Australian Open Bucket List Vacation: Tennis, Reef, and Sydney
This ultimate tennis pilgrimage combines the electrifying atmosphere of the “Happy Slam” with Australia’s most iconic destinations. Experience the world’s most attended Grand Slam tournament at Melbourne’s legendary Rod Laver Arena, where retractable roofs and intimate court access create unparalleled tennis moments. From exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at Melbourne Park to snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and cruising Sydney Harbour, this journey delivers the perfect blend of world-class tennis and quintessential Australian luxury.
At a Glance
- 3 nights Sydney
- 3 nights Hamilton Island
- 3 nights Melbourne
- 2 sessions at the Australian Open
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
Experience the Great Barrier Reef from above and below with a scenic helicopter flight to ReefWorld, where you can snorkel among living coral gardens. Then soar to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, where pure silica sands meet turquoise waters, for an exclusive gourmet picnic.
Special Access
Gain exclusive access to Melbourne Park’s hospitality areas and premium seating during the Australian Open, plus enjoy behind-the-scenes court access that brings you closer to Grand Slam tennis than ever before.
Unique Stays
While this itinerary features 5-star accommodations throughout, qualia stands apart as a unique eco-retreat on Hamilton Island. This adults-only sanctuary offers just 60 luxurious pavilions scattered across native bushland, making your Great Barrier Reef experience one to remember forever.
Suggested Itinerary
The itinerary below is just one example of what we can create. At Down Under Endeavours, we use 25+ years of hands-on expertise to design bespoke adventures inspired by you. Get in touch to make your dream trip a reality!
Sydney
Private Harbour Lunch Cruise
Pictured: Sydney skyline from the water
Day 1: Welcome to Sunny Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! Your private driver escorts you to the heritage-listed Capella Sydney, where storied architectural features blend with contemporary luxury. Spend your first day at leisure exploring cosmopolitan Sydney at your own pace.
Overnight: Sydney (Capella Sydney)
Day 2: Harbour Sights and Gourmet Bites
Enjoy a leisurely private lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour with your personal captain and host sharing the rich maritime history. Take in iconic sights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and hidden bays and coves while savoring a gourmet three-course BBQ lunch paired with regional wines, local beers, and five-star service on the water.
Overnight: Sydney (Capella Sydney)
Day 3: Sydney at Leisure
Explore Sydney’s endless possibilities today. Visit world-famous beaches, browse exclusive boutiques, or venture beyond the city to the stunning Blue Mountains or nearby Hunter Valley wine region. Consider adding a seaplane ride over Sydney Harbour with lunch at an exclusive waterfront restaurant for the ultimate Sydney experience.
Overnight: Sydney (Capella Sydney)
Hamilton Island + Great Barrier Reef
Scenic Flight to ReefWorld and Whitehaven Beach
Pictured: Seaplane on Whitehaven Beach
Day 4: Luxury in the Whitsundays
Private transfer to the airport for your flight to exclusive Hamilton Island in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands. Arrive at qualia resort, a unique Australian expression of world-class luxury located in one of the most pristine areas of the Great Barrier Reef.
Your Leeward Pavilion accommodation offers a true sanctuary where every detail has been meticulously considered to relax the mind while completely spoiling the senses.
Overnight: Hamilton Island (qualia resort)
Day 5: Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Experience an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef adventure! Begin with a scenic flight to Reefworld, located 40 nautical miles from the mainland, viewing the famous Heart Island en route. Snorkel or dive in the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, or stay dry while exploring the underwater viewing chamber.
Complete your reef experience with a spectacular flight to the famous Whitehaven Beach, where pristine silica sands and turquoise waters create the perfect setting for a gourmet picnic on this exclusive, breathtaking beach.
Overnight: Hamilton Island (qualia resort)
Day 6: Island Serenity
Today unfolds entirely at your leisure in this tropical paradise. Soak up the gorgeous surroundings, pack a private picnic for a secluded beach, explore the resort’s pristine pathways, or indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the tranquil spa overlooking the Coral Sea.
Overnight: Hamilton Island (qualia resort)
Melbourne + Australian Open
Day Session | Night Session
Pictured: Australian Open night match
Day 7: Arrive in Melbourne
Fly to Melbourne, Australia’s sporting capital and home to the legendary Australian Open! Your private transfer from the airport brings you to Crown Promenade Melbourne, ideally situated on the beautiful Yarra River just minutes from Melbourne Park. Explore Melbourne’s renowned art, food, and nightlife as the city buzzes with tennis excitement and anticipation.
Overnight: Melbourne (Crown Promenade Melbourne)
Day 8: Australian Open Tennis Spectacular
Today marks the beginning of your bucket list Australian Open experience! Take a short riverside stroll to Melbourne Park and immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of the world’s most attended Grand Slam tournament, nicknamed the “Happy Slam.” Witness first-round matches featuring the world’s elite players battling on the famous blue hardcourts.
Enjoy exclusive access to hospitality areas and premium seating, plus the ultimate tennis fan experience: walking onto the hallowed court of Rod Laver Arena to witness player warm-ups from mere feet away. Experience the unique intimacy of tennis’ most player-friendly Grand Slam, where the retractable roof and passionate crowds create an unparalleled sporting atmosphere.
Overnight: Melbourne (Crown Promenade Melbourne)
Day 9: Evening Tennis
Begin your day exploring Melbourne’s hidden gems at your leisure or join a curated sightseeing tour to discover why this city consistently ranks among the world’s most livable.
Return to Melbourne Park this evening for thrilling second-round matches. Witness the tournament’s intensity build as the world’s best players demonstrate the skill, determination, and endurance that define Grand Slam tennis. Watch in awe as five-set epics unfold on courts equipped with cutting-edge technology like Hawk-Eye Live line-calling.
Overnight: Melbourne (Crown Promenade Melbourne)
Day 10: Game, Set, Match
Your unforgettable Australian Open experience concludes with a private transfer to Melbourne airport for your journey home, carrying memories of world-class tennis, the unique “Happy Slam” atmosphere, and Australia’s most spectacular destinations.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare