Australia Trip Packages: Luxury Great Barrier Reef Excursion
See the one and only Great Barrier Reef in style by staying at a luxury island resort located on the reef itself. Enjoy unlimited snorkeling with no other tourists around, take your own boat out to private beaches, and indulge in romantic picnics on the beach.
This is one of our favorite Australia trip packages, which was planned for a honeymoon couple from Sacramento. They wanted to see the highlights of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef had always been on their bucket list, but they also wanted unique luxury experiences.
We started their Australia Trip Packages: Luxury Great Barrier Reef Excursion on Lizard Island. Their vacation started in VIP style as they took a scenic flight to Lizard Island, taking in the majesty and scale of the one and only Great Barrier Reef from above. At Lizard Island Resort, they felt like royalty and enjoyed incredible access to the Great Barrier Reef, with great snorkeling sites right off the beach. They spent a day cruising on a private dinghy, exploring hidden beaches with no one else around. They also had plenty of time to relax and simply enjoy the luxury of their gorgeous resort.
Next for their Australia Trip Packages: Luxury Great Barrier Reef Excursion, they went to Cairns for a few nights and took a boat cruise to another area of the Great Barrier Reef. After basking in the sun and seeing unique marine life, they traveled to cosmopolitan Sydney. They stayed in one of our favorite hotels, the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, in a room with a view of the sparkling harbor.
Their time in Sydney was free to explore this exciting, cosmopolitan, and beautiful city at their own pace. They explored some of the best beaches in town, from popular Bondi Beach to some of the more peaceful beaches on the outskirts of town. They also had a wonderful time discovering some of the world-class restaurants, cafes, and bars in this iconic city.
At last, it was time to say goodbye to Australia and head back home. They left with unforgettable memories of their time on the Great Barrier Reef—a true bucket list vacation that exceeded all expectations!
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Australia! Fly into Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. On arrival, you’ll be met at baggage claim and escorted to your next flight, a scenic excursion over the Great Barrier Reef to your luxury island resort. Watch the majesty of the reef unfold below you in countless shades of blue and green, and take in the full scale of this magnificent natural wonder. Land on Lizard Island, a luxurious resort located on the Great Barrier Reef itself and your home for the next 4 nights.
Lizard Island Resort
Day 2 – 4
The next 3 days are yours to spend at your leisure, doing as little or as much as you wish. Enjoy unparalleled access to the Great Barrier Reef, just steps from the beach—no long boat rides required! You can snorkel, dive, or view the reef from a glass-bottomed kayak. With 24 private, white sand beaches, there’s always a secluded spot where you can explore or enjoy a romantic moment surrounded by natural beauty. You can even take out your own private dinghy for the day to explore hidden beaches and snorkeling spots with no one else around. Back at the resort, a refreshing swimming pool, gorgeous rooms, gourmet food and wine, and plenty of picturesque views are waiting for your enjoyment.
Lizard Island Resort
Day 5
Take another scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef today as you return to Cairns for 2 nights. Spend the evening exploring this warm, laid-back town at your leisure.
4-star hotel in Cairns
Day 6
Enjoy a full day out on the Great Barrier Reef today with a small-group snorkel tour. You’ll be transported to 3 spectacular sites on the edge of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling is the easiest way to enjoy the colors and variety of fragile corals and fish life found in the shallow lagoons. You can also witness the magic of the reef by scuba diving, or if you want to stay dry, head to the semi-submersible reef viewer or a glass bottom boat cruise!
4-star hotel in Cairns
Day 7
Today, make your way to the airport and catch a flight to sunny Sydney! Blessed with a temperate climate, Sydney is Australia’s favorite city with the world’s most beautiful harbor. Discover Sydney’s colorful colonial past, miles of beautiful beaches, historic buildings and landmarks, award-winning restaurants, easygoing lifestyle, and vibrant culture.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Day 8 – 9
The next 2 days are yours to explore Sydney at your own pace. Visit beautiful beaches, go shopping at exclusive boutiques, or consider adding some additional touring. The beautiful Blue Mountains or nearby Hunter Valley wine region make perfect day trips. We can also arrange a seaplane ride over Sydney Harbour and lunch at an exclusive waterfront restaurant.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Day 10
Today marks the end of your fabulous Australia vacation. Make your way to the airport to begin your journey home.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare
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