miss hidden photo spots, scenic walks, sightseeing and restaurant suggestions in each town marked down on easy to follow day by day route notes. Welcome to The Road Trip ‘Where your journey begins’.
Day 1 Sydney Arrival
Upon arrival at the airport you will be greeted by our representative, given your detailed route notes for the tour and transferred into the inner city by shuttle. From here we suggest spending the day exploring Australia’s largest city. We suggest taking a walk along picturesque The Rocks including a visit to some of the area’s charming cafes and of course the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. For those that want the up close and personal experience, we can arrange a guided Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb to learn all about one of Australia’s most iconic sites. Following this visit the iconic Sydney Opera House where you will take a guided tour. Later today visit the well-known Bondi Beach and if feeling active take one of the area’s coastal nature walks along the cliffs for great views of the Pacific Ocean. Tonight you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of Sydney’s fantastic culinary hot spots (we will have suggestions in your route notes).
Day 2 Sydney
Today is a further day to explore the wonders of Australia’s largest city. This morning visit the Sydney Aquarium and learn all about Australia’s spectacular marine life. From here there is the opportunity to take a harbour cruise for some spectacular photos of the city scape and surrounds. We also suggest visiting the Botanic gardens and NSW Art Gallery (there will be further suggestions in your tour pack). Spend a further night in the city.
Day 3 Sydney to Blue Mountains 119km (2 hours driving time)
This morning we will arrange for you to collect your rental car and from here you depart Sydney City and head west toward the Blue Mountains, one of Australia’s most picturesque gems featuring breath-taking vistas and cascades. On arrival into the region, we suggest taking several nature walks including stunning Wentworth Falls with its grand valley views and picturesque waterfall (45 minutes-1 hour return). We will have several fantastic suggestions for you. From here continue to Katoomba where you will visit Scenic World for superior views of the region. Experience a breath-taking journey on the scenic skyway with views of the Three Sisters and Jamieson Valley, ride Australia’s steepest passenger railway on the World with its glass roofed carriages through ancient rainforest and enjoy a trip on the Scenic Cableway for views of Orphan Rock, Mt Solitary and the Katoombah Falls. There is also the opportunity to take a scenic walk through Jurassic Forest at the bottom station. Tonight stay in the village of Katoomba in the heart of the national park.
Day 4 Blue Mountains to Hunter Valley via Wollombi 279km (4 hours driving time)
Today be prepared for some spectacular scenery and one of the highlights of the region with a drive through the Grose Valley with its canyons, look out spots and stunning cascades. First up visit Govetts Leap look out and enjoy the panoramic views and vistas that await you. There is the opportunity here to take a scenic bushwalk and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Keep a look out for Bridal Veil Falls, the highest falls in the Blue Mountains at 180m. From here, take the scenic drive known as The Putty Road through Yengo National Park. Spend some time taking scenic photos of this spectacular national park and perhaps visit Aboriginal cultural sites. Your destination for the next 2 nights is the spectacular Hunter Valley Wine Country where you will stay on an idyllic setting in among the vines.
Day 5 Hunter Valley Full Day Wine Tour
Today you will enjoy a full day guided culinary and wine tour of the Hunter Valley, including a visit to several of the area’s renowned wine makers. Also included are the opportunity to try a selection of the delectable local cheeses, craft beers and other local delicacies. This tour includes a generous lunch overlooking the vines as well as an opportunity to see wildlife along the way and experience the typical Australian scene with kangaroos hopping through the vines. Tonight after a full day touring, enjoy a relaxing evening at the retreat.
Day 6 Hunter Valley to Sydney, Flight to Cairns 116km (2 hours driving time + 2.5 hours flying time)
This morning you return to Sydney Airport where you will return your rental car and from here board a flight to Cairns, a tropical city on the coast of Northern Queensland. Upon arrival and collection of a new vehicle take the evening to stroll the palm tree-lined waterfront and marvel at the picturesque clear waters. Explore the city centre and perhaps dine at one of the city’s vibrant restaurants, peruse the night markets or stop for gelato on the Esplanade.
Day 7 Cairns to Port Douglas via Palm Cove 68km (1 hour driving time)
Today you make the short drive north to the tropical haven of Port Douglas. This town is the gateway to Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. En route you will stop at the beautiful Palm Cove, where you can stroll along the sea lined with ancient paperbark Melaleuca trees. There will be the option to stop here for lunch and dine at one of the restaurants along the Esplanade. The Palm Cove Jetty is one of the area’s best fishing spots and there is the opportunity of enjoying some angling from here. Palm Cove also borders on the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Site and the MacAlister Range National Park. There is the chance of taking a number of walks through these spectacular areas where you will see plants and animals unique to this part of the world. Continue on to Port Douglas where you will spending the next three nights.
Day 8 Great Barrier Reef
Today you will be experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, cruising to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an important area for worldwide conservation and diversity. This morning you will board the luxury 30 metre catamaran, Wavedancer, where you will take an hour’s cruise out on the ocean to the Low Isles, a coral cay island including a lagoon. Here you will be able to take a glass bottom boat tour, snorkel, take a beach walk or relax on the beach. This day trip includes a delicious buffet lunch. Return to Port Douglas in the evening and enjoy at leisure.
Day 9 Port Douglas
Today is free to relax in the paradise of Port Douglas. We suggest visiting Four Mile Beach, where pristine sand and sea stretch as far as the eye can see. Take a dip in the tropical waters and perhaps hire a sun lounger to laze on the sandy shores. If you are keen to check out the native animals, you could visit Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas where there are Koala, Kangaroos, numerous bird species and reptiles, and you can even enjoy a meal surrounded by bird life . If you feel like exploring further afield, the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world and a short drive north of Port Douglas. Here you can take a guided walk in this world heritage gem. Return to Port Douglas and further enjoy the evening in one of the towns fantastic restaurants.
Day 10 Port Douglas to Cairns + Departure 68km (1 hour driving time)
Today, after further exploring Port Douglas you will return to Cairns Airport, where you will drop off your rental car and transfer to your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you have had a memorable exclusive Road Trip with us.