2 weeks in Australia: Sydney, rock and reef holiday

Itinerary in brief

• 3 nights Sydney
• 3 nights Red Centre
• 5 nights Port Douglas

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights 

Day 2: Arrive Sydney

On arrival in Sydney, you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city. If you aren’t too tired, why not head straight to Circular Quay, to get your first views of Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, brightly lit in the warm Australian evening.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel

Days 3 & 4: Sydney & the Blue Mountains

Spend a couple of days exploring the iconic city of Sydney. Why not head down to the harbour and join one of the many boat cruises to see the Harbour Bridge at its best? Stroll through the Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the best views of the Opera House and the bridge before heading to one of the city's interesting museums. Find the best street food in the markets of the Rocks, hop on a bus to Bondi Beach to walk the famous Bondi to Coogee Trail or take the ferry to explore the beach suburb of Manly.

On Day 4, we've included a day tour to the Blue Mountains, to give you the opportunity to explore this spectacular region. Heading out to explore the endless sandstone peaks, green valleys and blue eucalptus forests, you'll first stop off a Calmsley Hill, a working farm where you'll meet koalas and kangaroos as well as enjoying morning tea. From here you'll visit all of the highlights of the Blue Mountains, including the Jamison Valley and Eaglehawk Lookout, with your guide avoiding the more crowded areas as you go. Admire the iconic Three Sisters and marvel at the waterfall from Govetts Leap, enjoying a delicious lunch in the village of Blackheath during the day. 

Included: Blue Mountains tour, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Fly to Uluru

Today you’ll take a scheduled transfer back to Sydney Airport in time for your flight to Ayers Rock. On arrival into Ayers Rock Airport you will be met and taken to your hotel on the shuttle transfer, checking into your hotel for three nights. This evening, you'll head out to enjoy the spectacular Wintjiri Wiru sunset dinner in the heart of the desert.

Tuck into a gourmet dinner hamper with native ingredients combined with modern recipes to make some delicious snacks and a glass of Penfold wine. With the vast Uluru next to you, the dreamtime stories from thousands of years of Aboriginal history are now played out before you - choreographed drones, lasers and projections take flight, lighting up the night sky in a vast expression of the ancient Anangu story. It's a magical start your time in the Red Centre. 

Included: Internal flights, transfers, Wintiji Wiru Sunset dinner, 4* hotel       

Day 6: Uluru

Wake up early for a sunrise trek around the base of Uluru, where you'll soak up the culture and geology of this incredible monolith. You'll learn the Dreamtime stories of creation from your guide, stories of Liru the poisonous snake and other tales associated with the iconic rock. Watch the sun rise as you walk, admiring waterholes, ancient rock art and learning about the culture as you go. If you'd rather head out for a tour without the walk, we can easily swap this - just ask! 

The day is yours to relax or head to the pool before heading out again this evening. Tonight you'll enjoy another delicious dinner under the stars as you watch the Field of Light come alive as the sun sets. This incredible art installation is made of thousands of tiny lights, gradually coming to life as night falls - it's a magical place to experience. Add in some delicious canapés, sparkling wine and a three course dinner and you've got a wonderful night ahead of you. 

Included: Uluru base trek, Field of Light dinner, 4* hotel

Day 7: Uluru & Kata Tjuta

Another early start will see you heading out to learn about local artwork and the natural environment from three local Anangu women. Feel the connection with the land as you chat to artists about the native landscape and indigenous experience. 

In the afternoon you'll head out to visit Kata Tjuta, where you'll walking the windy Walpa Gorge to the Olgas. This incredible soft rock has been eroded over millions of years, leaving behind the remarkable Kata Tjuta rocks that you can now explore as you learn about their history and meaning to the Aboriginal people. 

Included: Sunrise tour, Kata Tjuta tour, 4* hotel      

Day 8: Fly to Cairns

Today you’ll leave the Red Centre and head to Queensland for some beach time! You’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Cairns where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax at your hotel or head out and explore.

Included: Transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef

Today you'll head off on a tour to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. This unique tour will take you out to the reef to swim amongst the colourful coral and shimmering fish where you'll be joined by both marine biologists and Indigenous Cultural Guides to learn about the Aboriginal culture and Dreamtime stories about the creation of the Great Barrier Reef. It's the perfect way to experience this wonder of the world whilst also learning about native Australian history and storytelling.

Included: Dreamtime Snorkel tour, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Port Douglas

This morning you'll be driven up to Port Douglas, checking into your hotel for three nights. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying this quaint beachside town, sandwiched between the great Daintree Rainforest and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Sink your toes into the sands of Four Mile Beach, eat lunch at one of the cool cafes in town and why not head out on a sunset cruise to watch the sky turn from light pink to crimson. If you'd like to add on this cruise, just ask!

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel

Days 11 & 12: Daintree Rainforest & Port Douglas

Spend a couple of days enjoying the relaxed vibe of Port Douglas. On your first day here you'll head off on an immersive day tour through the Daintree region. Begin with morning tea at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre before a guided walk through ancient rainforest. Cruise the Daintree River to spot wildlife like crocodiles and tropical birds, then enjoy a relaxed lunch at Heritage Lodge by Cooper Creek. Explore Cape Tribulation’s iconic beach, indulge in exotic fruit ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, and finish with sweeping views from Alexandra Lookout over the rainforest and Coral Sea.

The rest of your time here is yours to stroll along Four Mile Beach, swim in the pool and soak up the sun. If you'd rather add some more activities, there are so many to choose from here - just ask!

Included: Daintree tour, 4* hotel

Day 13: Depart Cairns

Spend the morning in Port Douglas, strolling along the beach or playing in the waves before being driven  back to Cairns for your onwards flight.

Included: Transfers

Day 14: Arrive UK