Australia Luxury Vacations: Cities and Reef Package

Visit the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, and Sydney on this can’t-miss luxury tour of Australia.

This Australia Luxury Vacations: Cities and Reef Package was created for a couple from Chicago who wanted to combine great beaches and city tours to see Australia through the eyes of a local.

They started their Australia Luxury Vacations: Cities and Reef Package at a stunning beach hotel in Port Douglas. They felt like locals in their luxurious apartment-style hotel! They spent a full day out on the Great Barrier Reef swimming and snorkeling among beautiful fish, reef sharks, and colorful corals. They also had plenty of leisure time to relax on the beach and explore Port Douglas’ charming shops and cafes.

Next on their Australia Luxury Vacations: Cities and Reef Package, they traveled to the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne. Here, they went on our favorite lanes and arcades tours to explore the colorful streets, galleries and museums, cafes, and shops that make Melbourne so unique with the help of a fabulous local guide. They had plenty of free time to explore the city’s famous restaurant and bar scene.

They continued their Australia Luxury Vacations: Cities and Reef Package in cosmopolitan Sydney. While in Sydney, they enjoyed a romantic seaplane ride over the city, touching down at the foot of a fabulous waterfront restaurant for a gourmet lunch. They also spent 2 nights in the nearby Blue Mountains, staying in a boutique hotel that offers stunning views of the natural surrounds. They even had a delicious breakfast among wild kangaroos!

At last, their Australia Luxury Vacations: Cities and Reef Package came to an end. A private driver brought them from the Blue Mountains back to Sydney Airport, where they began their journey home.

 

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Australia! Fly into Cairns and enjoy a private transfer to the charming seaside town of Port Douglas, a haven for romantics, café and restaurant lovers, and those who wish to visit the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest away from the hordes of tourists. Port Douglas and its lovely beaches will be your home for the next 3 nights. We are happy to assist with restaurant reservations for you this evening.
Coconut Grove Port Douglas

Day 2
Today is yours to spend at your leisure. Wander around to explore the boutique cafés, restaurants, and sunny beaches of Port Douglas. For additional adventures, we recommend cuddling a koala at Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat, horseback riding along the beach at sunset, or taking a guided Aboriginal rainforest walk.
Coconut Grove Port Douglas

Day 3
Enjoy a full day today out on the Great Barrier Reef for a guided snorkel tour. You’ll be transported to 3 spectacular sites on the edge of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Learn about the biology and history of the reef and enjoy snorkeling in the world’s largest reef system.
Coconut Grove Port Douglas

Day 4
Today, it’s on to quirky Melbourne, Australia’s culinary and culture capital. Enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel to drop off your luggage, freshen up, and have a bite. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Melbourne’s signature lanes and arcades and see hidden gems of the city. See some of Melbourne’s quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, and architecture, with historical tales of Melbourne along the way.
 After your tour, relax at your hotel or join in Melbourne’s spectacular nightlife.
Park Hyatt Melbourne

Day 5 – 6
The next 2 days are at your leisure to explore the vibrant city of Melbourne—use the insider tips from your guide on yesterday’s tour to discover the city’s hidden gems. There’s plenty of shopping, dining, and art to keep you busy!
Park Hyatt Melbourne

Day 7
A short flight brings you to iconic Sydney. Cosmopolitan and well landscaped, Sydney is a feast for the eyes with plenty to offer any type of traveler. Your 5-star hotel awaits in the historic downtown Rocks district, with a view of the famous Sydney Opera House right outside the window. A short walk away from the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Royal Botanical Gardens, your hotel is the perfect blend of historical charm and urban sophistication.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Day 8
Today is completely at your leisure to enjoy Sydney. Enjoy fresh fish and chips on the harbour, work on your tan at the popular Bondi Beach, and discover some of Australia’s best bars and restaurants.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Day 9
Today, you’ll be transferred by water taxi to a private seaplane, waiting to take you on a scenic flight over Sydney and the beautiful northern beaches. Take in your unique view of the skyline and the sparkling blue waters, then land on the water for lunch at a gourmet seaside restaurant—you’ll literally step out of the plane and into your seat. Enjoy an award-winning 3-course lunch before flying back down to Sydney.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Day 10
Today, you’ll journey into the breathtaking Blue Mountains, just 90 minutes outside of Sydney. A private driver will transport you to a fabulous boutique hotel in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Keep an eye out for wild kangaroos on your drive! Enjoy a delicious casual dinner in the dining room with panoramic views of your natural surroundings.
Echoes Boutique Hotel

Day 11
Rise early this morning and embark on a special excursion you won’t soon forget. Travel via luxury 4WD vehicle into the pristine Blue Mountains, seeing the local wildlife safari-style as you drive through hidden valleys. Have a delicious outdoor breakfast with wild kangaroos on the edge of the wilderness. Watch the roos hop past as you enjoy a locally sourced, organic breakfast. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure exploring the Blue Mountain’s scenic hiking trails.
Echoes Boutique Hotel

Day 12
Today, your adventure comes to an end. Enjoy a private transfer to the airport, where the journey home begins.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
12 day stay
2 travelers

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