Our Best of Australia: Highlights and Tasmania Excursion vacation was planned for a couple from Seattle. They had been to Australia previously and they were looking for something a bit different; however, they still wanted to go back to the Great Barrier Reef.
So we started them in the beautiful Whitsundays on Hamilton Island at The Beach Club. They loved their little beach in front of the hotel and the easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. Their first day, they headed out to the Great Barrier Reef for some snorkeling. Then, they took a seaplane to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, enjoying incredible views from the air. They were blown away by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above!
Next for their Best of Australia: Highlights and Tasmania Excursion vacation, they traveled to sassy Sydney for a few days. Here, they stayed at one of our favorites, the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, with views to the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge. They spent one day touring Sydney and surrounds, ending with a sailing excursion on Sydney Harbour. They also had an exhilarating seaplane ride to a great little seaside restaurant.
After Sydney, they flew to the ruggedly beautiful and quirky island of Tasmania. They spent a few days exploring Hobart and stayed in the Henry Jones Art Hotel, a unique hotel that showcases Tasmanian and Australian artworks. Then, they picked up a rental car and made a scenic drive to their final stop: Saffire Freycinet.
Stylishly designed to show off its stunning natural surroundings, Saffire features breathtaking views of the Hazards mountain range and the rugged Tasmanian coastline. They explored the area on quad bikes, and also took a guided nature tour to encounter Tasmanian Devils in the wild. Back at the lodge, they enjoyed the utmost luxury: exquisite gourmet cuisine, local Tassie and Australian wines, and understated luxury set in one of Australia’s most scenic areas.
At last, their Best of Australia: Highlights and Tasmania Excursion vacation came to an end. They dropped off their rental car and said goodbye to Tasmania as they began their journey home.
| Destinations |
|
| Experiences |
|
| Our Reference |
D291 |
Day 1
Welcome to Australia! Arrive at the exclusive Hamilton Island, where your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodations. Spend 3 fabulous nights at the Hamilton Island Beach Club. This adults-only boutique resort sits right on Catseye Beach, overlooking the Coral Sea. With its spectacular beachfront location, private restaurant and lounge, child-free ambience, and personalized service, the Beach Club is the ultimate couple’s getaway.
The Beach Club
Day 2
Spend today on an incredible full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise. Departing from Hamilton Island, you’ll journey past spectacular islands en route to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Once at the reef, board an interactive pontoon and spend the day exploring the colorful underwater world of magnificent corals, bright fish, and fascinating marine life. The cruise includes morning and afternoon tea, as well as a sumptuous buffet lunch. There is also a bar on board serving a full range of alcoholic and soft drinks.
The Beach Club
Day 3
Today, you’ll be able to visit Whitehaven Beach, one of the most famous and exclusive beaches in Australia! Fly by helicopter to Whitehaven Beach, taking in the breathtaking aerial view of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands and fringing reefs along the way. Once you’re there, soak up the sun and relax with chilled sparkling wine and water. This tour provides the perfect opportunity for amazing photos, so don’t forget your camera!
The Beach Club
Day 4
This morning you’ll be picked up and transferred to the airport, where you’ll make your way to Sydney. Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to your accommodations at the spectacular Shangri-La Hotel Sydney. Spend 3 fabulous nights exploring the city and immersing yourself in your luxurious surroundings.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Special offer: Free daily breakfast
Day 5
After breakfast, enjoy the ultimate Sydney tour and sailing experience. Your experienced guide will pick you up from your hotel for a drive around the historic Rocks precinct. Visit the first church in Australia, the Observatory, and the convict-built cottages. Continue around Circular Quay, the Opera House, and into the magnificent Botanical Gardens. After a short walk with excellent harbor views, you’ll make your way through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, and into Rushcutters Bay. Here, you’ll stop for a scrumptious lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. After lunch, continue on through Arling Point, one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs. Soak up the scenery as you pass by beautiful bays and traverse the coastline to Bondi Beach. You’ll have some time to soak up the sun before returning to the city, where your yacht awaits for a cruise around Sydney Harbour! Spend 2 incredible hours on the world’s most beautiful harbor.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Day 6
Enjoy another exclusive Sydney experience today as you fly by seaplane to Cottage Point. Traveling from Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour, immerse yourself in the gorgeous views. You’ll arrive in style at the very popular and charming Cottage Point Inn. Step from the seaplane onto the restaurant’s private dock, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from the inn’s friendly staff. Enjoy superb, modern Australian cuisine on the deck while the water laps gently by, or sit among the cozy, converted boatshed interiors. Your flight back to Rose Bay is equally spectacular and includes a double orbit in front of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to top off a truly special day.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Day 7
This morning, enjoy a private transfer to the airport and depart for Tasmania! Upon arrival in Hobart, transfer to the renowned Henry Jones Art Hotel. Enjoy 2 luxurious nights in Tasmania’s first dedicated art hotel. The Henry Jones merges one of Tasmania’s most significant industrial heritage sites with modern design and contemporary art to create a unique and luxurious experience. Located on the waterfront, you’ll have easy access to Hobart’s best attractions.
Henry Jones Art Hotel
Day 8
Spend today exploring Bruny Island off the coast of Tasmania. Cruise alongside some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags, and drift up close to listen to the awesome “Breathing Rock.” Enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and The Monument, and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. From the comfort of custom-built yellow boats, keep your eyes open for coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales, and seabirds.
Henry Jones Art Hotel
Day 9
This morning, pick up your rental car and make your way to Saffire Freycinet along the scenic east coast. Saffire overlooks the wide expanses of Great Oyster Bay, where migrating whales and dolphins come to play. The dominant view from Saffire’s every window is the pink-hued granite of the peninsula’s Hazards Mountains, providing a spectacular and ever-changing backdrop from morning to nightfall. Enjoy amazing views, a generous relaxation area, and an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings.
Saffire Freycinet
Day 10 – 11
The next 2 days are yours to spend at leisure, doing as little or as much as you like. You won’t want to leave your luxurious lodge, yet your natural surroundings are just as magical. With the Freycinet National Park on the doorstep, there’s a world of deserted islands, wild bushland, and secluded beaches to explore. Hop on a quad bike or mountain bike to discover the rugged coastal scenery; wade into the bay to sample deliciously fresh oysters; indulge in a private beach picnic; encounter Tasmanian Devils in the wild; and much more.
Saffire Freycinet
Day 12
This morning marks the end of your Australia vacation. After breakfast, drive to the airport, where you’ll drop off the rental car and begin your journey home.
