9 Day Sydney and Great Barrier Reef Exclusive Private Guided Tour
On this 9 day best of Sydney and The Great barrier Reef Australia tour, you will experience the best that part of the world has to offer. Highlights include:, Sydney- Australia’s largest city with visits to the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the breath-taking vistas of the Blue Mountains, Tropical Northern Queensland and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef.
Sit back relax and experience the authentic side of Australia through the eyes of your own expert local driver guide. Welcome to The Road Trip ‘Where your journey begins’.
Day 1 Sydney arrival and Sightseeing
This morning you will be met by your expert local Guide at the airport and will spend the day exploring Australia’s largest city. We will first take a stroll 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 you will 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.
Day 2 Sydney to Blue Mountains 119km (2 hours driving time)
This morning 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). 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 in 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 3 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 bush walk 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 amongst the vines.
Day 4 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 winemakers. 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 5 Hunter Valley to Sydney, Flight to Cairns 116km (2 hours driving time + 2.5 hours flying time)
This morning you return to Sydney, where you will be transferred to the airport and board a flight to Cairns, a tropical city on the coast of Northern Queensland. Upon arrival, 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 6 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 beach which is 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 be spending the next three nights.
Day 7 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 long 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 8 Port Douglas
Today is free to relax in the paradise of Port Douglas with your private guide. 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 birdlife . 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.
Day 9 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 be transferred to your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you have had a memorable exclusive Road Trip with us.
